Aria leaned against the polished counter of the bar, a glass of something amber and sharp cradled in her hand. The cheerful persona she had worn earlier had slipped away, replaced by a quieter, more fragile presence. The dim lighting seemed to pull shadows across her face, accentuating the exhaustion in her eyes.

Kai and Eliana exchanged a glance as they approached. This wasn’t the vibrant, confident woman they had met earlier. This was someone else entirely.

“Rough night?” Kai asked gently, sliding onto the stool beside her.

Aria didn’t look at him. Instead, she traced the rim of her glass with her fingertip, her voice soft but distant. “Every night’s rough when you don’t know who you are anymore.”

Eliana frowned, concern knitting her brow. “What do you mean, Aria? You’re... well, you. The Aria. People adore you.”

“Adore me,” she murmured, her lips curving into a bitter smile. “They adore an illusion, a version of me that sparkles under the lights. But offstage?” She shook her head, her expression darkening. “Offstage, I’m just another lost soul pretending to have it all together.”

Kai leaned forward slightly, his tone soft. “You don’t have to pretend right now. Not with us.”

Aria’s gaze flicked toward him, her expression briefly startled before softening. “That’s kind of you, Kai. But it’s not that simple.” She exhaled slowly, setting her glass down with a quiet clink. “When you live your life in the spotlight, people only want to see the parts that shine. They don’t care about the cracks underneath.”

Eliana reached out hesitantly, resting her hand lightly on Aria’s arm. “We care. You’ve given so much to others through your music. If there’s something weighing you down, maybe we can help.”

Aria looked at Eliana, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “You’re sweet, Eliana. But this isn’t the kind of thing anyone else can fix. It’s... me, I haven't produced anything lately. I have hit a bottleneck in creativity and don't know what to write about. So I took my father's old ship and ran from my problem.” She let out a humorless laugh. “Maybe I thought coming here—facing the storm, flying solo—would make me feel alive again. But it just made the emptiness louder.”

Kai glanced at Eliana, who looked heartbroken for Aria. He shifted in his seat, trying to find the right words. “Maybe you came here because you’re searching for inspiration. Or maybe just the courage to stop running.”

Aria’s gaze held his for a moment, something unreadable flickering in her expression. “And what if I don’t even know what I’m looking for, what if the ideas never come to me?”

Kai offered a faint smile. “Then maybe it’s not about finding something. Maybe it’s about rediscovering yourself.”

Silence settled over the three of them, broken only by the faint hum of the station’s machinery. Aria reached for her glass, taking a small sip before setting it down again.

Kai shifted his gaze around the room, spotting a small stage tucked into the corner of the lounge. A set of instruments leaned casually against their stands, clearly ready for use. He guessed it was for musicians to perform during busier hours, but now, the bar was deserted except for the three of them. An idea sparked in his mind.

Without a word, Kai took a few steps and hopped up onto the stage. He grabbed a guitar, testing its strings with a few awkward plucks. It had been years since he’d last played on Velmorra, and the skill didn’t return easily. His playing was hesitant, offbeat, and riddled with inconsistent rhythms, but he kept at it, piecing together a melody from memory.

Eliana raised an eyebrow, her puzzled expression practically shouting, What are you doing, Kai? But as he played, she recognized the tune. Her eyes widened in surprise as she realized it was “To the Stars,” one of Aria’s most beloved songs. A smile crept onto her face as she jumped onto the stage, heading straight for the piano.

Unlike Kai, Eliana’s fingers moved fluidly over the keys. The melody filled the room as she joined in, her playing more confident and precise. Kai adjusted his strumming, letting the strange liquid in his veins guide his hands. Slowly, his clumsy playing began to sync with Eliana’s piano, the two creating a rough but heartfelt rendition of the song.

Aria, who had been nursing her drink, glanced up in confusion. She blinked, her expression softening as she realized what they were doing. A small, genuine smile formed on her lips. The gesture was simple, almost childlike, but it warmed her heart in a way she hadn’t expected. She stood slowly, wiping a stray tear from her cheek, and began walking toward the stage.

Kai and Eliana watched as she approached, their playing steady, their eyes filled with anticipation. Aria stepped onto the stage, her movements elegant and effortless. She paused briefly before the microphone, listening as the melody fell into place. Then, with a soft intake of breath, she began to sing.

“When the stars blink, I hope you will be near...”

Kai was awestruck. Her voice was more powerful, more hauntingly beautiful than he could have imagined. Each note flowed effortlessly, carrying a purity that silenced the doubts lingering in his mind. Eliana’s playing grew steadier, her confidence bolstered by Aria’s presence. Even Kai found himself strumming with a newfound rhythm, his awkwardness replaced with focus.

The three of them performed in the empty lounge, their music filling the space with life. There was no audience, no applause waiting at the end, but none of that mattered. Aria wasn’t singing for the adoration of a crowd—she was singing for herself.

As the final note faded, Aria turned to Kai and Eliana, her smile radiant. “Thank you,” she said softly. “You didn’t have to do this, but you did. And I needed it more than I realized.”

Kai grinned, setting the guitar back in its stand. “It’s the least we could do.”

