The Good Times

Arnik exploded out of his house, barely stopping to breathe.

"Kai! Hurry up, or we'll miss it!" His voice cut through the quiet street. He didn't wait—just bolted, sneakers slapping the pavement in a blur of momentum.

Seconds later, Kai stumbled out, far less enthusiastic. His glasses nearly slipped off his face as he fumbled to adjust them, his breath already uneven. "Do you really have to act like this is some kind of race?" he grumbled.

Arnik glanced back mid-sprint, grinning. "If I didn't, you'd never get moving! Now quit dragging your feet!"

Kai groaned, muttering under his breath. "Not everyone has the energy of a hyperactive dog…" Still, he picked up the pace, albeit reluctantly, trying to close the widening gap.

Then—

A loud clatter from a nearby alley.

Kai barely had time to process it before a wobbly shopping cart rolled straight into the street—its wheels shrieking, its cargo unexpected.

A Demi-Cat named Rose stood behind it, pink hair bouncing as she shoved it forward. Aika lay inside, sprawled out like a queen on her throne, completely unbothered by the madness surrounding her.

Kai froze. His brain refused to comprehend what he was seeing.

Then, with a sharp inhale, he slapped a hand over his face. "Rose. Why—how—do you even have a shopping cart?!"

Rose grinned, as if the answer was obvious. "Found it. No one was using it."

Kai dragged his hand down his face. "That's not how borrowing works! And Aika—why are you even asleep in there?!"

Aika cracked open one eye. "It's comfy." She stretched, yawned, then closed her eye again. "You should try it."

"Try it?!" Kai choked. "Are you encouraging her insanity?!"

"Suit yourself." Rose leaned against the cart, unbothered. "But don't complain when you miss out."

Aika lazily flicked a hand in Kai's direction. "He's just scared. Not everyone's built for adventure."

Kai bristled. "I am not scared!"

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

Kai hesitated. His gaze flicked to the cart, then to the utter insanity of what was about to happen.

Then, with a long, exhausted sigh, he climbed in.

The moment he settled—WHAM.

Rose shoved the cart forward at full speed.

"W-WAIT—" Kai barely had time to grab the sides before the wheels rattled beneath them, sending them soaring down the street.

"You don't even have brakes?!" he shouted, his voice rising in sheer panic.

Rose cackled, gripping the handle tighter. "Brakes?! Who needs brakes? They're for cowards!"

Ahead, Arnik glanced back—took one look at the chaos behind him—and laughed.

"A shopping cart?! That's your plan? You think that's gonna beat me?!"

"Watch me!" Rose yelled, eyes gleaming with challenge.

Aika, completely unbothered, stretched again. "This is actually nice."

"NICE?!" Kai's voice cracked. "We're gonna die!"

Rose dodged a mail drone with effortless ease. "Relax. Just enjoy the ride!"

The theater loomed ahead, glowing in the last light of sunset. The sight only fueled their ridiculous momentum. Arnik pushed himself harder, while Rose gave the cart one final, reckless shove.

"You're gonna eat dust, Arnik!" she shouted.

Arnik leapt onto the back of the cart, balancing with ease. "Made it," he grinned.

Rose rolled her eyes. "Show-off."

Kai, meanwhile, was pale. "This cart wasn't built for three! Are you both trying to kill us?!"

"It's built for speed, not capacity."

"IT'S A SHOPPING CART!"

The theater was seconds away.

With one last burst of effort, Arnik jumped off and grabbed the front. His heels dug into the pavement, forcing the cart to a screeching halt just inches from the curb.

The sudden stop sent everyone tumbling.

Aika landed gracefully on her feet. "That was fun," she mused.

Kai scrambled up, shaking, glaring daggers. "Never. Again."

"Oh, come on," Rose teased. "Admit it—you had fun."

Kai narrowed his eyes. "That's not the word I'd use."

Arnik clapped a hand on his back, laughing. "Hey, you survived. Let's go—Markus is up soon."

Rose's ears twitched. Her head snapped toward the theater doors.

"You hear that? They're starting! We need to move!"

Without another word, she grabbed Aika and bolted.

Kai groaned, dragging himself after them. "Why do I even hang out with you people?"

They burst into the theater, weaving through the crowd. The lights dimmed as they slid into their seats, breathless.

Then—

The announcer's voice boomed over the speakers.

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