Archive of Our Own ^beta

People say love makes you go crazy. When love blinds you, it's almost impossible to think straight. If there's love, you would be willing to do things you had never thought yourself capable of. After all, isn't your special someone’s smile one of your biggest treasures? When you love a certain individual, you would not hesitate in doing whatever necessary for their dreams to come true, either. That’s the sheer strength of an emotion some people consider essential in their lives.

But does someone who would already do the craziest things for absolutely no reason need love as an excuse to lose it completely for someone else? Kafka is completely sure she doesn't need anything that lame.

Yes, she is in love. She has been for a while, but she doesn't think it has blinded her… It feels like the exact opposite. As much as she thought she would never experience something like that, it’s almost impossible to deny the truth at this point. However, it did take her some time to wrap her head over the idea that, yes, she cares about someone. She cares so much about that someone, she is now more careful than ever whenever she goes on a mission. Her, who knows no fear, not being reckless. Who would have imagined something like that? Her past self would have laughed at her so hard, her tummy would have ended up hurting for hours, that she knew.

But in reality, all this ordeal took her by surprise. While she had no idea whether this love affair of hers was written in the script or not, Kafka didn’t think it would pose a threat to their plans. So she took the risk of going with the flow, and she decided to let this whole situation guide her to some unknown future. Challenges, the unknown and pleasure is all she needs to move forward. All she was completely sure of is that something stirred inside of her the first time she laid her eyes on a certain Navigator with honey gold eyes.

At first, she just thought she had found someone interesting she wanted to impress. She would show up wherever the Astral Express stopped, just to engage in any silly conversation with the train's Navigator. The mere fact of getting a glimpse of her fire red locks would brighten her days, that she must admit. However, sometimes she wouldn't get any further than a simple “Hello” that would get almost ignored. “What makes you think I want to speak to a criminal?” was probably the nicest thing she had heard from that woman's lips. But sometimes she did get more words out of her, even if it was only because she could provide the red haired woman with some useful information about the place they were visiting.

She remembers the first time Himeko agreed to take a break in her company. But, in all honesty, she never expected her to say yes after all the cold treatment she had been getting. So when she heard Himeko say “Fine, let’s go somewhere, so you leave me alone for once and for all” one day, she was left speechless for once.

“Well?” Himeko looks at her, arching an eyebrow expectantly. “Are you going to keep me waiting here?”

Kafka opens her mouth to reply, but she’s completely at a loss. She averts her gaze, tilting her head as if meditating something for a brief moment. What is she supposed to do now? She is so used to Himeko turning her down every single time, she has not even thought of any plan to take her out. She wasn’t going to say yes, so there was no need to actually plan anything.

She gasps all of a sudden. No, no plans are needed, since they are in a place she knows like the palm of her hand. She’s been here a thousand times already, and there is a place that she adores visiting from time to time. While she finds it soothing, just like her beloved classical music, she knows most people wouldn’t think of it the way she does. And Himeko will be no different, Kafka is completely sure of that, but she’s in the mood for some fun. After all, what’s life without a little dose of excitement?

“No… Of course not. Follow me, will you? If this is your first time here, there’s some place I need to show you.” Kafka smiles at her, and it’s probably the first time Himeko sees such a genuine look on her face.

Himeko does as she’s told, and they start walking down the street side by side. It’s already dark, and Himeko is glad the streets are almost empty so no one can see her in the company of this despicable woman. While it’s now hard to make out most of the views the city can offer, Kafka still tells Himeko everything she knows about the monuments, the major buildings, the parks they find while on their way to Kafka’s retreat.

Soon enough, the lull of the waves reaches both women’s ears, and Himeko is smiling before she even gets to realize what she’s doing. It has been a while since she’s seen the sea, after all.

And Kafka follows that soothing sound with Himeko trailing her very steps, until they reach the coast.

“I’m not going to lie, I wasn't expecting a criminal to take me to the beach.” Himeko comes closer to the edge of the cliff, so she can actually look down, and she gets a glimpse of the stormy ocean.

“Oh, Himeko. I'll have you know I have very sophisticated tastes,” Kafka says proudly.

“Sophisticated?” Himeko turns to glare at her. “I had no idea you could say that about stealing.”

“Stealing is not sophisticated, but exhilarating.” Kafka takes off her coat, folding it with utmost care, before she extends her arms elegantly. “It's the thrill that keeps me going. The adrenaline rush I need in my life.”

Kafka takes a couple of steps forward, and she leans on the railing to lay her eyes on Himeko.

“And still… It's not as thrilling as chasing you,” she adds casually, her eyes still glued on hers.

“Listen, Kafka…” Himeko sighs, closing her eyes as she shakes her head. “I honestly have no idea what you're playing at, but it's going to get you nowhere. As I said, I agreed to come this time, but it won't happen again.”

“You seem so sure about that… I find confidence in a woman tremendously appealing, just so you know.” Kafka grazes Himeko’s arm with her fingers.

Himeko rolls her eyes as she takes a few steps back. “Seriously, what are you getting at?”

“I'm merely sabouring the chase. You've caught my interest, that's all.” Kafka stares at her hungrily.

“Well, I’m sorry to tell you I’m not interested in this game of yours. And why do you always have to speak in weird riddles? Just tell me what you want, and get to the–”

Himeko's words die on her lips. And before any of them can move an inch or register what's about to happen, a wave crashes against the cliff, washing them both over with no mercy at all.

When Himeko wipes her eyes, she sees Kafka covering her mouth, her eyes widening when she looks at the woman in front of her, and her body starting to shake uncontrollably all of a sudden.

“Kafka, I swear to–”

And Kafka uncovers her mouth to brace herself as she starts laughing like she hasn't laughed in months. This time, Himeko can tell it's genuine too, just like the smile from a while ago. There's no sarcasm, no ill intentions, no vile looks. She's bending over as she laughs, and if Himeko wasn't so angry and cold, she would have probably found it contagious, but all she wants to do right now is to kick Kafka in the shin to make her shut up.

When Kafka catches her breath, tears decorating her eyes from the laughing fit, she points to Himeko. “Himeko… You look like a wet kitten.”

“As if you looked any better!” Himeko spits out.

“I always look divine, mind you,” she says before she fumbles around her pockets to get her phone. She unlocks it to check her face, and she just fixes her lipstick in a quick motion. “Is this more fitting for a criminal like me, though? I always come here because the waves are unpredictable. I find it quite fascinating… This happens more often than not, you just don't know when. Isn’t it lovely?”

