The days slipped quietly into weeks, and weeks into months. Life found its rhythm again.Morning bells, chalk dust, laughter in the corridors — Ji-Ho, Thanu, Ganga, Jyoti, Narendra, and Shekar had fallen into the familiar rhythm of school life. The memory of that sunlit holiday afternoon at Thanu's house had faded into something warm and nostalgic, tucked away behind their daily chatter and exams.
Thanu was back to school regularly now, her health much better. She usually sat by the window seat, sunlight spilling over her notes as she studied. Ji-Ho often caught himself stealing glances at her. When their eyes met, she'd tilt her head and mouth, "Focus." He'd grin and quickly look away, pretending to read.
"Ji-Ho," Ganga whispered one morning during math, leaning close, "if staring could make her like you more, she'd have confessed by now."Ji-Ho kicked his chair lightly. "Shut up."Jyoti chuckled. "You both are impossible."
Narendra, sitting two rows behind, tossed a paper ball that hit Ji-Ho squarely on the head."Oi, daydreamer! Planning cricket shots in your sleep again?"Ji-Ho turned around with mock seriousness. "At least I score runs. You just flex your muscles for show."Narendra smirked. "We'll see during the next match."Their banter drew a few laughs from the class until the teacher shot them a glare.
Meanwhile, Shekar — calm as ever — didn't even look up from his notes. "You two should focus before the teacher throws you out, not the paper ball," he said dryly."Buzzkill," Ganga muttered.Shekar adjusted his glasses. "Realist."
The days rolled on like that — jokes, teasing, small rivalries, and quiet glances. But then, one bright Monday morning, everything changed. Their homeroom teacher entered with a huge smile and a stack of papers.
"Alright, everyone," she said, tapping the desk for attention. "It's official. The annual school trip is happening this year!"
The room exploded with cheers. Students jumped, shouted, clapped. Ganga stood on his chair and yelled, "We're saved!" before almost falling off it.
The teacher laughed. "Settle down, everyone! We'll be going to Misty Valley — a week-long trip in the hills. Hiking, camping, and cultural activities. Permission slips will be handed out today."
Excited murmurs filled the room. Ji-Ho's pulse quickened. A whole week away — no uniforms, no strict routines… and Thanu would be there.
He glanced toward her, and their eyes met. She was already smiling with her friends, but when she caught Ji-Ho's gaze, she gave a small, knowing grin. Something fluttered in his chest.
After class, the group gathered near the noticeboard where the trip details were pinned:
Destination: Hillview Camp, Misty ValleyDuration: 7 DaysDeparture: Two weeks from nowRequirements: Permission slip, warm clothes, essentials, and a sense of adventure.
Ganga read it aloud dramatically, "A sense of adventure! Ji-Ho, you better borrow mine.""Ha-ha, very funny," Ji-Ho said, rolling his eyes.Narendra leaned against the wall. "Adventure, huh? You'll probably twist your ankle before we even reach the hilltop.""Keep dreaming," Ji-Ho shot back.Shekar sighed. "If you both fall off a cliff arguing, I'm not filling the report."
Jyoti giggled. "This trip's going to be a disaster."Thanu smiled softly. "Or maybe fun… if you all behave.""Define behave," Ganga said instantly.Thanu rolled her eyes. "Exactly my point."
Over the next week, excitement buzzed through the school like electricity. Forms were signed, lists were made, and the group began their endless planning sessions — mostly Ganga's wild ideas, Thanu's organization, and Shekar's attempts to keep things realistic.
Ji-Oh woke up earlier than usual, his face glowing with excitement."Grandma! We're going to the hilly rocks today! I'm going to climb every one of them!" he shouted, darting around the house like a tornado.
His grandmother chuckled from the kitchen. "You're acting like you've never seen a hill before, Ji-Oh."
"I'm just… super excited! This trip's gonna be legendary!" he said proudly, pumping his fist.
Then he ran into the bathroom with a towel over his shoulder.As soon as the door shut, Thanu, Ganga Jyothi, and Sekhar quietly entered the house.
"Ready for the big surprise?" Thanu whispered, holding a small box of snacks.Ganga Jyothi nodded. "He's gonna scream when he sees us."Sekhar smirked. "Let's wait in his room. He'll never see it coming."
They tiptoed into Ji-Oh's room and sat on his bed, stifling their laughter.Suddenly, a voice echoed from the bathroom—
🎶 "I'm the coolest in the world~ the cutest in the world~" 🎶
The three froze.
Thanu whispered, "What on earth… is that?"Sekhar grinned, "Oh no, don't tell me that's Ji-Oh."Ganga Jyothi clapped a hand over her mouth. "He's… using the shampoo bottle as a mic?"
🎶 "Everybody loves Ji-Oh~! The superstar of the hills~!" 🎶
They couldn't hold it in anymore—soft giggles filled the room.Then the bathroom door opened, and Ji-Oh stepped out with only a towel around his neck, his hair all messy and wet.
Still holding the shampoo bottle like a microphone, he spun dramatically and shouted—🎤 "Coolest in the— AAHHH!"
He froze.Three faces were staring at him from his bed, barely holding in their laughter.
"Surprise!" they yelled.
Ji-Oh's eyes widened. "Wh-what—why are you guys in my room!?"
Thanu burst out laughing. "Because we missed our pop idol's concert!"Ganga Jyothi teased, "So this is how the 'coolest in the world' gets ready in the morning?"Sekhar pretended to clap. "Encore, Ji-Oh! One more song!"
Ji-Oh groaned, face turning bright red. "Oh, come on! I didn't know you guys were here!"Thanu waved the shampoo bottle at him. "Oh, we know! The whole neighborhood probably knows!"
Ganga Jyothi giggled. "You've got real talent, Ji-Oh. Maybe you should perform at school."Ji-Oh rolled his eyes, trying to hide his smile. "You three are the worst friends ever."
Sekhar laughed, throwing an arm around his shoulder. "Maybe. But at least we're your biggest fans!"
They all burst out laughing together as Ji-Oh sighed."Fine, fine. Next time, at least let me wear pants before my concert starts!"
The room filled with laughter, the sound of friendship louder than any song Ji-Oh could sing. 🎶