After class, Sakura walked directly to Haruki's car, her expression uncertain. She hesitated before asking, "Sensei, this is a problem. We're 'engaged,' and now we're going on a beach trip. We have to act all lovey-dovey for five days."
Haruki sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Oh! I didn't think about that. But I'm a sensei to everyone, so I can't do that, y'know? It's unfair. We don't have to be all lovey-dovey the whole time. We can just pretend sometimes and act natural."
Yuki overheard their conversation from the back seat. A pang of jealousy hit him, and he couldn't help but feel uneasy about the whole situation.
The next day, excitement buzzed through the classroom. Haruki walked in and announced, "As I said, this isn't just a trip. You'll need to report your experiences and observations. So, here's the plan: On the first day, we're going to the beach and staying at a resort. The second day, we'll visit a science exhibition and stay at the same resort. On the third and fourth days, we'll be camping. On the fifth day, we'll return by noon, and you'll have to write your reports. And remember, this trip is only possible because I arranged it, so you better be grateful."
The students cheered, "Thank you, Sensei! You're the best!"
Haruki held up a hand to quiet them. "And remember the rules: no wandering off on your own, boys and girls in separate rooms, and at the campsite, my help will be minimal. You'll have to learn how to manage on your own."
"Awwww, fine~!" the students groaned.
"Okay, the bus will arrive shortly, so wait for a bit. Are you all packed?"
"YEssSs~" they replied in unison.
The bus arrived, and the students eagerly boarded. After some time, music began to play, and the students started dancing in the aisle. Haruki, realizing it was time for him to participate, got up and walked toward Sakura. He extended his hand to her, and her face reddened as she took it. Everyone cheered as Haruki placed his arm around her, and they began to dance. With each step, they grew closer, but Haruki made sure to respect her personal space. Despite this, both their faces turned a deep shade of red.
After the dance, they stopped at a restaurant for lunch. Suddenly, Yuki fainted, causing the trip to pause as they rushed to the hospital. The doctor reassured them, "It's not a big problem—probably just the pressure of the crowd or awkward tension. He can rest for a while in the bus and continue the trip afterward."
"Thank you, doctor," Haruki said, relieved.
He laid Yuki in the back seat of the bus before returning to the restaurant. Once there, Haruki and Sakura took a private seat away from the others.
"Sakura, are you sure about this?" Haruki asked, concern etched on his face. "I know I've asked this question many times already, but still... We need to end this relationship quickly before it gets out of hand. We can make up a story like we broke up after this trip."
Suddenly, tears welled up in Sakura's eyes, spilling down her cheeks. Seeing her cry made Haruki panic. He pouted slightly, not knowing what to do.
"W-Why are you crying? I should be the one to! Look at the situation we're in because of you. We've got to stop this. And you better understand that we're just a student and a sensei—no more than that!"
Sakura wiped her tears and forced a smile. "Thank you, Sensei, for worrying about me, but I'm okay."
She stood up and left, heading back to the bus. Yuki, who had woken up and noticed her red eyes, realized she had been crying. He was torn between feeling happy and angry—happy because he thought he might have a chance, but angry because he hated seeing her upset.
Yuki walked up to her and asked softly, "Sakura-san, why did you cry? Are you okay?"
"What do you mean? I didn't cry," Sakura replied, trying to brush it off.
"Um... Your eyes are red from crying. Y-you can tell me. I know your secrets, so... please, you can talk to me. I know I'm not really dependable, but I want you to r-rely on—"
Sakura interrupted him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Thank you, Yuki-kun, but I'm okay. You're very dependable just as you are."
"No, Sakura-san, you've got to stop this pretend engagement already. It only makes you cry."
Sakura smiled softly. "Thank you for worrying, but I like it. How can it make me sad? It's fun to fool our friends and tease Sensei."
Izumi, who had been eavesdropping through the van's window, suddenly appeared, pretending to sigh. "Haaa, I wish I recorded it!" he said with a mischievous grin.
Izumi acted as if he hadn't noticed them, saying, "Oh, there was a beautiful bird there, and I wanted to record it. I didn't know you were here."
"Umm... Y-You heard us, didn't you?" Yuki stammered.
Izumi feigned innocence. "Well... What are you talking about? Some secrets I don't know?"
"Stop pretending, Izumi-kun. I know you heard us, and it isn't funny," Sakura said, her tone firm.
"Oh, I'm sorry for the bad joke, m'lady! Now, to keep my mouth shut, you've got to let me in on the secret group. Hehe!" Izumi teased.
They explained everything to Izumi, who listened intently. Yuki, still unsure if they should trust him, kept glaring at him suspiciously.
Sakura noticed Yuki's discomfort and explained, "Yuki-kun, you don't have to glare at him. He's not a bad guy like you think. He just wants to get along with everyone. In elementary school, he became friends with everyone and was super popular, even among the middle-schoolers. But because of that, people started to hate him. They'd say things like, 'Don't be friends with him, I don't like him,' or 'Why are you pretending? We know you don't like us.' He became the bad guy in their eyes, so he transferred here. There were still people who made him out to be the bad guy, but his friend Futsuki Mitsuha believed in him, and they became best friends. Everyone knows he loves her—except Mitsuha herself!"
"I do not! We're just friends," Izumi protested, though his blush gave him away.
"Bro, you obviously love her, and she obviously loves you back. It's so obvious, and you can ask anyone in class," Sakura teased.
More students began to gather, and Haruki returned as well. He ignored Sakura, pouting like a child. When she noticed his behavior, she couldn't help but smile.
Finally, they reached the beautiful beach. The sky was a bright, clear blue, and the view was breathtaking. The sound of the waves gently tickling the shore filled the air, and Haruki's long black hair danced in the breeze. He turned to the group and announced, "We're here, everyone!"