Chapter 13: The Art of Riffing Off Kai (But, Like, Respectfully)

Yuna's POV

I had one goal.

One simple, almost laughably basic goal.

To study.

Or at least pretend to study long enough that my conscience would shut up about it.

I sat in my aunt's small garden, which was honestly the only peaceful place in my life. It wasn't fancy—just a few potted plants, a worn-out bench, and a tiny patch of grass that looked like it was fighting for survival.

But it was quiet. And quiet was rare.

I opened my notebook, determined to focus.

Okay, Yuna. Just read the words. Process them. Do not get distracted—

"You look like you're trying too hard," a familiar voice said.

I sighed before looking up.

Kai stood by the garden gate, holding a plastic bag in one hand and looking way too amused for someone who just walked into my misery.

His dark blue hoodie was slightly oversized (as always), his expression unreadable (as always), and he was definitely here to annoy me (as always).

I pointed my pen at him. "You're trespassing."

He ignored me and strolled in like he owned the place. "I brought snacks."

"…Fine. You're conditionally allowed to trespass."

Kai dropped onto the bench beside me and pulled out a can of iced coffee from the bag.

"Studying?" he asked, nodding at my notebook.

"Trying."

"Failing?"

I threw a leaf at him. "Shut up."

He caught it midair and flicked it back at me. "What subject?"

I hesitated. "Songwriting."

It wasn't a total lie. I was supposed to be working on lyrics, but so far, all I had written was

The sky is blue ,Love is confusing …,why am I like this?

So, you know. Progress.

Kai leaned back, stretching his arms. "Didn't know you were into music."

I shrugged. "I'm not."

He raised an eyebrow. "But you're writing lyrics?"

"…For a friend."

Technically, Ryo Ishikawa was a friend. Sort of. Maybe. If 'paying me to write songs and never asking about my personal life'counted as friendship.

Kai didn't push, which I appreciated. Instead, he cracked open his iced coffee and took a long sip.

I went back to staring at my notebook, willing inspiration to magically appear….It didn't.

After a moment, Kai spoke again. "You ever played an instrument?"

I glanced at him. "Why?"

He shrugged. "Just curious."

Something about the way he said it made me pause. Like there was more to the question than he was letting on.

"…No," I said eventually. "Never had the time."

Kai hummed, watching the trees sway in the breeze.

"I used to play," he said casually.

I blinked. Wait. What?

I tried not to look too interested, but let's be real—I was nosy.

"What instrument?" I asked, keeping my voice as neutral as possible.

He tapped his fingers against his knee, like he was playing an invisible beat. "Guitar."

Huh. That… actually made sense.

Kai had that effortlessly cool but slightly mysterious vibe that made him look like he belonged in a band. And now that I thought about it, his hands did look like guitarist hands.

(Wait. Did that sound weird? Probably.)

I debated asking more, but something told me he wasn't looking for an interrogation.

So instead, I just nodded.

"Nice."

Kai smirked. "That's all you're gonna say?"

"What, did you want me to throw a parade?"

"I wouldn't say no."

I rolled my eyes. "Do you still play?"

His smirk faded slightly. "Not really."

That was… interesting.

And vague.

And definitely suspicious.

But again—I didn't push.

Instead, I just shrugged. "Well. If I ever need guitar advice, I'll know where to go."

Kai let out a soft laugh. "Good luck with that."

We sat in comfortable silence for a while, the occasional breeze rustling the leaves around us.

I stared at my notebook again.

The sky is blueLove is confusing…why am I like this?

And then, like a lightbulb flickering on in my brain—

Wait.

Kai used to play guitar.Kai still knew music.Kai was sitting right here.

A brilliant (or possibly terrible) idea formed in my mind.

But first, I needed to test something.

Casually, I nudged my iced tea toward him.

"Hey, Kai."

He looked up. "What?"

"What's your favorite drink?"

"…Why?"

"No reason."

Kai narrowed his eyes at me like I was up to something (which, okay, fair). But after a moment, he sighed.

