Chapter 11: A Very Hot Day
The summer vacation was in full swing. Both Yasmine and Aijin were lying on their beds in their respective apartments, doing nothing.
Aijin groaned. This heat… it's killing me. Why does it have to be so hot? I already finished my summer homework. Now what should I do?
Meanwhile, across town, Yasmine tossed on her bed. "It's too hot—TOO MUCH HOT! What should I do now? I can't bear this heat…"
She sighed. I've already done my homework too, so what am I supposed to do?
Both of them groaned in unison from their beds. "I HATE SUMMER!!"
---
In Aijin's apartment, Shuna called, "Aijin, can you go do some grocery shopping?"
"Okie dokie," he replied reluctantly.
In Yasmine's apartment, her mom appeared. "Yasmine, can you go get some groceries?"
Yasmine frowned. "But why me?"
Her mom smiled teasingly. "Because you're my favorite daughter."
Yasmine rolled her eyes. (This devious woman…)
Her mom handed her some money. "Here, extra for you."
"Didn't you already give the shopping money?"
"Yeah, but this is extra for you."
Yasmine grabbed it. "Okay, I'm leaving."
(Sometimes she really is nice…)
---
At the grocery store, Yasmine walked through the aisles. "Okay, just a few things left… next is chili pepper."
She reached for a packet at the same time as someone else.
"Oh, sorry, you can have it…"
Aijin's voice stopped her. "Oh, sorry… you can have… Yasmine!"
(Oh great… why do I have to meet him here?) she thought.
Aijin laughed softly. "Wow, what a coincidence. So you came to get groceries too?"
"…Yeah," Yasmine said.
"Alright, let's finish up quickly," he suggested.
After finishing shopping, Aijin turned to leave. "I'm heading out now."
"…Wait," Yasmine hesitated.
"What happened?"
"I have… some extra money… can we… go somewhere… to eat?"
"Sure, let's go," he said.
Outside, the blazing sun beat down on them. "I hate this heat," Aijin muttered.
"…Same," Yasmine replied, squinting at the sunlight.
They ducked back into the store to grab cold drinks. "Ah… refreshing," Aijin sighed after taking a sip. Yasmine sipped hers quietly.
As they walked back outside, Yasmine's eyes widened. "What's that?"
Aijin glanced where she pointed. "An arcade. Wanna go in?"
"…Yeah," she mumbled.
---
Inside, Yasmine was amazed. (Wow… this place looks incredible…)
Aijin noticed. (She looks really happy…)
Yasmine wandered to a doll-grabbing machine. "Do you want to try that?" Aijin asked.
"No, I don't need it," she replied.
Aijin inserted a coin. He tried once… failed. Twice… failed. Thrice… failed. He groaned, frustrated.
"Please, don't waste your money," Yasmine said.
"No, it's my time to shine!" he declared. The final coin went in—and finally, a doll dropped. "YA HO, FINALLY!"
He handed it to her.
"…Me? But why?"
"What would I do with it? That machine pissed me off," he said, glaring at the machine.
"But… your money?"
"Just take it. I don't care."
"Sometimes money is important," she said softly.
"Alright… then we'll use your money this time," he said with a grin.
They spent hours in the arcade, playing various games, winning an equal number.
"How was it?" Aijin asked.
"…Quite fun," Yasmine admitted.
"See? Money can't buy happiness. Sure, it's important sometimes, but your life and happiness matter more."
"…You're right," she whispered.
Now hungry but broke, Aijin said, "I'm starving."
"Let's go eat… I'll pay," she offered.
"No need," he said.
"…You said money isn't as important as life and happiness," she reminded him.
"Ah, now you're quoting me. Thanks for the offer," he smiled.
---
Unbeknownst to them, three familiar figures were lurking nearby.
"Why are we stalking them?" Mui whispered.
"You're no fun, you know that," Kei replied.
"Why you!!" Mui shot back.
"Be quiet, you two. I located them," Jirou whispered.
Earlier, Jirou had spotted Aijin and Yasmine at the arcade and called Kei and Mui.
Now, in the present:
"You two shouldn't be fighting," Jirou said.
Aijin frowned. "And what are you three doing here?"
"A-I-J-I-N! K-U-R-O-Y-A!" they exclaimed in unison.
"Now what are you doing here?" he asked again.
Kei and Jirou stammered. "Uh… we… um…"
Mui jumped in nervously. "We're planning a group picnic, that's why we came together."
Aijin raised an eyebrow. "Then why didn't you tell me or Yasmine?"
"Well… I almost called, but Jirou spotted you two," Mui explained.
(Nice one, Mui) Jirou and Kei thought.
Yasmine tilted her head. "So… where will the picnic be?"
"I know a nice place. Let's plan at a cafe," Kei suggested.
---
After planning and eating some food, summer homework came up.
"Ok, I need to finish my homework," Jirou sighed.
"Me too," Kei added.
Aijin raised a brow. "Wait… you two didn't finish it?"
"No?" Jirou and Kei said.
"Don't tell me…"
"I already finished mine," Aijin said proudly.
"Whaaat?!" Kei and Jirou exclaimed.
"What about you, Yasmine?"
"I… also finished it," she admitted quietly.
Mui added, "I've almost finished mine… just a little left."
Both Jirou and Kei froze, stunned.
Aijin laughed. "What happened to you two?"
"Nothing… don't ask," they muttered.
---
Later, Aijin returned to his apartment.
"I'm back," he said.
His mom appeared. "Aijin, we need to talk."
"Huh…" he muttered.
After the heat of the sun, an even bigger heatwave seemed to be coming toward Aijin. What will happen next?
[End of Chapter 11]