"What does joining this programme have to do with confessing?" asked Larry, as it made zero sense.
Don't you know? The swimming club programme is at the beach. Isn't it like the perfect place to confess?" Maybe because he is part of the community page admin, he already knew beforehand every detail of the program.
Chaz does not say anything. Does he want to confess? He still questioned it himself. He cannot think straight until then. He just wanted to see Aven, so he decided to join the programme.
"Well, why not try it?" said Frank, which is a shocking statement.
Chaz looks at Frank. He is surprised to hear that from Frank. It also might be because it's coming from Frank that he feels encouraged to do so. He wants to confess, compared to before, when Neil was the one who suggested it.
However, the hesitation does not leave Chaz's head at once. He does feel courageous, but not much. Still, as it is the encouragement from Frank, he feels better about bracing himself and facing it. Frank is trusted by Chaz compared to others.
Chaz never once said anything until they prepared to attend the next class. As he does so, the Trio, especially Neil and Frank very much agitated by the silence. Well, they both expected an answer from chaz but he did not respond to them, and they only heard. it naturally for them to feel so.
...
It's the day of the programme. As expected of the power of Chaz and the Trio, they attract many participants. Archie cannot help but feel proud of what he has done. His smile did not leave his face from the morning when he registered the participants until they got on the bus. There must have been some kind of bet that happened within the swimming club, and he won to make him that happy.
Chaz arrived at the gathering place and was already looking for Aven. He seems to be nowhere in sight until Chaz gets on the bus and sees him sitting in the third row beside the window. Chaz's heart is jumping with happiness, and he directly takes a seat beside Aven without any hesitation.
Aven does not realize Chaz's presence. He was too preoccupied with his thoughts and longing to realize Chaz. He feels uneasy leaving Elwell alone at the hospital. He wanted to stay back and take care of him, but his heart said that Elwell wanted him to go. He chose to rest and think about himself more.
Chaz seems to realize that Aven is not aware that he is beside him. But given Chaz, he himself does not try to greet Aven of his own accord. What's more, Aven is in his own thoughts, which makes Chaz not want to disturb him.
The Trio sees that Chaz has chosen his own seats just go find theirs. They already guess where he will sit, given that he participates in the programme due to Aven.
"I will sit with Frank, you go there," said Neil while pointing at the seat that on a different row. Frank looks at Neil with detest and contempt.
"Nah, you sit by yourself. Ain't no way I sit with a stranger." Larry then pushed Neil and took a seat.
Frank seems not to care, and he just sits beside Larry, who is already seated. Neil feels betrayed. The disbelief on his face is so visible. Larry sees Neil's reaction and just laughs mockingly. Neil can only accept it and annoyingly sit beside them.
The participants then get on the bus one by one. They were practically excited to see the University's most talked-about group on the bus. Then, naturally, the bus was filled, and the crowd started to make noise.
Only after all the seats were taken did the programme manager stand in the front.
"Hello, guys. Thanks for participating. Now that the seats are filled, we will proceed to our destination. Since it takes three hours to get there, we will only stop once at the rest stop for the toilet and snacks. So, if you guys want to do your deeds, we will not stop until we reach the rest stop."
This announcement made Aven pay attention to it. After the program manager finishes her announcement, Aven realizes that beside him is chaz. He is surprised to find chaz beside him. Out of respect, he still greets him.
"Oh, hello, senior. I am sorry for not realizing you. I don't know that you're here," said Aven.
Chaz just nodded. He doesn't know what to say. Chaz can sense Aven's discomfort. He feels wronged to start the conversation, even though he wanted to. His heart beats fast due to being excited to meet Aven, but his head still dwells on the fact that he learned, which hinder himself to ask more.
Chaz then does not want to disturb Aven more. He then put in his earphones and closed his eyes. Aven feels much better and is not burdened. he grateful to Chaz because of this.
The Trio at the back, especially Neil, is in shock. 'What are you doing?!' is the face that he made. Well, to him, that's the chance for Chaz to talk more with Aven, but he did not do so, which made Neil feel agitated and annoyed.
Well, given the situation, the Trio does not even know the full story of the situation Chaz is in. If they knew, maybe they would understand why he acts in such a way.
After two hours on the road, the bus stopped at the said stop. The participants get off the bus one by one. They go to buy snacks and go to the toilet to do everything they can.
They continue their trip after half an hour of stops. During the time Aven does not leave the bus, the same with Chaz. They stay silent even after the bus continue their trip.
After another hour, they arrived at the destination. The place is a big luxury resort. it a surprise to all the participants. They were so amazed by the place standing in front of them as it unexpected place.