The Next Day
Caelus can be seen standing on a line full of people, all waiting to purchase a cup of coffee from Tin Master in Coff Cafe. He let out a yawn before looking at the time on his phone.
Trigger had mentioned how Soldier 11 planned to continue the mission so she could get closer to the mole around 8-9, and based on the current time, he only had around one and a half hours or two hours at most.
It didn't help that what Belle said yesterday was true, he ain't a morning person. He was hoping he could get some coffee for himself and even Phil, so he could stay awake more easily. But, there's an issue.
WHY IN THE WORLD ARE THERE SO MANY PEOPLE WAITING IN LINE IN A CAFE SO EARLY!?!?
Caelus feels like he may have missed something, like perhaps an event or a new menu release. He decided to check on the news, and after scrolling, he couldn't help but deadpan upon finding out the true reason.
Apparently, some insane paparazzi had stalked, I mean spotted the famous singer, Astra Yao, walking near the cafe. Caelus let out a sigh before rubbing his forehead, feeling annoyed at the number of people. To make things even worse, some people were shamelessly stalling the line. Caelus had a feeling they did it so they could pull a dumb move like buying a cup of coffee for Astra Yao when she arrives.
"Geez, they're a bunch of simps, I tell ya," Caelus mutters in annoyance before looking at the time and groaning once more. "Some people don't have the luxury of waiting this long!"
"Psst," Caelus blinks before glancing around in confusion. He swears that someone was calling someone, but who? "On your left,"
Caelus turned to his left and froze upon noticing the person on his left was a woman with long, blackish-green hair and ruby eyes, wearing a black dress, a huge straw hat, and a pair of sunglasses. Her hair was tied in a loose braid. Caelus instantly recognizes her, Astra Yao.
Seriously, what is with this luck!?
His heart starts to beat faster than usual, and heat slowly creeps into his face. He immediately snaps out of it before calming himself down. Honestly, the pictures didn't do her beauty justice. He hates to admit it, but he can see why people love her.
Of course, that doesn't mean he had to stalk her, or even anticipatingly waiting for her arrival like a rabid fan. The last thing he needs is to be considered creepy.
"Um, yeah...how can I help you, A-, Miss?" Caelus clears his throat. Astra blinks as she notices the slip-ups, but she smiles a bit.
"Sorry, but may I trouble you to get a coffee order for me?" Astra asks sheepishly. "Of course, I'll pay for the money. I could've waited in line, but I'm in a hurry..."
Caelus knows she was lying at the last part since he still had 4 more people to wait, and the way she glances around nervously, specifically at the people giggling creepily while holding Astra Yao's picture and a pen.
"Alright, what order do you want, miss?" Caelus asks politely.
"Two Tin Master Special," Astra says as Caelus nods. The other coffee is probably for her bodyguard, Evelyn.
"Alright, perhaps you should wait outside, and try to contact your manager or boss about a delay in the schedule. Some shameless idiots try to stall the line," Caelus says while winking, earning a small giggle from Astra as she gives him some dennies.
"Thank you," Astra says before she blends in with the crowd. Caelus is honestly wondering how the person behind him didn't notice her before he looked and realized the guy had been distracted by the phone, waiting for any news about Astra's sighting with anticipation.
That's both lucky and convenient.
Thankfully, Caelus didn't have to wait for long, as the rest of the people in line decided to order quickly, and he was finally able to place his and Astra's orders. Caelus is impressed at how quickly Tin Master brews his coffee, as he immediately receives it a few minutes after ordering it.
As he walks out, he glances around and notices Astra waving her hand at the corner of the street. Caelus glances around and approaches her, making sure no one is watching.
"Here's your order, Miss Astra," Caelus says as he gives her two Tin Master specials.
"Thank you," Astra says before nervously glancing at him. "...how did you know?"
"Your disguise is good, if you're wondering," Caelus says. "It's just...you're super close to me when you ask for my help, so I could see your entire face."
"Ah..." Astra looks at the other side in embarrassment. "Still thanks,"
"Mhm. Then, I shall take my leave, miss." Caelus says as he starts walking away. Astra blinks in surprise, not expecting such a reaction from him. Every time she had tried interacting with others, people tended to overreact and ask for something, and sometimes it can get a bit...crazy.
