Chiga's campus life continued as usual, though now with Lazuli—Android 18—often at his side.
Day by day, the two grew closer. To everyone watching, they already looked like a couple.
Today, the school had organized a field trip to Capsule Corporation. As the students prepared, Lazuli arrived early and waited at the entrance of Chiga's classroom.
Even though the boys at school knew she was "off the market," they couldn't resist stealing glances at her.
Lazuli had long grown used to those stares. Leaning casually against the wall with her arms folded, she gave off a distant, untouchable aura.
Inside the classroom, gossip was already circulating.
"Hey, isn't that Lazuli outside? She's here for Chiga again, right?"
"Of course she is. Who else would she be here for?"
"Not me, that's for sure. I have some self-awareness."
"It's crazy, though. In less than two months, Chiga's managed to win over the beauty queen. How unfair is that?"
"Not really. Have you forgotten the basketball game? Chiga shut Lance down completely."
"I heard the sports teacher even begged him to join the city tournament, but he refused."
"Figures. Chiga's already taken. That's a real tragedy."
"You're a guy, why are you calling it a tragedy?"
The chatter didn't stop until Chiga finally appeared at the end of the corridor.
When Lazuli spotted him, a faint smile softened her face.
"You're really busy these days," she teased once he reached her. "Where did you sneak off to this time?"
Chiga sighed, raising his hands helplessly.
"Those sports teachers again. They're still pestering me about basketball."
"So, did you agree?"
"Of course not. I'm only average at it. Better not embarrass myself."
"Average?" Lazuli scoffed. "With your skills, you could win a national championship."
Chiga chuckled. "You've got more faith in me than I do."
Lazuli rolled her eyes, but then, without hesitation, she took his hand and started walking toward the stairs.
"Come on, stop wasting time. The bus will leave soon. Let's see if we can still find good seats."
By "good seats," she clearly meant two next to each other. Unfortunately, when they boarded, there were only single seats left.
Chiga shrugged. "Guess we'll have to sit apart. I'll head to the front—"
"Don't sit!" Lazuli cut him off sharply.
Before anyone could react, she slipped her arm around his and leaned against him.
Chiga blinked, surprised. He glanced down at her face, which looked calm at first glance, but her cheeks were flushed pink, betraying her emotions.
For someone inexperienced in romance, such boldness in front of a crowd was a huge step. Every time the bus jolted forward, Lazuli stumbled against Chiga's chest, her blush deepening until she looked ready to faint.
Her classmates, stifling laughter, exchanged knowing grins.
When the bus finally rolled to a stop at Capsule Corporation, Lazuli shot off like a startled rabbit the moment the doors opened. The bus erupted in laughter. Not mockery—just amusement at how obvious her fluster was.
Chiga followed after her, finding her waiting near a large tree.
Her face still red, Lazuli asked quietly, "Was I… embarrassing just now?"
Chiga reached out and tapped her forehead gently.
"Embarrassing? Not at all. You were adorable."
"Really?"
"Of course. Anyone who dares say otherwise—I'll beat them up for you."
Lazuli gave him a long look. She could tell he wasn't exaggerating. Chiga's strength was terrifying, and if he really wanted, he could crush anyone in their path.
Before she could respond, a woman approached them. She had short blonde hair, dressed fashionably, and her eyes curved into crescent slits as she smiled.
"My, my. What a sweet pair! Are you two students here for the tour?"
Lazuli stiffened and instinctively stepped behind Chiga, wary of the stranger's gaze.
But Chiga recognized her immediately.
"You must be Mrs. Brief, right?"
"Oh? This young man knows me? And what's your name?"
"My name is Chiga, and this is Lazuli."
Lazuli stared at Mrs. Brief in shock. She looked far too young, especially for someone married to Dr. Brief, who was over sixty.
But Mrs. Brief's youthful beauty wasn't the result of wealth or luxury—it was simply her. Her looks barely changed, even as the years passed.
She chuckled lightly, covering her mouth.
"Hehehe, I see your classmates have already gone ahead. Why are you two still out here?"
"We fell behind," Chiga admitted.
"In that case, let me give you a personal tour."
Her fondness for Chiga was obvious.
Lazuli's instincts kicked in immediately. She slipped her arm tightly through Chiga's, her eyes narrowing. If Mrs. Brief was going to hover close, she would make sure everyone understood: Chiga was hers.
Without a word, she clung to him as they followed Mrs. Brief through the company halls.
Eventually, Mrs. Brief led them to Dr. Brief's private workshop. Sparks and the hiss of welding filled the air from behind the door.
When it opened, a girl with a long blue ponytail stood inside, goggles pushed up on her forehead.
Chiga's eyes flickered in recognition.
It was Bulma—the unmistakable heroine of Dragon Ball.
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