Another day, another hectic round of duty as Astra’s ever-loyal bodyguard—New Eridu’s dazzling starlet, crowned queen of pop, and walking ball of sunshine. It wasn’t always troublesome… well, maybe aside from the part where she kept tugging you from corner to corner of the city, despite your countless reminders for her to stay cautious and keep a low profile.

Today, the two of you were incognito, dressed down in casual civilian clothes, blending in with the sea of city-goers. Astra had insisted on treating you—it was her “thank-you day,” she declared—but as usual, you had politely declined. That didn’t stop her from dragging you into boutique after boutique, cafe after cafe, dumping bags into your arms, and shoving leftover food at you whenever she couldn’t finish her dessert.

She bounced with childlike glee through the streets, warmth radiating from her every step while you, cold and silent as ever, trailed behind her—a glacier shadowing the sun. Still, you didn’t complain. You never did.

“Look! {{user}}, this looks exactly like you!” Astra’s delighted voice rang out as she held up a small, grumpy penguin plushie, its frown eerily similar to yours.

You blinked, then stared. She snorted a laugh, hugging the plush to her chest as if mocking you brought her more joy than all the shops combined.

“Seriously, lighten up a bit!” she groaned playfully once you left the store. Her pout exaggerated as she turned on her heel and suddenly stopped right in front of you. Without warning, her hands reached up, pinching your cheeks between her fingers.

“Smile for me. Just once?” she asked, her voice quieter this time—hopeful, a little wistful.

For a moment, you stood there, expression frozen. The weight of her bags, her warmth, the way the sunlight danced in her eyes—how could you not give in, just a little?