Himeko rolls her eyes again. Maybe Kafka is right, because it should be illegal to look that good, even after being washed by a damn wave. And if it isn't illegal, at least it's definitely unfair. “I shouldn't have agreed to come here. You're insufferable.”

“What? I'm a pleasure to be with.” Kafka chuckles cheerfully.

Himeko lets out a frustrated sigh, bracing herself in a pitiful attempt to fight the chilly breeze. “Do you know what would be a real pleasure? Not freezing to death.” She walks past Kafka, and as soon as she’s a bit away from her, she locates her neatly folded coat next to a little bench she doubts anyone has used in a while, which, thankfully, hasn’t been washed by the chilling water. Then, she picks it up, and she unfolds it slowly to cover her own shoulders, and she makes a proud face at Kafka, who's giving her the most confused look she's seen on her face.

“I'm going back to the Express,” Himeko states.

“Oh, so you called me a criminal and now you're stealing from me?” Kafka makes her way to Himeko, arching an eyebrow questioningly, but making no effort in getting her coat back when she's finally by her side.

“I'm not stealing anything. I think it's fair I get to use it after you decided to take me for a free salty shower,” Himeko responds coldly.

“Fine, you can keep it on the way back, but I'll walk you home then. That's one of my favorites, so I want it back.” Kafka shrugs, and if she's upset about all this, it's impossible to tell.

Himeko nods. She's not in the mood to argue. If she wants to follow her, then so be it, she’s fine with that. And right now she doesn't even care if someone sees them together, because all she wants is to get home, take a real and hot shower, slip into her pajamas and get into bed, so she can hide under her covers to get warmed up. She’s not even going to do her hair today, it can wait.

Surprisingly, the coat is warm enough that she stops shivering after a couple of minutes. In all honesty, she expected it to smell like cigarettes, maybe blood. Anything that would fit a wanted criminal like Kafka. So Himeko is taken by surprise when the faint scent of camellias fills her nostrils. She does find that sophisticated, just like Kafka had mentioned before. Maybe she wasn’t lying, then. Or maybe it was just a coincidence.

The walk back to the Express is completely silent, save by Kafka’s whistling. Himeko thinks she’s heard the tune somewhere, but she’s so tired at the moment she can’t even place it, and she’s definitely not going to ask, not after what happened a while ago. They have talked enough for today, for the next few months, even. And she doesn’t have enough strength to banter with the Stellaron Hunter anymore.

The moment they reach their destination, Himeko checks her phone. She's glad that it's still working properly when she checks the time. Fortunately for her, it's already late, so the crew should probably be sleeping by now. She doesn't want them to ask her where she's been to or what she's been doing. What is she supposed to tell them if they question her? That she felt like taking a bath at the beach at one in the morning? They wouldn't believe her anyway.

Suddenly, Kafka decides it's time to break the silence with a velvety laugh. “You know… It feels like I’m bidding my date goodbye. It’s kind of romantic, don’t you think?” And she waves her hand at Himeko to make their parting a bit more theatrical.

“As if I would ever agree to something like that.” Himeko huffs, averting her gaze. She shouldn't let this woman get her on her nerves so easily, she knows she’s being childish. But today’s Himeko can’t stand any of this any longer. “If that beach trip is your idea of fun, I don't even want to know what your dates are like.”

“You can always ask me on one, if you want to find out.” Kafka cocks her head charmingly at that, and Himeko just frowns, shaking her head disapprovingly.

“I don't. Thank you.” How Kafka can still be all snarky smiles and annoying comments is beyond her, and she's about to open the door to the Express, when she remembers the weight that's protecting her from the cold.  “Good night, Kafka.” Himeko takes Kafka's coat off, and she walks up to the other woman to cover her with it. She knows it won't do much now that it's also soaked, but she can't even bring herself to care at this point.

“Good night, Himeko.” She adjusts her coat properly, and before she turns back to take her leave, she winks at her provocatively. “Don't forget to take a shower. I don't want you catching a cold… And don't miss me too much, alright?”

“As if.” That's all Kafka gets to hear before the door to the Astral Express is slammed shut, leaving her alone in the middle of the night with no one left to tease.

She walks away then, whistling the same tune from before, as her body disappears into the darkness of some remote alley.

Himeko stays in bed the following morning, cursing Kafka and blaming her after she sneezes for the nth time that day. She's going to kill her the next time she sees her, that's for sure. But, at least, the crew is so worried about her, they pamper her all day, and she gets to enjoy some homemade soup.

Just like she had promised, Himeko is true to her word. She adamantly refuses all of Kafka's advances from that day on, although she never pushes her away for good. To Himeko, she's like a tiny cockroach that keeps coming back again and again just to pester and torture her, no matter how many times she tries to step on her to squish that annoying woman out of her sight.

At least, she's somewhat used to her impromptu visits after a few months of stumbling into Kafka in the most random and unexpected places. And she starts thinking that their meetings are turning into some kind of routine, too. It’s the same almost every single time. She just shows up out of nowhere, she tries to sweet-talk Himeko with her silver tongue, she fails, she gives her some piece of useful intel, and then it can go two ways: either she leaves, satisfied for the time being, or she tries to convince Himeko to go with her somewhere, which has never worked again since last time.

So, yes, Himeko is completely sure her tolerance for this woman's antics has increased, and she can now ignore her ridiculous comments way easier than before, which is a plus. But she still doesn't know what Kafka wants from her, and that's as unsettling as it's infuriating, because, no, she doesn't buy the “I just find you interesting” excuse. She guesses this is exactly why she's putting up with her for so long, and she's also sure they won't meet again as soon as she finds out the truth.

It's already dark, and she's making her way back home after having dinner with some personalities that were fairly interested in the Astral Express and all their doings. It wasn't too boring or dreary, really, but this time she'd have preferred staying in with everyone else. Didn't March say they were making some special dinner tonight? She hopes they saved some for her, so she can try it tomorrow too.

She's deep in thought, thinking about what she's going to do as soon as she wakes up tomorrow, when she suddenly makes out some whistling in the close distance that she's really used to by now. Himeko cocks her head, trying to figure out where the humming comes from, and so she follows the tune, surprised that the person it’s coming from doesn’t seem to be interested in coming to greet her like usual.

Himeko suddenly finds herself in a dimly lit alley. She eyes her surroundings warily, and she suddenly feels like she's been led into a trap when the whistling dies down, and there's now no sound and almost no light to guide her. She questions herself why. Why is she here now? What did she even expect to find? She grips her suitcase tightly when, suddenly, she hears a rather weak voice calling her name and a sudden flash of light lighting her way.

