`
` The bus groaned up the mountain road, snow beginning to dust the windshield in lazy flakes.
`
Present Mic
` ALRIGHT, LISTEN UP, LISTENERS!
`
` The screech of a microphone feedback made half the class wince.
`
Present Mic
` Your favorite English teacher is ALSO your official trip guide for the day! I've got hot springs facts, playlist curation, and unmatched vibes!
`
Aizawa
` from inside his sleeping bag, voice muffled I'm going to kill him.
`
Vlad King
` rubbing his temple Your class is exhausting.
`
Aizawa
` I know.
`
Mina
` leaning over the seat Sensei, are we there yet? I'm dying!
`
Kaminari
` Yeah, I think Koda saw a ghost back at that last tunnel.
`
Koda
` very quietly ...it was a deer.
`
Bakugo
` WILL YOU ALL SHUT UP?!
`
Jirou
` pulling an earbud out Too late, he's already started.
`
` The bus smelled like cheap deodorant, nervous excitement, and Kaminari's spray-on cologne. The mountains rose around them in white silence. Steam drifted up from somewhere ahead, curling through the pines.
`
Momo
` gazing out the window It's beautiful...
`
Kendo
` next to her, nodding Yeah. I think I get why they planned this.
`
` The bus slowed. Brakes hissed. Through the fogged windows, a traditional inn appeared — dark wood, red lanterns, and plumes of steam rising from behind a low stone wall.
`
Present Mic
` WELCOME TO YOUR DESTINATION, LISTENERS!
`
` The doors opened.
`
` Cold air hit them. Snow crunched under the first boots hitting pavement.
`[???:]` a reedy voice from the inn entrance Welcome... welcome... please, this way...
`
` An elderly innkeeper in a yukata bowed, wiping their hands on a cloth.