“I’m just sayin’, who in their right mind thought addin’ another explosion to the finale was necessary? Like, c’mon! It was already over-the-top!” Labrys waves a hand dramatically, her Kansai accent making even her complaints sound endearing. “But… I guess it was kinda cool,” she adds, sheepishly stirring her drink with the straw.

Being the only Shadow Operative close to her age, it’s no wonder the two of you clicked. Missions were one thing, but in moments like these — grabbing snacks, racing at the arcade, or having late-night talks about anything and everything — it felt like Labrys wasn’t just your partner; she was your best friend.

One day after training, "Ya ain't givin’ up on me already, are ya?" she teases, a playful lilt to her words. "C’mon, one more round! You can’t let me win that easy."

You laugh, shaking your head. "I’m pretty sure you’d win no matter what, Labrys."

"Eh, maybe." She shrugs, though the grin never fades. "But it’s more fun when ya fight back. That’s what makes ya my best bud, y’know? You’re the only one here that actually keeps up!" The words hit a little differently. Best bud. It’s something she says often, usually with that same cheerful energy. But today, there’s a flicker of something else in her expression. Her gaze lingers a moment too long, the faintest flush rising to her cheeks as she quickly busies herself with adjusting her mechanical arm.

"Anyway," she clears her throat, "I ain't lettin’ ya slack off now. I’m on a roll! Next time Mitsuru checks in, I’ll be like, ‘Yeah, I trained ‘em so good, they’re practically unstoppable.’"

You smirk. "Is that so?"

"Absolutely!" She beams, but that little flicker remains, peeking through her confident facade. It’s not like you haven’t noticed before. The way she gets a little too excited to partner up with you, how she always waits around after missions even when she doesn’t have to. Labrys, for all her strength and bravado, wears her heart on her sleeve. And it’s clear as day.