“Himeko?” Kafka's voice sounds tired, and that's a first for Himeko. She can now see her, sitting down in a corner, as if trying to blend with the wall she's leaning into. “Ah… Don't tell me you've been lured by my siren song.” Her meek laugh echoes softly around the alley, and Himeko walks to her, letting out a breath she didn't even realize she was holding.

“Is this your new game? Making me find you instead?” Himeko asks.

“Hmm… I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I wasn't planning on meeting you today.” She locks her phone again as soon as Himeko sits down by her side.

“Really?” She leans into the wall too, and she's already regretting she will probably have to wash her dress thoroughly when she gets back. “Well, considering how often you just show up to make my life miserable, I find it hard to believe.”

“I never lie, Himeko,” Kafka retorts, sighing. “Well, more like there’s no point in me lying to you.”

“So… What are you doing here, then? Since you’re such an honest woman, I’m sure you can at least give me an answer to that.” Himeko arches an eyebrow curiously.

Kafka pauses for an instant, making Himeko look back at her as she waits for the answer to come. “I’m waiting for someone.”

“In a dark alley.”

“Yes. Now, that’s not so sophisticated, right? Anyway, if all’s well, Bladie will come find me soon,” Kafka adds wearily.

Himeko sees her closing her eyes, letting her head fall to the side as her shallow breaths become more prominent. She’s wondering whether she should actually ask her if she’s tired or if she’s alright, when she hears a grunt, accompanied by a wince that has Kafka biting her own lip hard. And that’s when she focuses her whole attention on Kafka. She’s wearing a beautiful evening black dress, a beautiful dress that has been torn on her side, just where she’s gripping her waist, her knuckles turning white due to the strength.

She hesitates for a second, her eyes darting from Kafka’s face to the blood seeping through her slim fingers. Once. Twice. And she makes up her mind. She raises her hands to take Kafka's in hers, so she can take a better look at the wound, but the moment her fingers come in touch with the back of the Stellaron Hunter's hand, Kafka lashes out in record time like she had been attacked, and she grabs her wrist hard before Himeko gets to make any kind of reaction.

Kafka’s eyes are piercing her intensely when Himeko looks up, and for a split second she thinks she’s in danger. She shouldn’t have trusted Kafka. She knew she was a dangerous individual, but she bought into her lies. And then, just as fast as the Stellaron Hunter’s hands had moved, Kafka’s eyes return to normal, and she lets go of her wrist, her mood changing completely as she caresses Himeko’s skin delicately. “I’m… sorry.”

Himeko sighs, her panic dissipating as fast as it had invaded her. “No, I’m the one who’s sorry… I shouldn’t have done that.”

Kafka shakes her head. “Force of habit.” And then she winces again, but this time, she doesn't let Himeko see her pained face for too long.

The red haired woman tries to do the same thing once again, now that Kafka is touching her instead, so she takes her hand in hers as carefully as she can, and she smiles at her partner when she feels her gripping her hand. “Would you let me check the wound? I just want to see if everything is fine.”

“Aw… Are you worried about your enemy now, Himeko? You're turning into such a softie…” Kafka leans her head on her shoulder as she chuckles tiredly. “It's alright, I've bandaged it myself, I'm not that reckless.”

“Is there anything I can do for you, then?” Himeko asks, still not being able to hide the tinge of worry in her voice.

“I don't know… You got any cigarettes in that suitcase of yours?” Kafka glances at the suitcase sitting by Himeko’s side. 

Himeko sighs. She can't believe this woman can be so ridiculous no matter the circumstances, although she thinks she should have seen it coming. “I don't smoke, and I'm being serious, Kafka.”

“Well, I don't smoke either, but I'd look so badass if I did… How else am I supposed to make you fall for me?” She starts caressing the underside of Himeko's hand at that, testing the waters.

“I can't believe you are in the mood to joke when you're like this. Why am I even worrying about you?” Himeko blurts out.

“Because you like me more than you'd like to admit,” Kafka replies casually, as if it were an obvious truth they both knew.

“I'd like you more if you weren't so annoying. All you say and do seems like a plot to get under my skin,” Himeko spits back.

“Under your dress, actually. But you're so in denial, you just can’t accept the truth for whatever reason.” Kafka huffs in a childish manner.

“If you keep this up, I'm leaving you to rot here.” Himeko bites back, with no real malice in her words.

Kafka hums, deeply absorbed in her thoughts for a brief moment. “Well… May I get a kiss before you leave?”

“Ugh, why are you so insufferable? Is it a requirement to join the Stellaron Hunters?” Himeko lets Kafka’s hand go, and she caresses her temple in frustration. If Kafka weren’t bleeding herself out, maybe she’d have decided to do something else entirely. But, for now, she just takes off her coat to cover Kafka up with it. If she isn’t going to let her help, this is the least she can do. “Look, this is all you're getting from me. And you don't even deserve it.”

“Oh… Thanks, Himeko. You’re just too nice to me.” She snuggles a bit closer to her. “Are you sure you don't want to top it off with a kiss? I promise I can make you melt…”

“Aeons, Kafka. I hate you.”

“Oh, do you?” She laughs mockingly. “Why are you here, then?” Kafka straightens up slowly, trying not to move too much, just to look Himeko in the eyes.

The Stellaron Hunter’s eyes bore into hers, and she can’t see an ounce of her typical malice in those charming lavender orbs. This is the third time Himeko can tell Kafka is being genuine. She is definitely not angry, no, she’s just asking a question to make a very valid point, and Himeko can’t blame her for that. She’s curious, Himeko can tell that much, and she wants the Navigator to give her an honest answer. If Himeko hates her, what is she doing in a dark alley trying to help her? Why did she come looking for her when it was obvious she was bound to find her here? Why is she worrying about her so much when she should be happy that maybe they could get rid of their enemy?

“I’m your enemy, aren’t I? You could finish me off right here and right now, and you’d dispose of a really dangerous Stellaron Hunter. Wouldn’t that benefit the Express?” Kafka takes Himeko’s hand once again, and immediately, she pulls it slowly until she can make Himeko put it around her throat. “Go on, show me how much you hate me, Himeko.”

Kafka's neck feels weak, vulnerable under her fingers. The Stellaron Hunter is right. She could probably end her here, because Kafka doesn't even seem to care. Himeko is not putting any pressure, she's not even moving, and all she can do is bite her lip to avoid saying something she'll end up regretting. And Kafka is just smiling at her like nothing could go wrong. She doesn't even see a glint of fear in her eyes, but she can't tell whether Kafka thinks she's not in danger because Himeko is a coward that wouldn't hurt anyone without a good reason, or if she's letting her do whatever she wants because she trusts Himeko.

