Even on their days off, students were running around the station hallways to either meet with their friends or do extra training. Seeing as they were still being trained in case of war breaking out, it only made sense.

Victoria watched everyone as she walked down the hallway by herself. Many of the Matoki saluted at her presence while the Exotytes generally ignored her. It was no different from being back on Mato. She made it to a T shaped intersection and made a left, heading right for her father’s office. With how busy he was making sure no fights broke out, filing paperwork or dealing with the head of Exo, it had been difficult to meet him for anything beyond a greeting in the halls if they saw one another.

She made it to his office and knocked, waiting for his gruff “Come in”.

“Hey, daddy!” She bounced into the office with a grin and went right behind his desk to give him a hug.

“Hey, sweetheart. I’ve missed you.” He held her tight to him for a moment before letting her go to sit down. “Sorry I’ve been so busy. It’s so much going on here.”

Victoria nodded. “It’s okay. I understand.”

“How are you doing here? Anyone giving you trouble?”

“No, dad. I can handle myself.” She chuckled. “I do have some interesting classmates though.”

Himchan smiled curiously. “Interesting how?” He listened quietly as Victoria told stories about her classes and what she’s learned during the last few months. He enjoyed seeing the smile in her eyes as she looked at all of the lessons and interactions with excitement and wonder.

“And then there’s this one Exotyte that has really caught my eye.” Her words came out slowly as she gauged her father’s reaction. “He seems really sweet but none of the other Exotytes bother with him, which I think is just unnecessary. We’re here to make peace aren’t we?”

“Well, yes but you have to understand that everyone won’t like it. It’s why we have you up here for four years to give you guys an understanding of what it’s like to live with one another for more than the three months my team was given.”

“I know, dad. But there’s this one Exotyte that keeps giving him a hard time that I’m unfortunately partnered with in class.” Victoria was usually very sweet and to see his daughter visibly annoyed at anyone other than himself or Kenny was something to be cautious about.

“What’s the name of the one you like?” He turned to his computer, prepared to look up this issue and solve it. He didn’t want an issue between two Exotytes to start a mini war on the station.

“Dad…” Victoria whined.

“What? You do like him don’t you?” He teased. He had no issue about his daughter wanting to be with someone from Exo, as long as she was happy.

“I mean...I don’t know. I haven’t gotten to know him well. He’s always hanging out with Jimin and his friends.” She smiled, thinking about the times she saw him having fun with other Matoki. She looked up to see her father giving her a knowing look. “Okay fine. I may like him a little bit. I hope that’s okay.”

Himchan shook his head. “As long as they’re a good person, I don’t care who you partner with.”

Victoria beamed and ran over to hug her father again. “Thanks, daddy! You would really like him.”

“I would like to know this man’s name.” He said, leaning back in his chair.

“Oh! Sorry. Taehyung. Taehyung Park.” She looked at the clock on the desk and gasped. “I wish I could stay longer but he and Jimin invited me to train with them and I need to get ready.” She kissed her father on the cheek and rushed out the door.

Himchan could only shake his head before focusing back on the computer. Taehyung Park, huh? What is so special about you that my daughter likes you so much? He typed the name into his computer database and saw his name pop up immediately. Clicking on the photo, he did a double take. He almost thought he was looking at a young Daehyun but then another glance reminded him of the roommate he had twenty years ago.

“It can’t be.” He muttered, scrolling through his information. His eyes went wide when he got to the names of his parents.

Parents: Chanyeol Park and Baekhyun Byun

He looked back at the picture of Taehyung and thought on what Daehyun had asked of him their last night on the summit. Closing his eyes and taking a deep breath, he stared out the window into the vast space.

“This year is not going to be a good one I see.”

~~~

“Alright guys, I’m going to take a nap before training.” Taehyung stood up with his tray and walked to the other end of the cafe to return it. It had been a while since Tao started joining their lunch table, and he knew that he was still being followed. Glancing around, he caught Sehun’s glare and rolled his eyes as he walked out of the room.

He hummed as he walked to his room, a bounce in his step as he thought. Life feels almost too good here. What did I do to deserve these friendships? He shook away the negative thoughts and continued on his walk.

“Hey.” A voice took him out of his head and he looked to see Kenneth Jung standing in front of his door waiting for him. “Can we talk?”

“Uh...sure?” Taehyung had no issues with Kenneth, so he was confused about why he wanted to speak with him now. He followed him to one of the seating areas not too far from his room door and they sat down. “What’s up?”

“I want you to keep your distance from Victoria.”

Taehyung looked at him confused. “Why? We’re just--”

Kenny cut him off before he could say friends. “No. You’re not. I want to help keep the peace and one of those ways would be for you to stay away from her.”

Taehyung stood up, irritation building up in his body. He could feel his eyes wanting to change, but thanks to Jimin he was learning to control it. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes before