Chapter 4 – Moments on Mercury's Lost Island
The spaceship descended slowly toward the gleaming surface of the island, the artificial gravity humming softly under their feet as the doors opened. A warm, gentle breeze brushed across the deck, carrying the faint scent of exotic flowers and salted air from distant artificial oceans. For a moment, everyone paused, taking in the serene emptiness of the place.
Vaibhav's brow furrowed in curiosity, eyes scanning the quiet streets, the softly glowing buildings, and the faint flicker of lights in the amusement park rides. "Master… why is this place so empty?" His voice carried a mix of awe and confusion. "Does nobody come here?"
Lin Xuan's eyes, dark and unreadable, glanced over at him. "It's not that no one comes. I… bought the entire island for today."
Vaibhav's jaw practically dropped. "You… bought the whole island? But—1 UC equals 50 bitcoins! That… that must have cost a fortune!"
Lin Xuan gave him a faint smirk. "Don't think so much, kid. Enjoy it instead."
Anika, standing behind them with her usual mischievous smile, clapped her hands lightly. "Exactly! Stop worrying about the numbers and just enjoy yourself. By the way… there's a romantic movie playing in the theatre. You two should go and watch it."
Vaibhav's face instantly turned scarlet. "Wha… what? Why… why do you want us to go alone? What will you do?"
Anika leaned closer, her teasing grin widening, and whispered in a mock-serious tone, "Why? Because I want the two of you to get closer. In the dim light of the theatre… who knows? There might even be a chance you both could… kiss."
Vaibhav and Alicia both froze, the tips of their ears burning as their hands brushed unintentionally. Neither of them could meet the other's gaze for a heartbeat.
Anika's eyes flicked toward Lin Xuan, her tone playful. "And don't think I forgot about us. Yan'er and I are going to watch a romantic movie with Brother Lin in another theatre. Don't be late."
Lin Xuan's expression remained stoic. "I am not interested in romantic movies, so I won't be coming."
Anika's lips curled into a sly smile. "Oh really? Did you forget you promised to do anything I say?"
Lin Xuan's eyes narrowed, the faintest trace of amusement brushing across his features. "…Fine. I'll come. But what about the others?"
"They'll either go watch a different movie or explore the amusement park," Anika replied, clearly satisfied. "Everything's taken care of."
The theatre's interior was dim, soft red lighting reflecting off velvet seats. Vaibhav and Alicia found themselves seated side by side, hearts hammering in unison. The scent of popcorn and the subtle hum of the projector filled the room. For a long moment, neither spoke, their eyes locked and unblinking.
Vaibhav swallowed hard, his mind racing. This is… actually happening. We're alone… just us…
Alicia's soft blush deepened, her hand brushing against his ever so slightly. Neither pulled away.
The romantic scenes played out on the screen, but Vaibhav could barely focus. His gaze kept drifting to Alicia's face—her wide, expressive eyes, the curve of her lips, the soft rise and fall of her chest as she breathed. The theatre seemed to shrink around them, leaving only the two of them, suspended in their own quiet world.
Then, almost imperceptibly, Vaibhav leaned closer. Alicia mirrored him, her lips brushing against his in a tentative, shy kiss. The moment lingered, fragile yet electric, a silent promise that neither dared to speak aloud.
In another theatre, Anika and Yan'er had already settled in with Lin Xuan. The women were whispering excitedly, shushing each other whenever Lin Xuan's stoic presence threatened to dampen their mischievous energy.
Anika leaned toward him suddenly, her eyes glinting with playful defiance. "Hey… kiss me."
Lin Xuan blinked, unfazed. "What?"
"I said… kiss me," she repeated, leaning closer and pressing her lips to his briefly, testing his reaction. "And don't forget Yan'er—she should get one too."
Lin Xuan's eyes flicked toward Yan'er, who was blushing deeply, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. "You're serious?" he asked softly.
"Absolutely," Anika replied, grinning. "You promised. And besides… she likes you too, don't forget that."
Yan'er's nod was almost imperceptible, but it was enough. Lin Xuan's usual calm intensity softened just slightly as he leaned toward Anika. Their lips met in a brief, deliberate kiss, careful yet electric. Anika's hands rested lightly on his shoulders, a mixture of mischief and sincerity in her gaze.
When Lin Xuan pulled back, Anika turned to Yan'er, who still sat frozen in quiet embarrassment. Lin Xuan gave her a gentle, encouraging smile. "Can I…?"
Yan'er nodded again, just enough for him to understand.
The moment was simple, quiet, yet it carried weight. In that dimly lit theatre, surrounded by stories of love on the screen and the scent of buttered popcorn, Lin Xuan and Yan'er shared a tentative, shy kiss—one that was entirely their own.
Anika clapped her hands softly afterward, the sound ringing like a bell in the quiet theatre. "Finally! Progress!" she teased. "Don't make me wait too long, you two."
Lin Xuan's dark eyes returned to the screen, calm as ever, but a faint warmth lingered in his expression. Beside him, Yan'er's hand brushed lightly against his. Outside, the rest of the island awaited—rides, restaurants, and endless possibilities—but in that small theatre, nothing else existed but this fleeting, perfect moment.
By the time the two groups emerged from the theatres, the sun was beginning to dip below the horizon of the artificial island, painting the sky in soft golds and pinks. Laughter echoed across the empty streets as Vaibhav and Alicia exchanged shy glances, hands brushing, their bond strengthened.
Lin Xuan and the two women walked alongside each other, Anika's teasing commentary punctuating Lin Xuan's silent amusement, while Yan'er remained slightly behind, still blushing but smiling softly. The island seemed endless, a canvas for memories yet to be painted, and today, it was theirs alone.
Even amidst games, rides, and films, the quiet connections—the soft glances, the stolen touches, the blushes of first kisses—spoke louder than any roller coaster scream or cinematic plot twist. The Obsidian Onyx Guild's resources could buy an island, but it could not manufacture this: the fragile, electric thrill of hearts touching for the first time, of bonds forming under the starlit dome of a Mercury-born sky.