( 𝐫 𝐨 𝐜 𝐤 𝐬 𝐭 𝐚 𝐫 ! ) 𝑵𝑨𝑵𝑨

𝐄𝐏𝐈𝐒𝐎𝐃𝐄 6.

During Kaiyah's fourth year of high school, the group—Nana, Ren, Yasu, and Nobu—planned a spring break trip that they had been talking about for months. They wanted to make it special, a break from the usual routine. Yasu, especially, had been pushing for Kaiyah and Reira to join them. He had mentioned wanting them to come see their band, Black Stones, perform at a gig he'd lined up during the trip. Yasu, ever the peacemaker and strategist, knew how much Kaiyah and Reira's presence would mean to the group dynamic, especially since Blast had been steadily gaining momentum.

Takumi was part of the trip too, but more as an afterthought. He wasn't involved with Blast, not like Kaiyah had been before. Back then, Kaiyah was supposed to be part of Black Stones—both as a bassist and vocalist. Yasu had been all for it, believing that Kaiyah's skills would be a major asset. But Ren had shot down the idea, arguing that it would cause too much competition and tension within the band. Kaiyah knew that wasn't the real reason though.

Deep down, Kaiyah felt Ren was threatened by her talent. She was too good at both singing and playing bass, and Ren had never liked that. If Kaiyah had chosen to stick with playing bass, Ren would've felt the need to outshine her. His competitive streak wouldn't have let it go. And if she had chosen to be a vocalist, instead of focusing on her bass, there was no doubt Nana would've seen her as a threat too. Kaiyah had always had a powerful but angelic voice, one that turned heads, and Nana would've felt the need to compete for the spotlight.

In the end, it was easier for Ren to frame it as "keeping the peace" by not having Kaiyah join. He claimed it was to avoid tension within the group, but Kaiyah knew it was just a way to push her out. The whole thing had left a bitter taste in her mouth, and the resentment lingered beneath the surface, even as she joined them on this trip. She was there for Yasu—because she believed in his vision and because he had always looked out for her. But part of her was still frustrated, knowing she could've been up there on stage, shredding on the bass and belting out the same songs.

Takumi, on the other hand, was just along for the ride. He didn't care much for the band drama, not unless it involved Kaiyah.

The sun was setting on the beach, casting a golden glow over the waves as they rolled gently onto the shore. Just a few feet away, the sounds of the amusement park buzzed in the distance—laughter, the hum of rides, the occasional scream from the roller coaster—but for Kaiyah and Takumi, all of that felt like background noise. They sat under a large beach umbrella on a towel, their legs stretched out in front of them, the warmth of the sand beneath them giving a comforting feel as they leaned into each other, completely absorbed in their own little world.

A deck of UNO cards was scattered between them, and Takumi was in the middle of trying to psych her out with his classic poker face, though a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips, betraying his playful intent. Kaiyah rolled her eyes, but she couldn't help but grin back, her own hand of cards held tightly to her chest.

"This is it. Your downfall is right here," Takumi teased, flashing her a cocky grin as he dramatically slapped down a Draw Four card, his eyes glinting with mischief.

Kaiyah shot him a look, narrowing her eyes playfully while clutching her chest in mock betrayal. "Fuck you," she said, her tone laced with fake attitude, though the grin tugging at the corners of her lips betrayed her. She reached for the pile of cards with exaggerated annoyance, pretending to be mad, but the laughter bubbling up between them was impossible to contain.

Takumi leaned back, shaking his head in amusement, clearly reveling in his small victory. Kaiyah, on the other hand, tried to hold onto her pout, but her playful nature couldn't stay hidden for long. The two of them burst into laughter at the same time, their voices blending with the sound of the waves crashing softly against the shore.