Dialogue/Orca Date Contest Sub Story: You Are a Star, My Star

Translated by Khosen

You Are a Star, My Star

DISCLAIMER: I gave up writing Hussar with an "accent." Please feel free to use your imagination and read her lines as if she's speaking with a Scottish/Southern American/Or-any-accent-you-have-a-kink-with.

Part 1.

Spartoia:

Hussar, do you wanna go on the date instead of me?

Coco:

Sorry?

Hussar:

Why? Are you insane? What are you talking about? You won the golden opportunity to go on a date with Opp - I mean Commander.

Spartoia:

I, I don't feel well...

Coco:

But you just hit the gym for 4 hours since dawn.

Spartoia:

...

I need my exoskeleton suit checked...

Coco:

Let me help then. Two heads are better than one, right?

Spartoia:

...

Hussar:

What's the matter? You're not your usual self, coming up with all these excuses.

Spartoia:

Well...it's a little, you know.

Imagine a girl that's not the most feminine and a little wild...going on a date with the Captain.

Haha. I'd feel bad for the Captain. There're a lot of others who are much prettier and more gentle than me.

I'm satisfied being his loyal subordinate.

Hussar:

...

Coco:

...

Hussar:

Coco.

Coco:

Yes.

Hussar:

Hold that b***h tight.

Coco:

Will do!

Spartoia:

Wait, Coco! Hussar!

Hussar:

B***h, are you high? There's literally a truck full of girls around here that would kill to go on a date with Oppa, and you're literally trying to throw that opportunity away? Brace yourself as I'm about to kick your ass.

Spartoia:

...But...I feel sorry for the Captain who has to go on a date with someone like me.

Hussar:

And you're not sorry for everyone else? You've just one the lottery everyone desires, and you're getting cold feet?

Also, just who do you think I am? Did you think I'd bow politely and accept your offering?

Even if I did bow down and accept your offer! Because, yes, the truth is, I'd also kill to go on a date with Oppa! This is ridiculous!

You were the one who pushed me so that I could make a move on him, and now when it becomes your turn, you're chickening out?!

What happened to Spartoia, who'd always proudly say, 'I'd smash any trouble I face!'? Were you bluffing all along?

Is this really the girl I trusted to look after my six this entire time?!

Spartoia:

...

Coco:

Spartoia.

Spartoia:

...Yeah.

Coco:

Both Hussar and I would never force something on you if you hate it that much. Please tell us properly that you really don't want this date.

However, if you're having doubts for whatever reason, we're also here to help you resolve them.

I remember seeing you thrilled once you were announced as the winner to go on a date with the Commander.

Which is why both Hussar and I are shocked right now.

So please tell us, what does your heart truly desire?

You can be honest with us. We'll support you no matter what.

Spartoia:

...

Fine...I'll do it.

Hussar:

Your words, not ours. Coco. Do not let her go. I'll be right back after grabbing my cosmetics to transform her.

Part 2.

Commander:

A date always makes me feel excited.

Not only do I get to spend some quality time with my partner.

I also get to see a new side of her I usually don't get to see.

Especially if it's a date with Spartoia, who I've never seen her wear something different.

When she's assigned to battle, she'd always wear her battle suit, and during her off-duty, she'd wear a maintenance suit or a sweatsuit.

She's easy-going, and when it came to our relationship, she seemed to prioritize a professional over a romantic one.

All of this made me extra excited for today's date. I just didn't know how she would look like.

And when I arrived at the meet-up point with all these questions in my head.

Spartoia was there.

Held tightly by both Coco and Hussar.

Honestly, my curiosity about what happened to the three overcame my impression of how amazing Spartoia looked took over at that moment.

Hey. (Choice)

The three walked toward me as I greeted them.

Technically, it seemed Coco and Hussar were dragging Spartoia towards me.

Coco:

Hello, Commander.

Commander:

Hussar also greeted me as she handed Spartoia over to me.

Hussar:

Commander, I beg you. Do not let go of her hand under any circumstances.

Spartoia:

I won't run away...

Coco:

You ran away when you saw the skirt. You ran away because you thought your underwear looked skimpy. You ran away because you didn't like the see-through of your shirt. And I'll also remind you that you ran away three times when we were applying make-up on you.

