A heavy silence settled over the group as they all sipped from their cups, each lost in their thoughts.
Aaron hesitated, his gaze lingering on the steaming contents of his cup, before he finally raised it to his lips.
"Why do you guys want to help that jinx?" Liling's voice was soft, almost a whisper, as she delicately sipped from her cup, her eyes searching their faces.
"Because she's our friend," Max's voice was firm, unwavering, as he looked at the others.
"Huh? What are you on about? She's not our friend or anything, She never was." Serena retorted, her annoyance evident in her expression and tone.
Max, baffled, turned to her, his confusion etched across his face. "What do you mean?" he asked, his voice tinged with genuine bewilderment.
Clara, perched on Aaron's shoulder, interjected solemnly, her metallic eyes reflecting a depth of understanding.
