Stella:

It had been four days since that incident,
and from that day, we hadn't seen each other or talked. The moment he left my room, something inside me wanted to shout his name, hold him back, and ask, "Was that really a mistake for you? How could you play with my emotions that I had kept safe from the world until that day?"

That feeling is still choking me inside, and I find myself thinking about it continuously. The problem is, I'm not consciously thinking about it; it just keeps popping into my mind without any warning.

Why? Why can't I stop thinking about it even for a second? Ugh... I'll end up in a mental asylum for sure!

"Stella, come out soon!" Riana knocked on the bathroom door while I had locked myself inside, thinking on the most foolish moment of my life. What bothered me even more was that I hadn't shared it with Riana. I didn't know how to explain it to her. What was I going to say? "Mike kissed me" or "I allowed him to kiss me"? It all sounded so absurd, even in my own thoughts.

"Yeah, just a second," I replied to her.

"Everyone is almost there, Stella, and the bus is about to leave," Riana was very excited about the school trip that was starting today.

I would have been excited for the day, but unfortunately, I wasn't. I would have been happier to spend the day alone in my small bedroom, where I could find solace in my books, searching for real peace in my life.

"Yeah, let's go!" I acted like I was excited, even though the pain inside my head was silently throbbing.

We both headed to the parking lot where the bus was waiting to embark on the much-anticipated "Aerobi" trip. However, in my heart, I kept praying not to see his face.

When we arrived, almost everyone was already inside the bus, but Mr. Edmerd was waiting outside.

"Where have you guys been? We've all been waiting for you for so long! Let's get inside the bus without wasting a second," Mr. Edmerd said, his voice heavy but affectionate.

We boarded the bus and saw everyone's faces, but Mike wasn't there. I relaxed and took my seat. However, Mr. Edmerd was still looking outside, waiting for someone to board the bus. Finally, a guy arrived that made me freeze in my seat. All the memories flashed before my eyes, making me feel guilty.

"Mike," I whispered his name unintentionally. He was wearing a pair of denim jeans and a black t-shirt with a brown leather jacket, making him look incredibly attractive. He ran his hand through his uncombed hair, but it was evident that he was searching for something.

Our eyes finally met, and I immediately acted like I didn't know him, looking around at anything but him. It would be foolish if he realized I was staring at him.

He then took his seat next to Robin. Mr. Edmerd proceeded to announce the itinerary before the bus began to depart.

"I believe everyone is here.", Mr. Edmerd said.

"Yes!" Everyone answered simultaneously.

"Okay, welcome everyone to this new journey, this new adventure, and to one of the most historically significant places," Mr. Edmerd announced.

Everyone clapped and cheered!

"Before we head towards our destination, I want to emphasize once more that the results of your trip will impact your examination grades. So, focus on collecting valuable information and expanding your knowledge rather than merely passing the time with each other," Mr. Edmerd reminded the students.

"So, what I'm going to announce next will definitely make your work easier and smoother," Mr. Edmerd continued.

Everyone cheered!"

"Okay, okay, listen first, and then cheer," he commented sarcastically, although I had my doubts about that.

"So, I have divided you all into 16 groups, each consisting of two people," Mr. Edmerd explained.

"No!!!" Everybody expressed their disappointment, and I felt the same way. If I had known this earlier, I would have definitely stayed in my room.

"So, I'll now announce each group with two names, and those partners will sit together and work on their projects throughout the journey," Mr. Edmerd explained.

He announced the groups one by one, making me nervous to the point where I almost chewed off all my nails, biting them continuously.

When he called out Riana's name with Robin's, I felt the urge to leave for home. I was missing my mom desperately, and the realization that I can't survive anywhere else started to overwhelm me. I was lost in my thoughts when Riana suddenly called me, shaking my shoulder. When I came to my senses, everyone was looking at me, including Mr. Edmerd."Stella, are you okay???,"Mr Edmerd sounded concerned.

"Yes, I'm...fine. Sorry for the inconvenience, Mr. Edmerd."

"No, it's totally fine, dear, but try to focus on the place we're heading to. Come and sit here with your partner." I was wondering who my partner was, and he had already taken his seat, leaving the one next to him empty for me.

My heart was pounding faster as I approached that seat. When I almost reached it, my eyes pleaded with Mr. Edmerd, making a puppy face, as if to say, "With anyone but not with him, please."

But he smiled and announced, "Everyone, please take your seats according to your groups. Now, we're going to Aerobi!"

Inside, I was screaming, "Anyone, please take me home!" I glanced at Riana, who looked as helpless as I felt, sitting near Robin, who was visibly excited. Then, I looked back at Mike, who was staring out the window, seemingly unconcerned about my presence.

I sat next to him, and our hands touched unintentionally, sending shivers through my body. We both tried to maintain our distance, sitting in our respective seats without touching each other, but it seemed impossible.

#Thank you for reading this chapter.