Kaida Courcel - Das Tor
Zhàndòu Húwáng - Das Tor

It had been…a long flight. A very long flight. A part of Kaida dreaded returning to Destiny City, returning to where the romance she’d so treasured had…fizzled and died as she and Albert had drifted apart. Romance was hard. Emotions were hard. But she always leaped headfirst into them, and she didn’t think she’d ever change. She sighed, leaning back in the airport seat, the manga she’d been reading now closed in her lap.

“You doing okay?” She startled, looking up at the man near her. Handsome, looking like he was some anime or k-pop bishie. And looking concerned for her. She smiled slightly, nodding.

“Yeah, just kinda tired. Returning home after kinda fleeing for a year.” The man sat in the seat next to her, frowning slightly.

“Fleeing? Good or bad?” She groaned, leaning back.

“I…I just needed a change of scenery. Especially after my relationship fell apart. It didn’t end horribly, but…it ended. And I just needed away for a little.” He flinched next to her.

“Damn. That sucks, I’m sorry. You seem really nice.” Kaida chuckled and shrugged.

“Eh, could be worse. Could have ended horribly one way or another, especially since I’m from Destiny City.” The man perked up.

“DC? I’m from there, too! Headed home after a weekend here in San Fran.” He offered his hand. “Zhàn. A pleasure to meet you, fellow DC-ite.” The plump woman couldn’t help but perk up herself, returning the handshake.

“Kaida! Nice to meet you, Zhàn. I’ve been in Kyoto for the last year, and while it’s pretty…and I’m a little terrified that I’m not really over my last relationship yet…I miss DC. It’s home, and my best friends are there, and so are my parents and sisters…” She just hoped her favorite places weren’t ruined for her. That time and distance helped rather than hurt. Zhàn pulled his hand back after a few seconds, smiling slightly.

“Hey. How about, in a couple days, after you’ve recovered from the crazy jet lag, I take you out? As friends, mind you! But welcome you back with a nice date, no expectations, and go somewhere you haven’t been?” Kaida stared at him a few seconds, surprised, before giggling.

“Yeah. Yeah, I think I’d like that. It’s been a while since I really went anywhere with anyone else. I didn’t make too many friends in Kyoto, so there was a loooot of me being out and about by myself.” Zhàn leaned over a little, bumping her with his shoulder gently.

“Well, if we stay friends, that’ll change. And hey, maybe I can meet your besties!” She laughed, nodding.

“If you can handle a pair of dorks who have a love of robotics and have been Gundam fans since we were tiny.” He snorted, rolling his eyes.

“I’m not super big on giant robots, but I get why others are. They are pretty cool looking. I’m more a fan of fantasy, myself.” He nodded to the manga in Kaida’s lap. “Like that. I admit, that’s why I started talking to you initially. I’m a fan of that series, and you’re the first person I’ve seen with a copy in straight Japanese.” The blonde grinned.

“Yeah! I’ve been following it since it came out, and there was no way I wasn’t going to follow it while away from home! Plus, it gave me something to read while I was on the trains. Have you read the latest chapter yet?” The two spent the rest of their time waiting in conversation. About the work they did, about their hobbies, about their families and their various relationships. Kaida learned that Zhàn actually worked for the airline they were flying on. Zhàn learned that Kaida’s work was all online now, and she created content for a living. They got lucky enough that their seats were together, too. Though the plump woman spent most of the flight asleep, her new friend swapping between dozing and working on a new entry for his blog while making sure she wasn’t disturbed. When she finally woke up with a dry mouth, he made sure a flight attendant got her some water, and they continued talking as the plane began to descend. It was a smooth landing, and soon enough the two had retrieved their carry-ons and headed for baggage claim.

“Do you have anyone picking you up tonight?” Zhàn sounded a little worried, but it was quickly dispelled when she nodded.

“Yeah, my besties are grabbing me. Apparently Matt learned how to drive while I was out and he’s over-eager to show off.” She rolled her eyes, getting a laugh out of the man.

“I’m just glad you have a ride home. I would have offered otherwise. Don’t forget to visit your family, too, okay? I know you’re not looking forward to the whole spiel from your mother, but…if you need someone to vent to, you’re got my number and my Discord.” The blonde smiled slightly, nodding.

“Yeah. Thanks. That…that means a lot more than I can express. It’s been kind of a rough year, y’know? And the guys try their best, but Matt’s never really had a serious relationship, and Yuki’s…” She frowned. “I’m not even sure if Yuki’s actually ever dated. I don’t remember him ever having a datemate…And on top of that, neither of them have the overbearing mother that I have. I love her dearly, but…” Zhàn laughed, patting her back.

“Sometimes she’s just too much, and you’re just not up for the emotional toll that takes?” Kaida groaned.

“On the nose. Man…I’m glad I met you today. I’ll let you know once I feel up to that outing, okay?” Zhàn nodded, grabbed his lone suitcase from the carousel.

“I look forward to it. Until then, you rest up, okay? I’ll throw some pictures of my little sister’s dog, maybe toss you other cute animal pictures I find?” Kaida nodded excitedly, starting to retrieve her own luggage.

“That would be awesome, thanks!” With a wave from him, they went their separate ways for the moment, new contact information in their phones and smiles on their lips.

Word Count: 1,019, according to Google Docs