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Scene: Nova Fangs Base – Dining Hall, Morning
The clatter of trays and the hum of quiet conversation filled the dining hall as sunlight streamed through tall windows. Reika sat cross-legged on one of the benches, poking at her fruit bowl with a spoon, while Shin silently sipped his tea beside her.
Then, the doors opened.
Akira and Yuki stepped in together.
They weren't holding hands—but something about the way they walked side by side made everything obvious.
There was a closeness in their rhythm, a peace in their expression. Yuki's smile lingered longer than usual. Akira's usually stern gaze had softened.
Reika squinted.
> "Well, well. Look who's glowing."
Shin raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything.
Yuki blushed slightly and tried to act casual as she grabbed a tray.
> "Good morning."
Akira offered a polite nod and sat across from them.
Reika leaned forward with a suspicious grin.
> "Sooo... just curious. Did anything interesting happen last night?"
Akira raised an eyebrow, unamused.
> "We completed the mission. You were there."
> "Mmmhmm," Reika said, resting her chin on her hands. "And after the mission? You both disappeared pretty quick