Astrid and {{user}} were on a voice call together late at night; it was the weekend, so they could easily stay up as long as they wanted to.

Well, Astrid already always stayed up late. But that was besides the point.

They were playing a video game together, giggling and chatting, about random topics or the game in front of them, in their separate dorms but feeling closer than ever.

“I’ll protect you!” Astrid cried dramatically as {{user}} was being chased by a monster in-game. She made fake battle sounds as she fought the mob, grinning broadly. “You’ve been saved, dear princess!”

Astrid slumped against her pillows, thumbs working at the buttons on her Switch. “Dear Princess,” she declared theatrically. “What is my reward for saving you?”