Space station 18: Unspoken Emotions

The mission from a few chapters ago is now over, and the results are in:

The first 50 chapters of the Honkai Impact novel are now up!

Find it here: Honkai Simulator: Start with Confessing to The Herrscher of Finality

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Emotions are truly a fascinating phenomenon.

Kafka's feelings had evolved from dependence and closeness to deep attachment. Even she couldn't pinpoint exactly when this subtle transformation occurred.

What brought her comfort was that Su Qing remained unchanged.

Yet, what also left her feeling helpless was precisely that Su Qing never changed.

This, of course, was partly due to Kafka herself pretending not to have matured.

So now, Kafka wanted to take a step forward and see if anything might be different.

In the room, the moonlight cast a gentle glow.

With her left arm wrapped around her mature body, holding onto her right forearm as if feeling cold, Kafka let her right hand dangle, clutching a toy bear. Her pursed lips conveyed a hint of vulnerability.

Finally, her slightly lowered head conveyed a sense of fearfulness.

[March 7th: Looks so pitiful.]

[Himeko: Skilled hunters often disguise themselves as their prey.]

[Firefly: If you're cold, just wear more clothes.]

[Sparkle: Enjoying it!]

[Black Swan: In this aspect, Kafka seems to have learned instinctively without any guidance, right?]

[Black Swan: She's naturally born to be a hunter; even back when she was still Tianyi-5, these predatory instincts were evident.]

In truth, viewers could somewhat predict that whenever Kafka displayed such expressions, Su Qing would likely not refuse her advances.

And indeed, they were proven correct.

Just two minutes earlier, Kafka had been "shivering" under the moonlight. Now, those pale and slender legs, previously visible beneath her shirt, were comfortably tucked under warm blankets. As for the teddy bear used momentarily as a prop, it found its way back onto the cabinet once again.

[Stelle: Teddy Bear: So, I'm just part of your role-playing game, aren't I?]

[Qingque: Laughing.]

[Bronya: Times have changed. The little Kafka who once sought comfort by hugging a teddy bear now has new perspectives.]

Kafka wrapped her arms around Su Qing's arm tightly.

At that moment, Su Qing distinctly felt the growth in Kafka over these past few years.

He said gently, "It's time to sleep."

With those words, Su Qing withdrew his hand from Kafka's embrace, turned around, and prepared for bed.

[Seele: Seems like you're truly sleepy.]

As silence settled in the room, faint breathing sounds became audible.

Kafka leaned closer from behind, gently nudging Su Qing with her nose and forehead—a gesture reminiscent of a cat. Even such an elegant and mature feline can show affectionate sides before someone special.

Moonlight spilled onto the floor nearby.

Gradually, Kafka stopped dwelling on her thoughts. Unconsciously, she set aside any probing or uncertainties.

On this night, simply gazing at Su Qing's back as she softly leaned against him brought her immense contentment, a smile gracing her lips.

[At this moment, viewers were genuinely captivated by Kafka's charm.]

Her physical beauty, figure, and demeanor were undeniably enchanting.

What truly touched viewers was the expression of attachment and innocence on her face.

The contrast between her mature appearance and this vulnerable affection, coupled with her innocent and contented smile, made for the most impactful moment, wielding immense emotional power.

Such expressions seemed reserved only for young, naive girls.

It was hard to imagine seeing them on a sophisticated and alluring adult woman.

With this stark contrast enhancing the scene,

the allure of Kafka's genuine emotions, even through the screen, struck deeply at the hearts of the audience.

Future viewers might find it astonishing that the cold-hearted, future Stellaron Hunter—listed as one of the company's most wanted fugitives—could once let down all her defenses, momentarily forget everything else, and wholeheartedly express such sincere attachment and love towards someone.

This revelation genuinely broadened the viewers' perspectives.

[March 7th: Wow!]

[March 7th: This is intense; I can barely handle how much shipping feels like right now.]

[Silver Wolf: Kafka tried, but not quite enough.]

[Silver Wolf: She promised to make a move and change their relationship. But after just hugging his arm, it ends there?]

[March 7th: Trying to... seduce someone at a time like this, isn't it just too inappropriate?! Too disrespectful to genuine emotions!]

[Silver Wolf: Indeed, it is quite unfitting.]

[Silver Wolf: But hey, easy for me to say from the sidelines.]

[March 7th: Huh?]

[March 7th: You're going to kill me with laughter.]

[Sparkle: Quite amusing.]

[Seele: Always ready to fan the flames of chaos, aren't you?]

***

Morning arrived.

Kafka approached Su Qing with her hands clasped behind her back. "What are you doing?"

Su Qing, holding his phone, replied, "Since you were still asleep, I ordered some breakfast delivery."

As Kafka neared, a mature fragrance reminiscent of violets wafted into Su Qing's nose.

