The Next Day
The golden curtain of afternoon had fallen over the family estate as Katerina descended the gleaming marble staircase with quiet, measured steps. She wore her usual comfy, sporty outfit— a sleeveless pink jacket over a crisp white T-shirt, loose red shorts down to her knees, white socks, and spotless sneakers. Her light blonde hair danced gently with each step.
In her mind, she replayed scenes from last night's glorious victory… 87 to 27. A joy that wouldn't be forgotten. She smiled to herself, remembering how Haruka had invited them all to the mansion afterward—long conversations, laughter with their families. It felt like a dream painted in color.
But her thoughts were interrupted by sharp voices from below.
The scene wasn't new—so familiar that Katerina didn't even flinch: her three sisters—Anastasia the chef, Alyona the detective, and Nadezhda the doctor—locked in their usual three-way debate. Three sharp minds, three iron wills, arguing like the fate of the universe was at stake.
Katerina walked closer, her calm gaze unchanged, and asked softly: — "What's going on here?"
Immediately, each of them launched into her case like lawyers before a jury.
Anastasia wanted her in the kitchen to test a new recipe.
Nadezhda insisted she come to the hospital to see rare medical cases.
And Alyona was urging her to attend a crime scene inspection— "You're the only one I can fully explain things to!" she said, flustered.
Katerina raised a single brow… then understood.
As always, it was about who would win her time—a quiet competition they never acknowledged out loud.
But today… Katerina wasn't in the mood to play that game.
She'd already decided last night: today was for her friends. A girls-only kind of day.
Still, she hadn't said anything yet.
Before she could speak, their mother—Lady Larisa—entered with her usual queen-like presence and declared in a tone that brooked no debate: — "Let her choose. Herself."
Silence fell.
Then the argument dissolved.
Katerina stepped forward with her usual composed air and a small smile: — "I'll be going out with my friends today."
The sisters weren't pleased, but they said nothing. Their eyes simply followed her as she walked out.
The heavy door opened… and closed behind her.
A long moment passed in silence. Then Anastasia sighed and headed upstairs to change. Nadezhda followed, steps heavier. Alyona lingered for a second—about to walk away—when she noticed something.
Their mother stood by the door, still watching the space where Katerina had disappeared.
Alyona approached quietly and asked: — "Mother… is everything alright?"
Their mother smiled faintly… but her hand was pressed against her chest, right over her heart.
— "Yes… it's just… something feels off. A mother's intuition never lies."
Alyona stood in silence for a few seconds. Then she gently placed her hand on her mother's shoulder and whispered: — "Maybe it's just worry. But she's strong. You know that."
Still, deep inside… Alyona started to feel it too.
Something was shifting.
Today wasn't just another outing.
It was the beginning of something greater… and maybe, the end of something else.
•••
At the Amusement Park
In the bustling heart of the amusement park—filled with noise, laughter, and the glint of lights dancing across smiling faces—the six girls stood in the wide plaza. The air was thick with the smell of popcorn and caramel, the sound of the spinning Ferris wheel echoing in the distance.
Haruka stood before them with military seriousness, hands behind her back, posture straight like a drill sergeant on duty.
The other five—Mai, Sabrina, Katerina, Yui, and Himari—were lined up in a row, looking like soldiers being briefed before battle.
Then Haruka said in a firm voice: — "Prepare yourselves, Units One through Five. I have prepared a highly strategic plan for our day at the amusement park!"
She pulled out a long, loooooong piece of paper—so long it nearly touched the ground—and began to read in a sharp, precise voice:
— "15:15: Enter the spaceship simulator.
15:45: Enter haunted house ride (wait time: 25 minutes calculated).
16:10: Purchase cold drinks from Stand #4 — don't forget the 5% discount.
16:20: Enter the spinning tunnel—please avoid excessive screaming; sound bounces off the walls…"
With each new line, the expressions of the five girls changed:
Sabrina let out a dramatic sigh:
— "Ah yes, because we're on a secret mission, not at a fun park."
Katerina placed her hand on her cheek and muttered:
— "This feels more like military training for a physics exam."
Himari grumbled softly:
— "I came here to scream in ghost rides, not in time slots... you iron commander!"
