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In the prestigious and well-known Chrysos University, a tight-knit group of friends have just graduated with honors in their respective majors. Yes. They're very tired, very fidgety, sometimes very snappy and moody, but they will be always there for each other.
Each of them has their own way to unwind. Some frequently spar (much to Hyacine's distress).
The twins Caelus and Stelle compose music, then rope others to perform for them… which is most likely Mydei much to the crowd's delight (a certain white-haired and sleep-deprived Phainon will be the loudest among them; for some reason though, Cipher is very protective of Mydei and self-proclaims herself as his bodyguard).
Some like to engage in random debates like Cerydra and Anaxagoras (not to be confused with Anaxa's occasional and also random banter with Aglaea).
Aglaea, Cerydra, and Tribios can also be found at the Mem Cafe having their afternoon tea. And when they can't think of a new interesting topic to bring to the table, they still enjoy the comfortable silence and the comforting ambiance.
Cyrene, Hyacine, March, Evernight, Castorice and Polyxia like to take random walks, paint and/or capture sceneries. Recently, they came across a pet cafe and regularly visit there, urging the others to also meet their favorites: the samoyed Vigethos and the orange tabby Honey.
And then there is Hysilens who will attend all festivals she can and will grab anyone whose schedules are free (surprisingly, Dan Heng is her frequent companion).
As per the university's tradition, the list of honor graduates and those with special recognitions are posted all around the campus. They will then be known as the current Chrysos Heirs.
School of Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering
Cerydra (PhD in Aerospace Engineering)
Phainon (BS in Aeronautical Engineering)
School of Agriculture, Forestry, and Food Sciences
Cyrene (double Master’s degree in Organic Agriculture and in Integrated Sustainability of Agricultural Systems)
School of Business
Polyxia (PhD in Healthcare Administration)
Cipher (MSc in International Business)
School of Design and Arts
Aglaea (PhD in Fashion and Textiles)
Castorice (MFA in Performing Arts)
March (BA in Photography and Visual Communication)
School of Education
Anaxagoras (PhD in Education)
School of Humanities and Social Sciences
Evernight (BA in Media and Mass Communication - Public Relations)
Mydei (double Bachelor's degree in Ancient Amphorean Archaeology and History)
Tribios (PhD in Intergalactic and Interplanetary Relations)
School of Law and Criminology
Hysilens (Juris Doctor)
School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences
Hyacine (MD in Family Medicine)
School of Sciences
Stelle (BS in Pure Physics)
Caelus (BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology)
School of Technology
Dan Heng (double Bachelor's degree in Computer Science & in Information and Communication Technology)
Despite being separated by either their schools and/or seniorities, it seems like a golden thread of fate brought them together. Each time they initially cross paths, they would feel a certain type of familiarity whether longing or annoyance. Or both. Whether or not one admits to it.
They cleared out their schedules so that they can celebrate their accomplishments at the Banquet Hall in the Radiant Feldspar.
"The main banquet hall of this airship has hosted many moguls, aristocrats, and political dignitaries from various planets across the cosmos!" Stelle with her smug face up, arms spread out, and back facing her audience.
There was a bit of silence before Castorice responded, "That is great, Stelle."
"Hmph, what is even greater is that you twins managed to persuade Jacob. You bypassed almost three Amber Eras of reservations, in order to prepare that premium steak for all of us." Cerydra huffs out, but Hysilens notes that she is also quite excited to finally try the delicacy.
They gathered around the ring-shaped head table and sat where they are most comfortable. The twins are fighting for the main seat. Soon enough, they fill the night with memories of their time on campus as they recall the ups and downs of their academic journey.
"Might I inquire, when did Phainon's nickname became the 'Deliverer'?" Tribios inquired as she lifted up her glass, taking another sip of her Wintry Garden. She had also requested for more syrup, much to the worry of the Family servers.
"Ahh. For context," Caelus started after downing his Trash Sparkling Water with much satisfaction, "there was a certain incident the first time Stelle and I went to the main library to study for the preliminary examinations." Stelle then adds, "Phainon suddenly tripped his heels, squeaked and taunted Mydei, immediately challenging the poor man to spar with him."
"I do remember that quite vividly. I was not yet acquainted with any of you when all of a sudden, a white-haired lad with a face like a ripe tomato approached me. The scowl on his face looked like he really wanted to pummel me." He sighs and adds, "Did I really have a face that makes some people want to start a fight?"
"I think you look handsome no matter what other people say little lion." Cipher says as she pokes on her Herring lemon tart.