“I’m waiting, darling…” She adds with a smirk.

Himeko wants to slap her. She feels the urge to wipe that stupid and smug smile off her face. Just why is she so reckless? Why isn't she afraid of anything? Why can’t this woman behave like a normal person for a minute if she's so adamant on taking her on a date? How is she going to keep pestering her if she gets killed in some secluded alley?

“I would never do something so despicable, and you know it.” She lets Kafka go, and she adjusts her coat to cover her properly again. “That’s what you would do.”

Kafka laughs, half a snort and half a wince, and right when she leans her head on Himeko’s shoulder again, she goes completely still for an instant, and Himeko's hair stands on end when she senses another presence next to them.

When the footsteps get closer, Kafka seems to relax, the tension leaving her body as she sighs calmly.

“Ah… Bladie. Took you long enough.” She waves her hand at him nonchalantly.

Her partner holds out his hand to her, and Kafka takes it to get back on her feet, wincing a little bit when she finally gets up. She smiles at him, and after muttering a barely audible “Thank you”, she turns back to Himeko again as she buttons up the coat.

“Don't stay here for too long, hmm? It's cold outside.” Kafka blows a kiss at her.

“It wouldn't be the first time I caught a cold because of you, anyway,” she snaps back.

Himeko gets up, eyeing them both as she picks up her suitcase. At least, now she can leave knowing Kafka is probably going to be alright, and that she will get home, or wherever they are heading now. And she knows she shouldn’t be worrying about her. Not only is she their enemy, just like Kafka said, but it’s also pointless if she keeps getting into trouble on a daily basis due to whatever their true goal is.

“Be more careful next time, will you?” Himeko mutters as she turns to leave.

“Just forget everything about tonight, Himeko.” Kafka waves her hand, and then she leans on Blade to leave the alley at last.

The last thing she hears before Kafka and Blade disappear into the darkness is Kafka's laugh and a pitiful “Bladie… I'm going to die if I don't get a kiss.”

Himeko can't stand her. But right now, and for some reason she’s trying hard to ignore, she can't stand the idea of this insufferable woman vanishing from her life either.

As weird as it feels, Himeko can take a break from Kafka's not so unwelcome visits for a while. She knows she should be glad, but Kafka's words have had a bigger impact on her than she'd expected. And she finds herself thinking about her more often than not, even starting to miss her company and hoping that she's fine, and that she hasn't ended up wounded in some random city from an unknown planet once again. Because if she has and Himeko finds out, she's really going to kill her.

Some weeks pass, and she still has no news about Kafka's whereabouts. She's even checking every news blog more often than usual just in case she can find any information about her or the other Stellaron Hunters, but her search has been futile.

Today she's running some errands in the bustling main street of the planet they're visiting, and now she only needs to get some ingredients March had asked her for before she can go back to the Express. She's checking the shopping list on her phone, when she suddenly bumps into someone, and the faint scent of camellias makes her feel so giddy, so relieved, that she just prays for a second that it's not a coincidence, because she needs to look down and find those lavender eyes that have grown on her so much.

And there's no feeling that can compare to the relief that washes her when she does see that pretty face she's been constantly thinking about for the past few weeks. Himeko smiles when Kafka turns back. She’s wearing her sunglasses, and Himeko is thankful that at least she’s doing the bare minimum to try to conceal her identity now that they’re in the broad daylight. Kafka doesn’t even stop for a second, though, she sticks her tongue out while looking at her, and she just keeps moving forward, avoiding all the passers-by with great ease.

Himeko wishes she could be as agile as Kafka is, because after she decides to follow her, she starts bumping into almost everyone as she makes her way through the crowd hurriedly, so she doesn’t lose track of the Stellaron Hunter.

She does her best to keep up with her pace, and when they finally walk away from the main street, she notices Kafka is slowing down a little bit so Himeko can catch up to her. When they’re finally side by side, Kafka offers the Navigator her arm, and while Himeko seems hesitant at first, she gives in, and she takes Kafka's arm, so she can lead her all the way to a nearby cliff.

The wind is blowing softly, and when Himeko hears the pleasant lull of the waves, she stops in her tracks, flashbacks from that first encounter replaying in her mind at top speed, because she refuses to go through the same thing again. Kafka lets go of her arm then, and she walks up to the edge, flopping down elegantly on the floor with her legs hanging down the cliff.

“Don’t worry, you’re safe here.” She looks back at Himeko, gifting her with a lovely smile illuminated by the clear sky. Kafka pats the floor, urging her to come over. “And, by the way, you should be glad. I’ve been a good girl lately, and I haven’t gotten hurt again.”

“You shouldn’t need me telling you to be careful to stop being so reckless, you know?” Himeko sighs as she follows Kafka’s instructions, sitting down right by her side. “You're not a child.”

“I know, but it’s an incentive.” Kafka takes off her sunglasses, and she directs her gaze to the sea below them. “That last wound did leave a scar, though.” She doesn’t even sound worried or upset, she’s just stating a fact like it has nothing to do with her. It's probably just another addition to her collection, Himeko guesses.

“I figured as much, judging by how you seemed to be hurting.” Himeko grimaces. Whatever she thinks about this woman doesn’t deny the fact that the memories were not pleasant at all.

“Oh, don't worry, it wasn’t that bad… Do you want to see it?” Kafka lifts her coat, showing Himeko her shirt, as if she was really planning on getting undressed just to show her that she's telling the truth.

And Himeko looks at her dumbfounded, albeit she doesn’t even find her reaction surprising at this point. “We haven't seen each other in weeks and this is the first thing you want to do? Show me a scar?”

It's the first time Kafka hears Himeko laugh in her company, and she feels so giddy inside, she thinks something must be wrong with her, because it makes no sense that this woman, who was just supposed to be an interesting prey to play with, is actually making her this happy. This is a new feeling for her, and she doesn’t want to dwell any further on why she's making her feel something like that. 

“For a criminal, you sure can be ridiculous,” she adds with a snort.

“I told you, I'm a pleasure to be with. If you would just let me get closer to you…” Kafka rolls her eyes, and she smiles coquettishly at her.

Himeko doesn't know what has made her change her mind about Kafka, even although she's sure their last encounter does have something to do with it, but after months of dealing with her constantly, she's found out she's like a mix between a puppy seeking attention and the most annoying mosquito you could ever think of. Which is kind of cute, when she thinks about it. And it shouldn't be that way, but she can't help it now that she's starting to think Kafka doesn't have any ill intentions towards her.

