Chapter 9: Bonds worth GOLD
[Iruma's POV]
A year had passed, and our trio was as tight-knit as ever. Mina, Astro, and I had formed a bond that felt unshakable, one that had grown stronger through laughter, fights, and the occasional ridiculous prank. It wasn't just friendship anymore—it was family.
The day began with the warm glow of spring filtering through the trees, the scent of blooming flowers mingling with the earthy aroma of freshly turned soil. Astro and I were lounging in the park, our usual spot under the big sakura tree. The tree had been through all seasons with us, shedding its petals in fall and standing bare in winter, only to blossom again like clockwork.
Mina was running late, as usual.
"Think she's trying to make an entrance or actually lost this time?" Astro asked, leaning back against the tree with a smirk.
"Knowing Pinky, probably both," I replied, tossing a pebble into the pond nearby.
The sound of hurried footsteps broke through our banter, followed by Mina's unmistakable voice. "Don't start the fun without me!"
She sprinted toward us, her pink hair bouncing with each step, and skidded to a stop just short of crashing into Astro. "Made it!"
"You're late," Astro said, raising an eyebrow.
"Fashionably late," she corrected, plopping down on the grass beside us. "Big difference."
---
Chill Vibes
The day unfolded in the most laid-back way possible. We spent the morning playing a half-hearted game of tag, where I used my teleportation to cheat shamelessly, much to Mina's frustration. Astro eventually joined in, but only after I goaded him by calling him "slow as molasses."
When we got tired, we sprawled out on the grass, letting the warm breeze wash over us. Mina pointed out shapes in the clouds while Astro and I made sarcastic comments about them.
"That one looks like a bunny," Mina said, pointing at a particularly fluffy cloud.
"It looks like Astro when he's grumpy," I quipped.
Astro rolled his eyes. "You've got jokes, huh? What about that one?" He pointed to a jagged-looking cloud. "Looks like your hair on a bad day."
"Rude," I said, pretending to be offended.
Mina giggled. "You both are ridiculous. This is why I can't take you anywhere."
---
Family Feels
After a while, Mina sat up, her expression turning thoughtful. "Hey, can I say something?"
"Uh-oh," I said, leaning back on my hands. "She's thinking again. Brace yourself, Astro."
"Very funny," she said, sticking her tongue out at me. Then her tone softened. "Seriously, though. I've been thinking a lot about how much you guys mean to me."
Astro tilted his head. "What brought this on?"
She shrugged, fiddling with a blade of grass. "I don't know. I guess I've just realized how lucky I am. Back when we first met, I was this scared, insecure kid. But you two… you believed in me when no one else did."
I sat up, watching her carefully. "Pinky, you're giving us too much credit. You had that strength in you all along. We just pointed it out."
Astro nodded. "He's right. You've come a long way, Mina. And we're proud of you."
Her golden eyes shimmered, and she smiled softly. "Thanks, guys. You're like the brothers I never had."
"Well, duh," I said, ruffling her hair. "Who else is gonna put up with your alien antics?"
She swatted my hand away, laughing. "And who else is going to keep your egos in check?"
_____
Ice Cream Break
Later, we headed to the ice cream shop—a tradition of ours whenever we wanted to celebrate… or just eat. Mina insisted on ordering the biggest sundae on the menu, while Astro and I went for our usual: matcha for him and an over-the-top triple scoop for me.
As we sat outside, Mina grinned at us. "You know, if I ever become a pro hero, I'll treat you guys to ice cream every day."
"That's the dream," I said, taking an exaggerated bite of my cone.
Astro chuckled. "You're already acting like a hero, Mina. Ice cream's just a bonus."
Her cheeks turned pink—almost the same shade as her hair. "You really think so?"
"Of course," I said with a smirk. "But you'll need a killer hero name. Can't go around saving people as 'Mina Ashido.' Too basic."
She rolled her eyes. "Oh, and you have a better idea?"
I grinned, leaning forward dramatically. "How about… Alien Queen Hero: Pinky?"
She blinked, then burst out laughing. "Seriously? Again?"
"Dead serious," I said, keeping a straight face. "It's iconic. Imagine the merch."
Astro nodded solemnly. "It's perfect. Unique, memorable, and totally you."
Mina looked between us, a mix of amusement and affection in her eyes. "You guys are ridiculous. But… I think I'll keep it."
---
Later that day...
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple, Mina spoke up again. "You know, I don't think I'd be this confident if it weren't for you two."
I raised an eyebrow. "What's with all the sentiment today, Pinky? You planning to run off and leave us or something?"
She shook her head, laughing. "No way. You're stuck with me for life. I just… I wanted you to know how much I appreciate you. Both of you."
Astro smiled, his usual stoic demeanor softening. "We appreciate you too, Mina."
"Yeah," I added, my voice quieter. "You're family, Pinky. Always."
She blinked rapidly, clearly trying to hold back tears. "Ugh, stop. You're going to make me cry!"
_____
A New Chapter
As we walked home under the glow of streetlights, Mina skipped ahead of us, humming a tune. She turned back, walking backward with a playful grin.
"You know," she said, "if we keep this up, we'll be the coolest hero trio ever."
Astro smirked. "No doubt about it."
I tilted my head, pretending to think. "As long as I get top billing, I'm in."
"Dream on, Iruma," Mina teased, sticking out her tongue.
Watching her, so full of energy and life, I couldn't help but smile. She wasn't just Mina Ashido anymore. She was our Pinky, the Alien Queen Hero in the making. Canon Counterpart cannot relate.
And I wouldn't trade her—or this bond—for anything in the world.