Last night, with limited visibility due to darkness, he couldn't see clearly. Now, under ample morning light, everything was distinctly visible.

Kafka's beautiful purple hair appeared slightly disheveled, strands falling onto her white blouse and elegantly draping around her neck.

The top portion of her white blouse featured buttons, while the bottom had a playful hemline. Both elements danced teasingly on the edge between revealing and concealing.

Regardless of the angle, glimpses of purple lace peeked through intermittently.

However, what truly captivated Su Qing was Kafka's intimate demeanor.

As if eager to see what they had ordered for delivery, she placed both hands on his right shoulder, tiptoed slightly, and leaned close.

Her hair brushed against Su Qing's ear, causing a slight tickle. The sensation behind him felt incredibly soft.

Su Qing turned briefly to glance at her before facing forward again. "The food should arrive soon. Go change your clothes; don't get this white shirt dirty."

With her left hand still on his shoulder, Kafka gently tucked away a strand of her long purple hair, drawing out her reply, "Okaaay~"

Honestly, despite being a respected Silver Rank demon hunter now, Su Qing still treated her like a child.

Could one really mess up their clothes just by having breakfast?

With this thought, Kafka, standing behind Su Qing, lazily stretched her arms.

As she moved, the white shirt lifted slightly, revealing curves that even fellow female viewers couldn't help but blush at.

[Black Swan: Not bad. She seems to match up well with me.]

[Seele: Not bad indeed. Appears no less impressive than myself.]

[Stelle: ?]

[Stelle: @Seele, how can you say such things without any embarrassment?]

[Seele: I simply ask, is there anything wrong with what I said?]

[Stelle: Well... (pauses to think) Truly—there isn't much issue with it.]

[Bronya: Claiming someone who scores 30 points matches your 90, right?]

[Seele: You're the one scoring 30!]

[March 7th: (slightly blushing) (feeling a bit envious of her figure)]

[March 7th: Kafka's physique is really amazing.]

[March 7th: Does Su Qing not care at all?]

[Firefly: He's just upright!]

[March 7th: If this doesn't even stir him slightly...]

[March 7th: It goes beyond being wooden; I'd call him a block of iron!]

[Firefly: Wow, and I happen to love blocks of iron.]

[Silver Wolf: ??]

[Silver Wolf: Alright then, I'll send you a few pounds later. Hopefully, you truly appreciate iron.]

After breakfast, Kafka went out shopping. She had ordered several custom-made coats and planned to try them on today.

In the living room, Su Qing was initially seated on the sofa.

After a moment, he rested his chin in his hand, appearing deep in thought.

Then, he began pacing back and forth.

"Should I perhaps give her a gentle reminder..." Su Qing muttered to himself.

Hearing this, it became evident what issue he was grappling with.

[Stelle: hahaha, he's conflicted! He's actually conflicted!]

[Kafka: ?]

[Silver Wolf: ???]

[March 7th: Ha ha, finally witnessing some of Su Qing's dark past. Quick, let's note it down!]

[Sparkle: Amused.]

[Firefly: H-he's conflicted?]

[Kafka: @Firefly, everyone else is laughing, why are you crying? Aren't you being a bit out of sync?]

Su Qing pondered for a brief moment, seemingly reaching a decision.

Shortly after, he grabbed his jacket and stepped outside.

The next day, this time it was Su Qing who left first.

Before departing, Su Qing specifically instructed Kafka that Katherine would be visiting soon and she should wait at home.

Kafka, somewhat curious but obedient, stayed put as advised.

Soon, the doorbell rang.

Kafka opened the door, and upon seeing Katherine, she immediately noticed something peculiar about her expression.

Katherine's expression: (Suppressing laughter)

Kafka let her in and asked, "What brings you here?"

Katherine (suppressing laughter): "Well, Kafka, he sent me to educate you on some basic knowledge."

Kafka frowned, "What kind of knowledge?"

Katherine (still stifling laughter): "Some everyday life basics. For instance, since you're growing up now, it's important to understand that boys and girls have certain differences."

Rubbing her ears, Kafka made sure she had heard correctly.

Looking at Katherine, expressionless, Kafka said, "Alright, I got it. And there's no need to hold back anymore; feel free to laugh if you want."

Katherine burst out laughing uncontrollably, "Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"

She was immensely amused, doubling over with laughter, shaking like a blossoming tree branch, and barely managing to stay upright by clinging onto Kafka.

[The chat is also laughing hysterically.]

[Himeko: ??]

[Seele: Oh man, I can't handle this hahaahaha, did he really think so??]

[Stelle: Hahaha, Su Qing has truly astonishing wisdom!]

[March 7th: Forget about the wisdom part, just focus on whether it's astonishing or not?]

