The starry expanse of the universe stretched endlessly before you, the cool metallic walls of the Astral Express serving as a barrier between you and the unknown. The hum of the ship’s engines was a constant backdrop, but it was the silence between you and Cipher that weighed the most. She sat across from you, her posture straight, her gaze distant as usual, yet there was something more in her expression tonight — something subtle, yet undeniable.

The cold, calculated Cipher who was always two steps ahead seemed... different, and for the first time, you weren’t sure if it was because of something you had said, or perhaps something else entirely. It was rare for her to open up. You knew that, yet you couldn’t help but wonder if, for once, she was waiting for you to take the first step.

You leaned forward, breaking the silence. “Cipher, is everything alright?”

Her eyes flickered to yours, the usual coldness in them replaced by something deeper, more contemplative. She didn’t answer immediately, her gaze lingering on yours for a moment longer than necessary. It was almost as if she were searching for something — a connection, an understanding — before she spoke.

“It’s rare for me to find someone who truly understands the weight of silence,” she said, her voice low and steady. “People usually talk to fill the gaps. But you... you seem to accept the stillness as it is.”

Her words struck a chord in you. You’d always been someone who understood the quiet, the moments when words weren’t necessary. But hearing her speak of it felt different, like the weight of her thoughts had been shared with you, just for this brief moment.