At another time in the vast universe What will it be like? If love started at the same time as the big bang And wouldn't it be better if we found the other half? I want you to come experience the sweetness. Among the millions of stars, even if you consider it the brightest It couldn't be compared to his feelings for the star in his heart.

It is a short story written to participate in an activity. Parade invites you to write from the Parade Writers page specifically.

Under the question “Coffee Shop in Space Station / Beliefs / Host Bar / Insects” which was very challenging for Tia. Because I've never written a line of work before.

Science Fiction

comes first and the number does not exceed 1,000-5,000 words. The more you have to scale down the magnificence, the less. (I happen to be a careless person who describes rhetoric without meaning, haha)

But everything is still within the lines of a romantic love novel. Let me tell you, this story is very sweet, sweet to the eye, so sweet that you have to tease yourself about how sweet it will be. Haha. It's considered a gift to the readers. Let me tell you, I'm hooked on writing short stories now.

I hope you, the reader, will like this one-part short story. If you like the writing style, you can follow Tia's other novels under her pen name.

C.T. Tiana

See you again in the next story♥

Every life is born with a mission.

Every life is born for something.

We 'wanderers' will go looking for those things.

and preserve it as best we can

In the universe where millions of stars compete to shine brightly. The Bentlitz space station is like a stopping point for wanderers. Or anyone who wants to take a breather from their travels. Even though it's not a large ship yet. Yet it was strong enough to support millions of species up here.

There are many facilities inside, including shops and temporary rooms. or a place to relax to choose from, even the very famous 'Braroles Shop' Until everyone wants to stop by for a break at least once. Because they say that the shopkeeper here can help make wishes come true. Whether this is true or not must be proven by oneself.

The sound of the music is comfortable to listen to. It didn't help the someone sitting at the counter calm down. Ennox sat with a sad expression on his face, his head slumped, his shoulders slumped like a depressed dog. He is a native of Odonanta. Shiny emerald green skin like glass and sapphire blue hair. which is the outstanding identity of this race

Ennox has a small face. Large eyes full of amber color, thin lips, pointed ear tips, slender figure. Standing at full height, close to 195 centimeters, the arms and fingers are slender and gaunt. But when picking up things, they lifted them up easily, as if they were floating. Additionally, on his back were large dragonfly wings. Stored under a plant researcher's cloak.

He is a scientist Since graduating, I have been stationed at this station for almost 6 years. It also had to send a report recording its results to a command center three hundred billion light years away.

When studying together with people from other planets, he was often called a nerd, just that he liked trees more than animals. I don't know where he went wrong.

When the young man sighed for the millionth time, Until Chris couldn't stand the silence and decided to invite him to talk in order to adjust the atmosphere back to normal. before the other customers got up and walked out of the store. Since this kid walked in It just sat there with a grimace on its face, radiating endless mourning and longing for death.

Especially during this period, there are no travelers stopping by to stay at Bentlice Station. He won't lose customers because of it.

“Come and sit with a sad face like you're about to die. How can I help you if you don't talk?”

"It's the same old thing. You should know better than anyone, Chris."

A languid voice spoke softly as he hit his head on the table until it made a loud noise. In the eyes of this child, it was as if his soul had left his body. Chris wanted to pick up the glass of wine he had just wiped away. came up and knelt in the middle of the young man's stomach. The owner of Braroles secretly sighed and shook his head at the person in front of him.

“Then why don't you just hurry up and do it? Are you going to let it slip away?”

Chris placed a glass towel on the counter. Then his arms support his body. Bring your face closer to the other person to speak in a whisper. But what the owner of Braroles said really shocked Ennox.

“Or are you going to ask me to ask for her number?”

"Hoy! You don't have to bother at all. I can handle it myself.”

Ennox accidentally shouted so loudly that the customers at other tables turned to look at each other.

“Take it easy, kid. Take it easy. I'm just kidding. Come, let me raise this glass for you.”

Chris pushed a tall glass in front of the boy. I don't know when he stood and did it. The inside of the glass was filled with clear blue water like the ocean. Tiny bubbles floated up and then disappeared like waves. When shaking the glass back and forth Knox noticed that there was a slight glimmer of something reflecting off of it.

What an unusual and interesting water to try.

“What is it, Chris?” The young man raised his eyebrows and asked curiously.

“Um...that's it. He believed that it was the water of hope. This is a very special recipe. Drink it and you won't die for sure.”

