Chapter 13: Chaos Picnic
The mountain trail was steep, but that wasn't the real challenge—keeping the group from falling into chaos was.
"Why do you always have to act like some old man?" Kei snapped, glaring at Mui.
"That's because you always do something wrong every single time," Mui shot back, equally irritated.
Aijin rubbed his temple, letting out a long sigh. (Can they stop fighting already? I'm tired of this…)
Before things could escalate further, Jirou hurried between them, raising both hands. "Guys, please. We came here for a picnic, not to fight each other."
The tension broke. Mui and Kei exchanged reluctant looks before muttering apologies.
Soon, the group arrived at the mountain's peak, where a massive tree spread its branches like a guardian watching over the land. The air was cooler here, and the scenery breathtaking.
"Wow," Aijin said, tilting his head back to take in the sheer size of the tree. "This place is huge. And the view—it's amazing."
Kei smirked proudly. "Hehe, told ya this was the best spot."
Jirou nodded in agreement. "Yeah, for real. This is perfect for a picnic."
Mui crossed his arms, pretending to be unimpressed. "Well… it's not bad."
"You can't even praise something properly," Kei huffed.
Mui's eye twitched. "What did you just—"
"Don't be mad." Aijin placed a hand on his shoulder, cutting him off. He glanced around. "Anyways, what about you, Yas—"
From a distance, Yasmine's soft voice carried through the breeze. "…I'm fine here… I don't want to ruin your enjoyment. Honestly, I don't even know why I came. I… don't want to be a burden to you all."
Kei's eyes narrowed. She marched straight toward Yasmine, gripping her shoulder firmly. "No excuses. You're coming with us."
"But—"
"I said you're coming." Kei smiled, but the aura she gave off was anything but gentle.
Yasmine stiffened. (She's scary…)
Under the great tree, the group settled down, opening their lunches.
"Oh, Yasmine, you brought sandwiches?" Aijin asked, noticing her neatly wrapped box.
"…Yeah," she whispered.
"Well, that's good."
Yasmine fidgeted with her hands. "Actually… my mom packed enough for everyone, so… please eat."
Jirou's eyes lit up. "Really? Let's go!"
"You're way too excited," Aijin muttered, shaking his head.
The group ate together, laughter filling the air as they shared games and silly banter. It was simple, but lively. Then Jirou suddenly clapped his hands.
"Alright, who's up for karaoke?"
Aijin froze mid-bite. "K-karaoke!?"
"Well, of course," Jirou grinned. "And Yasmine, you're first."
"Me!?" Her voice cracked.
"Yeah, you."
"…Fine," she whispered reluctantly.
When she began to sing, her trembling voice slowly transformed into something beautiful. By the end, everyone was stunned.
"YASMINE, YOU ROCK! YOU GO, GIRL!" Kei practically screamed.
Mui winced. (So loud…)
"T-thank you," Yasmine muttered shyly. "Now it's… your turn."
Kei went next, belting with all her energy. Then Jirou, then Mui. Finally, it was Aijin's turn.
"Guys… do I really have to?"
"Of course," Jirou said firmly.
But Aijin stood frozen, minutes passing without a single note leaving his lips.
"Dude, what's wrong with you?" Jirou asked.
"I… I can sing," Aijin forced out.
"If you're uncomfortable, you can quit," Mui offered.
"No," Aijin shook his head. "I'll do it."
But in his mind, voices from the past echoed.
"Your voice is weird. We can't even understand you. How do you even talk to people?"
His hand trembled.
"A-A-A-A—"
He blinked, startled, turning toward Yasmine. She was trembling too.
"Yasmine?"
"I-I'm sorry," she stammered. "But… I want to ask… are you… afraid?"
The question hit harder than he expected. She, of all people, had noticed.
"…What makes you say that?"
"Because… your left hand was shaking."
"What? Is that true?" Mui asked, frowning.
Aijin let out a heavy breath. "…Sorry, guys. Yeah, I was afraid. I… I've had a voice problem since birth. I don't think I can sing well."
"Who cares about that?" Jirou interrupted.
Aijin blinked. "Huh?"
A sharp smack landed on his shoulder. "Ouch! Mui, what was that for!?"
"You're a genius, but you're so dumb," Mui scolded. "Listen. So what if your voice is different? We're your friends. We might tease you, but we'll never mock you. You've always been kind to us, so we'll always be kind to you."
Yasmine's soft voice added, "…And… since this is from birth… it's not your fault."
The group froze, surprised that Yasmine of all people had spoken up like that.
Aijin felt his lips curve into a genuine smile. "Thanks, guys. Alright, I'll sing now."
He began.
The voice wasn't perfect—it carried its flaws—but the rhythm and emotion behind it turned the song into something mesmerizing. By the time he finished, everyone was left speechless.
"…It was… amazing," Yasmine whispered.
"The voice sounded the same," Kei admitted, "but the rhythm—Aijin, you sang like an actual singer!"
"Yeah," Mui nodded. "You were incredible."
"Seriously, how are you good at this too?" Jirou demanded.
"I don't know," Aijin said with a shy laugh. "But… thanks for the support, guys."
"Look," Jirou pointed.
The sun had begun to sink, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold.
"Oh, shoot," Aijin muttered. "We need to head back before it gets dark."
"Yeah," Mui agreed. "Mountains are dangerous at night."
They made their way down, but halfway through, Mui stumbled.
"Wait, guys," he winced. "I think I twisted my ankle."
"Let me help," Aijin said quickly, moving beside him.
"I can walk on my own—ow!" Mui grimaced as the pain spiked.
"Don't worry." Aijin gently pulled Mui's arm over his shoulder. "I've got you."
"…Thanks, Aijin," Mui muttered.
From behind, Kei watched the scene closely. (Those two… are something else.)
At last, they reached the station.
"So, we part ways here," Aijin said. "Kei, you live closer to Mui, so please keep an eye on him."
"Tch. Since you're asking, I'll take care of this headache," Kei replied.
"Oi, what did you just call me!?" Mui snapped.
"Anyway, goodbye," Aijin cut in before they could start again.
He and Yasmine boarded the same train.
"That was a really nice picnic," Aijin said, smiling.
"…Yeah," Yasmine agreed softly.
"Oh, and Yasmine—thanks for earlier."
"What? I… I didn't do anything."
"You pointed out my fear. And you helped me face it. That really meant a lot."
(Wait… didn't I just react without thinking?) Yasmine's thoughts tumbled into embarrassment.
Her trembling flashback replayed in her mind. (AHHH, THAT WAS SO EMBARRASSING!) Her cheeks flushed.
"Hahaha," Aijin laughed suddenly.
"Why are you laughing?"
"Because your reaction was kinda funny."
(Aijin, you idiot…) she thought, face burning.
"Don't be embarrassed," Aijin said warmly. "I'm really thankful."
At the station, he walked her to her apartment.
"Well, see you soon, Yasmine."
"…See… you."
The door clicked open, and Yasmine stepped inside.
"Oh-ho," her mother teased. "Looks like someone had fun."
"MOMMMMMM!!!"
The next day, the group gathered at a café.
"Is everyone here?" Jirou asked.
"Well, Mui and Kei aren't here yet," Aijin replied.
"Then we'll wait."
A few minutes later, Mui and Kei entered—both gossiping and smiling like old friends.
"EHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!?" Aijin, Yasmine, and Jirou shouted together.
Mui and Kei… enemies turned into friends?
Just what happened between them?
A new encounter was waiting on the horizon.
[ End of Chapter 13 ]