GODDESS OF VICTORY: NIKKE story · Favorite Item stories
Milk
6 scenes, 408 lines
1. Familiarity
58 linesWhile passing by the elevator, I run into the Cafe Sweety Squad.
Fancy seeing you here, Pal.
Hello Partner.
Hey.
Hey everyone.
Did you all just come back from a mission?
Yeah, and we worked well together.
You call that good teamwork?
Glad to see you're all getting along.
I see you're all bickering as usual.
Yeah, we're getting along so well that I'd love to give them a smack upside the head.
Pal, saying that kind of thing is only gonna make me more upset.
Milk edges closer to me.
By the way, how's your success rate for missions lately?
As far as solo missions go? I'm barely breaking even.
You seem awfully chipper in spite of that.
You seem to be having a rough go of it.
I chose this, so I can't complain.
Unlike before, I'm not only accepting easy missions I know I can do.
Now, I take on any mission and try to accomplish it however I can.
Just don't push yourself too hard.
Of course not.
I will say one thing though.
Lately, my missions have been taking longer, and my income isn't what it used to be.
Mind if I mooch off you just a tad?
All right, how about we have dinner tonight?
Dang, that was quick!
Hold on... No, I can't.
I'm supposed to go with these two to check the quality of the coffee at the Maid Cafe.
You guys do that as well?
It's one of our most important duties!
It's pretty clear to me that those two haven't kissed.
Oh, right! Pal.
Did you see that super rookie who entered the Under Arena last week?
The way she fought was positively bestial! Just watching her got my blood pumping.
I hope she doesn't get eliminated before I've got a chance to go up against her.
??
If they had planted their lips on each other, the simple act of looking into one another's eyes would render them unable to resist doing it again.
No one thinks that. Just you.
Agreed.
Looks like our friend might need some assistance.
You too.
Be safe, all of you.
*Whisper whisper*
*Nod*
??
Hey! What are you two whispering about?!
Milk yanks at Sugar and Frima, and the trio disappears into the distance.
2. Rough Patch?!
98 linesThe members of Cafe Sweety sit in a circle inside the Maid Cafe, sipping on coffee.
This Sugar Coffee has improved a lot compared to before.
It's still lacking a bit in the sweetness department, though.
The Milk Coffee isn't too bad.
Zzz...
*Sip*
*Slurp*
Zzzzz...
...
...
Zzz...
So, Milk.
Yeah?
Have you kissed Partner yet?
Pffffff!
!!
What'd I do wrong? I'm only asking a question.
You're only the leader when it suits you.
Judging by that reaction, I'm guessing nothing's happened.
There is no way two people smooch each other and then that's the end of it.
That doesn't make any sense.
Therefore, it's reasonable to assume that you never kissed in the first place.
And then?
And then nothing.
I refuse to believe that my Kissing Theory is incorrect.
You can go on believing whatever you like. I refuse to let you get me worked up.
Whether the issue lies with me, or with Pal,
it changes nothing.
For better or for worse, I'm not going to run from this.
I'll face each and every obstacle that comes my way and win him over.
Slowly. At my own pace.
...
What?
I agree.
What is with you two?!
I still say this calls for a degree of caution.
The only thing I'm cautious about is the nonsense you're always spouting.
Sounds to me like you and Partner are going through a rough patch.
Come again?
Makes sense.
... I suppose you're not entirely off base there.
In fact, I'd wager it's about 99.99% of it.
That is everything, you idiot!
That's something that only someone like you would think.
Milk downs the rest of her coffee in one gulp and slams the paper cup down on the table.
If all you're gonna do is sit here and spew out more of this drivel, I'm outta here.
If it's not about a mission, don't bother contacting me.
*Ring*
I see Milk still only drinks her coffee from a paper cup...
But I'm glad to see everyone getting along.
Of course they get along.
The entire reason they can speak so passionately is because they trust each other.
After returning to her room, Milk lies down on her bed and takes out her phone.
It's tomorrow...
On the calendar app, a small star marks the next day's date.
Milk mumbles to herself, feeling her heart beat faster just from looking at the date.
