Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit

Chapter 27 - Puppy Eyes

Chapter 27 - Puppy Eyes

"You really are an asshole, Zaft."

Neil's voice echoed down the corridor, drawing the attention of passing students. I was walking beside him and his partner, Fei, while Myrrh strolled at my other side. Neil's loud statement made my cheeks heat slightly with embarrassment, especially with the curious glances we were getting. Now that classes had ended, we were headed to our group study session, but Neil's teasing seemed far from over.

"Huh. You'll get used to his crap, Neil." Myrrh chimed in, rolling her eyes with a half-smile. "Zaft just loves trolling people like some hyperactive kid with a new toy. So immature."

Fei forced a chuckle, her laughter light but slightly strained. "It's mostly your fault, though, Neil. If you'd stop dozing off in class, maybe you'd be able to answer the professor's questions."

Neil scratched the back of his head, his face scrunched in a look of sheepish regret. "Maybe, but I can't help it, Fei. I'm so worn out from my part-time job that staying awake is a struggle these days."

Myrrh's eyes widened as she looked at Neil with surprise. "You have a part-time job?"

"Yeah, why?" He tilted his head, a playful smirk appearing. "Is it really that shocking for a regular college guy to have a job? I have to earn money somehow to keep up with all these tuition hikes."

"Hmmm." Myrrh crossed her arms, the movement causing her ample figure to shift as she studied Neil thoughtfully.

Fei's eyes lit up as she spoke. "Neil works at this ramen joint not too far from here! He makes the most amazing ramen—thick noodles, rich broth, so many toppings..." She trailed off, blushing slightly, clearly proud of him.

Myrrh grinned, her interest piqued. "Do you mind if we check it out today?" She glanced at me with a mischievous glint in her eye. "Zaft's treat, of course."

"Hey!" I burst out, finally breaking my silence. I'd been listening to their back-and-forth without saying a word, but the moment my name was tossed into the conversation, I knew it was time to step in. I could practically feel my wallet shudder at the thought of an impromptu dinner expense. "I'm not letting you raid my funds!"

"What?" Myrrh turned to me, feigning innocence with a tilt of her head. "You owe Neil, remember? After trolling him in class earlier, it's only fair that you treat him to a meal, right?"

I sighed, exasperated. "Alright, fine, maybe Neil. But why does that mean the two of you should tag along?"

Myrrh's eyes sparkled mischievously as she leaned in close, batting her eyelashes. "Aww, wouldn't you treat cute girls like us?" She winked, puckering her lips and sending me a playful, exaggerated flying kiss like a teasing succubus. "Pretty puhlease..."

"Shut up, you scammer!" I shot back, rolling my eyes. "That charm of yours might work on me sometimes, but not today. Besides, you still owe me three dates—on your dime!"

"Tsk." Myrrh clicked her tongue, then nudged Fei with a sly grin. "Alright, Plan B. Fei, time to bring out the big guns."

Fei tilted her head, confusion softening her expression. "You mean... right here? In the middle of the hallway?"

"Yes! Our free meal depends on it!" Myrrh urged, whispering like they were hatching some grand heist. "Quick, use your cute face!"

With an embarrassed smile, Fei dropped her gaze and bowed, covering her face with her hands. The bashful gesture was almost comically effective—it was clear she knew exactly how adorable she looked, and even I had to admit, it was hard to resist.