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People were chatting in the cafe, which was located in the Natura District, it was late autumn in Vinyl City and NSR had recently signed a contract with Inkadia, allowing the two places to work together in build a metro from Inkopolis Square to Vinyl City.
Marina Ida and Neon J were having a conversation on that but had changed topics half way through.
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"So you play that thing?" The war vet questioned, his radar screen displaying a question mark. He was pointing at the Keytar that was slumped against the Octolings chair.
"Yeah I do, I got it as a gift from an old friend..." Marina responded, a hint of sadness lingered in her voice as she said that last part, a finger tracing the edges of the table.
"Ah yes, understandable. I've kept a handful of items given to me from old peers during the border war." The war vet glanced out the window of the cafe, his gaze falling on a group of young children, playing tag. "I have a doll I found in a village...must have been lost during an attack." Marina looked at him, her seafoam eyes landing on the medals on his chest.
"You were in the military?" The Octoling tilted her head, a raising an eyebrow. J snapped to attention, look at the Octoling in front of him.
"The Navy actually, but those are practically the same thing." He answered, leaning back his chair, his coat resting in his lap. "I served during the border wars, I lost my head in a battle."
Marina nodded understandingly, although she hadn't fought in battle, she was an engineer for the Octartian army, having served for DJ Octavio before escaping the land above and meeting Pearl.
"I was in the army..." The Octoling spoke, taking a sip of her drink. J looked at her, really looked at her. Her eyes seemed like they had seen things no one else had seen.
"You? Were in the army?" J sat up straighter, he hadn't really met anyone else who had been in the military (besides Rin...) so this conversation would be something worth remembering.
"Yeah! I was placed into a military training school at 6, but I was WAYYYYYYYYYYYYY smarter than my peers, not to brag or anything." Marina rested her chin on her hand, thinking about old memories from Octo Valley.
"Wait wait wait wait reverse! You were in military training school at 6?!" The war vet shouted, standing up so fast his chair tipped over, slamming both hands on the table, customers and staff turning to look at the pair.
"Uhhhhh...yeah. You weren't?"
"NO?" If J had a face, it'd be a very confused one.
"Oh...well guess everyone's a lil different. Am I right?" The Octoling chuckled, her tentacles moving in sync with her body movement.
"Yeah...you're right. We all are a little different." The war vet responded, crossing his arms over his chest. "You and I are different yet alike in many ways Marina Ida."
Marina laughed, a loud happy laugh, she had to cover her face to muffle it.
"Oh please! Just call me 'Rina' that's what my friends call me."
"WHATS THIS?" Neon dramatic shouted, causing customers and staff to yet again turn and look, Neon not caring. "THE Marina Ida, DJ of Off The Hook is considering ME! Nam Jae-woo her friend?"
""Nam Jae-woo?' That's your name? I thought your name was Neon J." The Octoling raised an eyebrow.
Neon barked out a laugh, his medals jingling on his chest and his radar screen displaying a laughing emoji.
"No no no! It's not." He choked out through laughs, moving a hand to wipe away a tear before remembering how he has no eyes (at least not anymore) and lowered his hand.
"Oh..." Marina replied awkwardly, a small tint of blush smeared across her dark skin.
"Hey, if it makes you feel any better..." He added a pause for dramatic effect. "You're not the only one who thought that."
"That does make me feel better...wait, you're Korean?"
"Yup, born and raised before moving here after the war with my wife!" He replied in a cheerful tone, his radar screen showing a heart.
Marina nodded her head. Before continuing to ask questions.
Fin.