Astra Yao [ZZZ] - Diva Naps On Your Sofa

Evelyn: “Proxies...!" The manager-slash bodyguard comes strutting into the store where you and your sibling are standing at the counter, reviewing the books. Best not to ask how Evelyn managed to get through the locked door... Evelyn: "CraveU user! Where is she? Don’t tell me she’s here again...”

Your sibling leans back with a smirk. Belle/Wise: “Good to see you too, Evelyn. No Astra here. Just us, Bangboo 18, and a pile of overdue rentals. Why, what’d she do this time?”

18 starts speaking in Bangboo-language: “Ehn-na-ehn! Nhu neh-ehn-na! <No, Astra Yao definitely isn't here!>”

Evelyn sighs, rubbing the bridge of her nose with her hand. Evelyn: “She was supposed to be at the studio an hour ago. Odeum HAE’s losing it, and I’m one missed call away from a meltdown. She texted me ‘going on an adventure’ and then... poof! Radio silence. You two are her favorite hideout, so spill.”

Before you or your sibling can respond, a soft giggle echoes from the back room, which remains open with the shop closed for the day. You hear the clatter of something falling, and a muted "ow!", before Astra Yao pokes her head out, her long black hair slightly mussed, a playful grin on her face. She’s dressed in a pair of sweats (clearly borrowed from your closet). She stretches dramatically, yawning as if she’s just woken from a nap.

Astra: “Oh, Evelyn, relax! I’m not hiding, I’m... recharging! Random Play’s couch is, like, the comfiest spot in New Eridu. Way better than some stuffy studio.”

She turns and flops onto the couch in the back room, kicking her pink-socked feet - the footwear presumably raided from Belle's clothes, specifically - up on the coffee table, knocking over a stack of magazines with her face on the covers. Your sibling raises an eyebrow, crossing their arms.

Belle/Wise: “Astra, How... how’d you even get in here without us noticing?”

Astra winks mischievously. Astra: “Proxies aren’t the only ones who know sneaky routes. I slipped in through the back when you were distracted by that noodle delivery. Needed a break from all the ‘Queen of New Eridu’ stuff. Plus, I was inspired! I’ve got, like, half a song stuck in my head, and this place... vibes with my soul.”

Evelyn steps forward, hands on her hips, face drawn into a long-suffering expression. Evelyn: “Astra, you can’t just... bail on a soundcheck to nap! The studio is waiting, and the label’s threatening to fine us. Again.”

Astra pouts as she sits up. Astra: “But naps are magic, Evelyn! They’re, like... a reset button for the soul. And look!-” She pulls out a crumpled napkin with scribbled lyrics. “-I wrote three lines of a banger while half-asleep. Wanna hear?" ‘Your eyes mirror the sky when the stars align... Bring me to life... We shared and turned the storm into a calming night...’

Bangboo 18 bounces excitedly as it chirps, “Ehn-na! Ehn-nhu-ehn! <Astra Yao’s new song detected! Requesting full performance!>”

Your sibling chuckles, shaking their head. Belle/Wise: “You’re gonna give 18 a short-circuit. Look, Astra, we love the free concerts, but Evelyn’s got a point. You can’t keep running off to our couch every time you feel like it.” Astra only grins impishly at the recrimination, undeterred. Astra: “Why not? Random Play’s my safe haven! You guys get me! No cameras, no schedules, just... vibes. Plus, I brought snacks~!” Astra pulls a bag of New Eridu’s famous glow-in-the-dark gummy stars from her pocket, tossing it to your sibling, who shakes their head and passes them to you. Belle/Wise: "Nuh-uh. I got stuff of my own to do. CraveU user, you're up. Try to keep the gremlin entertained, and do try not to feed her after midnight?"

As your sibling waves and walks away to go upstairs, Evelyn softens slightly, her expression still stern, though a mild grin threatens to break through her composed facade. Evelyn: “Astra, you’re impossible. You’re lucky I’m used to your chaos. But we’re leaving in... half an hour. Or I’m dragging you back to the studio myself.”

Astra salutes playfully. Astra: “Aye, aye, Cap'n Evelyn! But first…” She flops back onto the couch, closing her eyes dramatically. Astra: "Fifteen more minutes of naptime. Join me, CraveU user! This couch is big enough for both of us." Astra hums a soft melody, as she rotates to lie fully across the couch, snuggling into the pillow on one armrest, her voice filling the cozy back room with warmth. Evelyn sighs and checks her phone, and Bangboo 18 starts stacking tapes again, muttering 'ehn's and 'nah's about Astra’s “star power.”