After the intense week of exploring Room 13, we all needed a break. Sofi had been practically buzzing since Friday, insisting we plan a proper outing for Sunday.
The morning was warm and golden when we met at the usual spot near the oak tree. Sofi waved her arms dramatically.
"Okay, team! Sunday is official outing day! Snacks, games, fresh air… and absolutely no homework!"
Nicole laughed, linking arms with her. "You're really excited about this, huh?"
Sofi grinned. "Adventure is mandatory on Sundays!"
Liliana nudged Daniel playfully. "You promised ice cream last time. Don't even think about backing out."
Daniel smirked. "I never back out from promises… well, mostly."
Jessica and Lucas arrived quietly, carrying small backpacks. They whispered to each other, sharing playful smiles, clearly comfortable and happy together.
I walked beside Eren, who had a small grin. "So… a Sunday outing. Seems like a perfect plan after Room 13."
I nodded. "Yeah. A little normal fun sounds great after all that mystery and tension."
He shrugged casually. "Breaks are good. Especially with good company."
I smiled faintly. "Good company, huh?"
"Exactly," he said, smirking slightly.
We walked together through the quiet streets, chatting and laughing. Sofi and Nicole skipped ahead, hand-in-hand, while Liliana and Daniel teased each other about who carried more snacks. Jessica and Lucas quietly discussed which camera angles would make the best pictures.
Eren and I naturally fell into step together. Our conversation flowed easily. We joked about the strange things we saw in Room 13, shared little childhood stories, and even talked about favorite movies. Talking with him felt effortless, calm, and light so different from the tension we'd felt at school.
"You notice everything," I said, smiling at how he pointed out small details along the way a stray cat, a mural hidden on a building wall, a tiny flower growing in the cracks.
He shrugged. "I just pay attention. Makes life more interesting."
The hill was beautiful. Wildflowers dotted the slope, and a gentle breeze carried the faint scent of summer. The group spread a blanket and unpacked snacks. Sofi immediately declared herself "chief organizer," while Nicole and Liliana helped set up. Daniel teased Liliana endlessly, earning playful swats, and Jessica and Lucas quietly shared sandwiches and laughter.
Eren and I sat slightly apart, leaning back on the blanket. I tossed him a small bag of chips.
"Thanks," he said with a small grin.
"Don't eat them all at once," I teased.
"Only if you promise to share your cookies," he replied.
We talked and laughed quietly, sharing easy conversation. After the tension of Room 13, it felt good to just be normal friends no puzzles, no shadows, no mysteries. After sometimes later ,Sofi suggested a game: "Who Can Spot the Strangest Thing Around Us?" Soon, everyone was running, pointing out birds, clouds shaped like animals, and other funny little things.
Eren and I naturally teamed up. He noticed things I might have missed, I caught small details he joked about, and together we won the first round.
"Not bad," he said quietly, nudging my shoulder. "You're sharper than I thought."
I smirked. "I could say the same about you."
The rest of the group laughed at our subtle teasing, shaking their heads or smiling knowingly. As the sun began to dip, painting the sky orange and pink, the group got busy taking photos, teasing each other, or sharing snacks. Eren and I sat slightly apart, watching the sky.
"It's… nice," I said.
He glanced at me. "Yeah… quiet, calm. A good change from school chaos."
I smiled. "I'm glad you came today."
His eyes met mine briefly, and he gave a small, easy smile. "Me too."
Eventually, we packed up and walked back to the bus stop. Sofi and Nicole skipped ahead, laughing; Liliana and Daniel playfully bickered about who carried more snacks; Jessica and Lucas walked quietly behind, hand-in-hand.
Eren fell into step beside me. "Same time next Sunday?" he asked casually.
I grinned. "Definitely. And maybe I'll finally win one of the games."
He laughed softly. "We'll see about that."
As the bus rolled away from the hill, the sun dipping behind the rooftops, I realized one thing: after all the strange mysteries of Room 13, the laughter, the teasing, and just being with friends made life feel a little lighter.
And having Eren there made it feel… even brighter.