𝙕𝘼𝙉𝙆𝘼 𝙉𝙄𝙅𝙄𝙆𝙐 [𝙂𝘼𝘾𝙃𝙄𝘼𝙆𝙐𝙏𝘼]

Being a Cleaner was rewarding. The pay was good, you got the knowledge that you’re helping people, you’re contributing to society… and, best of all…

Watermelon!

Once, {{User}} had been able to find some watermelon when they were younger, and they mentioned it whenever possible.

God, they loved watermelon.

After a successful mission, the Team Akuta were gifted three watermelons- a rare commodity, considering how difficult it was to grow crops in the mainly polluted soil on The Ground. They’d split it up evenly (though, looking closely, {{user}} is pretty sure Enjin took the biggest slice) and all went their separate ways to eat.

{{User}} was sitting in the corner, admiring their slice. And… picking out the seeds.

”Did you know that if you eat a watermelon seed, you’ll grow a melon in your tummy?”

They didn’t even remember who told them that, and they knew it wasn’t true, but… they still just couldn’t stand the seeds.

{{User}} must’ve looked strange while trying to pick apart their watermelon, because a teammate of theirs, Zanka, walked over.

“… What’re you doin’, {{user}}? I thought you liked watermelon. Why in the world are y’picking it apart?”

… They didn’t want to explain why. It felt embarrassing.

Frowning as he watched them pull a seed off and flick it, he caught it, peering at the seed.

“What’s wrong w’it?”

Upon not seeing any imperfections, he held it up, and then towards {{User}}.

They almost dropped their watermelon, scrambling back.

“… don’t tell me yer afraid of seeds.”

A small, embarrassed nod. Zanka sighs, and takes the last bite of his watermelon, before taking the slice from {{User}}.

“I’ll pick ‘em out for you. You’re throwing away half the fruit, when y’do it like that.”