The sun was slowly starting its descent, but the heat still lingered, wrapping the friends in its relentless grip.
Selena wiped a bead of sweat from her forehead. "Okay, I admit, maybe Mr. Sun isn't completely mad at us. Just... grumpy."
Gala stretched her legs out. "Grumpy sun is still better than the usual hot mess my life's been lately."
Sam threw a pebble into the nearby fountain. "Speaking of messes, I've been avoiding telling you guys something."
Yan looked up, curious. "What is it, Sam?"
Sam hesitated, then laughed nervously. "I got kicked out of my gaming tournament last week. Technical issue, sure, but honestly... I choked."
Selena gave him a playful nudge. "Welcome to the human club, Sam. Everyone messes up."
Gala smiled warmly. "It's okay to fail sometimes. It doesn't define you."
Sam grinned sheepishly. "Thanks. I just didn't want to seem like a loser."
"Hey, being honest is way cooler than pretending everything's perfect," Yan said. "Besides, we all have those days."
Selena nodded. "Yeah, and right now, the only thing we're perfect at is sweating together."
They all laughed.
Suddenly, a shadow fell across them.
They looked up to see an old man sitting on the bench beside them, wiping his brow with a worn handkerchief.
"You kids seem troubled by the heat," he said with a kind smile. "But remember, the sun always sets. Patience."
Selena smiled at the stranger. "Thanks, sir. We're trying to stay cool — and sane."
The man chuckled. "Good. Sometimes, a little shade is all you need — in the weather, and in life."
With that, he stood and walked away slowly, leaving the friends to think about his words.
Gala sighed. "Maybe that's the lesson today. We just need a little shade... and a little patience."
Sam nodded. "And ice cream. Don't forget ice cream."
Selena grinned. "Always ice cream."
They settled back into the bench, feeling a little lighter, ready to face whatever the heat — and life — threw at them next.