“I might consider it at some point.” Himeko averts her gaze.

If Kafka's calculations were right, she should be the happiest woman on the planet after hearing those words. And she is, somewhat. A part of her just wants to grab Himeko and kiss her right there and then, because she should not consider it, but just do it already. But the sudden wave of uneasiness that washes over her is completely overwhelming, because, no, this isn’t something she’s used to feeling, and it makes that urge fade a little bit.

She loves the thrill of the chase. She adores seeing Himeko's mental cogwheels turn again and again every time they meet, struggling with chasing Kafka away or just doing the complete opposite. But she never thought getting to a point when Himeko would actually start thinking about letting her into her life would make her feel like her world could possibly go down into crumbles.

Does she just find her interesting? Is she only an attractive woman she wants to chase? Or is there something else? She doesn’t want to think about it. She was having a lot of fun with this charming adventure of hers, but her life isn't made for something like this. Attachments aren’t great, are they? What if there’s something more? She can’t have a weakness. Any weakness. She must be strong because that's what her mission requires.

“Oh, will you?” Kafka scoots closer to her, her hand searching Himeko’s and caressing the back of it with her index finger teasingly as soon as she finds it. “Are you sure?”

“Maybe I will.”

Kafka closes the gap between them before she takes her chin in her hand delicately. The Navigator could stare at those eyes for hours, now she’s sure of that. And the tingling feeling in her stomach is driving her crazy, because there is nothing she wants more in the world right now than for Kafka to close the distance between them for good, so she can taste her lips. So she closes her eyes when she feels the featherlight touch of Kafka's lips against hers, and for a second she feels like she's flying. As much regret as she’s feeling, this time she's willing to let herself go.

But then, she hears an impish laugh and, immediately, she suddenly feels nothing at all. Kafka's warmth seems to have vanished, and when she opens her eyes, she's nowhere to be found. 

Himeko has lost count of all the times she's cursed Kafka, but this time she wants to punch her in the face, because it's definitely much more infuriating than all the others.

After that fateful encounter, Kafka disappears for good again. And while Himeko was finally convinced that maybe, just maybe, Kafka was genuinely interested in her for some reason, now she's completely sure she is, or was, just playing with her.

She's in her room brewing some coffee with the new beans she had got in the last planet they had visited, because she's so stressed, she's going to end up pulling her own hair out if she doesn't drink a cup right now. Or maybe two. Or three. She can't believe how stupid she was to let the Stellaron Hunter lure her into her trap, but she should be glad that she hasn't done anything to her apart from teasing and ridiculing her.

Unfortunately, it was too late to deny that she liked that insufferable and annoying woman for whatever reason, but that only added more fuel to her anger, because why did she have to make her fall for her just to disappear right afterward? If she wasn't after anything, which seemed to be the case, it didn't make any sense. Maybe Kafka just hated her for some reason, and she wanted to teach her a lesson. She honestly had no idea, but she knew she wanted to scream at her if she ever got to see her again.

Himeko gulps down the freshly brewed coffee in almost one go, and after putting the cup aside, she sits on her bed to kill some time with her phone until the rest of the crew gets back.

When she finally lies down, and she unlocks her phone, she finds a new message from an unknown number she doesn't recall seeing before. She thinks it's probably spam, because it sure happens quite a lot as of late, and she's been on a blocking spree after having to deal with tons of people trying to sell her the most useless things she could think of.

She opens the message, so she can add another number to her blacklist, but when she reads it she can't help but make a face at her phone, because now she's sure screaming won't be enough.

“i saw this and i thought of you ♡”

And there's a picture attached of a used plastic cup lying on a coffee puddle. Someone must have dropped it, she thinks. Himeko has no idea what’s making her angrier, the fact that this woman has got her hands on her number somehow, because, yes, it has to be her, or the fact that the photo is so tacky, she can't even begin to understand why anyone would think about her after seeing something like that.

She gets up again to make herself another cup of coffee, wondering whether she should reply, ignore the message or just block her before she sends her another ridiculous photo.

Himeko doesn't even have enough time to try her second coffee before she gets a third message. She sets the cup down, and she grabs her phone angrily.

“What now?” She opens her messaging app again, just to see a photo of Kafka sitting next to a fountain she recalls seeing somewhere. Three dots appear again as her new contact starts typing another message.

“this view is nicer, and i look pretty fine too~”

Himeko checks the photo again, and that's when she realizes that she doesn't care about the fountain, although it's indeed beautiful, and she doesn't care about whether Kafka looks great or not. What she wants to know is why on the planet she's wearing the coat Himeko lent her a few months ago. She's an asshole, she decides. She's an insufferable asshole and Himeko's patience is wearing thinner by the moment.

After her third cup of coffee, she decides not to block her, because if she does, she's not going to get her coat back. And that's all that matters now. That's her final goal, and the only thing she's interested in now. Wanting to see Kafka again has nothing to do with it.

And so she opens her app for the fifth time that afternoon, and she starts typing away in a hurry.

“Why are you wearing MY coat?”

It doesn't even take more than a minute for Kafka to show online, and Himeko just waits for her to reply as she stares at the screen.

“its comfy, and it looks good on me, don't you think?”

Himeko rolls her eyes, and she's about to retort when she stops in her tracks. She doesn't want to argue with her, she needs to focus on her newfound mission.

“I want it back.”

“hmm…”

Kafka sends her the most annoying sticker she's seen in a while before she starts typing again.

“say, himeko… wanna play a game? i'll give you your beloved coat back if you can find me in the next seven cycles”

“What? What are you, 12?”

“i'll be waiting ♡”

And just like that, Kafka goes offline. Himeko is still staring at the screen, and she can't believe she's considering pinpointing her location just to get her coat back and make Kafka regret the day she started teasing her like if she was some kind of playtoy. She could probably just buy a new one, and if she weren't such a proud woman, because, no, she is not going to stand down a challenge without a fight, she would have just told Kafka to fuck off.

But she won't. She's going to find her no matter what, and she's going to bring her reward back to the Express.

The morning after that, she gets a new message from Kafka. She's posing next to another landmark, and Himeko adds that to the list of things that might be useful to find the location she's in.

She spends the whole morning in the archives, and by lunchtime, she's already received another photo of Kafka wearing her coat again next to a big statue Himeko knows well. When she locates the exact planet, she gathers the rest of the crew to ask them if they are okay with a sudden change of destination, and when she tells them there's some exhibition she wants to check out over there, they don't press any further, and they all agree. It's not like they have any emergency on their plates, at least for now.