In fact, you were trying to seize any opportunity to run away until now.

Spartoia:

...

Commander:

Now it all makes sense.

And so I held Spartoia's hand tightly.

Her hand was cold, and she was sweating.

Coco:

Well, do enjoy your date, you two.

Hussar:

Don't forget everything we told you, Spartoia.

Commander, again, please look after our Spartoia here.

Commander:

And so our date began with the two's blessing.

Spartoia broke the silence with an awkward smile.

Spartoia:

Coco and Hussar forced me to wear this, but...t, this feels weird on me, right? Do you mind if I go get changed first?

Commander:

Hmm...yeah, I do think it's weird. (Choice)

Spartoia:

...

Commander:

I knew you were pretty, but it's so weird how I didn't ask you to dress up like this until now. You look amazing. (Choice)

Spartoia:

...

Commander:

I'm sure I wasn't feeling cringy just because I held onto her hand tightly.

Sure, you may not look like your usual self, but I think you're absolutely gorgeous right now. (Choice)

Spartoia:

...

Commander:

I tried my best to compliment her, but it seemed I didn't get much out of it.

I also don't think she didn't dislike it, so I kept going.

As much as I get comforted and feel joyous whenever I would go on a date.

I'd hope that they'd feel the same way.

Coco:

Hey, Hussar.

Hussar:

Yeah?

Coco:

Were you trying to seek revenge from that bunny girl incident?

Hussar:

...I won't deny that was also part of the reason why.

But when would a tomboy like her get an opportunity like this?

And...I know she likes him too.

As a colleague and as her friend, I would do my best to support her.

Part 3.

Commander:

I decided to give some time for Spartoia to relax and decided to go for a little walk.

And doing its trick, Spartoia began making small talks.

Spartoia:

Urgh...walking around wearing this makes me feel like I'm walking naked...

Commander:

Why? It looks good on you. (Choice)

Spartoia:

Thanks...but wouldn't it have been better if anyone but me wore it...?

I miss my battle suit...

Commander:

I was a little worried seeing Spartoia this vulnerable. But at the same time, I was also intrigued by seeing this side of her.

I could have waited and let her have her wish to change back to her battle suit.

But I decided to give Spartoia some time to accept this new change. Hoping it'd grow onto her.

Is there any place you want to check out? (Choice)

Spartoia:

...I'm okay with wherever you want to go, Captain.

Commander:

Right, well, I'll try my best then. (Choice)

Thankfully, she didn't say she wanted to go back to her place.

First, I took her to a VR zone.

This newly built area uses drones that beam out a ray of light to create an image. Using the technology, we can dive into a world of art or take photos with any background.

So? (Choice)

Spartoia:

I think it's well painted.

Commander:

Was her response as we looked through famous paintings.

To be fair, they were a hologram and not the actual painting, after all.

Okay, moving along. (Choice)

We created a virtual zone that depicted the great Mother Nature this time.

On top of the realistic visuals, the speakers and synthetic scent came along, making it more real by tickling our auditory and smell senses.

I'd like to visit this kind of place in person if I get the chance. (Choice)

Spartoia:

I'm sure we will get a chance someday?

Commander:

Though I was in awe with how real the room transformed into, I slightly lost my enthusiasm as Spartoia seemed not too amused by it.

Still, I anticipated this kind of reaction from her, but what about this?

I'm sure you'll love the next one. (Choice)

The next theme I chose was our galaxy.

The night sky, stars, different planets, comets and nebulas appeared in front of our eyes.

They just look pretty to me, but I'm sure it would mean a lot differently for Spartoia, who adores the space.

But when I glanced over.

Spartoia:

...

Commander:

So, how is it? (Choice)

Spartoia:

Oh? A, ah, they're pretty.

Commander:

That was the end of her impression of my trump card.

Alright, should we get going then? (Choice)

Looks like my plan A did not go that well.

As a plan B, I brought her to an escape room.

You know the rules, right? (Choice)

Spartoia:

We'd go in and solve puzzles together first. And once we reached a certain point, we would be separated to solve our own puzzles. Then, finally, we'd meet up again to solve the last puzzle, right?

Commander:

Yup. (Choice)

This time, Spartoia seemed interested as it involved some sort of physical and mental activity.

