Pitter patter pitter patter.

The rhythmic sound of small footsteps echoed through Central City marketplace as Akari pitter-pattered her way down the bustling street, her short white twintails bobbing along with each little step. She had been sent by Emi-nee-san on an important mission to acquire ingredients for tonight's dinner, and she took this responsibility very seriously.

"Let's see..." she muttered to herself, consulting the carefully written list. "Green onions, carrots, tomatoes, and... A frog-shaped dessert mold!" Her reddish-pink eyes sparkled at the last item, which she had sneakily added herself. [So even Akari can be cheeky!]

That was when she spotted him – a tall figure who stood out even in the bustling marketplace.

His black clothing with its striking orange accents drew curious glances from passersby, though not nearly as many as the imposing great sword strapped to his back. Even with its photon blade deactivated, the weapon commanded attention - with its sheer size and gleaming metal spine catching the sunlight like a streak of liquid mercury. Yet, the man stood motionless, frowning at the holographic map projected by his remarkably unblemished MAG… looking thoroughly lost. [Must've been isekai'ed]

Akari approached him, tugging at the hem of his jacket, her natural curiosity winning over any sense of stranger danger. After all, he had an ARKS defender insignia on his outfit, so he must be a nice person! [Surely]

"Herrokero!" she chirped, causing the man to look down in surprise. "Onii-san! Are you lost?"

The stranger blinked at the small white-haired girl, particularly puzzled by her unique greeting. "I... yes, actually. Trying to figure out this map."

"You must be new here! I'm Akari!" She gave a little curtsy. "And judging by your confused expression and the way your MAG is displaying the map upside down, you're probably a Meteorn!" [Actually, I think he's mostly confused by your Herrokero]

The man couldn't help but smile at her precocious observation. "I'm Ash, Meteorn 909."

"Ash-nii-san, herrokero!" she giggled as she looked at his map again "You should press this to reset it!” She demonstrated, immediately resetting the holographic map to its upright orientation— and repositioning it from the Retem desert back to Central City. “Ohhh, that reminds me… frogs have that amazing ability to reorient themselves using visual landmarks! When scientists rotated their environment 180 degrees, the frogs could still find their way home using trees and rocks as reference!"

"Uh, I see. Thank you, Akari," Ash replied warmly, his stoic demeanor softening at her enthusiasm. "This will help a lot." He turned, one hand lifted in a casual wave as he strode away.

"Bye-bye, Ash-nii-san!" Akari waved enthusiastically as the tall figure disappeared amongst the crowd. Her eyes widened as she suddenly remembered her original mission. "Ah! The groceries!"

Consulting her list once again, she hurried through the various marketplace stalls and their colourful holographic displays. "Green onions... carrots... tomatoes… and..." Her eyes sparkled as she spotted a display of kitchen supplies. "Froggy mold!"

"Tadaima!" Akari called out cheerfully as she pushed open the door to their ARKS trainee share-home, shopping bags rustling. Afternoon sunlight streamed through large windows, bathing the spacious common area and sleek modern furnishings in a welcoming golden glow.

"Okaeri, Akari-chan~!" Emi's voice drifted from the kitchen, accompanied by the gentle clink of dishes being put away. The open layout of their living space meant they could easily chat between rooms, something they have greatly appreciated since Emi, Narumi and Yui first received their ARKS trainee residence after enlisting. [And Akari gets to freeload because she’s cute]

"Did you get everything~?"

"Mm!" Akari nodded enthusiastically as she pitter-pattered into the kitchen, setting the paper grocery bags on the counter. She carefully positioned herself to block Emi's view of the frog-shaped mold she was trying to sneak into a drawer. [Oi, cheeky]

"Ne, ne, Emi-nee-san, can we go to Café Central? Narumi-nee-san and Yui-nee-san said they'd meet us there!"

