Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit

Chapter 6 - The Mary Sue in Distress

Chapter6 – The Mary Sue in Distress

I really hate that bitch of a partner. 

And yeah, you could say I just pulled a complete 180 on her, because I did. Things seemed fine as we wrapped up tea and polished off those pancakes, drenched in rich maple syrup, paired bizarrely with a Caesar salad. The flavors still lingered, the syrup's sweetness mixing with the tang of dressing, when the bill hit the table like a thunderclap.

Myrrh's eyes went wide, her pupils shrinking in disbelief as she stared at the numbers. It was like watching someone spot a ghost in broad daylight. Her hand trembled as she snapped open her wallet, revealing a hollow, empty space that echoed her next sound—a high-pitched, pathetic little "oopsie." I felt my stomach sink.

"Hey, Zaft..." she said, forcing a smile so strained that even her face didn't buy it. A single bead of sweat rolled down her temple, trailing slowly toward her flushed cheek. It was all too obvious where this was headed.

"What is it?" I asked flatly, already knowing the answer.

She flipped her wallet upside-down and flapped it like it might suddenly produce cash out of thin air. Nothing—no bills, no coins, not even a card. Her face, still twisted into that fake smile, was practically begging.

"You're a gentleman, right? And since you asked me out on a date, you should cover this... right?"

I kept my expression deadpan, meeting her eyes. "I'm pretty sure we both agreed this wasn't a date. And if I recall, you were the one who asked me out."

"Ack..." Myrrh sputtered, choking on her own words. Then, in typical fashion, she narrowed her eyes, a sly, mischievous grin creeping onto her lips. "Fine then. I'll forgive you for the sins you committed during the tutorial test earlier—if you cover the bill this time."

I let out a long, weary sigh. Part of me wanted to see her in the kitchen, scrubbing dishes as punishment for not being able to pay. The thought amused me, but it wasn't worth the hassle, especially since I'd probably end up back there beside her. It was getting late, and all I wanted was to go home and leave this farce behind. 

Resigned, I pulled out my wallet, thumbing through the bills. Myrrh, ever the opportunist, clapped her hands together in glee, her sparkling blue eyes lighting up as if she'd just won the lottery.

"Thank you for the save, Zaft!" she cooed, resting her head on the table, a rosy blush creeping across her cheeks. Her smile was sweet, almost adorable—almost.

"Just so we're clear," I muttered, glancing at her, "you'll still have to pay your share."

She waved it off with a carefree giggle, her blush deepening. "Fine, fine! Friday, I promise!" Her voice was light and playful. "Thank you, Zaft! You're the best!"

I could hardly stand her manipulation. Not even an hour ago, she'd called me a hooligan who drops common loot, and now she's showering me with praise, as if I'd suddenly become her hero. The audacity of this bitch was almost impressive.

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Myrrh and I walked back toward the university block, the quiet late afternoon air wrapping around us like a soft blanket. The campus dormitory area was split into two compounds: the left side housed the male dormitories, while the right was reserved for the ladies—a fact society must find amusing since they like to say women are always right. The towering buildings stood like silent sentinels as we approached the main gate.

When we reached the entrance, Myrrh flashed me a cheerful smile, waving goodbye with that annoyingly sweet expression. "Thanks for your time, Zaft. See you tomorrow!"