Side Story #1: Before Departure
"We absolutely can't do it," Lily said firmly, her tone sharp enough to cut through the tension in the room.
Tyler leaned back in his chair, smirking. "No wonder I occasionally find you rather refined."
Her eyes narrowed. "What do you mean, 'occasionally'?"
"Exactly what I said," Tyler replied, his voice dripping with mockery.
The air between them crackled like flint striking steel.
Mana's gaze bounced between the two, her innocent expression betraying the fact she had no idea why they were sparring like this. Finally, her eyes drifted toward Mathilda, who sat leisurely in a recliner, chin resting on her palm.
Mathilda pursed her lips, amused. They look more like a couple bickering than crewmates strategizing. She chose not to interfere, curious how long it would take before one of them gave in.
Tyler broke the stalemate first, waving Lily's complaints aside with a flick of his hand. "Enough bragging, let's discuss the matter seriously."