"Ara ara, that sounds lovely~" Emi smiled, her ever-dynamic F-cups dancing delightfully as she reached for the groceries, soft lavender hair cascading forward with her movement. "Just let me finish putting these away..."

The late afternoon sun cast dappled golden light through the large windows of Café Central as the four girls sat around a circular table covered with a practical banquet of desserts and drinks. The café interior was clean and airy, high-tech and yet fashionable, with its glowing light strips and sleek classy decor. Rich aromas of freshly ground coffee mingled with sweet notes of vanilla and butter from freshly baked cakes, while small groups of patrons sat here and there at their tables, filling the café with an ambiance of peaceful chattering and clinking cutlery.

Akari sat with her chin propped on her hands, daydreaming about frogs having a very proper tea party. Suddenly, movement at the café entrance drew her gaze as a tall dark figure appeared. Her eyes widened in excitement as she gasped, immediately reaching to tug at Emi's sleeve. "Emi-nee-san, Narumi-nee-san, Yui-nee-san! It's Ash-nii-san from this morning! He's a new Meteorn, and he can't read maps properly!"

"Mou, Akari-chan," Emi giggled, "you can't just point out people's technological inadequacies like that~" [Those who cannot operate a toaster must stand united]

"Meteorn?" Yui straightened slightly at the word, her blonde ponytail catching the afternoon light, fingers pausing on her teacup. Her striking heterochromatic eyes - one teal, one amber - flickered with interest. "Could it be? I heard news about a new Meteorn recently when he took out Nex Aelio with Aina and Manon..."

“Hello, Akari.”

Yui’s voice trailed off as Ash suddenly walked into view, drawn to their table by an excited Akari who was waving incessantly at him. He looked around at the girls, his presence somehow both commanding and gentle.

“Ash-nii-san, herrokero!”

“Ooooh, a new Meteorn!” Narumi’s silky black twin tails and cat tail swished with curiosity. She gestured to herself and each of her friends in turn. " I'm Nyarumi, nyaa! This is Emi-chan, and that's Yui-chanya!"

"Don't just add nya to my name!"

As Ash turned to Yui, their eyes finally met. Doki doki.

Time seemed to slow as Yui found herself drawn to every detail about him. The way his wild jet-black hair fell perfectly against fair skin just framing his dark brown eyes, and his mysterious aura that made her heart skip a beat. But what caught her eye most was the quiet strength in his presence – the way he moved with such natural grace and composure, like a calm center in the chaos around him. And then there was the soothing dulcet tones of...

[Is Yui a shoujo heroine now?]

"N-nice to meet you," Yui managed in a small voice, suddenly finding the surface texture of her tiramisu exceptionally fascinating as she fought to maintain her composure. What am I doing!?

"The pleasure is mine," Ash replied with a quiet smile, his deep voice carrying a gentle warmth despite his stoic demeanor. Doki doki doki!

Mochi chose that exact moment to investigate the newcomer, pata pata pata fluttering off from Yui’s head, depriving her of even his small feathery comfort to hide behind. [Gotta check out that new ikemen perch]

"Ah! Mochi!" Yui exclaimed in a panic, as her feathered friend perched himself on Ash's shoulder. Piyo piyooo? Piyo? Piyo piyo piyoo? Mochi launched into series of investigative chirps as he looked at Ash curiously, apparently conducting a suitability interview. [Oh, we’re interviewing the ikemen perch]

"Your bird is quite friendly," Ash commented with a gentle smile, reaching up to carefully pet Mochi with his finger. Piyo~

DOKI DOKI!

Narumi’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm. "So, are you the one who defeated Nex Aelio!? That's amazing, nya!"

"I helped, yes. It was a team effort with two others," Ash replied modestly.

"Ara ara, what an unexpected encounter~" Emi giggled, her energetic embellishments bouncing with enchanting enthusiasm.