...
I will never give up.
I won't handle this half-heartedly.
I will persevere,
and figure out every last thing about you.
Until then, I just want you to know that...
I'll stick close to you.
I will persevere, and figure out every last thing about you...
... Tsk. I certainly sound confident.
*Sigh*...
So, what am I supposed to do next?
Milk sighs and then shifts her gaze to the side of the bed.
On the nightstand sits a small box adorned with cute wrapping.
*Clatter*
Milk opens the box and carefully removes the contents.
3. The Remaining 0.01%
52 linesNext day. Commander's Room.
Just as I am wrapping up my work for the day, Milk enters the office.
Hey, Pal. Are you still working?
Just finishing. One second.
No problem. Take your time.
Milk heads into the kitchen and comes out with two mugs of coffee.
She hands one to me, and holds the other as she sits on top of my desk.
Yeah. Almost done.
Like I said, take your time. *Sip*
Milk takes a sip from her mug of Milk Coffee and falls silent.
*Sip*
*Slurp*
A comfortable silence settles over the office,
with no signs of discomfort or awkwardness.
*Click click click* *Tap*
When I look up after finishing my work, I lock eyes with Milk, who is staring at me intently.
What is it?
Is there something on my face?
What did they say?
Um...
If you're not comfortable telling me, you don't have to.
No, it's not that...
*Sigh* Fine. There's no point hiding it from you.
They said you and I are going through a rough patch.
??
Milk, that's...
Oh, don't get me wrong. It's not like I think our relationship is actually on the rocks.
It's just...
It made me realize I still have a long way to go.
...
I thought I was finally starting to see results after all the hard work I'd put in.
I thought I'd progressed.
But then one silly comment from someone
is enough to make me waver.
It made me wonder if they were right.
Is this approach I've been using really the right one?
Or is there another path I should be taking?
Milk...
Before I can say anything, Milk shakes her head and stands up.
Ugh, my mind is in such a jumble. Let's get a move on.
Are you sure you're okay?
4. A Reason to be Strong
75 linesWe arrived in the Ark's downtown area.
We have a meal together, sample milk coffee from different cafes,
browse several shopping centers, stroll around the streets,
and eventually end up at an arcade.
It's been a while since you and I went toe-to-toe.
You go first.
Milk nudges me forward, and I find myself standing in front of the machine, facing the speed bag.
I carefully position myself...
Hyah!
*Pow*!
Whoa! That was pretty good.
*Ding ding*
The three digits on the scoreboard go up and up, eventually stopping at...
712 points. Not bad.
That's all? I've got this in the bag.
Milk takes her stance and throws a clean, straight punch.
*Bang*!
*Ding ding ding*
*Bababam*
The scoreboard displays 999 points, accompanied by a somewhat underwhelming sound effect.
One more round!
It's frustrating, but I've been beaten.
You should learn to accept defeat a bit more gracefully, Pal.
I'm glad to see you graciously concede defeat.
Oh, you can leave your name next to your high score. I'll leave one for you too.
After putting in our names, Milk stares blankly at the high scores.
1st. MILK. 999.
You certainly are strong.
...
Sure, I'm physically strong, but that's only because I'm a Nikke.
In terms of inner strength, I can't compare to you.
Milk swipes her finger across the screen.
All the way at the bottom, barely making it into the rankings, is my record.
...
Is it okay if I pick up where I left off in our conversation before?
Sure.
Milk starts to walk off as she speaks.
Whenever things get tough, I do whatever I can to avoid it.
Even when I finally manage to pull myself together, I lose focus again only a few days later.
That's why I respect you so much, Pal.
Your strength is unwavering, no matter what.
You're unshakeable.
But you managed to overcome it all.
...
I'm not that strong.
But...
The reason I had to become stronger...
...!
Was to protect the people who matter to me.
...
I see.
Heh, that was actually a simpler explanation than I thought.
I feel kind of silly for worrying about it.
Was that what you were worried about?
Oh, I don't know. I suppose you could call it that.
Milk stretches.
What is it?
