Tomorrow is the school field trip.

The students are buzzing with excitement, and even the ordinary sound of birds chirping feels like a celebratory cheer for us today.

Whether it's the student discouraged by grades or the one who is usually timid, everyone gets excited on a day like this.

And on days like this, a surge of courage often appears out of nowhere.

Slide— thud.

The teacher entered the room. As if understanding our excitement, the teacher responded to our expectations with a slight smile.

"Well... right, tomorrow's the field trip, isn't it?"

"Since everyone's in a good mood, just sit wherever you want today."

"That's all for homeroom. Good job, everyone. Class president, follow me for a moment."

As soon as the teacher left, the students let out a collective cheer, and the classroom was instantly filled with the sound of desks sliding across the floor.

Even my desk mate, who had been sitting quietly beside me, got up without a word to join their friends, leaving me sitting there awkwardly.

I couldn't help but feel a bit lonely knowing all my close friends were gathered in the next class.

I gave up on finding someone to sit with and was about to lie down for a nap when...

Tap. Tap.