𝐅𝐀𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐁𝐄 - 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐂𝐈𝐎𝐔𝐒 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄

Chapter 22 - Drifting Apart

Third Person POV :
Test Tube wandered through the quiet streets, lost in her thoughts, when she suddenly noticed a small figure up ahead.

"Bot? What are you doing out here? It's dangerous for you to be alone at this hour." Test Tube asked seeing the child's figure on the playground. Bot looked at Test Tube, realizing that her eyes were puffy.

"Isn't it dangerous for you too?" Bot replied, stroking the cat in front of them. Then, she knelt down to Bot's level, her coat flaring out around her as she placed a gentle hand on their shoulder.

"You're right, it's not safe. Why are you out here all by yourself?" Test Tube tried to have a little conversation with the child.

"I couldn't sleep and I felt restless. I just wanted to go for a walk. But... I didn't think it through." Bot shrugged, glancing down at the ground.

"I get that. Sometimes we just need to get out and think. However, it's really important to stay safe, especially at night. How about we walk to the minimarket and grab some food? Then we can head back to the orphanage together." The green-haired girl invited them happily.

"Really? That sounds great!" Bot's eyes lit up at the suggestion. "Alright. Let's go!" Test Tube exclaimed soon smiled warmly.

Inside the brightly lit minimarket, she let Bot pick out a few treats, their eyes wide with excitement as they explored the aisles. With bags of snacks in hand, they began their walk back to the orphanage.

As Test Tube and Bot walked back towards the orphanage, their path was lit by the occasional streetlight, casting long shadows on the pavement. The quiet of the night was comforting, and Test Tube found herself enjoying Bot's excited chatter about their favorite snacks.

Suddenly, a figure stumbled out from an alleyway ahead of them. She recognized the telltale signs of drunkenness-the unsteady gait, the slurred muttering.

This smell... I don't like it...

As the drunken man approached, his expression shifted from anger to a leering grin. Test Tube's skin crawled with unease as he tried to close the distance between them.

"Stay behind me." She warned, her voice steady but firm. She positioned herself protectively in front of Bot, refusing to let the man get any closer.

"Hey there, pretty lady." He slurred, his breath reeking of alcohol. "What are you doing out here all alone? You should come with me."

"I have a boyfriend." She stated firmly. But the man ignored her warning and continued to advance, his eyes roaming over her in a way that made her stomach turn.

The man sneered, unimpressed. "Boyfriend, huh? He's not here, is he?" He reached out again, and that was the last straw.

With a swift, decisive motion, she swung her fist and punched the man square in the chest. The impact was solid, and he staggered backward, eyes wide with shock.

The man stumbled, trying to regain his balance, but Test Tube didn't wait to see if he'd recover. Grabbing Bot's hand, she turned and ran, putting as much distance between them and the drunken assailant as possible.

They didn't stop running until they reached the entrance of the orphanage. Panting and shaking, Test Tube looked down at Bot, who clutched her hand tightly.

"Are you alright?" She asked, her voice trembling with residual adrenaline. Bot nodded, their eyes still wide with shock. She pulled them into a tight hug, relief flooding her.

"You have a boyfriend?" They asked, their eyes gleamed with curiosity. She smiled softly, the thought of Fan bringing a warmth to her heart.

"His name is Fan. We've been together for a while, and he's always there for me when I need him." Bot's eyes widened with interest.