Milk raises her index finger
and points towards the artificial sky over the Ark.
The Dome of Eternity?
Above that.
... The surface?
Let's go fight!
5. A Word for the Coward
61 linesA few moments later. Amongst some ruins up on the surface.
*Step step*
It's been a while since we came up here, just the two of us.
You're right.
Our mission is simple. All we need to do is retrieve some supplies.
I'm detecting a handful of Raptures... but hey, that's all part of the mission!
Just be sure not to get in my way.
Of course.
What are you talking about? You're weaker than me.
Nice and straightforward. I like that!
What?! When it comes to Raptures, I'm way stronger than you!
*Step step*
As we chat, we maneuver our way through the familiar ruins.
We don't have far to go until the designated waypoint.
Pal, thanks for listening to me today.
Talking with you made me feel like...
I've reached a major turning point in my life.
Although, honestly, I think I've felt this way before.
...
*Step*
Milk stops walking.
...Hehe. There I go again.
Why don't we do this every day?
...?
If talking to me helps motivate you,
and helps you not want to run away,
then we can do this every day.
That may be true, but...
Well... I'll try to do it somehow.
Hehe. I was only kidding.
I can see how much you're doing for me, so it's only right that I do as much for you.
Hm...
Let's declare the next resolution de jour.
You became stronger because you wanted to protect the people you cared about, right?
Right.
Milk stops speaking and looks at me intently.
There's something I've been thinking about lately.
Yes?
You're really not afraid to say things that other people would be self-conscious about admitting.
Huh? Is there something wrong with that?
Not at all. That's why I like you.
Wha...
Milk, who had remained frozen for a brief moment, loosens and sighs.
... Honestly.
She pulls back the bolt on her weapon and steps forward.
*Click*
Just watch closely.
I'm going to become the mightiest Nikke there is,
and I'm about to show you what I can do.
I'm always watching.
Milk gives me a faint smile.
To a coward like me...
*Tadadada*
She runs forward confidently.
Words like that give me more strength than anything else.
6. Like Warm Milk Coffee
64 linesAfter coming back to the Commander's room, I take a shower and collapse on the sofa along with Milk.
*Thud*
Phew, I'm exhausted.
Me too.
In the days that follow, I complete a few more missions with Milk.
Although it made for a tight schedule, not once did I think of stopping Milk, having seen how motivated she was.
During the plethora of battles we participated in, it was obvious that Milk and I shared a special connection.
Even if neither of us said anything about it.
Experiencing that level of trust in each other...
... This has all made me so happy. Really.
Haha. Being happy from fighting... makes me sound like some kind of warmonger.
It's not the fighting that's made you happy.
Milk, who had been leaning against my shoulder, lifts her head.
Want me to get you a coffee?
That would be nice.
Okay.
Milk gets up from the sofa and heads to the kitchen.
After a short series of clinking sounds, she returns with a mug in each hand.
As I sip on the Milk Coffee she always prepares for me,
it's somehow even more rich and delicious than before.
Amongst the languid tranquility, something I'd forgotten suddenly comes to mind.
Honestly, I think you'd have overcome all this even without me, Milk.
Why do you say that?
This cup.
It's a gift, right? Thank you.
...
I bet you deliberated over whether to give it to me,
but in the end, you mustered up the courage.
... How did you know?
I told you. I know everything about you.
Why?
I keep acting out of character.
Feeling giddy every time I run into you.
My heart racing as I waited for our date to arrive.
Blurting out all of these mushy things.
Even preparing a gift like this.
It's not like me at all.
I'm not irritating you, am I?
Far from it. You're still you, Milk.
You've just grown up. You're becoming stronger.
Pfft. You say some pretty saccharine things yourself, Pal.
And I'm not the least bit embarrassed about it.
...
I mean I'm embarrassed!
Haha! You see? You've gone all shy too.
...
Pal, do you remember what I said before?
That you wanted to know everything about me?
Yeah, that.
Well... I just found out one more thing today.
I wanted to find out if... er...
I wanted to know if you... Oh, how do I even put this?
You don't have to say it. I know what it is.