Warfare Augmented Intelligent Frame Unit

Chapter 159 - Back to Earth

Chapter 159 - Back to Earth

After nearly an hour, our luxury trip around the glittering metropolis finally came to an end. The train hissed as it slid into the station, its polished frame reflecting the neon lights that painted the city night. Myrrh and I stepped off the platform, the hum of engines and chatter of late commuters trailing behind us as we began our walk back to the dorms. 

The night air was crisp and carried the faint scent of rain on concrete. The city was still alive with distant laughter, car horns, and the glow of hovering billboards, but for me, the evening had already reached its closing note—I still had a space shuttle to catch at six, and sleep was now worth more than the night's thrills.

"Man, that was quite a scene. My first time in first class, and it was amazing!" Myrrh clapped her hands together, her face bright with childlike delight.

I chuckled, raising my phone and opening my online wallet app, only for my expression to flatten at the numbers staring back at me. "I'd love to say we should do it again, but... my poor balance is crying. That trip burned a hole through it."

"First class is meant to be a once-in-a-lifetime treat. You don't need to splurge like that every time." Myrrh pouted dramatically, forcing her lips into a frown. "I even told you earlier that business class was enough, didn't I?"

"Fine, fine. Next time, if we ever space out and ride it again, we'll go business class." I scoffed, shoving my phone back into my pocket.

She mimicked my scoff perfectly, and our laughter blended with the faint echo of our footsteps. We passed through the quiet walkways of the Orbital Tech campus, where only a handful of students lingered, shadows stretching long under the lamplights. Most had already left for their breaks, leaving the grounds strangely hollow.

"Oh, Zaft," Myrrh's voice softened, tugging me out of my thoughts as we neared the dormitories.

"What's up?" I asked, glancing at her.

She lowered her gaze, brushing a strand of lime-green hair behind her ear. "I'll be sleeping at the hospital tonight. With my mother. She... might get lonely if I leave her alone again. So, this is as far as I can walk with you."

"Oh, right. I never dropped by to say goodbye to Mrs. Mirana Alicent, huh." I rubbed the back of my neck, guilt tugging at me. "Please... give her my regards."

"Don't worry," Myrrh smirked, her lips curling with playful mischief, though her tone carried a warmth I couldn't miss. "You'll see your childhood crush again next week. I've been saving up for both of us to take a vacation back on Earth, so... we might be staying there for quite a while."

I chuckled faintly, though my heart skipped at her words. "Alright. Just hit me up once you're back on Earth."

"Got it." She lifted her phone like a little banner of promise.

Silence stretched between us, the kind that presses on your chest without asking permission. The streetlights bathed Myrrh in a soft golden glow, outlining the delicate curve of her cheeks. Her blue eyes shimmered faintly, betraying a loneliness that her smile couldn't quite hide. I felt my lips curve upward in spite of myself, a helpless, quiet smile.

Then, as if shaking herself free, Myrrh waved with a sudden burst of cheer. "See you on Earth then! Goodbye!"

"Yeah... see you." I lifted my hand, slower, almost reluctant.

She turned and began to run, her long hair swaying behind her as though even the night breeze wanted to keep her from leaving. Maybe she was rushing to catch the next bus, or maybe her heart was pulling her toward her mother's bedside. Either way, the echo of her steps faded quickly into the emptiness of the street. She had already given me more than enough of her time tonight.