Perhaps she wanted to show off a bit of her recent life, or maybe she just felt like flaunting today's outfit—Firefly swayed her slender waist and spun around in front of Sylvia on her own.
"Thanks to your cake, I've been really happy lately. Kafka gave me a lot of clothes and accessories, and this set was also picked by Kafka. What do you think?"
The skirt flared with the sway of her waist, blooming like a flower catching the cascading light.
Reflecting the smile Firefly directed at Sylvia, it became the brightest spot in the room.
The scene was beautiful, like a painting, and Sylvia couldn't help but smile as well.
A simple dress, light makeup, a handbag, and flats.
The girl before her seemed much more relaxed than before.
Or perhaps she was gradually settling into this kind of life.
So—
"You look lovely, Firefly. Really lovely today, and you'll only grow more beautiful."
Sylvia praised her cheerfully, hoping to see her smile shine even brighter in the days ahead.
"Hehe~"
Firefly giggled softly behind her hand at the direct compliment.
Her fluffy long hair bounced playfully over her shoulders.
"Even Kafka isn't as exaggerated as you. How can you be so sure about how I'll be in the future?"
Saying this, Firefly sat down beside Sylvia with a smile.
The way she smoothed her skirt as she sat was becoming more and more like an elegant lady—perhaps something she'd picked up from Kafka?
Sylvia smiled faintly.
Was she really getting used to this ordinary life?
"Just a feeling," Sylvia said, pulling out a console along with its controllers.
Even now, these kinds of gaming devices with physical buttons hadn't completely vanished from the market. In fact, they were quite popular among serious gamers.
Silver Wolf loved them, though Sylvia herself didn't have strong feelings either way.
Sylvia flicked the joystick lightly and continued, "Or maybe I just hope that you, as Firefly, will keep shining brighter and brighter."
"Thank you, Sylvia."
"You don't need to thank me so seriously."
Amused, Sylvia handed her a controller and asked, "What games did you bring today?"
"I'm not sure—Silver Wolf gave them all to me. Want to just try them all out?"
Firefly seemed eager.
After turning on the projection screen, she tilted her head toward Sylvia, almost pressing her face against hers.
Firefly's warmth grew more noticeable, distinct enough to feel like it was leaving a mark.
Yet her gaze remained fixed on the game menu.
The cursor moved slowly, pausing over each game as Firefly carefully read the names and descriptions.
"...Now that I think about it, Silver Wolf recommended some games earlier. Let me find them."
Maybe because Firefly usually spent her time piloting SAM and fighting all over the place, most of the games Silver Wolf recommended were lighthearted two-player co-op or story-driven RPGs.
At first, Firefly seemed a little hesitant.
She'd often ask Sylvia quietly whether something was fun or if they'd coordinated well.
But once she got immersed in the game, Sylvia gradually began to notice Firefly's decisiveness and efficiency—traits of a soldier.
Like if there was a goal or objective, Firefly never questioned it.
Her only thought was to carry it out.
Efficient, capable, and focused.
These traits became clearer and clearer as she dove deeper into the game.
As for Sylvia, once she sensed this subtle shift in demeanor, she'd occasionally steal glances at Firefly's expression.
After all, she played games with Firefly to relax and have fun.
She didn't really want to see the soldier side of Firefly beneath the gentle girl.
Mostly because Sylvia didn't know what Glamoth's past—or those old battle memories—meant to Firefly.
When she chose the name 'Firefly,' was she rejecting the part of herself that was 'SAM'?
So Sylvia could only tread carefully, or maybe just observe closely.
But when they cleared another co-op stage smoothly, and Firefly joyfully threw her hands up and bounced from her seat, her skirt swaying and her smile bright—
Sylvia realized she'd been overthinking.
Firefly was a far more resilient girl than she'd imagined.
Her gentleness and seeming clumsiness were only because she was with Sylvia, and because she was still learning.
"We cleared it without losing a life! Sylvia! Hehehe~"
Firefly laughed happily, then seemed to realize she'd stood up at some point. Blushing, she flopped back onto the sofa.
Leaning fully against Sylvia, her flushed face still wore a lingering smile. She looked truly happy.
"Yeah, we wrecked that stage together."
Sylvia matched her cheerful mood, then raised her hand toward Firefly, gesturing for a high-five.
Firefly blinked, then her face flushed slightly. She peeked at Sylvia's expression through her fingers as if a little embarrassed.
Just as Sylvia began to wonder what she was doing, Firefly cautiously raised her hand and gently pressed her palm to Sylvia's.
But that wasn't all.
Before Sylvia could figure it out, Firefly's slender fingers slipped between hers.
She interlaced their fingers, holding Sylvia's hand in a tight clasp.
"...?"
Sylvia was stunned—especially when she saw Firefly's slightly shy but radiant smile.
And then it hit her.
Oh no… has Firefly never given a high-five before?
Silver Wolf, you play games with her all the time and you never even did a celebratory high-five??
That said, Firefly's hand was soft and smooth.
People like Sylvia or Acheron, who often wielded weapons, had rougher palms, marked with calluses.
But Firefly was different. Most of her strength lay in the SAM armor; she almost never fought in close combat in her own body.
So her hands were as soft as Stelle's had been when she was first born.
"Ahem…"
Looking at their interlocked fingers, Sylvia had to admit her mind had wandered for a second. But she quickly snapped back, cleared her throat, and said under Firefly's curious gaze:
"Um, I meant a high-five, not holding hands. We can't really play like this…"
"Ah…!"
Firefly froze, her smile stiffening.
Then her face flushed deep red, as if she'd turned into a steam engine—her head practically steaming.
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T/N: New hi3 fic!
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T/N: I have a Patreon! While it may seem empty as of now, webnovel will get 3 Chapters Every Day, and advanced chapters will be uploaded on Patreon.
It may not seem worth it now, but maybe in the future. Who knows!
[email protected]/AspenTL
If you guys wanna check it out.