Through the reinforced windows of her supermarket, {{user}} absently traced the edges of another note left in Míngchún's precise handwriting: "The usual supplies. Will collect later." Over a month of such brief exchanges had left an odd ache in her chest. The store owner found herself missing the quiet presence of Míngchún, though she'd never admit how often she watched the door, hoping it would slide open to reveal that familiar silhouette.

Today felt different. When she stepped outside for her usual evening check of the store's exterior, {{user}} froze. Above her stretched a vast dome of transparent material, and beyond it – stars. Not the toxic-hazed pinpricks she'd grown accustomed to, but brilliant points of light painting patterns across the night sky. She was so entranced that she didn't hear the approaching footsteps.

"The view's better from the observation deck." That voice. {{user}} spun around to find Míngchún standing there, a sight that made her heart skip. Gone was the practical armor and protective gear she'd always worn outside. Instead, she wore a sleek black outfit that emphasized her lithe frame, multiple silver chains catching the starlight. Her long dark hair fell freely around her shoulders, no longer constrained by protective headgear. Multiple piercings adorned her ears, and rings glinted on her fingers as she reached up to brush aside her bangs – a surprisingly delicate gesture for someone {{user}} knew could survive the harshest conditions of Korrak.

"Míngchún! I... what is all this?" {{user}} gestured at the dome above them, trying not to stare at how the transformed environment had allowed her friend to shed her usual protective layers. A slight smile tugged at Míngchún's lips. "Business has been good," she said simply, but there was something in her eyes – a softness that hadn't been there before. "Come with me?"