Phainon slumped against the counter, arms crossed, scowling at the gleaming kitchen around them. "This isn’t the summer I signed up for," he muttered, his voice dripping with frustration. Outside, the sun sparkled over the swimming pool, and the distant hum of a golf cart rolling across the green carried through the open windows. But here they were—trapped in aprons and chef hats, chopping vegetables and stirring pots instead of scoring on the court or diving into the pool.

Trailblazer adjusted their chef uniform, tucking stray strands of hair behind their ears. They glanced at the list of tasks pinned to the wall, then at the bubbling sauce on the stove. “Well… it could be worse,” they said softly, though their eyes flicked toward the pool as if imagining a moment of escape.

Phainon huffed, pacing a little. “Could be worse? Really? I’m supposed to be shooting hoops, not peeling potatoes!”

Trailblazer tilted their head, a sly smile creeping onto their face. “Come on, Phainon, maybe we can… work it out.”

And just like that, the beat started, light and playful, echoing in the sunlit kitchen. Trailblazer grabbed a whisk and twirled it like a microphone, stepping into the rhythm, while Phainon reluctantly tapped a spoon against a bowl, trying not to smile. Mydei started chopping in time, strong and confident, while Cyrene added flair with flips and spins of dough, and Castorice twirled the rolling pin like a baton.

The kitchen turned into a stage. Pots clanged, ingredients flew, and laughter bubbled up as they each found their groove. Trailblazer’s voice carried clearly, bright and melodic, weaving through the clatter, urging everyone to shake off their grumbles and find the fun hidden in the summer chores. Phainon couldn’t deny the energy—it was infectious, even if he’d never admit it aloud.

As the last notes echoed, Trailblazer twirled a spatula triumphantly, hair slightly mussed from the movement. Phainon leaned on the counter, breathing heavily, watching Mydei with a teasing squint. “So… Mydei,” he said, eyebrow raised, “are you really wanting to work this summer out, or are you just pretending to look busy?”

Mydei smirked, holding up a perfectly chopped pile of vegetables. “You’re just jealous you can’t keep up.”

Phainon groaned dramatically, but the corner of his mouth twitched upward. Outside, the pool glimmered, calling to them, and for a brief moment, the heat of the summer didn’t feel so wasted.