Morning came earlier than usual, the kind that carried excitement in the air before the sun had even fully risen.
The school campus was already buzzing—students dragging suitcases, calling out to friends, laughter echoing everywhere.
It was the day of the trip, and for once, even the usual quiet corners of the school felt alive.
Ana stepped through the gate with her bag slung over her shoulder, her eyes scanning the crowd, taking everything in.
(So this is how it feels… a normal school trip…) A faint thought crossed her mind, unfamiliar yet warm.
Before she could move further— “ANA!” A voice cut through the noise.
She didn’t even need to turn.
Ed came running toward her, slightly out of breath, a bright grin on his face like he had been looking for her for a while.
And right behind him— Kel.(Slower.
Calmer.) But his eyes were already on her.
“What took you so long?” Ed said, stopping in front of her.
“I’ve been waiting since forever.” “…It’s barely been ten minutes,” Ana replied flatly.
“That’s long.” “It’s not.” “It is.” “It’s not.” Kel let out a quiet breath beside them.
“Can you not start first thing in the morning?” Ed glanced at him.
“Who asked you?” “You did.
By existing here.” Ana sighed.
Too early for this.
But before she could say anything— Ed suddenly grabbed her bag.
“I’ll carry this.” “No need.” “I want to.” Kel immediately stepped forward and took the other strap.
“I’ll do it.” Ed frowned.
“Let go.” “You let go.” “You always do this.” “You started it.” “I didn’t—” Ana pulled the bag back sharply.
“I can carry my own bag.” Silence.
Both of them looked at her.
“…Fine,” Ed muttered.
Kel looked away.
Two seconds later— They both tried to walk beside her.
At the same time.
Shoulders bumping.
Again.
“Move.” “You move.” “You’re in my way.” “You’re the one following.” “I’m not following, I’m walking.” “Then walk somewhere else.” Ana closed her eyes for a second.
This is going to be a long trip.
On the other side, Yeon was standing with her bag, looking around nervously, while Jeon Park stood slightly behind her, hands in his pockets, quietly watching everything.
“Are you excited?” Yeon asked, trying to start a conversation.
“…It’s fine,” Jeon replied.
Yeon smiled.
“You came early too.” Silence.
Then— “…You might get lost.” Yeon blinked.
“…What?” Jeon avoided her eyes.
“You don’t pay attention.” A pause.
Then more quietly— “So I came.” Yeon stared at him.
Then smiled.
“You really are weird.” But this time— her voice was softer.
“Ana!” Yeon came running toward her, slightly out of breath but smiling.
“Sit with me?” she asked, a little hesitant, like she didn’t want to assume.
Ana looked at her for a second.
Then nodded.
“Yeah.” Simple.
But it made Yeon’s face light up immediately.
They got on the bus together and quickly found a seat by the window.
Yeon took the window side, pressing her face slightly closer to the glass like a child, clearly excited.
Ana sat beside her, resting her arm lightly against the seat, her posture relaxed Meanwhile— behind them— three figures stepped into the bus at almost the same time.
Jeon, Ed, and Kel.
They all paused.
Looking at the same empty row.
Then— looked at each other.
Silence.
“…Move,” Kel said flatly.
“You move,” Ed replied immediately.
“I was here first.” “You just stepped in.” “…So did you.” Jeon walked past them and sat down first.
“…Problem solved,” he said calmly, taking the window seat without even looking at them.
Kel’s eye twitched slightly.
Ed scoffed.
“Wow, the silent type is bold today.” Jeon didn’t respond.
Kel sat down next to him.
Ed immediately sat on the aisle side.
Now the three of them were stuck.
Together.
None of them are happy about it.
From the front, Yeon leaned slightly and whispered, “Should we feel bad for them?” Ana glanced back.
Saw the three of them sitting stiffly like they were forced into punishment.
“…No,” she said calmly, turning back The city felt different the moment they stepped into it.
Seoul was louder than their town—but not in a chaotic way.
It was alive.
Lights everywhere, people moving with purpose, streets filled with color and motion.
Even the air felt sharper.
The students were scattered in small groups, excitement bursting out of them as they pointed at shops, cafes, tall buildings.
Ana walked a little behind the group, her eyes quietly taking everything in.
She wasn’t overwhelmed—but she wasn’t relaxed either.
She was observing.
She always observes first.
“Don’t wander too far.” The voice came from behind her.
Calm.
sharp.
Ana turned.
Rena Gihyun stood there, hands in her coat pockets, her posture straight, gaze steady as ever.
Unlike the others, she didn’t look excited about the city.
She looked like she belonged to it.
Ana didn’t move.
“…I’m not lost.” “I didn’t say you were,” Rena replied.
A pause.
Then she stepped closer.
Not invading.
But not distant either.
“You walk like someone who doesn’t trust their surroundings,” Rena added.
Ana’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“And you watch like someone who doesn’t trust people.” A faint smile touched Rena’s lips.
“…Good.” That answer wasn’t casual.
It was approved.
For a moment, neither spoke.
People passed around them, laughter echoing in the background—but their space felt… separate.
Focused