Kuroro Coffee
Babylonia
10:00
Festivals always bring a special atmosphere, and even the combat-ready Babylonia is no exception. Lush, vibrant roses, pink ribbons visible everywhere, and fast-selling liquor-filled chocolates all come together to form the Valentine's Day theme.
A long line has already formed outside the coffee shop...
Commandant, have you decided what you'd like to drink?
Hmm, if you order that one, Commandant, you can forget about getting any sleep tonight.
That's the best-selling coffee. It always reminds me of a lazy kitten lounging in the sun, belly up and dozing off.
I'd recommend that one too, but Commandant... why do you sound a little disappointed?
Alright—but I'm curious... why did you choose our regular cafe as a photo location, Commandant...?
Then I'll trust your judgment, Commandant.
Then I'll follow your lead, Commandant, and wait for the moment when this "secret" is revealed.
Indeed, spending a day relaxing at a cafe is a nice change of pace too.
As a Construct, she does not need to eat, but she can still sense the ambiance brought by the aroma of food. The scent of coffee brings back memories of the Golden Age.
Back then, her father loved starting his day with golden-hued espresso served in fine English bone china. Her mother, meanwhile, preferred to arrange afternoon teas in their courtyard with tables of varying heights, where lattes and desserts frequently appeared.
The Commandant, however, is different—sipping cup after cup of coffee, staring at screens like a forlorn spirit tethered to their workstation, using caffeine to fend off fatigue and drowsiness.
Speaking of it, do you like the coffee they serve in the lounge, Commandant?
If it weren't free, you probably wouldn't consume so much caffeine, Commandant.
Babylonia won't go bankrupt, but your medical report might become even more concerning, Commandant.
Commandant, your health matters to me. A lot.
All right then... but this "forgetting" will be today-only, okay?
Liv lowers her head with a faint smile. Beside her, you raise the camera to capture this rare expression.
What can I get for you two today?
Hello, we'd like one Valentine's Day set for two, please.
No problem! Would you also like to participate in our special promotion? Just shout out the name of our limited-edition drink while making a heart-shaped battle pose, and you'll have a chance to win an amazing prize!
The enthusiastic staff has drawn curious glances from nearby customers. Liv's first instinct is to decline the invitation, but then, she finds herself looking toward you unconsciously. You notice her fidgeting, perhaps from being nervous, or perhaps from anticipation.
Commandant... shall we participate?
Though unused to being the center of attention, Liv feels at ease when she is with the commandant. Her question sounds less like an inquiry and more like an invitation.
You mirror Liv's gesture, bringing both fists up to chest level in a cheering pose, then give a confident nod of approval.
Encouraged by the smiles of the surrounding crowd, you are guided by the staff to the activity area for pre-challenge training as the first challengers of the day.
First, shout out your name.
Liv holds up her cue card. She musters up all her courage, but finds herself failing to produce anything more than a whisper, even after several attempts. Eventually, on her final attempt, she only lowers her head and stares at the ground, defeated.
Looks like the lady here needs a little more time to prepare. Would you like to start first?
Great, that's the spirit! Now, please shout out your name.
Just one glance at the cue card has drained away all your confidence. However, after seeing Liv's flustered state and the staff's enthusiasm, backing out no longer feels like an option. You can only force yourself to remain calm.
The mission must be completed at all costs. Everyone has things they must do. You keep motivating yourself in your heart.
After your loud declaration, there's a moment of silence before the crowd breaks into polite, refined laughter. The cafe staff, clearly no stranger to awkward situations, maintains their composure and professionalism without missing a beat.
Well done! Nice and loud, One-and-Only Cheesy Strawberry Happy Coffee. Great practice—you delivered it in one breath without faltering. Remember to add some gestures next time, okay?
And for you... If you could add a bit more sweetness and confidence in your delivery, the outcome would be even better, don't you think?
Then I am... the One-and-Only...
The moment you finish your performance, Liv—visibly stunned—closes her eyes as if mustering all her courage before calling out her own drink name. She vigorously swings her arms to boost her confidence, but it hasn't helped much.
Icy Mint...
You gently hold Liv's arm, trying to instill some courage into her.
No matter when, being firmly chosen and accompanied always brings happiness. It's like declaring to the world, "Look, I'm not alone."
The surrounding crowd, who had been chuckling, grows solemn upon seeing the girl's earnestness—especially Kuroro, the cafe's mascot in the front row.
Roof-Raising... Sparkling Water.
Liv's voice grows progressively louder, slightly cracking near the end. Only then does she suddenly open her eyes, her cheeks flushed red and the tip of her nose slightly scrunched—but none of this diminishes her excellent performance.
Commandant, I... I did it...
You gently rub Liv's forehead. Even on the most hectic battlefields, you have never felt each other's support so directly.
Right, now for the official challenge. Please look each other in the eyes, then make the specified pose and recite your lines confidently, naturally, and calmly. And remember—no laughing.
That day, the cafe—inside and out—is filled with joy.
In the first stage of the challenge, Liv extends her arms, fingertips pointing toward her head, forming a heart shape as she initiates the "Heartless Challenge" against the commandant.
Her enunciation is clear, her voice quality pristine—the performance is almost perfect, except that her volume has gradually diminished until barely audible.
For the second stage of the challenge, the commandant clasps both hands together parallel to their face, raising an imaginary pistol and pretending to shoot at Liv.
The Commandant struggles to maintain a cold-hearted demeanor while receiving an "unexpected critical hit" from Liv.
For the third stage of the challenge, the commandant and Liv's gazes meet. The scenario is supposed to be a tense standoff between the two, yet they can't help but burst into laughter.
Liv covers her face with both hands and turns away, while the commandant keeps one hand in the targeting position and places the other against their forehead, making futile attempts to salvage the situation.
Before the situation spirals out of control, the two are issued a red card by Kuroro and sent off the stage. This moment is also captured and handed to them as a commemorative photo of their failed challenge.
This photo turned out really nice, and I think I understand why you chose this place for our photo shoot, Commandant.
There are no lavish backdrops, imposed significance, or lengthy lectures. We are free from the weight of battle.
In the photo, we look so... normal. Just like two ordinary people living their lives. So different from how we are during work and battle.
Sometimes I wonder: when that day finally comes, what will Commandant and I do?
<size=40>Rebuild Earth together after we reclaim it? Open a flower shop? Continue to roam in space with Gray Raven?</size>
<size=40>Live quietly in a mountain estate? Taste different coffee beans with Commandant? Or maybe... visit our hometowns to see our families?</size>
<size=40>Perhaps Liv's imagination of happiness is still too limited right now...</size>
<size=40>But if she starts that journey now, she'll surely catch up to the commandant in that future.</size>
