Shot in the DARK

They say you can't hear someone scream in the vacuum of space. Sometimes I wonder if that's true, as I sit perched on the steel rail overlooking the vast, endless expanse. Stars glitter in the void, countless pinpricks of light suspended in an eternal black canvas. My fingers idly trace the cold metal beneath me, the faint vibrations of the ship's systems humming through my seat.

"Ooi! Pepper!"

The sound draws me from my thoughts. I glance down the hallway to my right and spot Riza jogging towards me, her movement light and unhurried. Her long blue ponytail, bound with a silver band, sways behind her with a rhythm that feels almost hypnotic, a silken ribbon cutting through the sterile, recycled air.

When our eyes meet, she gives a soft wave, her cerulean gaze sparkling like sunlight on an ocean's surface. Riza is more than just my best friend—she's a force of nature wrapped in beauty. Her complexion, a pale sky-blue, is flecked with darker blue freckles scattered across her cheeks and nose. They add an almost ethereal charm to her double-dimpled smile, a smile so disarmingly innocent it could fool anyone into one of her countless mischievous schemes.

As she draws closer, the sharp lines of her form-fitting space suit become clearer, hugging her figure in ways that make looking anywhere else a struggle. Noticing my lingering gaze, her lips—full and tinted like ripe blueberries—curl into a playful grin.

"Don't fall in love with me now," she teases, leaning forward just enough to catch my attention again.

"Yeah, right. Aside from your looks and body, you ain't got much else," I fire back with a smirk, though I can already see her expression shifting to mock offense.

Her delicate eyebrows twitch, and her voice rises in mock indignation. "Huuuuh? What's that supposed to mean, huh?"

I shrug casually. "See? Exactly what I mean."

She puffs out her cheeks, her frustration melting into a pout that barely hides her amusement. "Humph! Whatever. I was going to tell you I snagged two tickets for the Super Ball anime showing on the theater deck, but it seems I lost them…" She spins on her heel dramatically, her ponytail whipping through the air.

"Wait, wait, wait!" I grab her ankle, halting her retreat. She glances down at me with a mischievous sparkle in her eyes, a slow grin spreading across her lips.

"Hooo? And why should I? My outstanding body has overtaken my brain, after all. If only I weren't so beautiful, maybe I'd be smart too!" She places both hands on her cheeks, feigning despair as her melodramatic performance reaches its peak.

"Who told you that nonsense?" I ask, playing along with exaggerated surprise.

"Right? And to think he was supposed to be my best friend," she cries, pretending to dab at imaginary tears.

"What a traitor," I gasp, clutching my chest.

"Exactly!" she exclaims, her tone brightening as she gestures imperiously. "Now, the only way he can redeem himself is by groveling and kissing my boot."

"Oh hell no." I spring backward, making her laugh.

She spins dramatically again, tossing her hair. "Ah, such a pity. They were the best seats—center row, middle section."

The temptation proves too much. "Oh, great one! Please forgive this ignorant fool for he knows not what he says!" I drop into a dogeza pose, bowing low.

Her laughter rings like music in the quiet corridor. "Yes, yes, you are half-forgiven. But one final act is required." She taps my head lightly, her grin widening.

I sigh, taking her cue. Gently, I grab her ankle, and after a brief pause, she bursts into giggles and crouches down to hug me. "That was so fun! Thanks for going along with my silliness."

"Always," I reply as we stand.

"For real, though—wanna go with me?" she asks, her smile as radiant as ever.

"Yeah, I love Super Ball," I answer, and her grin somehow grows brighter.

"Great! It starts at 21:00. Want to head up to the entertainment deck until then?" she asks, tapping her fingers together in a way that's oddly endearing.

"Sure. Better than napping in my quarters."

She grabs my hand without hesitation. "Bet! Let's go!"

As we pass through the corridor, crew members who witnessed our little show start whispering.

"Huuuuh. Just date already."

"Right? Everyone knows they're basically a couple."

"Ah, to be young…"

Their comments draw a faint blush to my cheeks, but Riza seems completely unfazed.

"Oh, can we swing by my room first?" she asks, glancing back at me. "There's some stuff I want to grab."

"Sure."

