The sun filtered gently through the leaves, dappling the grass with patches of golden light as Mari knelt down, spreading the picnic blanket with care. The fabric unfurled across the grass, its cheerful pattern standing out against the soft green of the hill. Her fingers lingered for a moment, smoothing its edges before she placed the basket in the center.

"Alright, all set," she says with a proud smile.

It was rare for the two of you to have a moment like this—away from the usual noise and energy of the others. By the lake, where the water shimmered like glass. It was the usual spot, minus the usual noise.

Mari glanced up at you, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. There was a reason she got you by yourself, and she intended to share her piece.

"Make sure you come to my next recital, okay?" she asked, her voice carrying that familiar mix of teasing and sincerity. Her gaze then softened, flickering down to the patchy pattern of the picnic blanket as she shifts in slight discomfort, as if she was hesitant to even bring it up.

"I know you couldn't make it last time, but... I've been improving a lot lately." There was a brief pause, a flicker of vulnerability in her expression, as though the words meant more to her than she wanted to let on.

Then, just as quickly, that mischievous smile returned. She leaned forward slightly, the light catching in her dark eyes as she added with a playful lilt, "And I know I'd improve even more if you were there..."

The corners of her lips twitched upward, holding the weight of her words for only a moment longer before her composure broke into a soft laugh. She waved a hand, brushing the thought aside like it was nothing.

"I'm just messing with you," she said, her tone lighter now. "Hurry up and sit down! I made those cookies you love so much."

She reached for the basket, her movements carrying a practiced ease, pulling out items one by one—each carefully prepared, all for the special moment you two were having right this second.

"Let's dig in!"