★ INVISIBLE STRING ★
IT'S A BIT WINDY

night and day seemed to blur together lately, the stars and sunlight almost indistinguishable aboard the Astral Express. Chiaki sat at her desk, surrounded by a mountain of work-expedition logs, blueprints of the train's intricate systems, and notes on potential leads regarding the Stellaron Hunters. Her eyes scanned the endless lines of text, but the words began to blur, exhaustion dulling her focus. A weary sigh escaped her lips.

She considered stepping away for a moment, maybe grabbing a cup of coffee to clear her mind. But a glance at the clock reminded her how little time there was to spare. She shook her head-there was still so much to do. She needed a breakthrough in the Stellaron investigation, and she couldn't afford distractions. Everyone else was working so hard, and the last thing she wanted was to feel like she wasn't pulling her weight.

Chiaki stretched her arms, trying to shake off the stiffness, and forced herself to refocus on the task at hand. Just as she began to dive back in, three knocks broke the silence, echoing softly through her room.

Resignation colored her voice as she called out, "What is it?"

"It's just me," came the reply-a familiar voice, smooth and steady, like a breeze weaving through the trees.

"Dan Heng!" A smile softened her features as she rose from her desk to let him in. No matter how many galaxies she crossed, his presence was always the brightest constellation in her world. "You're still up?" she asked, though it was more a statement than a question. "What brings you here?"

"I could ask you the same," he replied dryly, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Work," she admitted with a sheepish smile, glancing back at the scattered papers and data pads on her desk.

"Have you eaten?" he asked, his tone making it clear that he already knew the answer.

"Uh... I had some fruit juice and coffee? A while ago?" she offered, her voice faltering under his steady gaze.

Dan Heng sighed, his exasperation tempered by a quiet patience. "How many times do I have to tell you to take care of yourself?"

"Sorry," Chiaki murmured, lowering her head. She knew he was right. She had been neglecting herself, but with the sheer weight of her workload, could anyone really blame her?

He stepped closer, his aquamarine eyes meeting hers with a mix of firmness and warmth. "Since you won't do it yourself, let me take care of you." His voice was soft, yet resolute, his presence grounding her in a way nothing else could.

Every time she looked into his eyes, it felt like she was adrift in glowing lakes under a canopy of endless stars. But as soothing as the moment was, guilt whispered at the edges of her mind.

"Dan Heng, you have enough on your plate. I can't let you take on my problems, too..." she mumbled, her words trailing off.

"You're not a burden," he said firmly, his voice cutting through her self-doubt. His hand, warm and steady, encircled her wrist before gently lowering to take her hand in his. "The three of us-me, you, and Stelle-have our first mission together tomorrow. I'd rather you be in shape for it."

Chiaki blinked, realization dawning as she remembered. Their first mission as a trio. Every other time, either Himiko or Welt had been there to guide them. This time, it would be just them.

Excitement flickered in her chest, but it was quickly overshadowed by the realization of how close she'd come to forgetting entirely. She would have likely worked herself into exhaustion and overslept if Dan Heng hadn't come to check on her.

Dan Heng's gaze remained steady, his grip on her hand reassuring. She smiled faintly. She truly liked him. From the moment Welt brought her on board, Dan Heng had been there for her. He had done everything to make her feel at home. From the very first day, he had taken it upon himself to teach her everything she needed to know. He showed her how things worked, guided her through the express, and answered every question-no matter how small or repetitive.

He had even prepared her room, making sure it was comfortable and welcoming. Every detail was thoughtfully arranged, from the soft blankets to the little touches that made it feel like her own space. He always ensured she had everything she needed, whether it was a hot drink after a long day or just someone to listen.

When her nightmares returned, he was the one who stayed by her side. He reassured her, his calm presence chasing away the lingering shadows. Dan Heng had always been there for her, right from the start. Even now, he remained a constant in her life-a quiet, steadfast figure she knew she could always count on.

"Come on, I'll warm you up something to eat, and then you can head to bed," Dan Heng said, his tone leaving no room for argument. He didn't even wait for her response, simply taking her hand and gently pulling her out of the room.

Before she knew it, they were in the small kitchen. The soft glow of the lamp on the round table filled the space with a cozy warmth. "Sit down," he instructed, nodding toward the chair. "Would you rather have stuffed cheese ravioli or chili con carne?"

"Chili con carne," she replied, settling into the seat.

Dan Heng nodded again, already moving with quiet efficiency. He retrieved the can from the fridge, dividing its contents into two bowls before setting them to warm. While the food heated, he placed two glasses on the table along with a bottle of water. He added two spoons and a basket of small baguette slices in the center.

Her eyes narrowed as she watched him. "So you also haven't eaten, huh?"

Dan Heng didn't flinch at her observation. Instead, he placed her bowl in front of her and sat down across the table. "Eating together is better than eating alone," he said plainly, though the faintest flicker of amusement danced in his eyes.

Chiaki snorted softly. She loved his dry humor. Some people said Dan Heng wasn't funny-that he was too quiet, too serious-but they just didn't understand his particular brand of wit.

"So," she began, breaking a piece of bread in half, "what do we know about this planet?"

"Not much," he admitted, leaning back slightly. "They've been battling a massive storm for some time. The capital is supposedly protected by a dome, with the storm raging around it."