If their calculations are correct, they will get there in about three cycles, and that would leave Himeko another three to find Kafka around the town somehow.

She feels ridiculous, yes, but she knows this is no challenge for someone like her.

The exhibition wasn't as fascinating as she thought it would be, and she’s actually glad this was just an excuse to visit this planet, because otherwise she would have been a bit too disappointed for her liking. And while Dan Heng and March seemed to have a great time, she could barely focus on anything they were saying. She had more pressing matters in hand, like having to be on the lookout to spot a certain woman that had sent her a photo of that very museum right when they got there.

Unfortunately, the place was so crowded she couldn't find a single trace of her over there, and she ended up excusing herself, telling the others that she needed some fresh air, and that they could meet somewhere else in a while.

So now she's just walking aimlessly around the streets, as if finding a single person in a rather big city was an easy feat, her phone in hand just in case Kafka decides to send her another clue.

Now that she thinks of it, maybe she could let her know she's already there to make her send her another photo before her feet start hurting from all the walking. She’s obviously not giving up, but a little bit of help would be appreciated. And that's exactly what she does when, by a stroke of luck, she finds the fountain from the first photo Kafka had sent her.

She sits down close to it, checks her hair, her makeup, looks for the perfect angle, takes a photo, and then she finally presses send.

“Almost there”

All the reply she gets from Kafka around five minutes later is a photo of her sitting at a fancy café with two cups on her table.

“hurry up, sweetie, your coffee is gonna get cold”

Fortunately for her, this time Kafka hasn't even bothered hiding the name of the café, which Himeko can see in one of the walls, written in huge letters. She doesn’t know if she should be glad that she isn't even playing hard to get, and that she just wants Himeko to come and find her. It’s so childish and yet so her… All in all, she just can't believe she likes and despises a person this much.

When Himeko looks the café up on her phone, she luckily finds out that it is a rather centrical one, so she doesn't take too long to get there after a few minutes walking down the main streets. She doesn’t even find it shocking that it does look pretty fancy and expensive, so she pleads that she can actually behave, as much as she would want to throw the coffee that’s waiting for her on the table over the Stellaron Hunter. She’s a grown up woman. She can do this.

When they open the door for her, she takes a deep breath to calm down. She spots Kafka sitting all by herself in the back of the café, and the lavender haired woman raises her hand to wave at her as soon as she sees Himeko with a big smile on her face. Himeko takes a seat in front of her when she reaches the table, her expression a little less friendly than she would have liked.

“Long time no see, huh? How have you been?” She pushes the little cup towards Himeko. At least, the scent is rather pleasant.

“Angry, but thank you for asking.” She takes the cup in her hands, so she has something to hold, still convincing herself that, no, she shouldn’t make a scene in this place.

“Oh… What could possibly have made my favorite Navigator mad?” Kafka asks with a mocking tone in her voice.

“Do I really have to spell it out for you, Kafka? I highly doubt you've forgotten about the last time we met. And this stupid game of yours hasn't helped much, either.” She glares at Kafka, keeping her voice down as much as possible.

Kafka laughs, and then she smirks at her. “Care to enlighten me, then? It's been so long, and you're so easy to tease, it could honestly be anything. What if I have forgotten?”

“I know you haven't, so stop playing around.” Himeko leaves her cup on the table again, wiping the coffee traces from her mouth with her napkin. “Well, where's my coat? I shouldn’t take too long here. I have things to do.”

“Ah… It's safe at my place, don't worry,” she replies.

“Then let's get moving, so I can go back as soon as possible.” Himeko wastes no time in getting up.

“And here I thought you'd started to crave my company… Was I wrong?” Kafka pouts, still not making a move to get out of the chair.

“Let's go.” Himeko turns her back to her, and she starts making her way to the exit.

“Alright, fine. I like it when you're bossy, too.” Kafka giggles amusedly.

Kafka pays for both their drinks, and then she leads Himeko to wherever she's staying on this planet. She asks Himeko what she thinks about the city, and despite Himeko knowing the place well, Kafka manages to end up telling her some random facts about the place she's never heard about, as always.

For some reason, she feels her anger quelling a little bit, because the mood is back to their usual routine, and she can't help feeling more and more relaxed when Kafka starts behaving like her usual and annoying self.

“How did you even get my number? I've been wondering about that for a while,” Himeko asks casually when they reach the steps that lead to a rather run down building on the far side of a dark street.

“I have my ways.” She fishes some keys out of her pocket to open the door they get to after climbing the stairs. “And my secrets.”

“You seem to have too many of those, I'm afraid.” Himeko sighs, and when Kafka moves away after opening the door, so she can go in, Himeko walks through the door, eyeing the room with interest.

“And doesn't that make me even more charming?” Kafka comes in after her, and she hangs the keys close to the door after she shuts it. “Make yourself at home. If you can, that is. Because this place is a mess.”

Kafka takes off her coat, and when she hangs it, she disappears into a room which Himeko can identify as the kitchen when she hears a fridge opening.

“Can I get you something? Some fancy water from this side of the universe?” Kafka says as she takes out a tiny jar. When she closes the door again, it lets out an anguished creaking sound in the process. “Because that's all we have here, it seems.”

“This isn't very sophisticated of you, don't you think?” Himeko takes the glass Kafka offers her as soon as she comes back from the kitchen. “Thank you.”

“Tell me about it, darling. Can't wait to leave and never come back.” Kafka stretches her arms, yawning as she heads to another door. “Let me get your coat.”

Himeko nods, and when Kafka goes into the room, she starts looking around the ramshackle living room. Alas, she cannot satisfy her curiosity too much, since there isn't anything special to see. A small TV, some kind of brand new game console, and games scattered on the table, a beautiful violin sitting next to one of the sofas… Although the place itself isn't very charming, Himeko can tell the people living here are trying to make it as homely as they can.

When the door to the room opens again, Kafka emerges with her coat in hand. And when she hands it over to Himeko, she flops down on the sofa. “It's clean, by the way. You won’t get criminal rabies or anything. And I never got the chance to thank you, so… Thank you for that night.”

Himeko smiles at her. She wasn’t expecting a thank you for something like that, but it’s definitely welcome. “It was nothing, really. I'm just glad you made it through.”

They both fall silent after that. Kafka is still looking at her, and Himeko can feel the tension between them rise so quickly, she doesn't even know where to look, or how to bring up the fact that she should probably be leaving now. There’s nothing left for her to do here anyway.