It turned out that Ennox's frown was deeper than before. What's the crazy special formula? I just wanted to make the name look beautiful and elegant. To be honest...sigh..

When he saw that the young man raised his glass and downed it down his throat, Chris let out a small smile with relief. At least this glass of water would probably calm this youngster down quite a bit.

Brarolles is more like a coffee shop and a chill bar, with hot milk, coffee, cocoa, and every kind of alcohol you can find. Chris is skilled at making various kinds of water for customers, no matter who the other person is or where they come from. He was able to concoct water to match that person's feelings and emotions.

Whether it is to fulfill the feeling Healing the mind or even sustain pain and trauma. He creates like magic. Plus, many people like to come back to Chris many times. Because he was a young man, had a strong body and good looks. It wouldn't be strange if there were girls stopping by every day to sell dumplings. But still no woman liked him.

If we weren't truly close, we would never know. All the skills he used They all came from the days when he worked part-time as a host in a bar on Earth. After saving up some money, he transferred himself here to the Bentlitz space station.

“Knox at twelve o'clock.”

Chris spoke up after they had been quiet for a while. It caught the young man's attention a lot. When he was involved, he turned his head and looked slightly out of the corner of his eye. Then he had to quickly drag his eyes back to the counter as usual. Causing a deep laugh from Chris's throat.

The person who owned the shop called for the young man to turn around and take a look. It's Keira, an Earth girl who's here to take care of the electrical systems on the space station. She is a beautiful girl. Even though she doesn't have a pretty face as popularly known, But their eyes were a pale blue color, different from those of other worldly people, thus becoming attractive. Long, straight, black, healthy hair.

She always comes with a crimson shoulder tunic that contrasts with the uniforms of all the station staff. As a result, Keira stands out among all kinds of beautiful flowers without even trying.

Knox had only had the opportunity to talk with her a few times. Because he was a team of plant researchers sent all around the universe. How many times will the research team have to stand and talk with the electricity team?

You can still count the number of times.

If it weren't for the time when the power went out throughout the space station. Ennox didn't even dare to approach to say hello. When it's so dark you can't see, everything becomes much easier to see. He could see everything in the dark, even those blue eyes. From that day when she came to work, the young man always secretly looked away from him without him knowing. Until today, almost 4 years ago, he realized that he had fallen in love with a girl from the world.

I want to flirt with a girl but I'm a shy guy.

“In three days you will move to the planet Ortik V.”

The word 'move' made Ennox's heart tremble violently. The young man was speechless, shocked by what he had heard. Does that mean he won't have a chance to see her anymore? The plant research team was only stationed here because it was easy to store.

That was like killing him alive.

“I think you need to hurry, young man.”

Chris reached out and patted the younger man's shoulder in encouragement.

“So what should I do? What if she doesn't like me, Chris?" His hand raised to cover his face and he spoke in a muffled voice.

Chris almost didn't understand until he immediately raised his hands to massage both temples. But the massage didn't last long before the older man revealed a mischievous smile.

“I don't think you have to do anything, young man.”

Chris' strange tone made Ennox look up from his palm. As his eyes followed Chris's direction, he realized why the other party said that.

“Hi Ennox, we haven't talked for a long time. And hello, Mr. Chris, how are you today?” Kiara greeted first.

“I'm fine, young lady. And how is your job?”

Chris responded to the woman in front of him with a normal expression. But I didn't forget the conversation I left with the shy nerd.

“Very busy these days. We must quickly install the electrical system at all new stations in time for the relocation schedule.”

The girl paused her words for a bit. To think about the story I was about to tell Ennox.

“Actually, I'm moving to Ortik V. There's a colonization project there. So I want a team of technicians in every unit to help get started.”

“Oh?…So…I hope things go smoothly.”

Ennox was nervous and felt his own heart beating violently. Glad that Keira walked up to greet him. But on the other hand, I felt pain along with the truth I heard. Everyone was silent. Including Chris who was standing there wiping other glasses.

The older man took a few steps back. Let the young people talk alone. Hopefully the shy kid will jump at this opportunity. Because if you don't hold it tight The desired balloon will float away and disappear forever.

"Don't you have anything to tell me, Knox?"

When asked out loud, the young man was unable to regain his composure. His mouth opened into the shape of an O, he gasped and was speechless. As he was speaking Keira suddenly spoke up.

“Let's go drink coffee/Let's go see the sea of ​​stars.”