Despite the whining, Haruka kept going—her list seemingly endless. So long, in fact, that passing kids stared in awe:
— "Is that a treasure map?!"
Suddenly… Himari turned her head, and her eyes lit up like fireworks: — "Waaait! Look over there!"
The five turned to where she was pointing—a massive section marked Interactive Haunted House, billowing with smoke, flashing with lights, and echoing with eerie laughter. It was vibrant, chaotic, and undeniably tempting.
Himari smirked and raised an eyebrow: — "I say... we changed the plan just a bit."
They looked at each other, a little unsure…
Then each one slowly turned to glance at Haruka—still facing the other way, reading aloud from her "Fun Time Battle Strategy" sheet.
And then…
They nodded their heads at the same time, slowly, with wicked smiles—as if they were communicating telepathically.
Just as Haruka turned to say,
"And now, the commemorative photo session in front of the East Gate—"
There was no one in front of her.
Nothing.
Just air and distant voices.
She stood in silence for a moment, her hair fluttering in the soft breeze, her face displaying the expression of someone who knew exactly what had just happened… then exhaled:
"Idiots… as usual."
She lifted the paper, folded it calmly, and clicked her heel decisively on the ground before turning around.
"The worst part? I know exactly where they went."
And with confident steps, she headed toward the haunted house—not to stop them… but to join them. Though with a scowl that said: "You won't survive the second lecture after this."
•••
In the heart of the amusement park, where lights twinkled like little stars, and music played from every corner, with crowds buzzing with children's laughter and teenage chaos, the secret war within the "Golden Team" had reached its peak.
Not a basketball game—no, this was a chase spread across the entire park.
And the most feared player, Captain Haruka, had become the hunted one, without realizing she was about to be defeated by childish, cunning tactics.
The five: Katrina, Sabrina, Himari, Yui, and Mai—ran around like they were in some comedic adventure movie.
Now, they'd stopped at the "Giant Plushies" booth, where the challenge was simple: knock over three cans, win a plush.
Sabrina (smiling confidently, rolling up her sleeves): "Watch and learn, kiddos… Today, I'm the loving mom who brings gifts to her babies."
Katrina (laughing as she eyes the toys): "Oh? If you fail, I'm mocking you all the way home."
Yui (clinging to her arm): "Pleeeeease, I want the pink bunny!"
Mai (hands on her hips): "I swear, if you don't get me that bear, I'll never forgive you."
Sabrina hurled the balls in three powerful throws, one after another—the cans tumbled like dominoes.
Sabrina (triumphantly): "BOOM! Three toys, three happy girls. Who's the best? I'm the best."
The crowd clapped, some little kids cheered, and Katrina and Yui clapped excitedly for her.
But Himari? No. She bit her lip, eyebrows twitching in visible, adorable frustration.
Himari (softly, looking away): "Wants to act like a hero… I swear, I'll make you all forget her name."
Then she suddenly looked behind her and grinned slyly.
Himari (enthusiastically pointing): "Look look! The roller coaster! Hurry before the line gets long!"
Katrina (eyes sparkling): "Roller coaster? Fastest? Scariest? LET'S GOOOO!"
Yui (excited): "Me me me! I'm sitting in the front!!"
Mai (laughing, dragging Katrina): "Let's ride and ditch Sabrina, right?"
The trio bolted with Himari, running and laughing like they were on a secret mission.
Meanwhile, Sabrina was holding three giant plushies.
She turned—no one.
Just empty air.
Sabrina (raising an eyebrow, low voice): "Where'd those punks go?"
Then she heard screaming and laughter near the coaster—and there they were! Running, jumping… and Himari?
Paused for half a second, turned, gave her a sideways glance and a wicked smirk while waving.
Sabrina (clenching her lips, raising her voice): "HIMARI!!! I swear if I catch you, I'm stuffing you in place of this bear!!"
She started running after them, waving the plushies above her head and yelling:
Sabrina: "YUI!!! KATRINA!! At least take your prizes before you die of fear!!"
Katrina (from afar, laughing): "If I die, hang the bear on my grave!!"
Mai (mischievously): "Or hang it on my door—I'm the rightful heir!"
