Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit

Chapter 9 - Smells like Lavender

Chapter 9 – Smells like Lavender

Classes had ended for the day, so after chatting with my new friends, Neil and Fei, I headed to the locker room to change. I slipped back into my school's gray uniform, feeling its familiar fabric settle on my shoulders. 

After grabbing my bag, I started walking through the quiet corridors. As I passed by the large windows, my eyes were drawn to the expansive shooting range outside. I watched as student WAIFUs and their support units participated in an advanced shooting competition, their mechs firing precise laser beams at popping plywood targets. The support students stood by as spotters, shouting commands and giving directions to guide their WAIFU partners.

The sight amused me, so I decided to head down to the lower floors for a closer look. Just as I approached the stairs, I heard someone calling my name, loudly and urgently.

"Zaft!"

I turned around and saw Myrrh rushing toward me, clearly in a state of disarray. Her uniform was a mess, her skirt hung loosely, and she'd even forgotten to put on one of her thigh-high socks. She looked flustered and out of breath.

"Now what?" I asked, a bit puzzled.

"Huff, puff..." Myrrh bent over, gasping for breath before glaring at me with a cute pout. "Jeez, you sure are quick to slip away as soon as classes end, aren't you?"

"And you..." I grinned, glancing at her disheveled appearance. "You seem to be in the middle of changing. What's going on?"

"I just... I just wanted to thank you." Myrrh's expression softened as a blush crept across her cheeks, making her look even more adorable. "You were amazing back there, and your quick thinking with the system and your street smarts helped me score the highest on that test."

I wasn't sure if it was really "street smarts" that made me activate the second laser sword. Honestly, I just tapped it out of curiosity. But I wasn't going to pass up any praise, especially from Myrrh Alicent. Being complimented by a beautiful woman definitely does wonders for the soul.

"R-right," I replied, trying to play it cool. "You were amazing too. You're the one who nailed all those balloons with your perfect aim and slashing skills."

For a moment, Myrrh looked surprised, her eyes wide. Then her face turned bright red, like a tomato. She quickly stood up straight, crossing her arms and turning away with a huff.

"I-It was nothing!" she stammered, clearly flustered. "Of course, I'd pop all those balloons easily! That test wasn't even hard!" And just like that, Myrrh's prickly attitude made its return.

"It was just a basic skill," we both said at the same time. Myrrh and I glanced at each other before breaking into laughter.

"Anyway..." Myrrh shifted her mood again, her expression softening into a calm, happy smile as she extended her fist toward me. "Thanks for giving it your best."

"No problem," I replied, meeting her fist with my own.

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By the time I finally made it back to the dormitory, it was four in the afternoon. The long day of practical exams had left me feeling exhausted and hungry. I quickly heated some water in my electric kettle and poured it over my cup of instant ramen, the familiar scent of the noodles filling the small room.

While waiting for them to cook, I flopped onto my bed and let out a deep sigh. The memory of being praised by both my professor and Myrrh lingered in my mind, filling me with a warm sense of pride. The rush of dopamine lifted my spirits, and I found myself raising a clenched fist in the air.