We've got 1 hour. Let's get to it. (Choice)

Spartoia:

Alright.

Commander:

After solving the first puzzle, she and I went separate ways to solve our own puzzles.

When I came to the final location after working through them on my own.

Oh? Spartoia, you'd made it here this early? (Choice)

Spartoia:

Yeah.

Commander:

How did you solve the second lock? I had to use the help card for that one. (Choice)

Spartoia:

Ah, that? I kinda just tried pulling hard, and it broke?

Commander:

... (Choice)

Spartoia:

...See, I'm always wild like this. I don't know how to behave like a girl.

I'm sorry, Captain...for being stuck with someone like me...

Commander:

Just when I thought Spartoia was gaining some confidence, she went back to square one.

She and I ended up not being able to escape within the time limit.

Plan C. I brought her to the arcade as I know she never declines a challenge.

Steel Line Arcade. What do you say we go for a round, Spartoia? (Choice)

Spartoia:

I'm sorry...I don't know how to play the game.

Commander:

We ended up seeing what kind of games were there but never ended up playing any of them.

Looks like Plan C was also a no-go.

My Plan D was to bring her to the gym.

Spartoia:

Captain...how do you expect me to work out wearing something like this...

Commander:

You are absolutely right. (Choice)

This one was totally on me.

Spartoia:

...

Commander:

Spartoia was still feeling low.

As I was thinking up a new plan to cheer her up, she opened up.

Spartoia:

Hey, should we call it a day, Captain?

Commander:

Already? (Choice)

Spartoia:

Yeah. I had my fun, and you look tired.

Thanks for everything today, Captain.

Commander:

And Spartoia tried to let go of my hand.

But I didn't let that happen. I held on to it tighter.

Her hand was still cold, and she was still sweating.

Hey, Spartoia, is it boring when you spend time with me? (Choice)

Spartoia:

...No.

Commander:

Then why end our date this early? (Choice)

She took her time before telling me her reasoning.

Spartoia:

See, the only reason why we're on a date is because of sheer luck, right? I've won the raffle.

And I'm...just a tomboy.

Orca's full of others who are much more date-worthy than me. And out of everyone, I was chosen...

I feel bad for everyone and for you.

Haha, I had my fun for the day.

Commander:

Spartoia tried to laugh it off, but I knew she wasn't happy.

And that was also my wake-up call.

I needed to make sure that we were both on the same page.

Sure, you may not be the so-called 'girliest' in town, Spartoia. (Choice)

I didn't deny her feelings.

You live for battle, training, and outer space. (Choice)

Instead, I tried pointing out the charm points of Spartoia.

And I find Spartoia spearheading her way to her goal very attractive. (Choice)

And tell her the impression I've had on her so far.

And I think you're adorable right now with how you're acting all shy in front of me with that style change. (Choice)

As well as my impression of her when I saw her earlier.

I like you because you're Spartoia. (Choice)

I confessed to her in all sincerity.

Not because you are different from someone else, but because you are you. (Choice)

It was time to check if she was also on the same page with me.

Did you not have a great time today dating me, Spartoia? (Choice)

Spartoia's lips trembled slightly, and she lowered her head.

Spartoia:

I was afraid...to find out...if our feelings were mutual, that if you liked me as much as I liked you.

So I ended up comparing myself to others, and my self-esteem went downhill.

Like a coward, I tried to run away from you without learning how you felt towards me.

But...Captain, you just said you like this part of me as well.

...I can see clearly now.

My attitude and behaviour...made me run away from you.

Commander:

With that, Spartoia looked up to me again.

And there she was, the Spartoia I know.

Spartoia:

Hahaha! Yup, I'm sorry, Captain!

I won't run away like a coward any longer.

What's left for me to fear? I just heard the best thing anyone has to say about me.

As much as I'm proud that I'm me, I'll take huge pride in that you like me as who I am, Captain!

You can count on me once again! I'd fight for you, travel to outer space for you and...love you with my heart's content.

Commander:

This time, it was Spartoia that took the lead.

Spartoia:

Let's get going then. Now, I know I don't have to be overly aware of everyone around us. So I want to try that dessert we didn't order at the cafe earlier.

Let's make this date a memorable one, Captain!

