Celestial Love (Tsutey x OC)

Chapter 3

The sky's hues started changing to a beautiful purple and indigo mix.

Karina couldn't help but admire the night sky as the gas giant Polyphemus looked bigger at night.

She always found it calming to watch the stars and the moon before heading to bed. Grace told her love for Astrology must have come from her mother who was an Astrophysicist.

She smiled at the flock of birds chirping in the distance. Karina could definitely get used to this view.

"Come on everybody quiet down". Grace clapped her hands to get everybody's attention.

"All right Gang lights out". She turned her head to the hut's entrance and saw her niece still outside. "Come on Kari, Chop-Chop".

Karina quickly turned around and headed to bed. She saw Jake checking out his queue and she couldn't help but smile at his curiosity.

"I wouldn't play with that if I were you. You might go blind". She chuckled as she fluffed her pillow.

The tendrils on Jake's queue continued to move animately. "It's kinda freaky". He gave it one last look before putting it down as Karina suggested.

She could still hear her Aunt usher the scientist out of the before locking the metal gate shut.

"Lights out! See you at dinner Kiddies" Grace looked around, ensuring everybody settled before turning the lights out.

Karina just shook her head but smiled at the silly marine. Pulling the blanket over her Avatar facing the other way. She felt a hand on her forehead that made her look up.

She saw Grace giving her a warm smile. "I hope you had fun today". Her Aunt gave her a soft pat on the head before laying down on the bed beside hers.

She recalled the events of the day with a smile. "I did. Thank you, Aunt Grace". Karina was not sure if her aunt heard her reply as she sighed heavily.

"I also had fun, If anybody wants to know". Jake's sudden input made Karina roll on her back to face him. His randomness made her giggle. His hands were tucked behind his head as he gave Karina a dashing smile.

"Don't forget me. I had an amazing day. It was one for the books". Norm joined in, not wanting to be left out of the conversation.

This just made Karina laugh harder.

"Both of you are being so childish". Her laughter calmed down as she closed her eyes with a smile on her lips before she unlinked.

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The cafeteria was packed and busy during breakfast.

Karina carried her tray as she scanned around for an available seat.

She saw her Aunt and Norm sitting at a table full of scientists. They all were engrossed in discussing different topics to notice the wearisome-looking marine sitting at the end of the table.

"Hey". Karina nodded as she conveniently sat between the big gap left by the other scientist from Jake.

Jake was surprised that she chose to sit next to him but was glad for the company.

"Morning Doc". He greeted her with a smile as he took another bite of his omelette.

"Are you excited for later?". Karina tried to make a small conversation to ease the awkwardness in the air. It was clear that he didn't feel like he belonged there.