Her fingers paused mid-air, her grip tightening slightly on the bread. She couldn't help it-every time they landed on a new planet, a flicker of hope ignited in her heart. What if? This time, though, the hope felt different. More insistent.

Chiaki didn't remember her past. She didn't even know if "Chiaki" was her real name. Welt had found her in the middle of a galaxy-shattering storm-alone but alive. She was the storm. And now, hearing about this planet... was it so far-fetched to think it could be her home?

Dan Heng's voice broke through her thoughts. "I know what you're thinking," he said softly, his teal eyes meeting hers. "But don't get your hopes up too high."

She opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, he placed his hand over hers. His touch was steady, grounding her. "I understand," he continued, his voice quieter now. "You know I had my own struggles on the Luofu."

She nodded. She knew exactly what he was referring to, even though she hadn't been there herself. She'd stayed behind on the Express with Himiko while Dan Heng faced the storm of his own past. But afterward, when the dust had settled and they were back aboard the Express, he had told her everything.

It wasn't like Dan Heng to share so openly, and that made it all the more significant. He had trusted her with his story, his pain, and the parts of himself he didn't usually let anyone see. She had listened intently, her heart aching for him as he recounted the weight he carried. It wasn't hard to see the parallels between his struggles and her own uncertainties about her past. Maybe that's why he understood her so well.

"I just... I just want to know who I am," she murmured, her voice almost breaking under the weight of her emotions.

Dan Heng's grip on her hand tightened slightly before he pulled away, resting his forearms on the table as he met her gaze. "I know," he said simply. "And we'll figure it out. Together."

His words carried a conviction that sent a wave of warmth through her. She couldn't help but smile, and when he returned it, it felt like a promise.

"Now eat," he said, his tone firm but kind. "You need to sleep."

Chiaki sighed but picked up her spoon, taking a bite of the chili con carne. They ate in a comfortable silence-the kind that had always defined their relationship. It wasn't awkward or strained; it was a silence where she felt safe, where words weren't necessary.

Once they finished, Dan Heng stood and gathered the dishes, waving off her protests. "Go to bed," he said as he placed the bowls in the sink.

"Thanks, Dan Heng," she said softly as she stood.

He looked at her, his gaze unreadable for a moment before softening. "Always," he replied simply. Chiaki didn't think much of it as she headed to her room. To her, he was just Dan Heng-reliable, steady, always looking out for her.

It took Chiaki a while before she finally fell asleep. And whenever that happened she looked out her big window. She lay in her bed and looked at the many stars. Her home was somewhere out there. Maybe even her family. Not that she didn't liked the Astral Express crew, because she did! But everyone wanted to know where he came from, right?

But at some point she must have fallen asleep. Because she heard her name in the distance. Someone said her name to wake her up. Had she overslept? Had something happened? Chiaki simply turned over and decided to go back to sleep. She was so incredibly tired.

"Chiaki."

A smile spread across her sleeping face. "Dan Heng..."

"Oh wow, nope, it's me Stelle! Wake up." Stelle? Who was Stelle? Chiaki didn't want to open her eyes. She wanted to sleep. Just sleep sleep sleep. "Our Mission! With you beloved Dan Heng is waiting!"

She opened her eyes almost in shock. Stelle sat on the edge of her bed and grinned at her. "What?"

"You dreamed about him, how adorable."

"I did not!" She really hadn't. Well, she couldn't say that she had never dreamed about him, but she definitely hadn't that night! She hadn't dreamed of his black hair or soft voice.

"Dan Heng." Stelle imitated her voice and laughed. "What did he do in you dream, hu?"

Without meaning to, Chiaki felt her cheeks blush. My goodness, she and Dan Heng were just friends! Friends who were there for each other. "I did not sound like that!"

"Oh, you totally are!" Stelle exclaimed, her laughter bubbling up again, light and infectious. Chiaki couldn't help but laugh too. Stelle's laugh had a way of making everything feel a little brighter.

"Come on," Stelle said, nudging her playfully. "He's waiting for us."

When they arrived in the main section, Dan Heng was already there, standing alongside Welt. The two were engaged in quiet conversation, their voices calm but focused.

The moment Dan Heng caught sight of Chiaki, his expression shifted. His usual reserved demeanor softened, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips. It wasn't much-barely noticeable to anyone else-but Chiaki caught it. His aquamarine eyes lingered on her for a moment, warm and steady, as if silently asking if she was okay.

"I woke up our sleepyhead," Stelle announced cheerfully, motioning toward Chiaki.

Chiaki offered a sheepish smile. "Sorry about that."

Welt chuckled, his gaze kind and understanding. "It's fine. I know I can count on you three. Just make sure to stay in contact and keep us updated, understood?"

Dan Heng nodded firmly, his calm confidence reassuring. "Understood."

Stelle gave a mock salute, grinning. "Don't worry, we've got this!"

Welt's eyes rested on Chiaki for a moment longer, his tone softening. "Chiaki, take care out there. You've made a lot of progress, but don't push yourself too hard."

"I won't," she replied earnestly, appreciating his concern.

With that, the three of them stepped toward the boarding platform. The unknown planet awaited, its mysteries pulling them forward, but for a brief moment, Chiaki felt an unspoken connection between them all-a shared trust that grounded her even as they ventured into the vast unknown.