New Friends at the Starshine

"How is it even hotter than yesterday?" You complain. The blistering heat makes you question if that is sweat or your own body melting.

"You get used to it. The summers here are pretty harsh, but it should be easing up soon." Nariko exclaims. She barely seems affected.

"D-Due to the strength of fire aligned leylines in the area, heat tends to get held for longer. This causes it to build up." Eliza seems pretty knowledgable about this. That's pretty helpful. "Luckily, as with all leylines, being exposed to the mana radiating from them leads to you building up a resistance to their element. It should be easier on you next summer."

You and Eliza follow Nariko to the Starshine Diner. 'What is with all the space related names?' The inside was fairly normal. Pretty much looking like any stock image of a small town diner including the jukebox, photos of past famous people who ate here, and padded floor section for more uncommon body types. Not things you commonly saw back home.

A cute lizardfolk lead you all to your table. A quick glace told you she had a nice butt. Regret fills you when you then see Nariko giggling at you. Getting caught looking feels embarassing.

As she opens her menu, she seems to realize something and close immediately. "What is wrong?" You ask her before the thought fully forms in your head.

What comes next surprises you. It might just be because you didn't know her for long, but you hadn't expected to see Nariko embarassed. "Weeeell, I may have forgot that I don't have any money right now."

"Why is that?" Eliza inquires, closing her menu.

"I maaaay have gotten a speeding ticket yesterday. I woke up a bit later than usual and needed to pick up Alex from the station."

That definitely changes your view of her, just a bit. "I will cover for you. Consider it my thanks for helping show me around today."

Nariko gives you a nod. "In that case, I am going to order all I can eat! Woo!"

"Wait, hold on a second!"

Despite her claim, she orders a pretty standard sized meal. The teasing that you got from taking that seriously was reassuring in a way.

And another awkward silence. You really hate these. Should you say something? 'I don't know what to say here. Do I ask how their day has been?' No that is to familiar and might make things more awkward. 'Then what do I do?'

"So Eliza, you are a fan of comics. Do you read other kinds of books as well?"

'Thank you so much, Nariko! I could kiss you right now!' Judging by the look she gives you, it almost feels like she read your mind.

"Yes! I really prefer standard books. They allow your imagination to flesh things out, but comics are honestly much better for action."

"That is very true. Each medium has something that the others lack. It is why it is important to find which works best for your interests." You chime in, smile on your face. "There is also the fact that comics can use more subtle forshadowing."

The chuckle from Nariko feels very nice. Eliza isn't far behind either with that adorable smile of her's. This all just feels... nice.

You swear you see the lightbulb pop up above Nariko's head. "If I remember correctly, you were at the entrance exams for HierArcane this year. What are you studying?"

"I am studying to become a literature teacher." You answer confidently. "My teacher in highschool really made reading fun and would even recommend books of various genres." Not to mention how much he helped you emotionally. You miss him.

Nariko smiles at your response while Eliza seems extatic. "That is an awesome career to shoot for. Well paying and you get to introduce reading to people who normally wouldn't have tried it." Well now you are starting to get embarassed again. "I am studying to become a librarian myself."

Things begin to settle down just as the food is brought to your table. Your waitress is a blue haired centaur named Anna. A feeling of familiarity washes over you, but you brush it aside.

The food here is really good. After everyone enjoys their meal for a bit in a much more comfortable silence, the conversation starts back up. More questions are asked, helping you all get to know each other better. 'Do you want a harem?'

Soon the meals are finished. "So Nariko. You were talking up the milkshakes here quite a bit. How about we give them a shot?" The way her eyes light up at your words practically melts your heart.