Eliana beamed. “We just wanted to see you smile again.”

Aria laughed lightly, her voice no longer heavy with sorrow. The ice between them had melted. They talked about music, life, and stories of the Federation.

“I have to ask,” Kai said at one point, his tone curious. “Your ship... I might be wrong, but is that an older limited edition of the Astara Comet Racer?”

Aria complimented Kai’s knowledge about ships, her eyes lighting up with genuine interest. She leaned forward slightly, her tone warm and nostalgic. “You know, I’ve always had a soft spot for rare ships. That one... it was my grandfather’s. He bought it before he passed away, and it’s been in my family ever since. When my father passed it down to me, he said, ‘If you ever feel like you need some clarity, just get on that ship and fly. No one will know it’s you.’”

Kai nodded, the earlier mystery of the masked signal now making sense. “So, it wasn’t to conceal what the ship was carrying, but to protect the pilot’s identity.”

“Exactly,” Aria said with a small smile. “It’s my escape when I needed one.”

Kai grinned. “It’s an incredibly rare ship to see these days. I noticed one of the rear thrusters flickering as you passed earlier. Did you catch that?”

Aria chuckled and nodded. “I did. It’s been giving me trouble lately. I’m planning to replace it with some custom-made thrusters soon. Might as well make it a little faster while I’m at it.”

Their conversation flowed more naturally after that, shifting between ships, life, and stories. They laughed and shared anecdotes, the initial formality dissolving into a warm friendship.

Before long, the three of them had transitioned from strangers to friends. Aria leaned back in her chair, her relaxed smile showing a glimpse of the woman behind the stardom. “So, what’s next for you two?” she asked, her tone casual but curious.

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Kai hesitated, glancing at Eliana. “I’m afraid it’s a secret I can’t reveal,” he said, his tone apologetic.

“That’s fine,” Aria said, waving it off. “You don’t have to tell me.”

Eliana smiled softly. “We’re going on an expedition. Somewhere far away.”

The three of them wandered out of the lounge, their laughter echoing faintly in the quiet corridors of the station. The alcohol buzz had loosened their inhibitions, and the station seemed oddly tilted in Kai’s vision.

Kai stumbled slightly, catching himself against the smooth wall, while Eliana clung to Aria’s arm, giggling like a mischievous child. Her cheeks were flushed, her hair slightly messy from the night’s excitement. Aria, though faring slightly better, leaned into Eliana for support, their shared laughter ringing out like a melody.

“I don’t... want to go... back to my room...” Eliana said, her voice sing-song and playful as she tightened her grip on Aria.

Aria chuckled, her own voice warm and lilting. “Then don’t... Let’s find something else to do. Something fun.”

“Kai,” Eliana called out, her smile wide and eyes glinting mischievously. “Find us something to do now.”

Kai hesitated, glancing between the two of them. Their accusing stares, slightly exaggerated by their intoxication, made him laugh despite himself. They looked as though they were ready to stage a mutiny if he dared to suggest returning to their rooms and call the night.

He sighed, shaking his head, knowing he was defeated. “Alright, alright. Something fun. Let me think.”

His gaze roamed the lobby, scanning the options displayed on the brightly lit signs. A movie theater? No, too passive—they needed something interactive. A swimming pool? He quickly dismissed the thought; the last thing he wanted was a drunken incident in the water. Then his eyes landed on another sign: Simulation Room.

A grin spread across his face. “Perfect,” he murmured. Turning back to the two women, he announced, “I’ve got just the thing. Let’s hit the simulation room.”

Eliana and Aria perked up instantly, their energy renewed. “Lead the way, captain!” Eliana said with a dramatic flourish, nearly tripping as she took a step forward.

Kai laughed, steadying her. “Alright, just try not to break anything before we get there.”

The simulation room on the Maelstrom Forge was a marvel in itself, much larger than the one on the Black Swan and equipped with cutting-edge technology. The walls were lined with emitters that could create incredibly lifelike holographic environments, and the room’s enhanced spatial dynamics allowed for more immersive scenarios. Kai, Eliana, and Aria entered, their slightly unsteady steps betraying the light buzz from the drinks they’d had earlier. Despite the alcohol, their spirits were high, and laughter bubbled between them as they moved into the center of the room.

“Alright,” Kai said, rubbing his hands together as he walked over to the control panel. “Let’s do something fun but not too crazy. I don’t want anyone getting motion sickness.”

Aria chuckled softly, her voice carrying a newfound warmth. “I’m trusting you to pick something good, Kai.”

“Don’t worry,” Eliana added with a teasing grin. “Kai has a knack for picking the perfect scenario—well, most of the time.”

Kai smirked and began tapping at the controls. The interface responded smoothly, and soon he had crafted a scenario he thought would be lighthearted yet engaging. “Okay, picture this: we’re defending a watchtower on an alien planet from waves of adorable, fluffy monsters.”

“Adorable monsters?” Aria raised an eyebrow. “You sure?.”

“Trust me, it’ll be fun,” Kai said, grinning.

