The Calm Before The Storm

The early morning light filtered through the window of their apartment. Boxes and bags were scattered across the floor, filled with supplies and keepsakes for the journey ahead. Kazuki sat quietly by the window, lost in thought, while Lumi was making her way through a plate of her favorite snacks—again.

"This is it, huh?" Sonnet leaned against the counter, her silver hair catching the light as she tossed a coin into the air. She caught it with ease and flipped it again, her eyes half-focused on it. "No more city lights, no more gambling… unless I convince Kazuki to set up a makeshift casino on the road."

Kazuki smirked. "Not happening."

"You'll regret it," Sonnet teased. "I'll have to gamble with stones and sticks in the wild. That's not the life I imagined."

Andreas stretched his arms behind his head, grinning. "You could always gamble on who falls off the cliff first. My money's on Lumi."

"Hey!" Lumi shot him a playful glare. "I'm way more coordinated than you!"

"Are you, though?" Andreas raised a brow. "Remember last night when you tried to eat that giant dumpling in one bite and nearly choked to death?"

The room erupted in laughter as Lumi turned red, waving her hands in defense. "That doesn't count! It was a tactical mistake!"

As the laughter died down, the group grew quiet again, the weight of what was ahead settling in.

Kazuki stood up, looking at the map on the table. "We need to plan our route carefully. The Zodiac Beasts won't be easy to find, and we can't just wander aimlessly."

Sonnet walked over, her playful expression softening. "It'll be tough… but not impossible. We'll figure it out, just like we've figured everything else out."

Andreas nodded. "Right. Besides, we've got something they don't—each other."

Lumi smiled, but her eyes held a hint of worry. "We've been through a lot already… this won't be any easier."

Kazuki placed his hand on the table, determination in his eyes. "We'll face it together. No matter what."

Kazuki looked around at his friends, feeling a strange sense of peace. Despite the uncertainty ahead, he knew this was where he belonged. "Tomorrow… everything changes."

Sonnet raised her cup in a mock toast. "To the wildest adventure yet!"

Andreas clinked his cup against hers. "To not falling off cliffs!"

Lumi laughed, raising her snack instead. "To Guide you guys through the journey!"

Kazuki smiled, joining in. "And To sticking together, no matter what."

The cups met with a soft clink, and for a moment, it felt like nothing could break their bond.

But deep down, they all knew… this was just the beginning.