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Yui remained quiet, trying to look completely, totally, absolutely uninterested while stealing what she thought were subtle glances at Ash. Meanwhile, Mochi had made himself completely at home on Ash's shoulder, occasionally turning to give Yui what she swore was the smuggest look she’d ever seen from any feathery fiend. Mochi, you traitor! [Actually, I’m pretty sure he’s just shipping you two]

"Would you like to join us for cake, Ash-nii-san?" Akari inquired, tugging gently at his sleeve. "Café Central has the best desserts! And their tiered cake stands are like how different tree frogs live at different heights in the forest canopy—from the ground all the way to the treetops!”

“Oh, I don’t want to impose” Ash began, as he stepped back. “I came here to try the cakes myself.”

"Ara, it’s alright~" Emi beamed, standing up to rearrange their plates and make room. As she reached across the table, her preposterous planet-sized chest pillows pendulated precariously close to her bubble tea. "We have so many delicious things to- kyaa!"

SPLOSH!

"E-Emi-chan!" Yui's eyes widened in horror as Emi's tumultuous titillations tackled her own bubble tea, sending the drink toppling towards Yui. With impressive reflexes born from years of dealing with Emi's ponkotsu antics however, Yui managed to dodge most of the milky splash as it spilled over the table and off the edge.

Akari mini-clapped in awe, having watched the whole sequence from across the table. “Waa! Sasuga, Yui-nee-san!”

"Emi-chan, why do your boobs have to be so damn fat!?" Yui snapped, her cool composure cracking as she frantically dabbed at her skirt with napkins.

"Ahh, gomenasai Yui-chan! I really didn't mean to!" Emi apologised with a helpless giggle as she too frantically dabbed around with her singular soaked napkin, somehow spreading the sweet sticky mess even further across the table. [Somehow]

"Nyahaha! Now Yui-chan looks like she peed herself, nyaa!" Narumi's tail swished with amusement. Her cat ears perked up as she saw Ash still standing, watching awkwardly, prompting her to quickly motion to the seat beside Yui. "Ash-kun, come sit next to Yui-chanya! You have to try their signyature parfait, nya!" [Ok, nya nya nyarumi nyaaa]

"N-Narumi-chan!" Yui hissed, her face reddening. "Don't just—"

Resigning to his fate, Ash settled into the offered seat, taking in the impressive assortment of desserts on the table. An elegant three-tiered cake stand positioned nearer to Emi held a variety of pastel-colored macarons and cupcakes. Various slices of cakes – a classic tiramisu, a fluffy strawberry shortcake, and what appeared to be a chocolate gateau – sat mostly uneaten on their plates. Several bubble tea drinks of various hues dotted the table, along with a jug of iced earl grey tea that gave off a subtle bergamot aroma. At the center was the café's signature parfait – a towering creation topped with fresh strawberries and artfully shaped whipped cream, with layers of photon-crystal jelly giving off a subtle blue glow.

"This place is quite impressive," he said, examining the glowing parfait with interest.

"The photon crystals in the parfait are surprisingly crunchy and delicious, it adds such a nice texture!" Emi gushed, leaning forward with enthusiasm to hand him an unused but slightly boba splashed plate with the glowing blue parfait. "Here, try some!”

"Thank you." Ash graciously received his dripping plate.

"Ne, ne, Ash-nii-san!" Akari's eyes shone with curiosity as she gazed up at the tall Meteorn seated beside her. "How did you end up in Central City? Did you really fall from the sky like other Meteorns?"

"Ah... yes," Ash nodded, his expression thoughtful. "I woke up in a capsule as it was falling towards the beach about two weeks ago. I had no memories, just basic combat instincts. Two ARKS defenders, Aina and Manon, found the pod and managed to get it open for me."

"Tell us about that huge Nex Aelio dragon fight, nya!" Narumi leaned forward excitedly, her cat tail swishing. "We saw part of the MAG footage, and it was so intense, nyaa!"

"That was... quite a fight," Ash acknowledged with characteristic modesty. "The thing hit hard. I kept it distracted, but Aina and Manon did most of the damage— I'm still in training after all."

