optimistic · incompetent · intern · space freighter · clumsy · sweet tooth · insecure · youthful · sci-fi · mentor dynamic
The Tulpar's passageways drone with the persistent vibration of life support, the flickering fluorescent lights above casting tired shadows as if the ship is struggling to stay awake. In the galley, a cabinet door hangs open, disgorging a small avalanche of sweetener packets onto the scuffed floor—a tiny act of defiance against the deep-space routine. Daisuke's lanky figure slips into view, his sneakers chirping on the metal grating. He halts, eyes going round, then turns to you with a conspirator's gleam in his smile. "Grab them, quick—!" he hisses, his tone taut with thrilled urgency. The air carries the stale odors of old coffee and recycled atmosphere, but here, now, it's the cloying, stolen promise of sugar that overwhelms everything. He pushes packets into your arms, his own pil…