Something weird is happening!
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Chapter 4 – Too Good to Be True
Astro's POV
I run into the lobby, barely awake, half-dressed, and looking like an absolute mess.
Astro: "Shelly!! I'm so sorry! I forgo—"
I freeze. No. Don't say forgot.
Astro: "I—I overslept! I went to bed late last night again, haha..."
I catch my breath.
Shelly looks me up and down, then giggles.
Shelly: "Wow, you really rolled out of bed and ran straight here, huh?"
Astro: "Wha—No! I—... Okay, maybe."
I sigh and quickly hold out the poppy flower I grabbed earlier.
Astro: "Here."
Shelly blinks. She takes the flower, turning it in her hands with a small, flattered smile.
Shelly: "Oh, wow... Astro, this is really sweet."
I feel my face heat up. I shrug aggressively.
Astro: "D-Don't read too much into it!! It's just a—just take it!"
Shelly giggles again and tucks the flower behind her ear.
Shelly: "Thanks."
I clear my throat, trying to regain my composure.
Astro: "A-Anyway! Let's head into town—I wanna take you to the mall!"
Shelly: "Oh! That sounds fun!"
Astro: "And don't worry about the cost, I'll—"
Shelly: "No way. You're not paying for me."
Astro: "What? Why not?"
Shelly crosses her arms.
Shelly: "I wanna earn my own stuff! How about instead of you paying, we do a quick run for ichor instead?"
I hesitate. I wanted to just treat her, but... I also get it.
Astro: "Hah... okay, okay. You win."
Shelly: "Great! Let's go!"
And with that, we head for the elevators.
As we step inside, I feel a weird chill run down my spine.
I glance around.
From afar, hidden among the crowd—Dandy is watching us.
His expression unreadable.
Just... grinning.
I tighten my cloak around me. Yeah, I'll be cautious this run.
The elevator descends.
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Floor 1 – The First Glitch
The doors slide open.
Shelly: "I'll get started on the machines! You can just monitor or help me!"
Astro: "Got it."
We split up.
I walk over to one of the machines and—wait.
There's a crack in the metal.
A thin, glowing line of ichor is leaking out.
...That's not normal.
YOU ARE READING
?MoonShell?
Fanfiction?A dandy's world fanfiction about Astro and Shelly! Astro is getting tired of seeing poor Shelly getting tossed around and constantly forgotten all the time. He wants a change, the best for her. But something quickly gets in the way....? enjoy! ??...