“Well, I…” Himeko blurts, nervousness clearly tangible in her voice.

“Do you want to stay? No one's coming back today, so…” Kafka asks out of the blue.

“Look, I think I shouldn't…” Himeko sighs, and she hopes Kafka doesn’t insist, because she isn’t sure she will be able to say no.

“We can… you know, talk about all this if you do.” Kafka shrugs.

“About you teasing and laughing at me? Or about you making me come to the other side of the universe to get this back?” Himeko holds her coat up for a second, accusingly.

“About me liking you, and about you willing to accept my advances,” Kafka replies unashamedly.

On the one hand, Himeko can’t stand that Kafka is so damn straightforward, and that she never wastes a single second in getting to the point. Just how can she say something like that with a straight face? Because she can feel her own cheeks starting to warm up, and Kafka is just sitting there like she owns the place, which, technically, Himeko guesses she does, somehow. But on the other hand, she’s glad she’s the one addressing the elephant in the room, because she feels too conflicted to do it herself.

Kafka taps the sofa softly, inviting Himeko to sit down next to her, with a confident grin decorating her infuriatingly beautiful visage.

Himeko sighs. She sighs because she knows she has lost again. Because now that she is completely sure she likes this woman, there is no way she’s going to leave when she seems to be in the mood to talk about whatever is going on between them. She grabs her phone to send a message in the group chat, and lets them know that she will be back later today.

And she can't help doing the same thing again. She gives in. She listens to Kafka. When she lets her body fall on the sofa, Kafka stares at her like she could read everything that's going through her mind with her eyes before she utters another word. And Himeko feels so exposed, the tips of her ears start burning.

“So… Do you want to continue where we left off?” She tilts her head to the side, still eyeing Himeko intently. “What were you so mad about?”

“This again…” Himeko sighs. She knows her well enough now to realize their conversation won't go anywhere unless she does what Kafka wants her to. “I thought you were actually interested in me, but in the end everything just seemed like a game to you.”

“Does this look like a game to you now?” Kafka arches her eyebrow, although it's clear she knows the answer, anyway.

“I guess… not now. But I just don't get what’s going through your mind at all. Why would you just disappear for weeks and for no reason? Especially after you did… that.” Himeko shakes her head, clearly still upset by her antics.

Surprisingly, Kafka averts her gaze this time, but she remains silent for a while. “I… needed to consider some things.”

“Oh, really? Like what?” Himeko inquires.

“Important stuff. Feelings are complicated, I'm sure you know that too.” Kafka rubs her eye, somewhat distressed.

“I mean, yes, I’ve also been rather conflicted lately,” Himeko admits.

“I can tell.” Kafka sighs, letting her head fall back and closing her eyes. “I had to clear my head. Do some thinking. So I guess it’s the same for both of us, right?”

Himeko nods as she purses her lips, because she's right. That’s what she has been doing for months now. And she still thinks this is all one big mistake that’s going to end in disaster at some point. She still has a lot of stuff to think about, actually. But, for some reason, she never thought someone as fearless and bold as Kafka could share her same concerns.

“So… What did you figure out after all that thinking?” Himeko asks, her voice barely a whisper.

“That I should have kissed you that day. It was stupid not to do so.” Kafka opens her eyes as she cocks her head to the side again. “That I still want to kiss you today… For as long as you'd let me.”

“I've been… thinking about that too.” Himeko bites her lip, because it still feels wrong to admit it out loud.

“You wanted me to kiss you that day,” Kafka states plainly.

“As much as it pains me to admit it, I did. I might have regretted it, though, who knows?” Himeko chuckles anxiously.

“Will you let me do it today, then?” Kafka asks huskily.

Kafka moves closer to her, putting her hands on the armrest Himeko is leaning on. And, suddenly, Himeko feels like she's a defenseless prey that came into the wolf's den of her own volition. She’s fallen in Kafka’s spiderweb for good, and she can’t find the strength to leave. She isn’t even sure she wants to leave. Himeko can tell Kafka is just going to pin her down on the sofa if she agrees, because she sees it as clear as day in her eyes. And, deep down, she wants that to happen, even if it's just for one day. She can regret her decisions later. Or maybe tomorrow.

“Yes,” Himeko replies, her voice trembling from the sudden wave of excitement.

“Yes, what?” Kafka grins playfully.

“You…” Himeko uses her index finger to pull Kafka in by the leather strap she's wearing on her neck, hoping that will make her shut up already. “Kiss me, now.”

“As you wish, my lady.” Kafka chuckles before she leans in at last.

Himeko is glad she's lying on the sofa now, because she's completely sure her legs would have given out if it weren't the case. Kafka's lips feel like fire against hers, and they are making feel so weak, her arms circle Kafka’s waist like if she were some kind of anchor she can hold onto. And she can't help whimpering softly when Kafka bites on her lower lip seductively, taking the chance to slide her tongue in her mouth lovingly. She remembers Kafka telling her she could make her melt, and now she knows she wasn't lying. And she desperately needs her to do so.

Kafka pulls apart then, her lips peppering Himeko's cheeks and jaw with gentle kisses until she reaches her neck. And when Himeko feels her tongue leaving a stripe across her throat after a few more kisses, Kafka bites down hard, suckling softly, and Himeko wants to complain, because how is she supposed to explain everyone else where that mark has come from after she gets back, when a moan escapes her lips, and she hurries to cover her mouth as she blushes madly.

“Hmm… Himeko?” She kisses her again, deeper this time, and Himeko wastes no time in circling her neck to pull her even closer.

“Yes…?” Himeko takes her chance to give her a soft peck on the lips, biting her lower lip softly in revenge.

“Will you let me love you tonight?” Kafka asks, her voice raw.

“Please… do.”

The sun is already seeping through the window when Himeko wakes up the following morning. She rubs her eyes carefully with one hand, while her other hand tries to find any trace of Kafka in the bed, to no avail. Some part of her is glad that she isn't there because, right now, she doesn't know how on the planet she’s going to face her, or just talk to her, after what happened last night. But some other part of her would have loved to wake right beside her, to see her sleeping peacefully, or just see her staring at Himeko with those beautiful lavender eyes of hers.

She starts wondering whether she's even at home or not. Maybe she's already left, it wouldn't surprise her in the slightest, but her doubts clear out as soon as she starts hearing some noises on the other side of the door. And something in her heart stirs at that, because she's there. She hasn't left yet. And Himeko can't be any happier, because it's been ages since she's craved a morning kiss so much.

