Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit

Chapter 51 - Jealousy

Chapter 51 - Jealousy

"H-Hello, Myrrh." I managed a nervous smile and gave her an awkward wave. "I didn't see you there."

"Of course, you didn't see me. Your eyes were glued to Dianca," Myrrh replied, her voice icy. She narrowed her bright blue eyes at me, and for a moment, I half-expected them to ignite with heat vision and incinerate me on the spot.

"Oh, haha. Dianca and I just bumped into each other earlier," I said, scratching the back of my head, trying to sound casual.

"Yeah, you literally bumped into her," she shot back, crossing her arms with a sharp motion.

"Wait, you saw that? Just how long have you been tailing me, you little stalker?" I teased, hoping to lighten the mood.

"Since you left the convenience store." Myrrh tilted her chin up slightly, her long lime-blonde hair swaying with the movement. "I just happened to be following some thug myself when I saw that similar goon... eating Dianca's breast for breakfast."

"W-what!?" My voice pitched in panic. "No! I didn't eat her breast! You know she bumped into me!"

"Pervert!" she snapped, her voice rising in mock accusation. Then, with an exaggerated turn, she spun on her heel and began storming off.

"Hey, Myrrh! Wait!" I called, my hand reaching out toward her retreating figure.

She ignored me, her steps brisk and purposeful as she made her way to the lounge. I followed, the atmosphere shifting as we entered the room. A handful of examinees were scattered about, their voices buzzing softly against the polished walls. WAIFUs were already engaged in conversation with their support units.

Myrrh didn't glance back, but her presence radiated frustration like a storm cloud hovering just out of reach. I trailed after her, wondering how I was going to make this right.

"Hey, Myrrh!" I shouted again, my voice echoing faintly in the lounge. Myrrh didn't so much as glance back, her hair swaying defiantly with each determined step.

Frustration bubbled up in my chest, and I muttered under my breath, "Well, fuck you too then, bitch. I ain't got time to chase you."

With a huff, I dropped into the nearest vacant seat. My stomach growled in protest, a sharp reminder of my poor decision to skip breakfast. The encounter with Dianca had left me flustered, and now I had nothing to satisfy my hunger.

Scanning the room, I searched for a vending machine, but the only ones here offered drinks. No food. With a sigh, I reached into my bag and pulled out a bottle of oolong tea. Twisting the cap open, I took a sip. The bitter tea slid down my throat, cool and refreshing, but it did nothing to quiet the gnawing emptiness in my stomach.

Suddenly, a bag of wholegrain chips appeared in front of my face, blocking my view. Startled, I looked up to find a familiar woman standing over me. Her white wavy hair framed her face like a silver halo, and her golden eyes sparkled with a strange mix of amusement and confidence. She was wearing a sleek gray skinsuit with a red armband on her left arm.

It was her—the root beer girl. The same one who'd called me a thug yesterday.

"Here, mister," she said, holding the bag out to me.

"For me?" I asked, pointing to myself, my tone a mix of disbelief and curiosity.

She nodded, her expression softening just slightly. "It's payment for my favorite root beer yesterday."

I blinked at her, momentarily stunned. But as a man of one hundred percent logic, I knew better than to refuse a free meal. Free food was the pinnacle of good fortune, and today, I was both popular and lucky.