With a final tap, the gray walls of the simulation room faded away, replaced by a vibrant alien landscape. They stood atop a tall, circular watchtower surrounded by sprawling green fields dotted with strange, glowing plants. The air shimmered with a faint golden hue, as if caught in perpetual twilight, and a distant mountain range framed the horizon. The tower itself was equipped with whimsical, oversized weapons.

Kai found himself holding a quirky bow and arrow that seemed to hum with energy. Eliana picked up a bottomless bag of throwing knives that glowed faintly, while Aria was handed the most unusual weapon—a violin that emitted sonic blasts whenever played.

The scenario began with a cheerful jingle, and the first wave of creatures appeared on the horizon. They were small, round, and almost cartoonish, bouncing towards the tower like living plush toys. Their exaggerated movements and googly eyes made them more comedic than threatening.

Eliana was the first to react, throwing a glowing knife with precision that took out a bouncing creature mid-leap. “This is hilarious!” she exclaimed, already giggling.

Kai fired his bow, the arrow streaking through the air in a trail of light before striking a creature and puffing it into harmless sparks. “I told you it’d be fun!”

Aria hesitated for a moment, examining her violin. Then, with a playful shrug, she placed it under her chin and drew the bow across the strings. A powerful wave of sound erupted, sweeping across the field and knocking over several creatures at once.

“Not bad,” Aria said, a smile tugging at her lips. She played another note, sending another group of creatures flying.

The three of them quickly fell into a rhythm. Eliana and Aria covered each other, giggling as they defended the tower from the increasingly large waves of creatures. Kai focused on picking off enemies in the distance, his arrows lighting up the fields. Occasionally, a creature would get too close, prompting playful shrieks and bursts of laughter as they scrambled to fend it off.

At one point, a particularly large and fluffy creature jumped at Kai, batting at his chest with its soft paws. Kai stumbled backward dramatically, clutching his chest as if mortally wounded. “Save yourselves!” he cried, falling to his knees.

Eliana and Aria burst into laughter, tears streaming down their faces. “You’re ridiculous,” Eliana managed to say between fits of giggles.

After clearing the waves, they moved on to other scenarios, including a ship-boarding mission and the heist simulation that Kai and Eliana had enjoyed before. In the scenario, they rode in an open-top vehicle, speeding through an ocean view highway as drones chased them. Eliana and Aria sat in the backseat, their hair flowing in the simulated wind as they shot down drones with gleeful determination.

“This is insane!” Aria shouted, her voice ringing with excitement as she took down a drone with a perfectly timed shot. She and Eliana hugged each other in celebration, laughing uncontrollably.

Kai glanced back at them, smiling. Their joy was infectious. For the first time, Aria seemed completely at ease, her earlier sadness replaced by pure, unrestrained happiness.

They stopped the vehicle at the edge of the simulation, stepping out to take in a breathtaking view of the ocean. The simulated water stretched endlessly, its surface shimmering under a golden sky. The sound of waves lapping against the shore filled the air, soothing and serene.

Aria closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting the moment wash over her. Memories and emotions surged within her, and before she knew it, tears were streaming down her face.

Eliana noticed immediately and placed a comforting hand on her back. “Are you okay?” she asked softly.

Aria nodded, wiping her tears but not hiding them. “I am,” she said, her voice trembling. “It’s just... I think I finally understand what’s been weighing on me.”

Kai and Eliana waited patiently, giving her the space to share if she wanted to.

“For so long,” Aria began, “I’ve felt like I was losing myself. Every time I released a new song or broke another record, the people around me started to treat me differently. They stopped seeing me as a person and started seeing me as... as this untouchable figure. And I let it happen. I let them put me on a pedestal, and I’ve been so lonely up there.”

Eliana rubbed her back gently. “You’re not alone now,” she said. “You have us.”

Aria smiled through her tears. “Thank you. You’ve reminded me what it feels like to just... be myself. To have fun without worrying about expectations.”

Kai nodded, his voice soft but firm. “You’re more than the image people have of you, Aria. You’re real, and that’s enough.”

They stood there for a while, watching the waves and enjoying the peaceful moment.

“Thank you, Eliana. Thank you, Kai,” Aria said, her voice filled with gratitude. “Thank you for being my friends.”

Eliana grinned. “Hearing you call me your friend is one of the best things that’s ever happened to me. Well, second only to meeting Kai.”

Aria chuckled, turning to Kai. “And thank you, Kai. You’ve helped me find the passion I’ve been searching for.”

Kai was about to respond when a sudden weight tackled him to the ground. A man in black, one of Aria’s bodyguards, had mistaken the moment for danger.

“Ouch,” Kai groaned, pinned under the man’s heavy frame.

“Let go of him!” Aria shouted, rushing to pull the bodyguard off. The man quickly realized his mistake and helped Kai to his feet, bowing his head in apology.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Celeste,” the bodyguard said. “You’ve been gone all night, and we were worried something happened.”

Aria scolded him, her voice sharp but not unkind. “Next time, ask before you tackle someone!”

But Kai started to laugh, and his laughter grew louder. He had never been tackled before. This was the perfect way to end a fun night.

No one knows if it was the influence of alcohol, but soon the three all started to laugh, leaving only the two guards standing there, scratching their heads.