Himari (glancing back one last time): "Too slow, loser~"
And so began a new chase… but this time, Sabrina entered the battle—armed with plushies and mom-rage.
Through all the laughter, running, and mischief, this wasn't just a theme park trip.
It was a moment that proved their friendship wasn't built on victories—but on chaos, childhood, and spontaneous nonsense.
•••
In the middle of the amusement park, where the lights shone and music played from every angle, surrounded by children's laughter and teens screaming on rides—Sabrina was sprinting breathlessly, searching not for a place… but for her person.
Her eyes scanned every packed seat, one by one, searching for Katrina—her little soul-piece, the one who'd promised to sit beside her on the roller coaster.
But… wait.
She froze.
Her eyes landed on a scene straight out of betrayal folklore:
Katrina was sitting next to Himari.
"Huhhhh?" she muttered to herself, eyebrows lifting and arching like they were about to commit a felony.
Her anger wasn't loud… it was silent and heavy.
A sharp sting iced over her heart.
"Out of all people… Himari?!" she thought bitterly, gritting her teeth.
But she didn't back down. No, Sabrina didn't flee from battles.
She looked left and right, hunting for Yui.
"No way Yui betrayed me too…" she whispered.
But… yeah. The disaster grew worse.
Yui was sitting with Mai.
"YUIIII?!" she almost yelled. "Mai doesn't let anyone sit next to her on rides! She always says: (I love personal space where souls scream)!!"
Sabrina felt like the earth swallowed her whole.
She knew it—this was all Himari's scheme.
And just as fate loves cruelty… she looked up—and locked eyes with Himari, who was turning around with that same evil, long… cold smile.
She raised her eyebrows, mouthed something slowly—and Sabrina read the message loud and clear:
"Sit… behind us."
That was the moment everything exploded inside Sabrina: the rage, the humiliation, the pride.
She held it in… held it long enough… but the whistle blew, and the roller coaster was about to move.
"Screw you all!" she muttered, spinning around and spotting a seat—right behind them. The one place she didn't want.
She sat down.
Next to her… was a skinny college guy holding popcorn, eyeing her suspiciously.
She turned to him with a killer look—a mix of starving tiger and betrayed queen.
She said, eyes blazing:
"Don't breathe next to me."
He said nothing. Just turned the other way, as if life no longer concerned him.
The coaster launched.
Screams filled the air…
But in the back row… a tension, silent as a volcano on the brink.
And in the front? Katrina giggling next to Himari… who sat there, quietly watching, smile growing wider.
•••
At the exact moment the roller coaster screeched to a halt, light metallic sounds echoed—signals that the ride had ended. The staff member shouted clearly, "Everyone, exit to the left!"
The passengers quickly disembarked, all except one girl, who descended like a ninja warrior ready for revenge. It was Sabrina, her features ablaze with fury, leaping down the steps like she intended to set the ground on fire beneath Himari's feet.
As for Himari? She knew she was in deep trouble. The second their eyes met, she flashed a "galaxy-sized provocative grin" and screamed:
"RUUUNNN!!!"
She took off sprinting with all the energy in her body, laughing maniacally. Sabrina gave chase, shouting:
"Give me back my moment! You ruined everything, you little demon!"
As the two bolted through the walkways, Katrina, Yui, and Mai stepped off the ride calmly, as if the chaos was just another part of their daily routine.
Katrina sighed, a crooked smile on her face:
"They'll never change…"
Mai raised an eyebrow:
"One of them is definitely going to choke soon… I just don't know which one."
Yui added innocently:
"But it was kind of fun… sort of?"
Out in the open square, Himari was now being "strangled" in jest by Sabrina, who had locked her arms around Himari's neck in a mock combat hold:
"Admit it! Why do you hate happiness?!"
Himari faked a dramatic gasp:
"Ayo chillllll, so this is how it ends… after all I've done for you—letting you sit alone for the first time ever without Katrina… A betrayal in broad daylight!"
Sabrina gritted her teeth:
"Himari, I swear I'll dye your hair blue and tell everyone you're a K-pop stan!"
The other three approached, ready to intervene… but then, suddenly, a cold, dry voice sliced through the air, laced with quiet sarcasm:
"Having fun…?"
To be continued…