The minivan hums steadily as it glides down the open highway, the sound of rubber rolling over asphalt blending with the soft breeze filtering through the cracked windows. The road stretches ahead, empty for miles except for the occasional car passing by headlights flickering as they vanish into the distance. The scenery around them is breathtaking—golden fields swaying gently in the wind, patches of dense trees lining the horizon, and a few scattered farmhouses resting peacefully under the vast, open sky.

The sun hangs low, casting an amber glow over the landscape. It's warm hues paint the clouds in brilliant strokes of orange, pink, and purple, creating a sunset so mesmerizing it feels like a dream. The inside of the van is bathed in its golden light, shadows stretching across the seats, the dashboard, and the faces of the four friends embarking on their long-awaited road trip.

For a while, everything is still and peaceful, just the quiet murmur of the van’s engine and the occasional clicking of Rafael’s phone camera capturing the beauty around them. But the tranquility doesn’t last long.

With a sudden burst of energy, Chris cranks up the volume on the radio, filling the van with the booming sound of a rock song. Without hesitation, he throws his head back and belts out the lyrics, his voice completely off-key but filled with unshakable confidence.

Terra grips the steering wheel tightly. “I’m driving, don’t distract me—” she snaps, reaching out to turn the music back down with one hand while keeping her eyes on the road. Chris rolls his eyes, "No music? What kind of boring road trip is this?"

Rafael chuckles from the passenger seat, barely glancing up from his phone as he captures another shot of the horizon. “Maybe one where we can get there in one piece?” he suggests, his voice calm and laced with amusement. Meanwhile, in the backseat, Zero remains curled up against the window, his head resting against the glass, breathing slow and steady. He had dozed off almost an hour ago.