Invisible String

Chapter 12

Iyaara

It was the next day — project day.
We had to go to Ava’s house after school, and honestly, I was kind of excited. I knew it was going to be a mix of fun, chaos, and who-knows-what-else.

After the bell rang, Ava and I waited by the lockers for Ryker and Kairo. I spotted them walking down the hallway — Ryker with his usual calm, unreadable face, and Kairo with that mischievous grin that always means trouble.

“Hey guys, all ready to go and ace the project?” Kairo said, slinging his bag over his shoulder.

“Yea, let’s gooo!” Ava said dramatically, earning an eye-roll from me.

The four of us hopped on the bus. Ava’s house was four stops away, so we flashed our bus cards and found seats near the back.

The bus rattled as it started moving, sunlight spilling through the windows. Ryker sat by the window, as always — quiet, watching the world outside — while Kairo and Ava bickered about who forgot to bring snacks. I just sat there in between them, smiling to myself.

We got down at the bus stop and started walking toward Ava’s house. It was a bit far, but the walk didn’t feel long with all of us chatting and teasing each other.

Ava opened the gate and led us inside. The moment I stepped in, a calm silence wrapped around the house, and the faint aroma of vanilla candles filled the air.

Kairo instantly threw himself onto the couch like he owned the place.
“Make yourself at home, why don’t you,” Ava said, rolling her eyes.

We all dropped our bags on the floor and sat around the table.

“So, what’s the plan?” Kairo asked, sitting up a little.

“Umm, what about…” Ava started, but Kairo cut in, “Wait, what about a working model that shows how renewable energy works?”

“That’s actually a great idea,” I said, “but maybe we can make it more unique—something different?”

We tossed around a few more ideas until Ryker finally spoke up, his tone calm as always.
“What about a self-charging backpack?” he said.

Kairo frowned. “How does that work?”

Ryker leaned back slightly. “Basically, a backpack that lets you charge your devices using solar power or kinetic energy. No one else will think of this.”

Everyone stared at him for a second.
“Whatttt—how do you even come up with ideas like that?” Kairo said, eyes wide.

Ryker just shrugged.

“It’s so good, I love it!” Kairo said, jumping up in excitement.

“We should totally do this,” I said.

“Yeah,” Ava agreed, smiling.

“So,” I said, clapping my hands, “we need to get the materials and stuff for it. Let’s divide the work!”

“Iyaara and Ryker will go buy the materials,” Ava said excitedly. “Me and Kairo will stay here and design the layout. We’ll even make a sketch of it.”

“Perfect,” Kairo said dramatically. “I don’t have to go out after walking a hundred miles.”

“My house is literally near the bus station,” Ava said, pretending to be offended.

Me and Ryker left, walking through the road in silence. It wasn’t uncomfortable, but it wasn’t comfortable either. Just… quiet.

So, I decided to speak first. “So how did you get the idea?” I asked, finally breaking the awkward silence.

He shrugged. “It’s just something I had in mind. Thought it would be a good science project.”
He ran a hand through his hair, his usual calm expression never changing.

“Of course,” I said teasingly. “Ryker the topper never fails.”

We reached the store, and as the cool air from the AC hit me, I sighed in relief. “Finally.”

Ryker went straight toward the electronics section, but I stopped him. “Wait!”

“What happened?” he asked, startled.

“There’s something we really need first,” I said, all serious.

He frowned. “And what’s that?”

I didn’t answer. I just grabbed his hand and pulled him to the snacks aisle.

He blinked at me, expression deadpan. “Seriously?”

I grinned. “What? This is very important.”

He laughed softly, rubbing a hand over his face. “You’re impossible.”

I started picking out my favorite snacks and asked if he wanted something.
He shook his head. “Sugar gives stress. And it’s unhealthy. Ages you faster.”

“Typical Ryker,” I muttered under my breath, smiling.

After my very important snack shopping, we finally bought the real materials—
small solar panels, a power bank to store energy, a USB port, wires, glue gun, duct tape, and a few other things.

It was quite expensive, but worth it for an A+.

When we got back to Ava’s house, we dropped the materials on the table.
I took out my snack bag, and Ava raised her eyebrows.

“Ohh, so this was needed for the project too?” she teased.

“Obviously,” I said dramatically. “It’s essential for creativity.”