Commander:

And the hand I held onto was cold no longer.

Part 4.

Commander:

The re-do of our date with the brand new Spartoia was completely different.

As if to make up for the lost opportunity, Spartoia tried extra hard in the arcade.

Spartoia:

Captain! I'm on my way to gank!

Commander:

Why would you warn our enemies by shouting out loud like that?! (Choice)

Spartoia:

Haha! What's the matter? We'll just crush them face to face then!

Yes! We won!

Commander:

She'd embrace the sweet feeling of victory

Spartoia:

Ah...that was close; if only I was a little faster.

Alright, time for revenge!

Commander:

And get back up straight after a loss and ask for another challenge.

No matter which side of Spartoia I saw...

This is fun. (Choice)

Spartoia:

Hmm?

Commander:

I'm glad I'm doing this with you, Spartoia. (Choice)

Spartoia:

Yup! I feel the same way, Captain!

But you being cheesy won't make me go easy on you.

Commander:

After the arcade, she brought us back to the Escape room.

You want to try the hardest level this time? (Choice)

Spartoia:

We need a proper revenge match.

Losing and running away ain't in my book.

Ella:

Please don't break another lock this time.

Spartoia:

...I'm sorry.

Commander:

And so we've entered the room once again.

Spartoia:

Alright! Let's look for a clue, Captain!

Commander:

She and I worked together and gathered clues to solve the puzzle.

Spartoia:

Hey, I think we need a light source for this to open. Mind looking for something like a flashlight, Captain?

Commander:

Got it. (Choice)

After searching the room...

Found one. (Choice)

I found a flashlight in a locked drawer.

Sparto...(Choice)

It was when I was trying to tell her the news.

Spartoia:

I got a feeling it could be down here...

Commander:

Spartoia had her knees on the ground, looking under the bed.

... (Choice)

Perhaps because she's not wearing her usual battle suit, I don't think Spartoia has any idea how she looks right now.

If someone bends over with a skirt like that, then...

Spartoia:

I, did you find, hiya!?

Commander:

My instincts took over, and I gently caressed her body.

Spartoia:

C, Captain?

Commander:

She seemed shocked by my actions, but she didn't push me away.

Gently, I picked her up and laid her on the bed.

Spartoia:

C, Captain.

Commander:

Yeah? (Choice)

Spartoia:

Weren't we trying to escape the room?

Commander:

We were. (Choice)

Spartoia:

So...shouldn't we...be...escaping...the room?

Commander:

I'm preoccupied with something else at the moment. (Choice)

Spartoia:

You're a little impatient today, Captain. It's like...you can't hold it off any longer.

Commander:

Is that a no? (Choice)

Spartoia:

I...would never say no to you.

Commander:

Spartoia closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

Spartoia:

So...how do I look...right now?

Commander:

Stunning, absolutely stunning. (Choice)

Spartoia:

Ehehehe.

Commander:

She then wrapped her arm around my neck with a cute giggle.

I knew what she wanted. All there was left for me was to deliver.

Spartoia:

Well...then...

Stun me with yours...Captain.

Commander:

As I went after her...

Ella:

U, u, uhm. Pardon my intrusion!

O, Obscene conduct is strictly forbidden here!

Commander:

Sorry... (Choice)

Spartoia:

Sorry...

Commander:

We got in trouble.

It was a long day, but...

Time flew by so fast, and it was time for dinner.

Spartoia:

Ahhh, I had fun.

Commander:

Aren't you hungry? (Choice)

Spartoia:

I am! So much!

Commander:

What do you wanna eat? (Choice)

Spartoia:

Hmm...

You've been showing me around this entire time, right?

Let me take over this time around.

Commander:

How? (Choice)

Spartoia:

Hehe! Not telling you that!

Where would the joy of surprise be if I told you?

Commander:

She wanted to have a picnic outside.

But by the time we got to the beach, it was already getting dark.

Oh, maybe we got here too late? (Choice)

Spartoia:

Nope, we're in fact early.

Commander:

Hmm? (Choice)

Spartoia:

Look up, Captain.

Commander:

As I listened to her and looked up, a starry night sky pleased my eyes.

The VR area earlier is nothing compared to this view. (Choice)

Spartoia:

Yeah. It's impossible to reconstruct this in a small, confined space.