The two young men laughed softly at the thought of going in opposite directions. Chris stood listening, not too close, not far away, but also smiled. He took out two coffee cups and served them like he knew. It exudes a fragrant aroma from the meticulous roasting of coffee beans. Which was done in advance, I don't know when.

“The ship's deck is probably open right now. You two can go up there and look at the sea stars.” Chris offered an idea.

Ennox and Keira nodded and thanked them again. When taking out money to pay Chris quickly reached out his hand and pushed it back. He shook his head and didn't accept the money. No matter how much Young Dragonfly tried to persuade him, it was to no avail.

He only said that today he was raising

When unable to pay Ennox then took out a piece of candy from the researcher's pocket and handed it to Chris as a thank you. Then he walked out of the store with Keira holding a coffee cup to her chest. Slowing back, the owner of Braroles looked out the door and spoke softly.

“Good luck, wanderers.”

The two young men slowly walked towards the spot that Chris had told them about. It turned into an open space, like a rooftop on a building. Just have a layer of extra thick glass covering it. To protect the craft and protect it from various radiations that may be harmful to certain species of life. The floor was covered with terrazzo so shiny that it reflected the view from above.

It was as if we were standing among millions of stars.

They call the rooftop here the Talay Dao.

“Beautiful, right? I really want to know when the universe was born. Where are our souls floating?”

Ennox tilted his head to look at the person next to him who was raising a coffee cup to drink. She was still looking at the stars in the sky. Her smile was comparable to all the stars in this universe. Somehow it was even brighter. He wanted to see this smile for as long as he lived.

“That's it.”

The young man responded with a request. Because at this time, looking at her face helped heal this fragile heart even more. Standing and listening to the other person speak didn't make him feel bad at all. It's the opposite. He liked that she told him stories about life, beliefs, culture, and even spirituality.

“Did you know that we worldly people have many beliefs about life?”

Ennox shook his head slightly. He doesn't know what beliefs worldly people have. He only knew that it was a lot more than his way of life.

“We believe in the cycle of birth and death, soul mates, karmic partners, and reincarnation with soul mates. Or even our destiny is tied to someone.”

Keira reached out and grabbed the young man's arm, making him sit on the ground after her. Because we've been standing together for a while now. Her legs were very tired from early morning. Electrical management teams stood in the medical unit for hours repairing electrical wires.

“So, do you have any beliefs like this?” Keira asked. Now it was his turn to tell the story.

“Oh… yes, we do. They might not be that different from you guys. We believe that all life was created by the universe from nothing. Everything doesn't have to have a reason. Everything doesn't need an explanation. Because one day we will know whether it is true or not.”

Keira shifted again and changed from a sitting position to lying on the young man's strong lap. Until the other party was frozen in midair for a while. When he regained his composure, he coughed to relieve his embarrassment and continued the story from earlier.

“Ahem! It's probably like dying. The people of Odonanta believed it was just the blink of an eye. We change from one state to another. It's not scary. We just return to the void and wait for the time.”

Amber eyes looked up at the sky, not knowing what to do.

“Looks profound,” the young woman thought.

Even though she had never studied philosophy or beliefs before, But it was enough to talk and understand and keep up with the other person in the conversation.

“Do you think love also comes from emptiness?”

The young man then lowered his head and looked at the person in his lap again. She still closed her eyes and waited patiently for the answer. He reached out his slender hand and gently tucked out some black hair that was falling in front of his face.

“I think so. Another thing that my stars often say. Perhaps the soul is the same as the other person. Waiting and traveling to find So that we can come back together as one again.”

For the first time, Ennox chose to stare deeply into those pale blue eyes. With deep eyes that are difficult to explain

“Maybe love was born at the same time as the universe was born.”

The atmosphere around is cool and quiet. Only the two of them were up here.

Silence rose again. When people don't know what to say next Ennox, who had been confused for a while, decided to boldly ask.

“Are you…really going to move?”

The person in question opened his eyes and slightly raised his head to look. Then he laid his head down and lay down as before.

“Um, it's a duty. I really don't want to move far away.”

“But that place should make your life stable. The salary should also be increased a lot.”

The young man spoke up with reason. Even though my heart is really hurting I really want to tell her not to go. But he chose not to say those words. It is her future and her career. He would never let her have to endure being here with him.

He has no right to her.

The woman let out a smile and laughed a little in her throat.

