The good Times

The sun bathed the outskirts of Tokyo in warm golden light, illuminating the quiet streets lined with sakura trees. The peaceful hum of the afternoon was occasionally broken by the soft whir of hover cars gliding overhead. The serene setting hinted at nothing out of the ordinary—that is, until Arnik burst out of his house.

"Kai! Hurry up, or we'll miss it!" he yelled, his voice carrying down the street. Without waiting for a response, he bolted toward their destination, his footsteps echoing on the pavement.

Seconds later, Kai emerged, clearly less enthusiastic. He stumbled slightly, fumbling with his glasses and trying to catch his breath. "Do you really have to act like this is some kind of race?" he called out, already annoyed.

Arnik glanced back, a wide grin on his face. "If I didn't, you'd never get moving! Come on!"

Kai groaned, muttering under his breath. "Not everyone has the energy of a hyperactive dog…" He adjusted his glasses and reluctantly started jogging to catch up, though Arnik was already far ahead.

Before Kai could fully close the distance, a sudden clatter from a nearby alley stopped him in his tracks. He turned just in time to see Rose, her pink hair bouncing, push a wobbly shopping cart into the street. The sound of its squeaky wheels cut through the quiet, and inside the cart, Aika lounged as though she were royalty.

Kai froze, his expression shifting from confusion to disbelief. With a loud groan, he slapped a hand over his face. "Rose! Why—how—do you even have a shopping cart?"

Rose shrugged, her grin mischievous. "Found it. No one was using it."

Kai dropped his hand, now pointing accusingly. "That's not how borrowing works! And how is Aika even asleep in there?"

From her perch in the cart, Aika lazily opened one eye. "It's comfy," she said with a small yawn, then closed her eye again. "You should try it."

Kai stared, utterly dumbfounded. "Try it?! Are you encouraging her insanity?"

"Suit yourself," Rose said with a playful shrug. "But don't complain when you miss out."

Aika stretched her arms overhead, her tone light with amusement. "He's just scared. Not everyone's built for adventure."

Kai's face flushed. "I am not scared!"

"Then prove it," Rose challenged, her grin widening.

Kai hesitated for a long moment, then sighed heavily. "This is a terrible idea," he muttered, climbing into the cart with all the grace of someone bracing for disaster. He managed to squeeze in without toppling over Aika, though he looked painfully uncomfortable.

"Welcome aboard!" Rose declared triumphantly.

With one powerful push, she sent the cart flying down the smooth street. Its wobbly wheels threatened to veer off course, but Rose gripped the handle tightly, steering with surprising precision.

"Do you even have brakes?!" Kai shouted, his knuckles white as he clung to the cart for dear life.

Rose laughed over her shoulder. "Brakes? Who needs brakes? They're for cowards!"

Ahead of them, Arnik glanced back, laughing as he saw the spectacle unfolding behind him. "That's your plan? A shopping cart? You think that's going to beat me?"

"Watch me!" Rose yelled, determination flashing in her eyes as she leaned into the cart.

Aika stretched again, completely at ease. "This is actually nice," she murmured, as though the chaos didn't exist.

"Nice?!" Kai's voice rose. "We're going to die!"

"Relax," Rose said breezily, dodging a mail drone with effortless ease. "Just enjoy the ride."

The theater came into view, its sleek facade standing out against the sunset. The sight spurred them on—Arnik quickened his pace while Rose pushed the cart harder. The speed sent Kai's stomach flipping, and he muttered a string of panicked complaints under his breath.

"You're gonna eat dust, Arnik!" Rose shouted, her competitive spirit flaring.

Arnik laughed, pushing himself to run faster. "Not a chance!"

As the finish line neared, Arnik leapt onto the back of the cart with practiced ease, balancing himself without disrupting the chaotic ride. "Made it!" he said triumphantly.

Rose rolled her eyes. "Show-off."

Kai, on the other hand, was pale and visibly panicked. "This cart wasn't built for three! Are you both trying to kill us?!"

"Relax," Rose said again, though her smirk hinted at anything but relaxation. "It's built for speed, not capacity."

"It's a shopping cart!" Kai snapped, his voice cracking under the strain.

The theater loomed closer. With one last burst of effort, Arnik jumped off the cart and grabbed its front. Digging his heels into the pavement, he brought it to a screeching halt just inches from the curb. The sudden stop sent everyone tumbling out in a heap.

Aika landed gracefully on her feet. "That was fun," she said, completely unfazed.

Kai scrambled to his feet, brushing himself off and glaring at the others. "Never. Again," he said firmly.

"Oh, come on," Rose teased, her grin as wide as ever. "Admit it—you had fun."

"That's not the word I'd use," Kai shot back, crossing his arms.

Arnik clapped him on the back with a laugh. "Hey, you survived. Let's get inside—Markus is up soon."

Rose's ears twitched as the faint sound of an announcement drifted through the theater doors. Her eyes widened. "Did you hear that? They're starting! We need to get in there now!"

Without waiting, she grabbed Aika's arm and darted toward the entrance. Aika yawned, letting herself be dragged along without protest.

Kai adjusted his glasses and groaned as he followed. "Why do I even hang out with you people?" he muttered under his breath.

The trio burst into the sleek, modern lobby of the theater, barely taking in its polished floors and illuminated displays. They weaved through the crowd, making their way toward the seating area.

Kai, now taking charge, pointed toward an open row. "Seats—find them, fast!"

They hurriedly filed in, slipping into their seats just as the lights dimmed. The audience hushed, all attention turning toward the stage as the announcer's voice boomed across the space.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our final contestant of the evening—Markus Seiryuu Sentryon!"