This is the first time she interacts with people who treat her normally. Sure, she had online friends and Evelyn, who did those, but Evelyn is a close friend of hers, and her online friends didn't know her identity.
"W-wait," Caelus pauses before looking at Astra. "S-sorry, just...you didn't want to ask for anything?"
"...I think it's rude to ask anything from a girl, even if she's a superstar," Caelus says. "And I know you didn't want to deal with fans right now, especially with how much effort you disguising yourself. I simply respect your wish."
"...thank you," Astra says with a smile. "Still, I think it's rude not to repay you a favor after helping me."
"It was nothing," Caelus says as he waves it off. "I should take my leave, and I hope you have a great day. Love your songs, by the way." With that, Caelus leaves before Astra could respond.
"...ou..." Astra can't help but pout a bit. She finally got the chance to interact normally with someone, but it didn't last very long. She let out a sigh before receiving a call. Astra blinks as she pulls out her phone to see Evelyn calling her.
"Ah, hey Eve," Astra says upon picking up the call. "Sorry for running off, but I got some coffee....aww, don't be mad. I got a cup for you."
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Later
"What took you so long?" Phil grumbles as he gives a finishing touch to his new weapon after acquiring some of the stolen military tech from the rebels.
"Long lines. Apparently, paparazzi spotted Astra Yao near the Caff Cafe, and a bunch of rowdy fans started swarming the place." Caelus says as he gives Phil the coffee, who is blinking owlishly.
"...I think I may have woken up too early, but did you say Astra Yao?" Phil asks.
"Yeah, but unfortunately, they waste their time. She was nowhere to be spotted, and even no new articles are updating her current whereabouts." Caelus decided to keep things secret, not wanting to draw more attention and respecting Astra's privacy.
"...I bet Astra Yao saw the crowd, and she decided getting coffee is not worth getting crowded," Phil says dryly, earning a chuckle from Caelus.
"So, how's your new weapon?" Caelus asks.
"...I'm already done," Phil says, which made Caelus blink owlishly. "I'm actually surprised at how good you were with technology. With your help, I was able to finish it quickly."
"...why do you sound like you're expecting me to be dumb?" Caelus sweatdrops. He got a degree in engineering, damn it!
"Your words, not mine," Phil says cheekily.
"...you brat," Caelus says before roughly rubbing the fur on his head, causing the little bunny to yelp.
"Geez, was that necessary?" Phil mutters. Before Caelus could respond, he received a short message from an unknown number. Both look at each other and look at the content.
[Hi, this is Trigger. Sorry for not giving you phone numbers yesterday. Just wanna say Soldier 11 is on the move.]
"...well, I guess it's time," Caelus says as Phil feels a bit nervous.
"Is it gonna be okay? I...honestly feel a bit scared." Phil asks nervously.
"Don't worry too much," Caelus says with a soft smile. "I'm here to protect you."
"...somehow, I feel less reassured."
"Oi!"
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Later
"..." If Trigger didn't have a blindfold, everyone can see her blinking owlishly as her 'vision' picks up Phil with a modified military grade weapon on his paws. "...I have a question."
"Let's save the question for later," Caelus says before noticing a young-looking woman with pale blue hair riding a hovering scooter standing next to Trigger. He ain't quetion the outfit because frankly, it'll only test his sanity even more. "...and you must be Seed."
"Yup, nice to meet you!" Seed says excitedly before floating near Phil. "You're so cute! Can I hug you!?"
"Please no..." Phil immediately runs away and hides behind Caelus' legs.
"Seed, we got a mission to complete." Trigger sighs. "Also, where's Orphie? Did she have some sort of business?"
"It's more like Captain Magus had some business with her," Seed says while sweatdropping. "I remember her saying how Orphie needs to stop slacking off and do some...punishment?"
"...I suppose it can't be helped," Trigger sighs in exasperation.
'What kind of military squad are they?' Caelus and Phil thought while sweatdropping. Instead of helping their fellow squadmate, they decided to be busy with military punishment? There are times and places for everything!
To be Continued