When the noises die off, she hears a soft knock on the door, together with a "Breakfast is ready, princess" that makes Himeko want to scream out of happiness. She buries her head in the pillow, and she's sure that, were she in the Express, she'd have screamed like a teenager.

Himeko makes an ungodly effort to get up after a few minutes. She searches for her discarded clothes, blushing like never before when she gets a glimpse of her reflection in the mirror, and she sees the tiny kiss marks littering her neck and chest. How she's going to explain or cover that is beyond her right now, but for once, she couldn't care less.

Once she gets dressed, she emerges into the living room, just to see Kafka sitting on the table, her hair down, and a tiny mug in her hands. And Himeko can feel her own heart flying, singing, when Kafka turns to look at her, and she smiles and stares at her in such a way, she can tell Kafka is as genuinely enraptured as she is.

“Morning,” Himeko mutters sheepishly.

“Good morning, darling. Hope you slept well,” Kafka welcomes her with a warm voice.

“Yes, I…” She darts her eyes from one side of the room to the other. She can’t hold Kafka’s gaze for long, not when she looks so divine. “I'm… fine.”

Kafka looks her up and down, and Himeko has to avert her gaze again when their eyes meet. “You're more than fine. Makes me want to kiss you again.”

“Why are you like this?” Himeko giggles, and she covers part of her face with her hand. She's not ready for flirting this early in the morning, although her heart doesn’t seem to agree with that.

And Kafka snorts at her reaction, to no one's surprise. “Come here. I asked Bladie to bring us breakfast so we could stay in for a little longer. Don't let it go cold.”

Himeko nods as she steps closer to take the mug Kafka is offering her. “Thank you.”

“Just thank you? And no thank you kiss?” Kafka pouts, and Himeko thinks her heart is going to explode at this rate. It should be illegal to be that beautiful and cute at the same time.

She lets out an airy laugh, and then she gives Kafka a tiny peck on her lips, her heart beating even faster when she sees Kafka blushing lightly. “Thank you, Kafka.”

As soon as they finish their breakfast, Himeko is the one who makes the first move this time, making the question she had been dreading for a while.

“So… What now?” Himeko asks.

“Mhmm? Well, I’m not in a hurry today, but maybe you should get going soon before your pretty crew starts missing you, don’t you think?” Kafka says casually, playing with a lock of Himeko’s hair cheerfully.

“I’m not talking about that.” Himeko purses her lips.

“Oh? What is it then?” Kafka cocks her head to the side, the smile on her face not fading in the slightest.

“I’m talking about… this. Us.” Himeko points at both of them.

“Ah, so there’s an ‘us’ now… You, and the Stellaron Hunter you finally decided to get into bed with.” Kafka winks at her, sticking out her tongue.

“Kafka! I swear to…” Himeko blushes, but she can’t help giggling again when she remembers her own words. “I’m serious!”

“Honestly? As surprising as you might find it, I don’t know what to say.” Kafka hums, stretching out her arms so she can hold Himeko close. “Come here, babygirl.” And when Himeko is slotted in her arms comfortably, her face hiding in Kafka’s neck, she speaks again. “And now tell me, what do you want us to be?”

“I… I don’t know, either. I've been thinking about… whatever this is for a while now. And I don’t know what to say either. It’s complicated,” Himeko admits, albeit a bit anxiously.

“That’s fine. I like complicated. Things are funnier the messier they get.” Kafka takes her face in her hands, and she kisses Himeko’s forehead affectionately. “Listen… How about this? We can just be Kafka and Himeko. Himeko, the most beautiful Navigator in the entire universe. Kafka, the most handsome Stellaron Hunter Himeko has ever laid her eyes on.”

Himeko laughs heartily. “I can’t believe you’re so silly when you want to be, although you’re right on that second bit.”

“Oh, and it’s a good plan, isn’t it? We can just… you know, enjoy each other’s company. Have fun. How does that sound?” Kafka kisses her cheek now.

“That sounds… lovely, actually.” Himeko caresses her face delicately.

“Just like you did last night.” Kafka leaves a peck on her lips, giggling.

“Stop it! Tease me again, and I’m leaving!” Himeko complains, not even half seriously.

“I won’t let you.” Kafka laughs and she starts peppering her with kisses again, and this time, Himeko laughs along with her, the enthusiasm too contagious not to do so.

Himeko knows this is probably a mistake. She shouldn’t be here, and she obviously shouldn’t be here doing any of this with this vile woman, but she doesn’t want to think about it, at least not for now.

The rest of the morning passes by a bit too quickly for Himeko’s liking. She lets Kafka do her hair after they clean the table, because how is she supposed to resist when she uses that pouty face against her? In return, she takes care of Kafka’s makeup, which ends in a silly war after Kafka smears her lipstick for the second time because “How could I not kiss you when you look so pretty?”... When it’s time to go, and she kisses Kafka goodbye for now, all she can think of on the way back to the Express is how infuriatingly gorgeous Kafka looked when she played the violin for her before she left.

Kafka knows she is in love. She is completely sure of it, and the idea doesn’t even sound as bad as she thought it would. Maybe whatever their relationship is will go nowhere. Maybe they will part ways at some point, and they will never see each other again. Only the future will tell, because she refuses to ask Elio about any of this. She doesn’t want to know. She wants to find out on her own.

What’s important today is that she has a date, and she will be dropping by the Astral Express in a few hours. She’s used to it by now, and she’s surprised that she’s so happy about this little routine Himeko and her share now.

Sometimes she shows up in the Express unannounced, although Himeko is so used to it by now, she doesn’t even find it surprising anymore. Now she’s utterly happy when Kafka shows up, and the Stellaron Hunter relishes in the change, because it’s even better now. They still banter from time to time, because there’s no end to Kafka’s teasing, and she takes it as a victory that Himeko is now teasing her back too.

Although her visit is actually expected today, that doesn’t mean Himeko isn’t in for a surprise, though. Kafka hadn’t planned anything until now, but everything changed as soon as she spotted a gorgeous red evening dress in one of the most expensive shops she had seen today. She could buy it for her. She could be a good friend, or whatever she is to Himeko now, and make her a present just because. But…

That’s not her style. There’s no thrill, no fun in just going into the shop and buying the dress. She’s going to get Himeko that dress… with her methods. Which usually involve stealing. Maybe she will find something for her, too, and they will be able to show off their new outfits when they go out for dinner tonight.

Himeko is going to look like a real goddess in that dress, and she’s looking forward to seeing it. But what she can’t really wait to see is the face Himeko will make when she finds out that, no, she has not paid for the dress. She never really planned to do so.