"Coffee."

Perfect.

"Cool," I said, playing it off.

"Just curious."

But in my mind, the plan was already forming.

If I played my cards right…

Kai was about to help me write a love song.

And he wouldn't even realize it.

Just as I was finalizing my master plan, the front door creaked open.

Aunt Rosa stepped outside, her hands on her hips like she had just finished silently judging the entire neighborhood. She squinted at the two of us sitting in the garden, then clapped her hands together.

"Oh, we have a guest."

Kai immediately stood up, giving a small bow of respect before taking her hand and pressing it lightly against his forehead—a traditional Filipino greeting.

Aunt Rosa's entire expression melted on the spot.

"Oh! Such a polite young man," she gushed, practically beaming.

"Have you eaten? There's some tinola inside."

I resisted the urge to smack my forehead. Great. Now he's her favorite.

Kai smiled a little. "Thank you, but I'm already full."

Aunt Rosa nodded approvingly, but before she could offer him even more food (which was inevitable), I quickly jumped in.

"He's just here to annoy me, Tita," I said, casually throwing Kai under the bus.

"You don't have to be nice to him."

Kai shot me a look. "You're the one who invited me in."

"I allowed you in under strict trespassing laws."

Aunt Rosa just laughed, clearly entertained.

"You two bicker so much. It's cute."

I nearly choked on air. "What?"

Kai, of course, just took another sip of his coffee, looking smug.

Aunt Rosa turned to him with a motherly smile.

"If you ever get tired of my niece's attitude, you're welcome to visit anytime, dear."

I gasped. "TITA, WHAT—"

Kai, naturally, looked like he had just won the lottery. "I'll keep that in mind."

I shot him the deadliest glare I could manage, but Aunt Rosa just patted my head like I was a misbehaving child before heading back inside, humming to herself.

The moment the door shut behind her, I turned to Kai with narrowed eyes.

"You're enjoying this, aren't you?"

He took another sip of his coffee, completely unfazed. "Very much."

Ugh. Whatever. Focus, Yuna.

I had a mission. And that mission was to convince this guy to unknowingly help me write a love song.

I casually leaned back on the bench, making sure to sound as offhanded as possible.

"Hey, you know… since you used to play guitar and all…"

Kai gave me a sideways glance. "...Yeah?"

I tapped my notebook, looking thoughtful.

"I've been working on something. Just some lyrics, but I was thinking of turning it into a song."

Kai raised an eyebrow. "Since when do you write songs?"

I shrugged. "Since now. You got a problem with that?"

"No, I just didn't expect it." He leaned back, looking mildly intrigued.

"What kind of song?"

I hesitated for a split second before answering. "A love song."

Kai coughed into his coffee. "You? Writing a love song?"

I scowled. "Why do you sound so surprised?"

"Because," he said, "you don't even like talking to people, let alone writing songs about feelings."

Fair point. But I wasn't about to admit that.

"Well, maybe I have layers," I shot back.

Kai looked entirely unconvinced, but he didn't call me out on it. Instead, he nodded toward my notebook.

"And what do you need me for?"

I tried to sound casual. "I just thought you might have some good input. Y'know, since you actually know music."

He gave me a suspicious look. "And what do I get out of this?"

I sat up straighter, already prepared. "I'll buy you a drink."

Kai blinked. "A drink?"

"A nice, cold drink," I clarified. "Any flavor you want."

His expression was unreadable. "You're bribing me with a drink in exchange for my musical expertise?"

"Bribing is a strong word. Think of it as… appreciation compensation."

Kai just shook his head, but I could see the tiny amused smirk he was trying to hide.

"You are the worst."

"And yet, here you are," I pointed out.

He sighed, running a hand through his hair.

"Fine. I'll take the drink. But if this song is a disaster, I'm not claiming any responsibility."

"Deal."

And just like that, step one of my genius plan was complete.

Evil laughter. MWHEHEHEHEHEEHEE

To be continued.