Kafka was sprawled on her bed, thinking for a moment before sending a message to Stelle: Hey, Stelle, what're you up to?
Stelle: Uh…
Kafka: Huh?
Stelle: Uh… I'm playing a game.
On the other side, seeing such a robotic reply, Kafka puffed out her cheeks and responded: Alright, I won't bother you then. Just remember to shoot me a message later! (Pom-Pom emoji · Waiting for you~)
…
While Stelle was engrossed in some turn-based game, March 7th, lying beside her, keenly noticed the message from someone. Her eyes narrowed slightly, instantly on alert.
Since Stelle hadn't changed Kafka's contact name, from March 7th's perspective, a friend named "Super Invincible Cute Purple Girl" had messaged Stelle, seemingly wanting to have a late-night chat.
Something's off!
March 7th subtly leaned closer. "Stelle, who… who are you chatting with?"
The corner of Stelle's mouth twitched. Oh no, she'd forgotten about this.
If March and the others found out she had a Stellaron Hunter in her contacts and was keeping in regular touch, what would they think?
…An undercover agent? A traitor?
The following is Stelle's imagined scenario:
In a sealed room, a stark white incandescent light shone down on Stelle. In front of her sat a bowl of steaming "purple, indescribable" solid-liquid mixture, emitting a pungent odor.
—"Convict Stelle, guilty of the ten unforgivable crimes! As a member of the Astral Express, you concealed your ongoing contact with a Stellaron Hunter, betraying us from within. Your crimes are unforgivable, pa!"
Pom-Pom solemnly read the charges from the paper in hand, then tossed a spoon in front of Stelle. "This is the moment of your punishment, pa!"
"No, I don't want this! It's all a misunderstanding! I swear there's nothing going on between me and Kafka! I just… I just wanted to figure out my past!"
Stelle tried to flee, but March 7th and Dan Heng pinned her shoulders from either side, leaving her no escape.
"Oh? So you're saying your contact with Kafka was purely to recover your memories, pa?"
Stelle nodded frantically.
Pom-Pom tossed Stelle's phone in front of her. "Then care to explain these messages: 'Hey, Stelle, I'm here to chat with you again~,' 'Stelle, I miss you~,' 'Stelle, let's sneak out and hang out in a couple of days~'… What do these mean?"
Stelle froze, her blood turning to ice, her breathing labored.
"Is this your method of recovering memories? Getting cozy with a Stellaron Hunter—a wanted criminal with a bounty of 10.89 billion credits?! This is utterly unforgivable, pa!"
"Stelle, no need to explain further." Welt pushed up his glowing glasses. "The truth is clear, and the answer is obvious!"
"Stelle! You've been maintaining an improper relationship with the Stellaron Hunter Kafka!"
Stelle trembled. "But… but I—"
"Enough." Pom-Pom cut her off, shaking their head regretfully. "Passenger Stelle, rules are rules. You must drink this bowl of chicken soup today."
"Wait, hold on! This isn't chicken soup at all! Himeko, just give me a quick end instead!"
Himeko, with an icy expression, slipped on a pair of boxing gloves. Faintly, Stelle could almost see a purple silhouette standing behind her.
Stelle swallowed hard. "F-Fine… forget it."
After consuming the "chicken soup," Stelle's consciousness faded into darkness. In endless regret, her breathing and heartbeat ceased, bringing her tragic life to an end.
The End.
…
Imagination over.
Though Stelle had simulated the rest of her life in her mind, in reality, less than half a second had passed. March 7th's hand was still wrapped around her waist, her tone still gentle, her smile still reassuring.
No, she had to find a way to brush this off.
Stelle's heart raced as she explained, "Uh… you mean the one who just messaged me? Oh, I forgot to mention—after you guys left today, I ran into Jing Yuan at the restaurant. There was someone else with him too…"
Seizing the chance to change the subject, Stelle began recounting the day's events, naturally skipping anything related to Kafka.
"…Can you believe it? Master Bai looks like some aloof, serene sage on the outside, but she's actually just a little girl with an idol complex. Pretty interesting, right? Next time she's free, I'll take you to meet her!"
March 7th listened patiently to the entire story, then said, "Sounds like quite a day! But… who was messaging you just now?"
Stelle: …
Done for, done for, done for, done for, done for!
Bzz—
At that moment, "Super Invincible Cute Purple Girl" sent another message: Stelle, really? Is gaming that important? I miss you! (Elio emoji · Acting cute)
March 7th: Huh?!
Cold sweat poured down Stelle's face, the pressure mounting.
Bzz—
Another message came through.
Not now, please—
Stelle instinctively glanced at her phone and froze. The latest message wasn't from Kafka but from Dan Heng: Stelle, please reply immediately if you see this.
My savior!
At that moment, Stelle wanted nothing more than to hug Dan Heng. This message couldn't have come at a better time—it was practically a lifeline.
"Uh… March, Dan Heng's got something urgent. I'll just reply real quick, haha…"
Under March 7th's resentful gaze, Stelle typed: I'm here, Dan Heng! What's up?! (Pom-Pom emoji · Happy)
Dan Heng: Phew, thank the heavens you finally got my message…
Stelle: ??? Dan Heng, did someone hack your account?
On the other side, a certain girl at her computer paused her fingers. What? I got found out that fast? That shouldn't be possible!
A few seconds later, Dan Heng: …Sorry, I got too worked up just now.
Dan Heng: The Express was just attacked by unknown assailants. Mr. Welt pushed me into an escape pod, and I haven't heard from him since. His status is unknown.
Dan Heng: I'm sorry, my strength wasn't enough. I couldn't do anything…
…!
When Stelle and March 7th read this, their hearts sank in unison. The Express was attacked?!
The situation was so serious that both instantly lost all sleepiness. Even March 7th dropped her fixation on the earlier issue, her expression turning to worry.
"March, go notify Himeko! I'll keep in touch with Dan Heng!" Stelle forced herself to stay calm and said.
"Got it. I'm on it."
March 7th nodded, not even bothering to put on her shoes before rushing out the door in a hurry.
Stelle: Dan Heng! Are you okay? Where are you right now? We're coming to find you!
Dan Heng: Luofu, Changle Paradise. Hurry!