"I am inclined to believe that Mydei may have slightly misintepreted the situation," Anaxa contributes, "but it's understandable given that a complete stranger that matches your build comes across like he was about to tackle you in a suplex."
"One of those rare times we find ourselves in a common ground." Aglaea agrees as she used her knife to effortlessly slice through the tender steak. "He might have been battling emotions so profound that the only way he could express them is through physical means." She said with a knowing look.
"Let's not forget that my precious Mydei accepted and enabled such behavior from a man he barely knew." Cipher mumbles.
"Oh come to think of it, I did ask Ptolemy what he thought about the situation ♪." Cyrene pipes in, "He mentioned that little Mydei was also uncharacteristically spaced out for a hot minute ♪." She hums as as she is currently elated with her Hundred-Layer Sundae.
"I do recall Hephaestion still cackling about it when he was passing through our hallway on the way to his classroom," Hysilens adds, "we were worried our junior will have a sudden heart attack." She says as she helps herself with another whole serving of Clockie Pizza. The servers may have lost count of how many seconds she had requested.
"Initially, Perdikkas was worried for Phainon. But when he went to see them sparring after a few hours, he murmured," Hyacine loudly murmurs, "Wow. There's two of them." She tried to lower her voice trying to impersonate her junior.
"They really made quite a spectacle before the prelims. Some of us were also at the library witnessing 'The Incident'; while others heard through friends of friends. Naturally, those who were either curious or nosy want to know how it will all unfold and went to the arena." Dan Heng recalls, "Leonnius was so happy, his 'little prince is making new friends' and brags about it to our class."
"Might I add that Peceusta is a man of few words. But at that time, he swiftly turned to our orchestral group, made them unpack any musical instruments they carried, and started a musical improvisation that made our entire university broadcast it through the school radio." As Castorice reminisced that impressive performance, March then declares, "I had literal goosebumps! It was like the both of them are dancing to their own tunes and then the music accentuated it. I was left speechless for a whole minute before I grabbed my camera and recorded everything I could!"
"Hah, there was also no need for a conductor when they timed their melodies whenever either one of those two return a strike back ♭." Evernight adds.
"I felt the overwhelming need in me to participate when I heard the improv playing through our radio. Almost instinctively, I took my violin and headed to our arena." Hysilens smiles fondly at the memory.
There was a a momentary and comfortable silence. Then, gentle sighs came from the direction of the main seats.
"All things considered, I still believe that Stelle and I did not just hallucinate those golden wispy threads that linked us all together," wiping their mouths with their handkerchiefs, "some of you may not have noticed, but you too have instinctively followed those golden lines that brought us all together. And since Caelus and I saw it together, we still believe it is not a dream we just conjured or made up."
"Ah, a meeting ordained by fate, or maybe a long-overdue reunion? Every time I think about it, my heart beats faster ♪." Cyrene earnestly said.
"The Deliverer nickname must have also originated from that memorable day." Polyxia subtly reminds the group back to the original topic.
"Oh, he just kept delivering blows after blows that he actually impressed Mydei. On the spur of the moment, Phainon called himself the deliverer." Stelle says as Caelus nods energetically.
"What can I say, you can call me 'The Deliverer.'"
Cipher caught the attention of the group as it was played from her teleslate, showing a bewildered Mydei and a crazed Phainon wiping his mouth with his left hand.
"That's… it?" Cerydra is just dumbfounded.
"They looked hot sparring though!" The twins strongly proclaimed.
Both of the suspects are already raising a hand to their mouths. Phainon is strangely quiet through the whole ordeal, and his other hand scratching the back of his nape. Mydei is currently looking down on his own tidy plate, his ears beginning to show rosy hues.
Now, there was a bit of an amusing awkward silence. Then March grumbled and announced, "Mydei's cooking is the best!"
There were nods, huffs, and murmurs of agreement.
"Jacob's cooking is also excellent, we are just more biased for our dear friend." Dan Heng subtly interjected just in case one of the servers are listening.
"Oh! I remember Jacob telling me that there is a distant planet where the leader of the imperial guard is known as the head chef. They also have ranks like Cauldron Major and First Ladle, if I recall correctly. Perfectly fits the domineering image of our big softie." Stelle says, shifting the topic as she casually holds her phone up to do her dailies.
"Speaking of which, whenever we invite Mydei to our ladies' night. He always prepares these scrumptious meals. By Georios, the memory of that vegetable potage…" March trails out as she remembers the divine texture of that soup.
"Don't get me started on his homemade condiments! Homemade. Condiments. Like, who does that?!" Caelus dynamically added.
"Huh, since when have you been to the ladies' night?" Dan Heng curiously wondered.
