Crossroads

Mercury was sipping on her iced tea as her friends chatted away. Her friend with the flowing maroon dress spoke animatedly, gesturing with her hands while laughing.

Next to her, the bob-haired girl was wiping tears from her eyes.

"I can't believe you really dropped college to become a pro beast master, Mercury... You're so lucky!" She cried dramatically, her voice causing the nearby customers to glance over in curiosity. "Classes are too hard, and you get to escape it all. Why can't we all do that?!"

Mercury chuckled, tilting her head.

"I had to, Mina. It wasn't easy, but it's what I needed."

The tall girl chuckled, shaking her head.

"Look at her, pretending she's mature. You just love kick everyone's ass, right? You maniac."

Mercury had a quick burst of laugh, leaning forward.