"Ara ara, no need to be so modest~" Emi beamed. "Taking down a major DOLL threat just weeks after arriving is quite impressive!"

Yui quietly sat back, pretending to focus on her tiramisu while stealing glances at Ash beside her. Doki doki.

"What about all of you?" Ash asked, genuinely curious. "How did you become friends?"

"We all grew up together at the orphanage!" Narumi answered cheerfully. "Me, Yui-chanya, Emi-chan, and Akari-chan!"

"Mou, stop adding 'nya' to my name..." Yui muttered, though her usual sharp tone was notably absent.

"The orphanage is where I first learned about frogs!" Akari added brightly. […where’s the frog fact, herrokero?]

"We've been inseparable ever since," Emi smiled gently at each member of her beloved found family. "Though we all chose different roles in ARKS. Even Akari-chan who's currently studying to be a Techter!"

Jiggle jiggle jiggle…

BOING!

As Emi made an enthusiastic gesture, her bombastic boing-boings bounced boisterously, drawing eyes from around the café. Reflexively, Yui’s small hands rose to her own chest— then suddenly froze as she remembered Ash's presence beside her. No, no, not again…It's always like this... A faint pink dusted Yui’s cheeks as her fingers curled inward, head lowering as she barely fought back those rising tears of familiar pain. Emi-chan's perfect proportions and ridiculous bouncing, Narumi-chan's cheery, extroverted nature capturing everyone’s attention, and then me— just... just...a short twig with dumb horns… Who would even bother to glance at me!? She forced her hands back down to her lap, gripping the fabric of her skirt.

From her other side, Narumi's cat ears twitched.

Yui stole a quick, nervous glance at Ash. Then back down at her barely touched tiramisu, her blush deepening, as she gripped the fabric of her skirt even tighter.

Narumi’s tail went still. [When a cat stops moving its tail...]

"YUI-CHANYAAA~!"

POMF!

Before Yui could react, Narumi had wrapped her arms around her distressed friend, nuzzling against Yui’s cheek with animated affection. Her tail swished happily as she made ridiculous sound effects. “Nyanuanyaunyauyanyauynauya!”

"N-Narumi-cha...!" Yui squeaked, her face now bright red, completely caught off-guard. "W-what are you—"

"Yui-chanya is just the absolute kawaii-est ever, nyaa! The most adorable ranger in all of ARKS!" Narumi declared, her hug tightening even more. "Everyone knows that, nyaa!" [I didn’t know we had an emotional support cat]

"Get off me, you stupid cat!" But Yui's protest came with the faintest hint of a smile, her tense shoulders relaxing ever so slightly under her friend's warm embrace.

"Not until you admit it, nyaa~"

“Mou…”

"Ara ara~ Such a precious moment!" Emi's eyes practically sparkled with stars behind her glasses. "Hayaku, MAG-chan! Take a photo!"

Her little round MAG bobbed enthusiastically in response, adjusting its position to get the perfect angle of Narumi cuddling a blushing Yui.

"E-Emi-chan, don't you dare—!" Yui's blush returned full force as she tried to escape Narumi's embrace, accidentally bumping the table in her struggle.

The three-tiered cake stand trembled. From the highest tier, a single pink macaron wobbled precariously, then promptly flipped over into free fall.

Ash's hand shot out. In one fluid motion, he caught the macaron right before Yui’s eyes.

DOKI DOKI DOKI! [Damn, someone give me ear plugs]

Yui froze, suddenly very aware of how close he was. His movement had been so swift, yet so precise – exactly what you'd expect from someone skilled enough to defeat Nex Aelio. Her mouth opened in admiration, before she quickly looked away, her cheeks pink.

"Ash-nii-san, sugoi!" Akari's eyes sparkled as she mini-clapped. "You caught that just like a frog snatching a bug out of the air with its tongue!" [Ash is a frog now]

“Uh, thank you.”

