Cyberpunk: New Era

FREE TIME

Zach never imagined that, out of all places, he'd end up stuck with big sis Kristin. After their last mission, he and Mikey got a huge paycheck. With no jobs lined up, the two decided to lay low for a few days. Zach figured it was the perfect time to explore the city and finally enjoy its beauty.

He hadn't had many chances to take in the views—the neon lights glowing across every building, reflecting off the streets below. The sight was something you could only experience in Night City. For once, there was no gunfire or chaos, just the bright, colorful world around him.

As Zach wandered through the streets, he bumped right into Kristin. She had apparently gone out for a bit of shopping. It had been two years since they last hung out, so running into her was kind of nice.

"Zach!" Kristin grinned, giving him a playful punch on the shoulder. "Long time no see! Didn't I told you to meet me at the weekends."

Zach chuckled, rubbing the spot where she punched. " Just... wasn't expecting to run into you like this."

Hanging out with Kristin felt good—like he was living a normal life for once. She still had that laid-back, big-sister vibe that made everything feel less serious. Walking through the busy streets with her, laughing and chatting, made Zach almost forget the kind of life they lived.

Though, of course, there was a catch. Now Zach was stuck carrying all of her shopping bags. Every store they passed seemed to add a new one to the pile. He could barely see over the top of the bags he was holding, but he didn't mind too much. Kristin had always been there for him, and spending time with her like this was worth it.

"You're still in shape, right? Carrying those bags isn't too much for you?" Kristin teased, smirking.

Zach shot her a playful glare. "I swear, this is the real mission, isn't it?"

Kristin laughed. "Come on, kid. I'll buy you dinner later—it's the least I can do."

As they continued through the glowing streets, Zach found himself enjoying the moment. No dangerous missions, no cyberpsychos, no fixers calling with urgent jobs. Just him and Kristin, walking under the neon lights of Night City, like two normal people living an ordinary life.

And for once, it felt really good.

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They sat together at an open diner by the sea, a fancy place bathed in soft golden light and the soothing sound of waves hitting the shore. Normally, a place like this wouldn't even let Zach through the door—his rugged, street-hardened look wasn't exactly what they catered to. But today, things were different.

Kristin was the reason they got in. Being a student at Arasaka Academy came with perks, and the staff knew better than to ask questions. The moment they saw her, they let the two of them waltz in without a second glance. Zach could feel eyes on them, curious glances from the other diners, but it didn't bother him.

Kristin took a sip of her drink, her green eyes glowing faintly under the low light. She leaned in a little, resting her chin on one hand.

"So..." she said, a sly grin on her face. "I heard about your last mission. Is it all true?"

Zach gave her a look, one that screamed exhaustion, disbelief, and pride all rolled into one. He leaned back in his chair and smirked. "Well... if what you heard involved seven cyberpsychos and barely dodging MaxTac, then yeah—it's all true."

Kristin nearly choked on her drink, sputtering as she set her glass down with a sharp clink. She stared at him, wide-eyed, as if he had just told her he wrestled a dragon.