𝖬𝗂𝗍𝗌𝗎𝗄𝗂

Just call me the official stylist of the Astral Express!

> Whoever says that will have to check out my awesome six-phased ice moves.

Of course I'll take you, Allen! Otherwise I wouldn't have made the suggestion.❞

❝Really? Now I'm kinda worried. I didn't leave a bad impression on you, did I?! Dan Heng is always telling me to be careful.❞

With her brows furrowed in annoyance at his words, Mitsuki placed her hands on her hips. She won't let him talk like that!

❝Hey, I don't think you're gloomy at all! >

> Why wouldn't I be? You like fixing things, right? Why don't we visit the Neverwinter Workshop? You'll love it!❞

❝Aww, you're so sweet! Am I that memorable? Look, look! Thanks to your repairs, my camera's still working.❞

Mitsuki actually has a special talent for sensing when it's someone's birthday.
... Just kidding! It was written in the guest book the last time he visited the Astral Express.

❝Of course! >

❝Allen, Allen, do you remember me? It's me, Mitsuki! The girl with the camera.❞

The pink-haired girl called out to @cursedbxy.bsky.social with a cheerful voice. It had been so long since they last saw each other! What better day than his birthday?

❝Let's hang out together!❞

Since it's spooky season, she'll have to think of a costume!

Hmm... Maybe a witch?

> nuzzle against her cheek. He's so cute.

She raised her hand, affectionately patting his head.

❝There, there~❞

Isn't it super obvious? Her actions have always made her care for Dan Heng perfectly clear!

❝You better not! Otherwise I'll feel betrayed. You'll have to get me a glass of juice to make peace.

Ahh, juice... If I say the word, I get a craving.❞

Practically humming in happiness, Mitsuki felt him >

> happiness, of course.

❝I do! I really love you, Dan Heng. I've had a huge crush on you for ages. From my very first memories, you've always held a special place in my heart.❞

In one swift motion, she took his hand and intertwined their fingers together.

❝You won't lose me, I promise.❞

> Ending their friendship is the last thing she would ever want! If those words ever left her lips, it wouldn't be the actual Mitsuki saying them.

The pink-haired girl wiped away the tears from her eyes, but they just kept coming. She couldn't stop them. Now they had changed to tears of >

In that case, she will! She has absolutely no problem telling him. Until that day comes, she'll wait patiently for the train guard.

❝You really don't have to do anything, though... But if you really insist, then I'll tell you what I want!

Continue spending time with me, please.❞

>

> in the space between his legs and had him wrap his arms around her. She's always wanted to do this, so she's super-duper happy.

She knows he wouldn't want her to, but that's how much she cares about Dan Heng!

Despite her best efforts to pout, a smile escaped her lips. It was super effective against her.

❝You can't change your mind, okay?❞

After gently pulling him to a comfy seat, Mitsuki settled >

That's right! If it was to protect Dan Heng and his smile, she'd even awaken a power that teeters on the edge of evil. He'll always be her weakness.

... Maybe it would. (It'd definitely suffice.)

❝Really? Anything I'd like? Do you really mean that?❞

Dan Heng is her weakness, too. She really adores him, after all!

Cause she's still upset that the train guard was hiding from her...

❝I'm fluent in Dan Heng, remember? You can't leave, okay? I want to spend time with you!❞

Does that mean Mitsuki is his weakness? The pink-haired girl will remember that.

Unfortunately for Dan Heng, she's not going to stop pouting anytime soon.

❝But you want to hide again, right? I can totally tell!❞

Huh? It wasn't the book...? What's the reason, then?

After hearing Dan Heng's response, she moved her hands to cup his cheeks. Cue a pouting Mitsuki.

❝Now you have to face me.❞

Her plan worked perfectly! She knew that Dan Heng would never refuse a book.

Gazing up at him with a look of cute admiration, she refused to let go.

❝You were hiding from me. I wanted to see you, Dan Heng.❞

Good! Because he's a terrible liar, too.

Almost immediately, Mitsuki wrapped her arms around his chest and glanced up, her chin resting on his chest.

❝Gotcha!❞

And he calls Mitsuki a bad liar. If anything, he's just as bad. He's totally blushing.

Catch= hug. Just in case Dan Heng tries to hide again!

Dan Heng, of course. Who else would she be calling cute? Especially when he's blushing!

Mitsuki's ready to catch him.

... Cute. He has nothing to be embarrassed about, though!

Mitsuki placed a book on the table, attempting to lure him out of hiding.

Don't go into hiding!

Pspspsps, come back.

> love.

❝Huh? You love me...? You... really love me? T-This isn't a dream, right?❞

After gently pinching her cheek, tears of realization began to stream down her face. It wasn't a dream.

❝I love you, too! I love you even more than you can possibly imagine. I super-duper love you, Dan Heng!❞

> her nervousness, Mitsuki patiently listened to him. It wouldn't be right to interrupt the train guard.

He's not the only one with something to lose... That's what Mitsuki wanted to say, but didn't.

As she braced herself for the rest of his words, she was surprised to hear him confess his >

> to, not for repayment.❞

Surprised, the pink-haired girl blinked as he pulled her towards a more secluded area. Why would he—?

Mitsuki feared what he was about to say. What if he didn't want to be her friend anymore? What if he didn't want to Trailblaze with her specifically anymore?

Despite >

It's not good for Dan Heng to keep everything inside. He doesn't have to share all his thoughts and feelings with her, but Mitsuki will listen if he ever decides to open up even more.

❝Dan Heng, you owe us nothing for what we've done. Everyone on the Express did it because we wanted >

> that everything is okay.