Story Reader / Event Story / Lingering Stars / Story
Wandering aimlessly down the shopping street with Lee, you catch him eyeing a stall on the side.
Apparently, they're running some kind of challenge, with a nervous crowd huddled around watching contestants frantically assemble mechanical models.
Three... two... one... Time's up! Challenge failed!
Hold up, I was this close... Darn it!
Well, two seconds too slow. Want another shot?
Nah, I'm tapped on those commemorative coins... Way too hard, not enough time. I'm out of here.
You bet.
The vendor, sensing a potential customer, practically beams and shoves a brochure explaining the whole challenge thing in Lee's face.
Basically, one person picks the parts from this giant pile, while the other builds the model within a time limit. No talking allowed.
It's Valentine's Day, so most folks are couples testing their teamwork... Up for the challenge, you two?
Win this challenge, and you snag a mysterious prize and a whole set of Akdilek mechanical parts!
...We're in.
...Got it. Since we're in this, let's win.
Alright. Let me take your coins. Follow me...
Walking into the stall with the vendor, you whisper a "battle plan" to Lee.
Hold on, there's one more rule. Gotta keep things fair, you know? Gotta draw straws for who does what.
Minutes later, you are at a table overflowing with parts. A mountain of parts sits in front of Lee, while you are left with tools for assembly.
Commandant...
Lee gives you a reassuring glance, placing a spring in your hand.
Same basic idea.
Right, talk time's over, let's do this... Start now!
While you puzzle over the blueprint, Lee's already found the first piece and tossed it your way.
...
Lee watches you intently, like back in the Gray Raven armory when he explained weapon structures.
The parts he picks, along with his silent encouragement, click with the assembly theory you already know, forming a clearer picture in your head.
It's like those afternoons back on the bench, assembling weapons, you putting the model together under his watchful eye.
A perfect match, and five minutes to spare? New record...
Finishing way faster than expected, a smug grin spreads across my face.
...
If those parts weren't messed with, down to the millimeter, we'd have been even quicker.
Looks like we got ourselves some experts here... Fair enough, the prize is yours. And for that record time, consider this model a bonus!
The crowd murmurs in shock as the vendor sighs and hands over a pile of rewards.
Leaving the bustling street with your loot, you find a quiet spot high above Constellia. The open sky stretches before you, a canvas of stars sparkling overhead.
Didn't expect the "mystery prize" to be badges.
Lee opens the box, revealing a pair of magpie badges, their wings forming a perfect bridge.
If it's someone you truly want to see, even the smallest chance is worth fighting for.
I mean the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl.
I just have a feeling you'd say something like that.
...
For what?
Looking at the "extra prize," you can't help but remember that Valentine's Day on the Nighter, the Nighter model he gave you.
It feels like a lifetime ago. Same festival, same moonlight, the familiar face who, after everything, is still by your side.
Yeah...
A warm hand closes around yours.
Lee looks away awkwardly, eyes fixed on the two stars separated by the vast expanse of sky.
Really... it's nice.
Under the soft moonlight, he murmurs repeatedly.