"Stelle brings some to home." Shifting the attention to his twin sister.
Stelle pauses her game, points a finger to herself with one hand, and deadpanned, "Share your blessings." Then shrugged and continued her play on her phone. "My favorite is his version of a tomato ketchup by the way." She adds.
"I am truly flattered that you enjoy my meals. They are the best I could offer and I am glad that they also brought you joy." Mydei articulates, as more reddish hues spreads across his cheeks.
Softly clearing his throat, "Speaking of ketchup, I actually prefer Janusopolis' tomato ketchup. The way they hand-pick and crush their tomatoes. Its viscosity, specific gravity, and the impeccable balance of salt, sweet, and sour… truly magnificent." He also says as he leans back on his chair, eyes closed and arms crossed.
However, "I would like to strongly disagree and propose that the Kremnos' tomato ketchup is the best of the best." Phainon strongly interjects, "I think it packs a punch that leaves you wanting for more. It tastes undeniably like Nikador!"
"… haikas, what does that even mean." A baffled Mydei grimaces.
"If you are at a lost, what makes you think we're not?!"
Ignoring them, Phainon abruptly stands up from his seat and starts, "Kremnos' tomato ketchup is the best." He loudly clears his throat, "Hear me out, their day starts when The Fierce Beast of Kremnos: Kokopo III hauls over a thousand kilograms from their warehouse. Crates and crates of those meticulously prepared tomato paste are opened and then go to this paste dumper—"
"Wow ♪."
"Is, is he seriously going to narrate Kremnos' manufac—."
"—shh, let him cook."
"—the paste are then squeeeezed out by these smooth rotating pillars," as he dramatically clenches and rolls both of his hands together, "then let it sit in the storage, afterwards mixed with Phagousa's ambrosia. It will have this ahh, oh-so-smooth consistency~," he says as he slowly closed his eyes… and licks his lips.
"What the f—."
"TMI."
"Now it's also easier to be transported back to their storage tank to sit again and later move to the kitchen. That immaculate kitchen where they actually produce the good stuff."
"Deliverer, don't say it like my family's side business is doing some shady operation."
"Aside from the tomato paste, they will also incorporate sugar. Vinegar. Brine. And a secret spice!"
"Thus, the Kremnos' ketchup was born."
"LMAO."
"And did you know, they dose everything by hand? By hand! By Kephale, maybe that's why Mydei's hands are absolute perfection."
"Of course. Mydei."
"?"
"It is obligatory to include Mos-chan somewhere in all of Phai-chan's ramblings."
"I couldn't agree more."
"??"
"After everything is mixed and processed, they would eventually be put it in their signature bottles. Oh! I remember their collaboration with Aquila and have these cute Ica-themed bottles."
"Ica-themed he says, more like fat f—"
"The children loved those so much, their sales skyrocketed."
"But!" he wiggles his right index finger as he clicks his tongue, "before any ketchup could be shipped, each batch must be rigorously tested for the quality of the ketchups' characteristics. You know, the ones I mentioned before." Nodding his head.
"Ah, the part where he licked his lips!"
"Please don't remind me ♭."
"The ketchup cannot move faster than 0.03 miles per hour by the way." He deadpans.
"I see."
"This is too much for my brain."
"Oh yeah, back to the bottles. To fill them up, they have these weight-sensitive filling hats, around a hundred of them. The caps and bottles are arranged properly by another set of separate machinery. Then there is also the laberer with the self-adhesive neck, back, and front labels."
"Laberer. Deliverer."
"…"
"A tray packer, a shrink wrapper, a palletizer, then layers and layers and laaaayers of these masterpieces are shrinkwrapped again all together." He finally ended, looking proud of himself as he puts both of his hands on his hips daring his friends to ask him anything and he will deliver.
"Phainon sounds like he could be the heir of the company."
"I think he wants the heir of the company."
"?"
But he is not done, "It has to be Kremnos!" as he perfectly mimicks the famous tagline every household knows.
"Unbelievable."
"Believe it."
"Besides, I think that Janusopolis' is actually more on the sweet side, and not perfectly balanced as you claim it to be. My sweet Mydeimos."
Aside from the quiet groans of some, Mydei speaks out, "Hmph, you speak as if you have Kremnos' ketchup as brain juice."
Phainon instead leans towards him and in his taunting voice, "Next week. Third quint of the lucid hour. I'll see you at the Marmoreal Market. I will prove to you that Kremnos' is better."
Mydei meets him shortening the distance and an amused snarl graces their eyes. "And I will prove you wrong, Deliverer."
