Tomorrow is the school field trip.

The students are buzzing with excitement, and even the ordinary chirping of birds 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 wells up from nowhere.

Slide— thud.

The teacher enters. As if understanding our excitement, the teacher responds to our expectations with a slight upward curve of the lips.

"Um... right, the field trip is tomorrow, isn't it?"

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

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

As soon as the teacher leaves, the students let out a collective cheer, and the classroom is instantly filled with the sound of desks being moved.

Even my seatmate, who had been sitting quietly next to me, silently got up and went to their friends, leaving me with no choice but to stay in my seat awkwardly.

I can't help but feel a bit slighted that all my close friends are gathered in the next class over.

I gave up on finding a friend to sit with long ago and was about to lie down for a nap...

Tap. Tap.