Chapter 20: The Director and his Bodyguard

A phone started to ring. Officially five years had passed since Hope arrived in Pulse. As much fun as his Oracle Drive was, the scientists finally installed interplanetary cell towers between Pulse and Cocoon. The internet was now interplanetary. Pulse was no longer full of just scientists either, the Academy project had grown into an entire city. Academia they named it. A fitting name for a city of discovery and research. The silver-haired man picked it up.

"So, it's Director Estheim now, huh?" The female voice played with him.

"Lieutenant Farron? Major Farron? General Farron? You've got a lot of titles yourself, Light." Hope teased her back.

"It's good to hear your voice. Congratulations on your new position." Lightning's sincere voice made Hope blush.

"It's nothing in comparison to what you've achieved, Light." Hope complimented her back.

"You've definitely made a name for yourself here in Cocoon. Everyone's waiting for the appearance of the mysterious director. You better watch out now." Lightning was serious in her last words.

"Oh, don't worry. I'll have a bodyguard with me," Hope spoke as he flipped through the pages of applicants. He found the one he was looking for. He signed his approval on it and emailed it to the Cocoon military.

"Hmm?" Lightning hummed innocently.

"I'll be looking for you in Eden." Lightning smiled.

"Myself as well."

Hope's flight to Cocoon took almost no time. Five years of technology and research made their interplanetary transportation much more efficient. Crystal energy was a miracle. Three hours instead of three days. He was headed to Eden, the capital of Cocoon. He had an appearance to make. Their large aircraft landed, and there was already a crowd waiting. The podium was ready, microphones and cameras surrounding the area. Rygdea and Alyssa began to exit the aircraft. But Hope's eyes were looking for something else. Slowly walking down the stairs of the aircraft, he saw them. Their eyes.

They walked straight up to Hope. His escort and bodyguard. He quickly glanced at Rygdea and Alyssa. His eyes told them a silent message. They understood. He then put his hand on his bodyguard's shoulder, pulling their ear close.

"Let's run away, Claire. Let's go home."

The director failed to make an appearance on that fateful day. It caused a large commotion and news article for that week, but it was soon forgotten. Alyssa and Rygdea told the world what they needed to know. The future was hopeful with their technology. The director and his bodyguard vanished.

Two months later

Bodhum was quiet, even on the weekends. Living in that seaside university town, a routine would follow the same steps. But for some, a small, repetitive routine was desirable. There was a new student in town, exploring the city before the new semester began. A journalism major: she was fascinated by the discoveries and leap in modernization on Pulse— she was one of the few who remembered that it was all led by a certain director. She truly wished that he hadn't disappeared that day so she could have had the chance to interview him. But the mystery of his disappearance was left unsolved. Scanning the area as she wandered, she remembered reading about how a certain cafe named the Sunleth Waterscape was a local hot spot for couples in the area. People said that the cafe used to break couples apart, but it was only a legend. Anyone who walked in now would feel love drawing people together. Especially on a Saturday. That was when the new owners would work a shift together. The new student decided to check it out.

The cheerful chimes of the bells rang throughout as she pushed the doors open. The sweet and fruity smell of coffee invaded her senses. The cafe was more packed than expected. There were two couples, one sporting pink and blonde hair, and another with dark brown and blue hair. They were among an even larger group, all sitting together in one long table, happily chatting away like one big family. It warmed her heart to see it.

But what melted her heart the most was what was behind the counter. A silver-haired barista working right alongside a pink-haired barista. Their matching rings reflected in the light. In their presence together alone, anyone could see the love they shared. From their mannerisms, actions, and their eyes. Their eyes, they told it all. How her deep aqua stared lovingly into his gracious green.

They were Claire and Hope Farron. The two baristas of Bodhum.

Their love would last beyond lifetimes.

A/N:
And that's a wrap! Another mega huge special thanks to R-Armchair— truly a legend, I could not have done it without her. And a mega huge special thanks to all of you readers! Thank you so much for keeping up with me and supporting me on my first ever story. It was quite fun. Til next time! :D