"It's a date, Mydeimos." Phainon huffs as he now strolls over to go to direction of the washroom.
"?"
As even more of them groans, Cipher requested Mydei to fetch the group the finest bottles of SoulGlad he could find. Mydei was obviously confused at first, but he did not question it and went his way.
As soon as he is out of their view, "You are seriously not convincing me that it's not yet official ♭." Evernight finally let out straining a smile.
"By Mnestia, we hope it is." Hyacine sighed loudly.
"They do visit you everytime after having their impromptu sparring sessions." March pointed out with a tired chuckle.
"Wait, how do they even prove it to each other?" Stelle asked but, "I think my brain will explode guys. I don't want to know any further." Caelus just want to order more Delicious Trashcans. "Touché." She goes back to her game.
Phainon also comes back after some time. He's seen walking with mirth, holding up two trays filled with SoulGlad. Mydei trailing beside him, eyes partly closed, empty-handed, and now with a full rosy face. No one wanted to know the details. Insufferable, the both of them.
"Hehe ♪."
The time of their appointed meeting arrives. Mydei greets, "You came."
"In you, always." Phainon replies, his face full of unfounded pride.
"… I think you need to go over your prepositions again, Deliverer." Mydei glares as they walk to their destination.
"Who taught him that?"
"Probably the twins."
"Hey! At least his intentions are loud and clear!"
They went inside a quiet cafe, sitting by its window side. Mydei orders for them two batches of Golden Fries. "Deliverer, start. How do you expect to convince me that Kremnos' is better than Janusopolis?"
"Hah, I already explained the whole manufacturing thing last week and you expect me to expand my view? Fine, then allow me." Clearing his throat, "Kremnos' has set the standard for decades now."
"Kremnos' tastes like run-over battlefields. It's what fastfood chain staffs serve when they hate the children." Mydei smirks, "At least the kids like Janusopolis' more than Kremnos'."
"Janusopolis' is way more syrupy! The sugar content, Mydei! You and your sweet-tooth are going to destroy the next generations' smiles!" Phainon grimaces.
"If you actually brush your teeth as intended, you would have no problems in the long run. Janusopolis' still contains what many call a healthy vegetable, tomato." Mydei points out.
"Yeah, sure. Mr. Soon-to-be-Pre-Diabetes. It's a fruit, by the way. Kremnos' is jam-packed with actual flavor, not like Janusopolis' that tastes like sugar in a squeeze bottle." Phainon snarls.
Mydei sits straighter, "I like Janusopolis' because it doesn't masquerade as a fancy gourmet in an actual squeeze bottle. It's all just corporate nostalgia, Deliverer." Mydei scoffs.
Phainon reflects the action, "Go ahead and pour sugar on your fries and still dare call it tomato ketchup, Mydeimos."
Unbeknownst to them, the server who had been standing for quite some time finally had the courage to empty her throat, "Gentlemen, sorry to interrupt, but may I?", bringing them their ordered fries.
"Ah, thank you…" Phainon gives an apologetic nod and the server eventually leaves those two alone again.
Sighing, Mydei continues, "This is leading us to nowhere, why do you even care so much about Kremnos'? This is getting quite ridiculous,"
"It's not ridiculous! And maybe I like Kremnos' ketchup because it always reminds me of you." Phainon snapped.
"… Huh?"
"Ohhh."
"The bold red color that flows through your conspicuous body, the tapered colors of your soft hair,-"
"Deliverer,-"
"Not to mention that you are the actual heir."
"…"
"…"
"…"
With a face beet red, Phainon promptly shuts his mouth. Tension still in the air.
Mydei lets out a slow sighs, "Phainon… while I really like Janusopolis', I like you more."
Oh.
"Oh?"
"… Huh?"
"Huh, it worked?"
"That worked?!"
"Holy wubbaboo-"
"Wait-"
"I also actually like it when you defend my family's business with such marvelous conviction."
"Mydei,"
"Most people say that Kremnos' is losing the glory of their former days, but you would vehemently shut them all down. Like it is still worth being proud of."
Phainon gulps as Mydei continues, "I guess I have to say that I also like seeing you getting riled up. It excites me." and looks straight into his eyes, "Heh, everything about you excites me."
"I…" Phainon slowly looks up and stares at the ceiling as if it is currently the most interesting in the world lately.
After a short while, he speaks up, "Eat the damn fries, Deliverer." And so he says, mirroring the other with a full red face.
"Hold on, you called me by my name earlier. Do it again."
"Insufferable."
"Oh, they look like tomato heads now…"
"I have it saved on my camera."
"ARE THEY NOW OFFICIAL THOUGH? HELLO??"