[Sparkle: Su Qing: Why is Kafka standing so close? Let me think... Ah, got it! Why not ask Katherine to enlighten her with some basic life knowledge?]

[Silver Wolf: Hahaha, stop it, you'll kill me with laughter.]

[Silver Wolf: The look of existential doubt on Kafka's face during the simulation—perfect for a wallpaper. I'd laugh at least eight hundred times a day!]

[Firefly: ?]

[Firefly: @Kafka, everyone is laughing. Why aren't you joining in? Are you feeling unhappy?]

[Kafka: ?]

Even Katherine couldn't contain her laughter. "Ha ha ha, you should have seen his flustered expression when he approached me! I thought something serious had happened!"

She then asked, "By the way, haven't you taken the act of feigning ignorance too far? Poor guy, ha ha ha..."

Kafka stared expressionlessly at her. "Finished laughing? If you're done, you can leave now."

"No, no, we still have business to attend to." Katherine managed to compose herself after some effort.

In a tone typically used to teach young children, she kindly explained, "Actually, little Kafka, let me tell you, there are differences between boys and girls, you know? It's important to maintain proper distance~"

[Seele: Ha ha, robbing him of all joy.]

Kafka's face immediately darkened. "Listen here..."

Katherine remained unfazed. "Relax..."

Two streams of psychic energy collided in the air, neutralizing each other.

[Stelle: Wow, it's like a Word Spirit Technique showdown.]

Despite her attempt at educating them, it ultimately didn't achieve its intended effect.

However, Katherine lingered for a while before leaving, clearly in high spirits.

Kafka, on the other hand, was not in a good mood.

When Su Qing returned, she approached him, placing her right hand on his shoulder. "Listen to me."

Su Qing, in the process of taking off his coat, looked at Kafka with a puzzled expression but showed no resistance whatsoever.

"Listen to me..."

As Kafka gazed into Su Qing's eyes filled with unwavering trust and saw his completely unguarded demeanor, her resolve faltered. She lowered her head, "Listen to me... It doesn't matter. Thank you for bringing Katherine here."

[Sparkle: Enjoying this too much.]

[Himeko: Classic case of self-sabotaging speedrun.]

[Seele: You'll regret this when you wake up in the middle of the night.]

[Sparkle: Kafka: What have I done?! Using Word Spirit Technique on Su Qing who trusts me so deeply!]

[Silver Wolf: Enjoying this, huh? If you're going to strike, do it properly; just building up energy doesn't count.]

[Kafka: Ha, you wouldn't understand. It's the unspoken understanding between Su Qing and me.]

[Silver Wolf: ?...]

[Kafka (grasping hand): Touching your sunglasses again isn't polite.]

Alright.

Kafka admitted that her haste had led to this misunderstanding.

Sitting on the couch, she rested her chin in her hand and sighed. She decided, for now, to avoid taking on any additional tasks.

Thus, their life once again settled back into tranquility.

There were many daily activities they enjoyed.

For instance, listening to music.

The golden record player, which had faithfully accompanied them for six years, continued its diligent work. The spinning black vinyl seemed to capture every moment of those past years.

On languid afternoons, leaning against Su Qing's shoulder while enjoying tunes was Kafka's favorite way to unwind.

As she grew older, Kafka developed a new interest - buying coats.

Despite already having numerous coats in her wardrobe, Kafka frequently went shopping or custom-made more.

In a store, she casually draped one over herself and asked, "How does this look?"

"Very nice," replied Su Qing.

"And this one?"

"Also very nice."

"How about this?" Kafka paused, then added, "Try a different phrase."

"Absolutely stunning."

With that, Kafka turned to the shop assistant, "I'll take all of these."

As for hunting demons, it remained their most frequent and primary duty.

Since becoming a Gold Rank Demon Hunter, Su Qing occasionally faced minor inconveniences, with admirers gathering around him.

Kafka smiled mildly, "Everyone, please listen to me. Don't block the way, make some room."

Once they were away from the crowd, Su Qing would rub his head gratefully, expressing his thanks.

At such moments, Kafka would place her hands behind her back, slightly bending down to make it easier for him to touch her, relishing this exclusive moment together.

Despite these minor inconveniences, Kafka cherished such ordinary moments deeply.

After the previous misunderstanding, she had regained her composure and now preferred to experience her growing affection through the simplicity of everyday life.

With plenty of time ahead, there was no rush—just as he had been patient with her once.

She vividly recalled how challenging it was for her to open up initially. Su Qing's unwavering gentleness and patience towards her remained etched in her heart.

Therefore,

there was no need to hurry. She would take things slowly, staying by his side. When the right moment came, she could express her feelings then—it would be just fine.

With these thoughts,

Time passed until the day when the Star Core Demon caused chaos.

Kafka still hadn't managed to express her feelings aloud.