[March 7th: Sister Lumina, I'm almost at the space station!]
[Lumina: Great! I'll be waiting for you at the platform.]
At the platform of Herta Space Station, Lumina watched the vibrant message on her phone and smiled contentedly.
It's been quite a while since I last saw March 7th. I've really missed her...
The thought of that silly, pink-haired girl, March 7th, arriving soon made Lumina's hands fidget with anticipation.
Speaking of which... why did the Astral Express drop Stelle off at the space station and then immediately leave?
Lumina murmured to herself, puzzled. Logically, the train should have stayed for a while after delivering Stelle, right? Why did it leave so abruptly?
Even though the Stellaron Spirit had only recently boarded the train, surely they wouldn't just abandon her here and depart alone.
[Lumina: So after the Astral Express delivered the Star Empress, why did you leave immediately?]
Never one to stay silent when confused, Lumina immediately questioned March 7th.
[March 7th: After dropping Stelle off at the Space Station, we rushed down to The Blue!]
[March 7th: Since Herta invited Stelle, there wasn't much for me to do there. Plus, the Space Station isn't exactly a fun place to hang out.]
[March 7th: So I begged Himeko to let me go play on The Blue!]
[March 7th: I never imagined you'd be at the Space Station, Sister Lumina! (Breaks down crying) If I'd known, I would have come straight to you! Waaah!]
｡ﾟ(T△T)ﾟ｡
"That's just like March 7th," Lumina murmured, a tender smile gracing her lips as she read the flurry of messages March 7th had sent. Even through the text, she could practically see the young girl's face brimming with regret on the other side of the screen.
But...
"I've never even been to The Blue before," Lumina murmured, gazing out at the azure planet beyond the platform. A hint of curiosity sparked within her.
After all, a planet that produced a genius like Herta must have other beautiful girls too— she quickly scratched out that thought—must have many other interesting places to explore.
That's what Lumina thought to herself.
[Lumina: The Space Station is so boring. I only came here for Herta's research anyway.]
[Lumina: Since March is on The Blue, why not stay there for a while and have some fun?]
[Lumina: It's definitely more exciting than the Space Station!]
[March 7th: Wherever Sister Lumina is, that's the most fun place to be!]
[March 7th: Besides, I'm almost there already! There's no point in talking about this now!]
As March 7th's message pinged through, a streak of light shot from The Blue, hurtling toward the Space Station at breakneck speed.
What a lively girl, Lumina mused, watching the approaching light grow larger.
She put away her phone, a smile gracing her lips as she gazed at the platform, awaiting the arrival of the Astral Express and March 7th.
Click...
"Sister Lumina! Long time no see! I missed you so much!"
As the Astral Express pulled into the Herta Space Station's platform, the train doors hissed open. A lively and adorable pink-haired girl, radiant as stained glass, burst out and rushed toward Lumina, wrapping her in a tight embrace.
"Ah, that's the scent—it's definitely Sister Lumina!" March 7th murmured, sinking into the familiar warmth of Lumina's embrace, her face beaming with contentment.
"Alright, March," Lumina chided gently, her voice soft as she felt the girl's slender frame pressed against her. "Why are you acting like a child?"
"Hehe, in your eyes, Sister Lumina, I'll always be your little kid," March 7th replied, reluctantly pulling away from the hug and stepping back a few paces to allow Lumina to fully take in her appearance.
"Hmm..." Lumina studied March 7th up and down, then delivered her verdict.
"March... have you gained weight?"
"Huh?" March 7th froze, stunned by the question.
"N-no... I haven't, right?"
March 7th observed her own body, pinching her waist and lower belly through her clothes, her face a mix of confusion, bewilderment, and nervousness.
"Alright, I was teasing you. March hasn't gained weight at all. You're still as adorable as ever... no, even more adorable than before!" Lumina chuckled inwardly at the familiar sight of Silly March 7th.
As the saying goes: One candy, three tricks! o(* ̄▽ ̄*)ブ
"Hehe, no I didn't."
Hearing Sister Lumina's praise, March 7th's momentary thought about ignoring her for a full minute over the "weight gain" comment instantly vanished.
She scratched her head, twisted her body slightly, and let out a few embarrassed giggles.
"Miss Lumina, we meet again."
While March 7th was scratching her head and giggling, Himeko - the Astral Express's navigator - disembarked and walked over slowly.
Himeko first greeted Lumina before turning to March 7th with a helpless expression, speaking in a stern tone: "March, the train doors hadn't stabilized yet! Suddenly rushing out is extremely dangerous!"
"Umm... I haven't seen Sister Lumina in so long, I got a little excited," March 7th said, flashing an awkward, slightly embarrassed smile.
"Even when you're excited, you need to be careful," Himeko scolded March 7th before turning her gaze to Lumina and smiling. "Miss Lumina, March has caused you some trouble."
"Not at all. A lively child is a good thing," Lumina replied with a shake of her head and a smile. She glanced at the Astral Express, then at the Space Station, and added, "There's been a slight incident at the Space Station recently. It's nothing major, but it could still cause some trouble."
"Huh? What happened at the Space Station?" Himeko's expression immediately turned serious as she pressed for details.
"Herta... was attacked..." Lumina said, her voice grave.
"!"