The train hummed gently as it sped through the countryside, carrying the group closer to Jiji's mysterious hometown. Inside their car, laughter and teasing filled the air as the four teenagers were deep in a game of Uno.
"Hey! You can't just help Okarun because he's your boyfriend! That's cheating!" Jiji whined, his dramatic tone earning a laugh from the group as he nearly threw his cards to the floor.
Okarun's face turned a furious shade of red at the word "boyfriend," his eyes darting toward Odette, who was sitting beside him. She only giggled at Jiji's outburst, leaning closer to whisper strategies into Okarun's ear with a mischievous smile.
Before Okarun could muster a response, Odette planted a quick, playful kiss on his cheek, leaving him stunned and speechless.
"Gross... ugh, game over! You win, Okarun!" Momo huffed, stomping her foot as she snatched the cards from everyone. "I just saw Taro and Hana earlier this morning—we don't need more of that right now." She grabbed the cards and shuffled them back into the box with exaggerated force.
Odette chuckled, reaching forward to shake Momo's leg jokingly. "Don't be so mean, Momo!" she teased, her other hand laced with Okarun's.
The group dissolved into laughter as the game ended, but Okarun couldn't shake a growing unease. His mind drifted back to the conversation he'd had with Odette the night before, specifically about the Evil Eye.
Across the aisle, Momo and Jiji were having a lively conversation over snacks, but Odette noticed Okarun's shift in demeanor. Her sharp eyes softened as she leaned closer to him. "Kenny, are you alright?" she asked gently, her voice barely audible over the hum of the train.
