School's out.
The weekend has officially begun, and the group finally heads to the brand-new gaming arcade that's just opened up near the station. Neon lights buzz. The smell of popcorn and soda lingers in the air. The energy? Electric.
Saad practically bounces as he pushes open the glass door.
"First thing we try," he announces, pointing at the blinking row of neon guns and screens, "is the shooting game."
Sneha cracks her knuckles. "Who's even going to beat me though?"
Saad smirks. "Whoever loses buys everyone drinks."
Soha hesitates. "Uh… I'm not good at these. Like, at all."
Dylan chuckles. "Piece of cake."
Ami stares at the machine. "Okay but... what do I even do? Where's the trigger?"
Saad walks over, picking up one of the toy rifles.
Saad: "Here, let me show you."
He gently guides Ami's hands over the controls. "Just hold it like this, keep your stance steady, and squeeze here."
Ami: watching closely "Oh… so it's a light squeeze, not a pull."
Saad: "Exactly. Too much force and you'll miss the target."
Suddenly-
Whack!
Sneha smacks Saad's arm. "Excuse me?Why are you clinging to her like that? Move. I'll teach her myself."
Saad: Rubbing his arm,
"Oof..
It's for educational purposes!"
Sneha: "Yeah? Well, education time's over. Go teach someone else."
Saad steps aside reluctantly, muttering.
Saad: "This is gender bias in action."
Ami: "Bro and sis,just teach me and quit fighting."
Sneha: "Alright, rookie. First rule: aim for the center, ignore the flashy lights on the sides."
Saad: standing behind them with his arms crossed "Second rule: don't listen to her, she looks like she always wastes ammo."
Sneha: "I do not! I'm just… thorough."
Ami: pretending to squint down the sights "Do I get extra points for style?"
Saad: "No. But you get minus points if you let Sneha boss you around."
Sneha: shoots him a glare without looking away from the screen "Minus points for breathing in my airspace."
Ami pulls the trigger and the screen explodes with flashing colors.
Ami: "Ohhh, I think I hit something!"
Sneha: "Nice,Now keep your aim steady-don't let Saad's bad vibes throw you off."
Saad: "Bad vibes? Heh -I'm the morale boost here."
They line up and start. Lights flash. Guns blast. Soha screams whenever she gets hit. Dylan quietly snipes everything. Sneha becomes a monster, clearing waves.
Sneha ends up blowing everyone's scores out of the water.
"Wow," Ami says. "You were born to do this."
(High Score: Sneha. Last Place: Soha)
"Oops," Soha sighs. "Looks like I'm buying drinks. What does everyone want?"
Ami frowns slightly. "You sure you want to go alone? Should I come with?"
Before Soha can answer, Dylan stands up. "I'll go with her."
Saad raises both eyebrows, nudging Ami with a grin. "Ooooo. Lovebirds on a mission."
Sneha steps on Saad's foot. "Shush. Let them enjoy their time."
Ami giggles...
Once Dylan and Soha are off, Saad stretches. "Now that the romantics are gone, shall we try the massage chairs?"
"What, planning to nap?" Sneha teases.
"Honestly? Yes."
"Count me in," Ami adds, already moving.
The three of them sink into the massage chairs.
Ami: "I can feel my soul leaving my body. In a good way."
Five minutes later...
All three of them are out cold.
Later,
Dylan and Soha return, drinks in hand.
Soha raises a brow. "Are they seriously sleeping in the middle of an arcade?"
Dylan: "In the middle of an arcade. With techno music blasting."
She starts shaking them awake.
"Wake up. You're not paying rent to nap here."
"Mmm... five more minutes, Mom," Saad mumbles.
Sneha groans. "Ugh, wake up, koala."
Ami stirs, blinking. "I dreamt the chair swallowed me."
Dylan: "Come on, Sleeping Beauty Club. There's still a VR roller coaster with our name on it."
Saad: standing and stretching "Fine, but only if we win a plushie after."
They wake up, laughing, stretching, and soon the gang dives into trying other games-VR roller coasters, claw machines.
Next, they try the dance mats. Ami trips twice. Sneha absolutely slays the routine. Saad falls on his face.
Two hours fly by.
Until...
Soha suddenly clutches her stomach.
"I think I need to go to the washroom," she whispers to Ami and Sneha. "Something feels... off."
Ami's smile fades instantly. "You okay? Want me to come with you?"
"I'll go," Sneha says firmly.
Ami nods and follows too.
They walk quickly through the flashing lights and crowd to the restroom area.
Just as Soha walks ahead, Ami freezes.
There's a visible stain at the back of Soha's skirt.
Ami immediately takes off her school blazer and wraps it around Soha's waist.
"Soha," she whispers gently. "Looks like Mother Nature's decided to visit you today."
Sneha sighs, opening her purse. "No worries. Here, take this tampon. You'll be fine. We got you."
Soha nods, eyes glassy. She disappears into the restroom.
A few minutes later, she returns looking pale but better.
They head back to the boys.
Dylan frowns. "You okay? You look kinda... off."
Sneha: "She's busy shedding meat and blood, bro."
Ami rolls her eyes. "Be nice. Dylan, look after your girl. I'm going to get her some hot water and chocolates."
"What happened?" Saad asks, confused.
"Girl emergency," Ami says over her shoulder.
"Oh!Got it."
Ami returns with supplies. Soha eats, takes her medicine, and finally begins to relax.
"Let's call it a day," Ami says. "Come on. I'll drop you off."
Dylan stands. "I'll take her. Our houses are nearby. Don't worry, she's in good hands."
Sneha smirks. "She doesn't need extra hands. She's got us."
Ami gives Dylan a serious look. "Okay okay no more jokes. Take care of her, alright? I'm trusting you."
"I will," Dylan nods.
Saad stretches. "Well, guess I'll head out too."
"Where's your house again?" Sneha asks.
"Xy Road."
"Mine too. Come on, let's go together."
Ami waves. "Guess I'll grab a cab from here."
The group splits, each walking off in different directions.
Ami lingers for a moment outside the arcade, eyes lifting to the night sky.
The cool air brushes her face as she thinks:
How fun can this world be? In my past life, everything was so dull... so dark. I never imagined moments like these could exist.
She smiles.