“If you have a lot of money, what can you do to help? Since being here is more comfortable.”

Keira closed her eyes. Slowly breathing in and out, her heart ached to be so far away, on Ortik V, in another galaxy. which only requires the use of warping

“Then… whatever makes you comfortable… take it with you.”

Knox offered an opinion that might make her feel better. If it's a rare item He would be responsible for procuring it for her himself. No matter what it is He hoped it would make her smile like it did now.

Because the little body suddenly went silent and didn't say anything for several minutes. So he tried calling out her name to see if she had fallen asleep.

“Keira?”

Her large eyes opened quickly, causing the tall figure to startle. She was staring intently at him.

"Can't... because he hasn't asked me yet."

The voice that came out was rather smooth. But it brought a chill to the hearts of listeners like him. Knox was starting to feel unsure if what Keira said was still real or not.

“Hmm…what?”

“Sigh! You stupid bastard, I'm waiting for you to beg me! Shi.”

Keira sighed heavily. Then he lifted his head from the young man's lap. Stand up and brush off your clothes, turn and walk away. But Ennox was quicker, reaching out and grabbing the small wrist tightly.

"what? You mean…”

He couldn't believe what he had just heard. I don't want to be beside myself. But from her behavior and words, it couldn't be conveyed otherwise. Does that show that Keira is on the same page with him?

“If you don't mind saying anything. Then I'll go.”

“Wait, Keir… I mean, I just…”

He now stood up to his full height. I couldn't quite grasp the beginning and end because it was so sudden that I couldn't even prepare. Ennox felt something stuck in his throat.

“I will count to ten to give you a chance to speak. If you're still as quiet as a piece of wood I will go back to work.”

The world girl flicked her wrist and looked at the clock and began counting down the minutes.

"ten"

"Hoy! Wait a minute, Keira.”

However, the young man's voice was startled. It didn't make her stop counting time. A pair of beautiful eyes secretly glanced around slightly to see the reaction of the person in front of them.

"nine"

“Okay, so I…”

"eight"

The tall figure began to feel angry, his face red, his neck red, his hands shaking, he never dreamed that he would have to speak at this time. Being forced to speak about symptoms is like this.

“I will tell you…”

“Seven, six, five.”

Now Ennox was even more alarmed than before. He felt his tongue twisting hard. Because Keira deliberately sped up the countdown speed. She felt that he was only delaying.

“I… am you.”

And then his eyes widened when he heard her skip the numbers.

“Two, one, zero…”

“So you can't just move!”

When he heard what he wanted, the girl from the world smiled and smiled. Did this guy have to give until the end to have the courage to speak out?

Keira received transfer orders three months ago, but she submitted a request to extend her time at Bentlitz Station. By continually claiming that the work isn't finished yet. A technical problem has occurred and needs to be resolved first.

But in reality, the girl was waiting for him to confess her love.

Until then, the nerdy young man still remained silent and didn't dare approach her for 4 years, even though she tried to approach him. But the other party is often nervous and doesn't dare to talk. Until Keira felt annoyed and went to pick up pliers to cut the cables. Then secretly ran and cut the power lines to cause the power to go out throughout the space station to get him to talk to her.

The young woman had to think of all sorts of reasons. Until the command center issued an ultimatum to order an urgent transfer.

"already?"

Knox swallowed hard. Looks like he really has to tell her his feelings today, like Chris said if he doesn't tell her now. He probably won't have another chance.

“I want you here.”

"Why"

The young man from Odonanta took a deep breath, then held his breath and spoke in a firm voice. But when the last part became softer, it was like he was talking to himself.

“I… like you.”

The woman saw that the other person's ears were as red as tomatoes. So he raised his hand and gently stroked it until he was startled.

Ennox was so embarrassed that he wanted to crawl onto the surface of the ship and escape from this situation. But the picture in front of Keira was smiling so wide that her eyes were dizzying. This was the first time that she felt that she was happy.

Years of having a secret crush gave him the strength to live his life. Whether waking up, eating, working, breathing in and out, it's all you. I admit that he is short-tempered and negative about approaching, wanting to talk, wanting to take care of him, wanting to do everything for the other person.

“Then let's go register.”

“Huh?!” Ennox thought he was deaf.

"Did you forget? If you're registered, you have the right to choose where you live."

He didn't even know what to say. Everything is so fast Then the figure's next sentence knocked him out of the air again.

“And I choose to stay here with you.”

END