Love and Deepspace x Reader

Chapter 21: Beyond expectation

460 - 471 STATION [ Service/Counter ]

Tara:
          ...So you're already in the Arctic? Did anyone go with you?

Y/N:
          Don't worry, I'm just going to relax at Snowcrest. I'll be back in a few days.

Tara:
          Really? That's good... If you kept working so much, they'd need to install an anti- workaholic mechanism in the watch.

Tara:
          Have fun in your vacation!

Y/N:
          Yeah. I'll get some souvenirs for you.

You end the call with Tara. Outside the station, the blizzard has stopped. The sky appears more vivid than in other places. The dazzling blue hues cascade past the snow- capped mountains.

Station Announcer:
          Ladies and gentlemen, we regret to inform you that the next train to Snowcrest has been canceled. We apologize for the inconvenience...

You're currently in the middle of travel season. After hearing the announcement, the people on the platform drag their luggage back to the waiting room and grumble.

After getting Dr. Noah's contact info from Zayne yesterday, you immediately scheduled a meeting for today. Watching the time tick away on your phone, you approach the counter, unwilling to give up on your journey.

Y/N:
          Excuse me, are there other ways to get to Snowcrest besides taking the Boreas Express?

Staff:
          We still don't know if the train has been canceled because of the weather or for another reason. For your safety, please wait.

UNKNOWN:
          One cheesecake and one croissant, please. Thank you.

A familiar voice reaches your ears. Surprised, you turn around and spot Zayne at a café nearby.

Y/N:
          ...Zayne?!

His fingers pause over the glass display. Zayne looks at you, but he doesn't seem surprised.

Zayne:
          ...It's you.

You immediately regret calling out to him. You try to suppress your guilt and wave at him. You pretend it's just a normal day.

Y/N:
          Why are you here?

Y/N:
          There's been a new development in Dr. Noah's research. He asked me to visit him a week ago.

After answering your poor excuse of a question, Zayne's gaze shifts back to the freshly baked bread on the counter.

Zayne:
          He's not as young as he used to be and can't always do things alone anymore. I help him whenever I'm not too busy with work.

He looks at the menu then looks at you.

Zayne:
          Would you like to eat something together?

Y/N:
          Thanks. I'll... get a sandwich, then.

Barista:
          Sir, the two lattes you ordered are ready. Here or to-go?

As Zayne is about to pay, you beat him to it.

Y/N:
          It's on me. Since we're both stuck at the station, why don't we keep each other...