𝑭𝒂𝒄𝒂𝒅𝒆 | 𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘢𝘮𝘪 𝘬.

𝟏𝟑

The week passed in a blur of routine, and soon, the upcoming school trip was the only thing everyone could talk about. The announcement had been made early in the semester, and now it was just around the corner. The thought of spending three whole days outside of the classroom had everyone buzzing with excitement, and you couldn’t help but feel the anticipation rising as well.

It was Thursday afternoon when the official trip itinerary was distributed, and you found yourself clutching the paper tightly as you walked down the hallway, your mind already wandering to the possibilities of what the trip could bring. The destination was a nature reserve nestled in the mountains, complete with hiking trails, waterfalls, and a cozy lodge where all the students would be staying. The idea of being surrounded by nature for a few days sounded refreshing—especially after the whirlwind of emotions you had been juggling lately with Nanami and Gojo.

You scanned the list of activities on the paper: group hikes, campfire nights, a visit to a nearby village, and plenty of downtime to just relax or hang out with friends. It all sounded perfect—almost too perfect.

As you reached your locker, you spotted Yui and Ayumi already gathered there, their faces lit up with excitement as they waved the same itineraries in the air.

"This is going to be amazing!" Yui said, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "Three whole days away from school! I can’t wait."

Ayumi grinned. "Yeah, and we get to stay in that lodge. I heard it’s super cozy with a big common area for everyone to hang out. It’s going to be like one big sleepover."

You smiled at their excitement but couldn’t help feeling a little nervous. The thought of spending all that time outside of your usual environment made you a bit uneasy. But at the same time, it was a welcome distraction from everything that had been weighing on your mind—especially the complicated situation with Nanami and Gojo.

As if summoned by your thoughts, you heard Gojo’s familiar voice calling out from down the hall.

"Hey! Have you seen the trip schedule yet?" Gojo appeared beside you, casually leaning against the lockers as he waved his itinerary in front of your face. "It’s going to be a blast. I’m already planning to dominate the campfire games."

You laughed, shaking your head. "Of course, you are."

Yui nudged you with a playful grin. "Are you excited about the trip? I mean, three days of no homework and no teachers breathing down your neck. What’s not to love?"

You glanced at the itinerary again, feeling the edges of your anxiety melt away. "Yeah, I guess it’ll be fun. It’s just… I don’t know. There’s a lot happening right now."

Gojo raised an eyebrow. "You worried about sharing a room with someone? Don’t worry, they’ll probably pair you with Nanami. That way, you can keep up the whole ‘fake relationship’ thing." He winked, clearly enjoying the chance to tease you.

You rolled your eyes. "That’s not even funny. Besides, the rooms are going to be separated by gender, so you don’t have to worry about that."

Ayumi smirked, leaning in closer. "But wouldn’t it be hilarious if they did pair you two up? You’d get to see if he’s just as serious about sleeping arrangements as he is about studying."

You groaned, but couldn’t help the small laugh that escaped you. "Yeah, right. I don’t think I’d survive that."

Gojo, as usual, found endless amusement in the idea. "It’d be an experience for sure. But hey, if things get too boring with Nanami, you can always sneak away to join me by the campfire."

The playful offer sent a flutter through your chest, though you tried your best to ignore it. "I’ll keep that in mind."

As the group conversation shifted to other topics—what snacks to bring, what to wear, and who was bringing the best playlist—you found your thoughts drifting back to Nanami. You hadn’t seen much of him over the past few days. He had been busy preparing for his own exams, and while you knew he was probably just focusing on his studies, a part of you couldn’t help but wonder if he was intentionally keeping his distance.

The fake relationship was just that—fake. But it had brought you two closer, even if it was all for show. And now, with the trip looming, you wondered what the next few days would bring. Would things between you and Nanami change? Would you get the chance to talk without the pretense of the fake dating arrangement? Or would the trip push you further apart?

These thoughts swirled in your head as the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day.

–

The evening before the trip, you found yourself packing in your room, carefully folding clothes and stuffing them into your overnight bag. A part of you was excited for the adventure, but another part felt a twinge of uncertainty.

As you zipped up your bag, your phone buzzed on the nightstand. You glanced over, expecting a text from Yui or Ayumi about last-minute plans. But instead, it was a message from Nanami.

Nanami: "Hey. Just wanted to check in. Are you ready for tomorrow?"

You blinked at the screen, surprised. It wasn’t like Nanami to send casual messages, especially not about something as simple as a school trip. His texts were usually straight to the point—questions about homework, exam reminders, or study session details.

You quickly typed a response, your fingers hovering over the screen for a moment before hitting send.

You: "Yeah, I’m all packed. How about you?"

A few moments passed before his reply came through.

Nanami: "Almost. Just making sure I have everything I need. I heard the weather might be cold at night, so don’t forget to bring something warm."

You smiled at the thoughtfulness of his message, though you knew it was just Nanami being practical as always.

You: "Thanks for the heads up. I’ll make sure to pack an extra jacket."

As you set your phone down, you couldn’t help but feel a small sense of comfort in the exchange. Nanami might be serious and reserved, but there was a part of him that cared in his own quiet way.

–

The next morning, the school was abuzz with energy as students gathered in the parking lot, waiting for the buses to arrive. You spotted Yui and Ayumi waving at you from the crowd, and you quickly made your way over to them.

"Excited?" Yui asked, bouncing on her heels. "I can’t believe it’s finally here!"

You nodded, feeling the excitement starting to bubble up despite your earlier nerves. "Yeah, I think it’s going to be fun."

Ayumi grinned, nudging you playfully. "Just wait until we get there. We’ll have so much freedom, and no one to tell us what to do. It’s going to be the best trip ever."

As the buses pulled up, students began filing in, and you found yourself sitting near the back with Yui and Ayumi. The chatter and laughter around you made the atmosphere feel light and carefree, and for a moment, you let yourself relax.

You hadn’t seen Nanami or Gojo yet, but you figured they were probably somewhere in the crowd, settling in with their own friends. As the bus rolled out of the school parking lot and onto the highway, the excitement of the trip started to sink in. This was a chance to unwind, to get away from the pressures of school, and maybe even to sort through some of the complicated feelings swirling around you.

The landscape outside the window gradually shifted from city streets to rolling hills, and as the bus climbed higher into the mountains, the air grew cooler and crisper. Yui and Ayumi were engrossed in their conversation, but you found yourself staring out the window, lost in thought.

What would these next few days bring? Would it be an escape from everything, or would it only complicate things further?

As the bus continued its journey, you couldn’t shake the feeling that this trip would be a turning point. Maybe not in the way you expected, but in some way that you weren’t quite prepared for.

And that thought both thrilled and terrified you.