The announcement of the school trip had thrown the entire hall into excitement.
The moment the teacher's words settled in the air, the room erupted-chairs scraping, voices overlapping, laughter bursting out without restraint.
Two days away from home.
An aquarium visit.
An amusement park.
Shared rooms.
To most of the students, it sounded like freedom wrapped in anticipation.
To Ping, it felt like something else entirely. He sat quietly in his seat, fingers intertwined on his lap, his posture neat as always.
Around him, classmates leaned across desks, already making plans-who would bring snacks, who would take pictures, who would stay up late talking.
Ping pretended to listen. But his heart was doing something else.
Somewhere deep inside him, a quiet wish repeated itself over and over-not out loud, not even consciously.
Please...
"Students will be paired in groups of four to five," the teacher announced, clapping her hands once to regain attention. "Once paired, you will stick together throughout the trip and share the same room."
Ping's breath caught.
"Shared rooms?"
He lowered his gaze, his fingers tightening just slightly. He didn't dare think too much about it. Thinking made hope dangerous.
Across the hall, Keng was already standing with his friends-Jinn, Tao, and Bank-laughing about something Ping couldn't hear.
Even from a distance, Keng stood out effortlessly, tall and relaxed, the center of gravity in every space he occupied. Without meaning to, Keng's gaze drifted. Naturally. It landed on Ping.
Girls nearby straightened instinctively when Keng stepped forward, whispers following him like ripples.
Ping, lost in his thoughts, didn't notice until a shadow fell across his desk.
"Ping."
The sound of his name startled him.
Ping looked up quickly.
"Do you mind joining us?" Keng asked, his voice calm, almost casual, as if the question didn't carry the weight of Ping's entire heartbeat.
For a second, Ping forgot how to breathe.
Then he nodded-too fast, afraid his voice would betray him.
"I- I don't mind."
Behind them, Jinn burst out laughing.
"Told you," he said, nudging Tao.
Tao grinned. "That was obvious."
Bank scratched his head, half laughing, half defeated. "I really thought you'd choose us over him..."
He paused, then sighed. "But would you?"
Keng didn't answer. He didn't need to.
He simply gestured lightly for Ping to follow him.
When they reached the group, Jinn waved cheerfully.
"Hey, little Ping."
Keng shot him a sharp look.
Jinn immediately coughed. "Ah-uh-did I say something?"
Tao and Bank suddenly found the floor extremely interesting.
Ping's eyes widened.
"I'm not little," he murmured under his breath, cheeks warming.
Keng heard it. The corner of his mouth lifted-not into a grin, but into a smile that stayed.
***
The aquarium buzzed with excitement.
Students rushed from one exhibit to another, pointing at colorful fish, pressing their faces close to glass tanks, laughter echoing through the halls. Lights shimmered through water, casting soft blue reflections across the walls.
Ping felt overwhelmed almost immediately.
Without a word, Keng reached out and gently held Ping's hand.
Ping froze. His fingers stiffened for a second, surprise running through him like electricity.
Keng didn't explain. He didn't tease. He simply gave Ping that soft, reassuring smile-as if to say, I'm here.
They walked like that, side by side, fingers loosely intertwined. They stopped at different tanks, leaning closer together. Keng pointed out strange-looking fish; Ping nodded, smiling quietly. Sometimes their shoulders brushed. Sometimes Keng slowed his pace without thinking.
The world shrank.
Behind them-
"...Are we invisible?" Tao whispered.
"I think we've been erased," Jinn replied solemnly.
Bank sighed dramatically. "This is painful to witness."
They clasped each other's hands in mock consolation and wandered off to find their own fun.
***
By the time they reached the hotel, the sun had begun to dip lower in the sky.
When it was time to head to their rooms, Ping's chest tightened. He couldn't believe he would be staying in the same room as Keng.
Every step felt heavier than the last. His mind raced with endless what ifs.
"What if he said something wrong?"
"What if he couldn't sleep?"
"What if Keng noticed how fast his heart beat?"
Inside the room, Ping stayed quiet. He sat on his bed and unpacked carefully, folding his clothes just right.
Across the room, Keng moved easily, but his eyes kept drifting back to Ping, checking on him without making it obvious. Every time their eyes met, Keng offered a small, reassuring smile. Each one made Ping's chest flutter.
After their baths, the room settled into a soft hum-beds creaking, whispered conversations, the quiet comfort of shared space.
Then Tao sat up, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Let's play truth or dare," he announced.
He glanced at Ping, paused. "...Actually, truth is better tonight."
Keng leaned slightly toward Ping. "You can go to bed if you don't want to play."
Ping hesitated-then shook his head. "It's fine. I'll play."
The game started lightly. Laughter filled the room as silly truths came out. Ping relaxed slowly, though he remained acutely aware of Keng beside him.
Then Tao leaned back, eyes sparkling.
"Keng," he said slowly,
"is there anyone you're crushing on recently?"
The room went quiet. Ping's stomach tightened. Keng smiled, his gaze drifting-landing on Ping.
"There's actually someone I like," he said softly. "But I don't know if they'll like me back."
Ping's cheeks burned. He stared at the ceiling, then the blanket, then anywhere else-but all he could think about was Keng's smile.
Ping wasn't sure.
But he was also sure.
And one thing was certain- He didn't want this trip to end anytime soon.