As we walk, her chatter fills the space between us, her energy infectious. By the time we reach her quarters, the clock still reads only 11:44. When the door slides open, the chaos inside nearly knocks me off balance.

Clothes are draped over every available surface, dishes and silverware are precariously stacked, and random bits of trash litter the floor.

"Please ignore the mess. I didn't expect company," she says with a nervous laugh, scratching her cheek.

"It's fine—it's not like I'm judging—" My words trail off as I sit on her couch, only to feel something slimy against my back.

"Eep."

"Thanks, Pep," she says softly, disappearing into her room.

As I lean back again, I notice the texture beneath my hand. Looking down, I freeze. A red-and-black lace bra sits beneath my palm. Before I can react, Riza emerges, her grin sharper than usual.

"Ara, ara~! Does my bra really feel that good, Pep? If you wanted a feel, you just had to ask."

"Hell no! You're just so sloppy that being depressed doesn't justify it," I retort, tossing the offending item in her direction. Her laughter echoes back as she vanishes again.

Minutes later, she returns with her usual bright smile, all traces of earlier irritation gone. "Okey-dokey, got everything! Wanna hit the arcade first? We can add to my stuffed animal collection!"

Her excitement is contagious. "Sure," I reply, and she grabs my arm, practically dragging me toward the elevator. The warmth of her touch lingers, her laughter filling the air as we step into the lift. As the elevator doors close with a soft hiss, Riza bounces on her heels, her blue ponytail swaying with her energy. She spins around to face me, her hands clasped behind her back, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"So," she begins, leaning in slightly, "if we're hitting the arcade first, does that mean you're ready to lose to me in claw machines again?"

I smirk, crossing my arms. "Lose? You mean like the time you spent twenty credits trying to grab that stuffed penguin and still didn't get it?"

Her jaw drops in mock offense, and she gasps dramatically. "How dare you! That penguin was rigged, and you know it!"

I shrug, feigning indifference. "Excuses, excuses. Face it, Riza, I've got the magic touch."

She narrows her eyes, stepping closer until we're nearly nose to nose. "Oh, really? Care to make it interesting this time?"

"Name your terms," I reply, meeting her challenge.

Her lips curl into a sly smile. "Loser treats the winner to ice cream."

"Done."

The elevator gives a soft chime, signaling its arrival at the entertainment deck. Just as the doors slide open, Riza suddenly pokes me in the ribs, making me flinch.

"Ha! First win goes to me!" she laughs, darting out of the elevator.

"Cheater!" I shout, chasing after her as she skips ahead, her laughter ringing through the brightly lit corridor.

The entertainment deck is alive with the hum of activity—bright neon signs, laughter, and the sounds of games in full swing. Riza pauses, looking back at me with a triumphant grin.

"Better keep up, Pepper! The claw machines are calling my name!"

I shake my head, unable to hide my own grin, and jog after her. The challenge was officially on. 

The arcade bursts into view as we round the corner, an explosion of light and sound that feels like stepping into another universe. 

Neon signs in every color blaze overhead, reflecting off the polished floor like a kaleidoscope. The air is alive with the hum of machines, the chime of coins dropping, and the occasional triumphant cheer as someone hits a jackpot.

Riza skids to a halt in front of the entrance, her eyes sparkling like a kid in a candy store. "Ah, home sweet home!" she exclaims, spreading her arms wide.

I chuckle, catching up to her. "You act like you live here."

"I might as well," she says, practically vibrating with excitement. "Now come on, the claw machines are this way!"

Before I can respond, she grabs my hand and pulls me into the chaos, weaving effortlessly through the crowd. Rows of machines line the walls, each one promising prizes ranging from oversized plushies to glittering trinkets.

Riza zeroes in on a machine in the corner, its glass case packed with colorful stuffed animals. A large, smug-looking dragon sits dead center, practically begging to be won.

"There it is!" she says, her voice practically dripping with determination. "That dragon is mine."

I raise an eyebrow. "Didn't you say that about the penguin last time?"

She shoots me a mock glare, then grins. "Watch and learn, Pepper. This time, I've got a system."

"Oh, this I've gotta see," I reply, folding my arms as she cracks her knuckles and prepares for battle.