?MoonShell?

Chapter 7 – Close Calls

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(Astro's POV)

The mall was still lively as Shelly and I made our way to the next store—one she had specifically picked out.

Shelly: "Okay, next stop! Plushies and bed sheets!"

I smiled a little. I wasn't surprised. She loved that kind of stuff.

As we walked, I was just about to make some dumb joke when—

"Hiii there! Astro and Shellssss!"

My stomach dropped.

Just like that, Dandy appeared in front of us.

Shelly lit up instantly.

Shelly: "Dandy! Hey! You remembered my name!"

She smiled so brightly.

Dandy grinned back, rocking on his feet.

Dandy: "Of course I did, Shelly! What kind of toon would I be if I forgot ya?"

My eyes narrowed.

Something was off.

I crossed my arms and greeted him flatly.

Astro: "...Dandy."

Shelly and Dandy immediately fell into chatter. I half-listened, my mind somewhere else.

Where did he even come from? I hadn't seen him anywhere near here before now.

Something wasn't adding up.

After a moment, I interrupted.

Astro: "Where'd you come from, anyway? I didn't see you around."

For just a second—

Dandy froze.

His usual bouncy energy stiffened for barely half a second, as if his mind was scrambling for an answer.

Then he quickly perked up.

Dandy: "Oh! I-I came here to buy some treats for my dog, Pebble! You know she loves candy, and she deserves it!"

He flashed a cheerful grin.

I examined him carefully. His words were fine. His expression was fine. But something about it all was just too... rehearsed.

I forced myself to shrug it off.

Dandy tilted his head.

Dandy: "So, what are you guys doing here?"

Shelly, oblivious to my tension, happily answered.

Shelly: "Oh, we came here to hang out and buy some stuff for me! I totally deserve it, y'know! We had such a great run—so lucky!"

I tensed immediately.

Why did she say that?!

I nudged her, giving her a warning glare.

Shelly blinked at me, confused, before slowly realizing her mistake.

Dandy's smile didn't change.

Dandy: "Ohhh? A great run, huh?"

He tilted his head slightly, waiting for more.

I jumped in before Shelly could speak again.

Astro: "It was fine! Just a normal run. Shelly just likes to exaggerate things sometimes, hah."

For just a split second, Dandy's face went flat.

His usual cheerful glow faded into something blank.

Something cold.

And for some reason, I felt a chill creep up my spine.

But just as fast as it came, it was gone.

Dandy brightened up again, all smiles and sunshine.

Dandy: "Well, well! Gotta skeedadle! Pebble's treats ain't gonna buy themselves! See ya around!"

And with that, he skipped away, heading for the pet store.

I let out a deep sigh of relief.

Shelly, however, turned to me with a small frown.

Shelly: "You know I don't like when people take over my words..."

Guilt hit me instantly.

Astro: "...I know. That was my bad."

I rubbed the back of my head, trying to explain.

Astro: "I just... was trying to be careful. That's all."

She sighed, then just shrugged it off.

Shelly: "It's fine. Let's go."

I exhaled. Good, she wasn't mad.

We walked toward the store again.

And... somewhere along the way, I moved just a little closer to her.

Now, our shoulders were almost touching.

She didn't question it.

And honestly?

Neither did I.