Kaida Courcel - Das Tor
Zhàndòu Húwáng - Das Tor

“How was Hokkaido?” Zhan sipped his taro boba, leaning back in his chair. Kaida was across from him, sipping at her own melon boba and fidgeting with the glittery pink pen she kept in her purse, matching notebook open in front of her.

“It was good! Very, very cold, but good! I got to go to the Snow Festival!” She took a sip and munched on a tapioca pearl before continuing. “I’ve got the video ready to post on YouTube next week, so you’ll get to see all about that!” The man across from her laughed, grinning.

“I will enjoy it vicariously through that, then. Because I am absolutely not visiting Hokkaido in the winter. Mìmì might want to join you if you go again next year, though. Give her the chance to dress adorable and cozy in a place no one will recognize her.” That made Kaida blink, pausing mid-sip.

“Is she still struggling with that?” Zhan sighed, nodding.

“Yeah. She’s getting better, little by little, but she’s still shaking a lot off.” He frowned, taking what could only be described as an ‘angry sip’ before chewing on the bubbles it brought up. “She’s still clinging to some of the friends that are s**t for her, but…I can’t control her. I can only be a voice of reason and hope she gets it before they hurt her even more.” Kaida reached over the table, patting his arm.

“I get it. And I’m glad that you’re there for her. She’s a good kid, despite what she thinks.” A pause. “Well, I mean, she’s not a kid, but…you know what I mean.” That pulled a laugh out of him.

“She’s going to always be a little bit of a kid to me. I remember helping her with scraped knees and playground bullies. And her being so short doesn’t help.” He yelped as Kaida kicked his shin under the table, pale eyes narrowed.

“I’m short, too, you a**.” He gave her a sheepish grin, reaching down with his free hand to rub where she kicked.

“Yeah, but you don’t look at all like a kid! Let’s be real, you have milf vibes without being an actual milf.” She groaned and leaned back in her chair, sinking down a bit with her cheeks bright red.

“You don’t have to say it out loud, y’know!” Zhan raised a brow.

“Really? You do remember that I know some of what you do for a living, right?” He dodged another kick from her, his grin smug now. “Can’t catch me when I’m on guard.”

“Look, it’s different hearing it from someone who isn’t paying, okay.” He reached over the table to pat the top of her head.

“I know, I know.” His hand lingered a moment, his smile turning softer. “Hey…I’m glad you’re back in DC. You’ve been missed.” She gave him a small smile in return.

“I’m glad to be back. I’ve missed everyone.”

Word Count: 489, according to Google Docs