"Ara ara, such quick reflexes~" Emi's eyes sparkled behind her glasses as she leaned closer. "As expected of the hero who defeated Nex—"

"EMI-CHAN, YOUR BOOBS—"

For one crystallized moment, time itself seemed to hold its breath. Like a graceful dance of destruction, Emi's expansive endowments fulfilled their destiny by slamming into the edge of her dessert plate, splat catapulting her strawberry shortcake into her face. "Kyaa!" She fell back into her chair, almost toppling over backwards, BATAN flailing legs striking the underside of the table, causing everything to sharply jolt upwards. The triple-tier cake stand bounced once against the table… then tipped. Narumi's catlike reflexes kicked in as she lunged to catch the stand, but her tail betrayed her, whacking straight into a cup of bubble tea, and tickling Yui’s face. “Mmpff!” PIYOYOY— The sudden chaos sent a flappy-happy Mochi into a feathery flutter of panic off Ash's shoulder, DOKA only to immediately crash land into an already wobbling jug of tea…

"NOT AGAIN!" Yui shrieked, jumping up as a tsunami of rolling, bouncing macarons, cupcakes, boba tea and cold tea all flooded over the table and onto her skirt. [How does no one else get hit!?]

“Ahhh! I-I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry, Yui-chan… H-hontouni gomenasai!!!” Emi blushed, her icing covered glasses lopsided as she apologetically pressed her hands together with a look of embarrassment, guiltiness and cake on her face…a look that quickly dissolved into poorly contained giggles of helpless absurdity.

"That's IT!"

Yui abruptly stood up. Without warning, she launched into a barrage of furious swatting at Emi's outrageous bouncey-boings, Yui’s face bright red with equal parts embarrassment and frustration. "Will You JUST. STOP BOUNCING!" The rapid-fire sound of tiny hands vs unstoppable jiggle physics echoed through the café.

"G-gomen, gom-en, Y-Yui-cha-ahaha-n!" Emi weakly raised her arms in defense, her apologies dissolving into giggles even as she weathered the storm of slaps.

"Nyahaha! Yui-chan and Emi-chan are at it again!" Narumi was doubled over with laughter, her twin tails shaking.

Akari calmly sipped her boba tea, watching the scene unfold. "The average tree frog can maintain its grip even in heavy rain and wind," she observed sagely. "I wonder if that would have helped with the cake stand?" [I don't think tree frogs can handle the force of bouncing F-cups]

Around the café, other patrons hid grins and giggles behind their teacups and menus. The middle-aged lady at the corner table didn't even look up from her novel as she calmly lifted her teacup, a small smile playing on her lips. By the window, an elderly couple chuckled together in delight; to them, Sunday afternoons wouldn't be the same without a little chaos with their tea.

Behind the counter, the café owner and waitress stood frozen in a tableau of despair. The owner's perfectly manicured hand trembled around her cleaning cloth as she watched their picture-perfect café ambiance dissolve into an artistic interpretation of entropy. Beside her, the veteran waitress wordlessly reached under the counter, pulling out their special laminated "Caution: Chaos Girls Present" sign. [When your café's aesthetic keeps getting Emi'd]

"Remind me again why we still let them in?" the owner whispered through a strained smile; her eye twitching.

"Because the last time we tried to turn them away, Akari looked at us with those big sad eyes while Emi apologized so sincerely that WE felt guilty," the waitress sighed. "Plus, the other patrons love them."

Meanwhile, Ash sat frozen, pink macaron still in hand— his training and legendary combat reflexes completely useless in the face of such magnificent chaos. Mochi, having recovered from his crash landing, returned to perch on Ash’s shoulder, both of them watching the chaotic scene with identical expressions of bewildered fascination. [Same]

"Does... this happen often?" he finally managed to ask.

"Herrokero!" Akari smiled brightly. "Welcome to the Chaos girls’ afternoon tea, Ash-nii-san!”

Piyo!