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Later that day, after everyone finished packing, the students gathered outside the school, buzzing with excitement as they waited to board the bus that would take them to Seoul. Jake hung back, his backpack slung over one shoulder, watching the scene with his usual detached expression. 

Minjae, however, was a bundle of energy, practically bouncing on her toes as she spotted him and jogged over.

"Ready for the adventure?" she asked, eyes sparkling with excitement.

Jake just shrugged, adjusting the strap on his backpack. "I wouldn't call it an adventure just yet. It's just a bus ride."

She nudged him with her elbow, smiling. "Just you wait. This is going to be more than a bus ride—I have plans."

w raised an eyebrow, but before he could ask her to elaborate, the teachers called for everyone to start boarding. They filed onto the bus, and Minjae darted ahead to secure two seats at the back. Jake shook his head but followed her, settling into the seat beside her as she grinned at him.

As the bus pulled out onto the highway, Jake stared out the window, watching the familiar scenery fade into open roads and sprawling landscapes. He felt an odd mixture of nervousness and excitement simmering inside him. 

It wasn't like he hadn't traveled before, but something about this trip felt different—like he was about to step out of his comfort zone in ways he hadn't anticipated.

Minjae, on the other hand, seemed content just to be there, gazing out her window with a dreamy smile. She turned to him suddenly, breaking his train of thought.

"You know," she started, "I was so sure you'd end up ditching this trip last minute."

Jake shrugged, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, well, I like to keep people guessing."

She smiled warmly, her eyes turning into crescents as she shook her head. "Mission accomplished. But seriously, I'm really glad you're here."

Her words lingered, simple yet sincere, and Jake found himself looking away, unsure of how to respond. They sat in comfortable silence as the bus moved onward, the cityscape growing closer on the horizon. 

For the first time in a while, Jake felt a quiet sense of anticipation, like maybe, just maybe, this trip would be one worth remembering.

As the bus hummed along the highway, the initial chatter and excitement gradually softened, with some students beginning to doze off or plug in headphones. 

Jake, however, found himself unusually awake, his attention split between the passing scenery and the animated conversations around him. Minjae, beside him, leaned against the window with her arms crossed, but she didn't seem ready to sleep.

After a while, she nudged him again. "Hey," she whispered, leaning close, "we're totally stopping at that famous street food market when we get there, right?"