Kuroro Coffee
Babylonia
Orbital Corridor
The pink-haired girl sits at a table by the coffee shop, waiting for someone.
Her gaze travels past the greenery beside her to the azure planet in the distance.
One can gaze past where Earth's edge melts into the darkness, and look into the void to find stars glittering beyond.
Suddenly, you recall a photograph you once saw back at F.O.S. College.
It was a photograph from 1984, showing an astronaut floating untethered in space. Beneath him was the azure, pristine Earth, while behind him stretched boundless darkness.
Rumor has it that this astronaut has seen Earth breathing.
Standing on the spiral staircase, you unconsciously slow your pace. In your line of sight, three elements frame a perfect composition: the girl sipping her tea, the breathing Earth, and the vast expanse of the universe beyond.
Raising the camera, adjusting the angle...
Click—
The soft click of the shutter startles the girl, who tilts her head to look at you.
With just a glance, the girl instantly understands what you have done. As thoughts flicker through her mind, a mischievous smile curves at the corner of her lips—she is clearly ready for some "mischief."
The girl turns slightly, facing you in the distance. She crosses her left leg over her right and folds her arms across her chest with mock anger.
Why are you just standing there like a fool? I've been waiting for you for thirteen minutes.
So, this is what you asked me out for?
After you explain the World Government Association of Art's event to Teddy, she displays a somewhat disappointed expression.
Hmm... the World Government Association of Art always comes up with these kinds of activities.
After taking a sip of her red tea, Teddy leans back in her chair and contemplates quietly. A moment later, a mischievous smile plays across her lips.
Sure thing, but in exchange, you'll have to do me a favor later.
Hehe—
Tch, of course not. Not at all.
That depends on how you define "unreasonable."
Too late for regrets now!
Teddy stands up, her face wearing the smug expression of someone who's just pulled off the perfect prank.
Well then, for our first stop, you're coming with me to shop for a camera.
Since this is a special occasion, why not try something with a different style?
Two hours later, you follow Teddy out of an elegantly decorated vintage shop, where she's now holding a film camera in her hands.
Digital cameras are always producing photos that are overly "clear." They lack that special vibe.
She loads the film into the camera with practiced hands.
Film is unforgiving—each roll only gives you so many shots. That's why every press of the shutter matters a lot.
Like this—take two steps back, face to your left, and don't move, got it?
She raises her camera, presses the shutter—click—then mumbles something under her breath.
Hmm... Your expression looks a bit silly, but I suppose it's cute enough.
For the rest of the photo shoot, Teddy takes complete control.
You follow Teddy across the Dreamglow Gardens, through the Knowledge Promenade, and beyond... At each location, she insists on using an entire roll of film.
Inside the library, Teddy directs you to stand between two towering bookshelves.
Grab a book—any book—pull it out and flip through a few pages.
After taking two shots, she suddenly frowns.
Something still feels missing... Hmm, how about a close-up from a special angle?
Without waiting for your consent, Teddy takes your hand and pulls you into a chair. She positions herself behind you, leaning down to find the perfect angle.
A strand of her hair falls, gently brushing against your arm. Her breathing becomes distinctly audible.
Don't move. You're a model, do your job.
Teddy's words float from just behind your ear, and you can sense her mischievous smirk.
Just as you're about to turn and say something, the shutter clicks. With the satisfaction brought by a successful prank, she swiftly stands up.
Hmm, I like this photo.
After winding your way through the photo shoot, you return once again to Kuroro Coffee.
There's only one last frame left on the roll.
That's exactly what makes film photography so fun.
I'm going to grab some more sugar cubes from the counter. Do you need anything?
Teddy stands up and walks toward the counter, but doesn't pick up anything.
Instead, she raises her camera and gently presses the shutter, capturing you against the backdrop of the azure planet and the vast starry cosmos.
Click—
Startled by the soft click of the shutter, you tilt your head to look at Teddy.
Only to find Teddy smiling, holding up her film camera.
Fair's fair.
I won't be sending it to the World Government Association of Art—I'm keeping this one for myself as payment.
No objections allowed—you promised me, remember?
Her smile is different this time—open and sincere. Beneath the vast cosmic tapestry, a fleeting moment between the two of you is forever preserved.
