“Hey, is it all right for you to be going home this late?” Senri’s friend leaned over, draping his arm over the divider between the front and back seat. "I don't have a curfew if that is what you're asking." Senri responded sardonically. Senri had called him after Jada’s party to pick Senri up, having no desire to take a taxi or take a ride with an unknown person. It was the same friend that Senri had prevailed upon when he had been with Kaatje as well.

“Park your car outside.” Senri directed, just tired and wanting to go to sleep. He didn’t bother with appearances in front of his childhood friend. His companion nodded, continuing to ask casually, “Mind if I sleep over tonight?”

“Whatever you want. As long as I don’t hear from your girlfriend tomorrow.” Senri's head was already throbbing, and he couldn't imagine anything more annoying than a shrieking phone call the next morning.

"Don't worry about that."

They stepped into the lobby, and then into the elevator to reach Senri's apartment on the 6th floor. Senri leaned on the wall and waited in silence, having indulged in a drink or two after Jada’s Singles Awareness Party. Unlike other drunks, Senri didn’t end up acting idiotic or carefree after drinking. He tended to be quiet and reserved.

“Come on. Let’s go.” His friend dragged Senri in, having his own key, and dumping the model onto the couch. He stopped by the kichen, and turned on the sink to fill a glass with tap water. “Drink this.” He handed Senri a glass of water, which Senri accepted complacently. “What are you? My mother?” Senri’s elbow rested on the table, Senri’s chin resting on the palm of his hand in a bored manner.

“Yes, yes.” His friend was used to Senri’s caustic remarks, sliding off him like water and oil. “I’ll be taking a bath.”

Meanwhile, Senri began to sort out his male. There were bills, promotional ads, business letters, and.. the red corner of an unsual shape caught his attention. “Hm?” He pulled the red card out, initially bemused. At least, until he read “Happy Valentines Senri! - Ainsley.” The amount of effort she put into the card was impressive, Senri could tell that Ainsley had tried her best. Ainsley was the young girl that Senri had met at City hall and the Princess Kaguya battle around Christmas. Ainsley was a cute kid, if you liked kids. Senri didn’t particularly like kids, but he didn’t dislike Ainsley if that was any indication of his feelings towards her.

Still, for a child as young as her – Senri wondered how she had gotten it here. Senri flipped over the card, there was no postage stamp. Had her sister, Bell taken her? He doubted it. Perhaps, another way? Still, Senri couldn’t help but genuinely smile. It was easy to forget that children like Ainsley existed. Even if she was too naïve for her own survival.

Still..

“Ah. I didn’t know you had an admirer.” Senri’s friend has just emerged, coming up from behind the model and leaning over to see the card.

"Ainsley?"

Senri responded in kind with a throw pillow in his face -- "Go to sleep."

Still, Senri was one to repay his debts.

Tomorrow, Ainsley would receive a small bouquet of white lilies with a note that remained a simple, "Thanks. ♥"