Commander:

Spartoia began telling me different stories about space.

Spartoia:

It is wrong to technically say a meteor's approaching our planet. As the earth rotates, it's merely passing by a fraction of a comet that's broken off, you know.

Commander:

About meteorites.

Spartoia:

See, in this poem, the author describes how Astronomers lack emotion when describing stars.

But I disagree. Astronomers are the most enthusiastic people when it comes to stars! How can they not be emotional?

Commander:

She told me her opinion on poems about the stars.

Spartoia:

Hey, why don't you connect the stars I'm pointing at? This one and that one.

Yeah, those ones. What do you see? Hehe, I see you, Captain.

I think I just found a unique constellation, and I'll present it to you!

Commander:

And she told me stories about the stars.

Her stories were interesting, and it drew my heart near her as she kept telling me different stories about space.

As she went on, I began to see the night sky differently, and now I began to understand why Spartoia's drawn into outer space this much.

As the night went on, our bond grew stronger.

Spartoia:

I really like space.

Its sheer size and mysteriousness beyond any human comprehension mesmerize me.

Not to mention how I love physic and astronautical equations.

The stars are pretty to look at, and its stories, though made-up, are enjoyable.

It drives my spirit of inquiry and adventure wild when I realize how there's so little we know about it.

I guess you can say I'm in love with space.

But, see...

Commander:

Spartoia suddenly stood up.

Spartoia:

Ever heard how people describe outer space as infinite?

But the truth is, it's just expanding rapidly at extraordinary speed.

So it's wrong to relate the term infinite with space. However, there is one thing in this world where you can use the word. Do you know what that would be?

Commander:

Before I could answer her riddle, she jumped backwards and created some distance between us.

She turned around after travelling around 10 meters.

Spartoia:

My heart for you.

Commander:

Behind the endless milky way galaxy, Spartoia raised her voice.

Spartoia:

I, Spartoia's infinitely in love with you, Captain! More than I'm in love with space!

Commander:

I'm sure her passionate confession that filled my heart until the top and overflew reached the end of the massive galaxy.

Part 5.

Spartoia:

Ah, it was yet another productive day.

Coco:

It indeed was.

Hussar:

I'm all sweaty.

Spartoia:

Haha, same. The inside of my suit is soaked with sweat right now.

Hussar:

I need a shower, and then time for a sheet mask.

Spartoia:

Hussar, mind if I borrow one?

Hussar:

Hmm? What's gotten into you? I thought you said you were too lazy to care?

Spartoia:

From now on, I think I should start taking care of my skin.

Hussar:

*Chuckles,* I get it. I suppose the date you had the other day really changed you, huh?

Spartoia:

Yup.

Hussar:

...You were supposed to get all embarrassed and deny my accusation. This ain't fun.

Spartoia:

I'm still getting used to it. But I wanna give my all to things I know Captain would enjoy. He told me he likes how I spearhead my way towards my goal.

Hussar:

Yeah yeah, sounds like the girl who woke up everyone in the middle of the night by screaming your affection towards the Commander.

Remind me, who was the one that made most fun of me when I wore that bunny girl outfit?

Spartoia:

Hehe, sorry.

Hussar:

It's okay. I put it behind us.

Coco:

Why don't you two get back first?

I'll join you two after checking up Whiteshell with Fortune.

Spartoia:

Yeah, we'll be in the showers if you need us.

Hussar:

Girl, what the hell are you wearing right now?

Spartoia:

Hmm? Why?

Hussar:

You're supposed to wear your lingerie on a special occasion, not every day, you know?

Spartoia:

I should?

Hussar:

No shit. Just touch it and see how soft the fabric is? You're going to ruin it at this rate. And were you trying to hit the gym wearing it?

Are you trying to throw your tuna cans in the trash?!

Okay, I need to do a complete check-up on you.

Why are you just using regular skincare! And this one's expiry date's over!

Spartoia:

Oh? Is that bad?

Hussar:

Wow, you have a long way to go. You're not hitting the gym today. You're going shopping with me.

Spartoia:

Uhm...alright. Thanks, Hussar.

Hussar:

Urgh, shut it.

...We're friends, after all.

END.