When the two of them stepped aboard the Astral Express again, Yaoshi was the first to greet them, throwing herself into Zhang Xiu's arms.
She first rubbed her head against his chest, then lifted her eyes to her husband:
"Husband, how did thy journey fare?"
"I'm more grateful than ever that I met you beforehand and married you."
Their sickeningly sweet exchange made Stelle shudder as she held the doll. Ignoring whatever the couple was doing, she headed toward her room with the "Kafka" doll.
But how could such an odd sight escape Himeko's notice? She first spat out her coffee, then walked over to Stelle with astonishment written all over her face.
"...Stelle? What's this?"
"Oh, oh, a doll version of Kafka! What do you think? Pretty, right? She's so pretty! Isn't she?"
Stelle set the doll down, then spread her arms to show her off.
"Hmm, have you considered what Kafka herself would do if she saw a doll of herself?"
Himeko reached out, fiddling with the Kafka doll's joints and soft skin. Suddenly, for some reason, the doll's head dipped slightly, meeting Himeko's gaze.
Those lightless eyes stirred an indescribable feeling in Himeko's heart. She simply stopped touching her and looking at her.
"Anyway, you... be very careful. Don't get caught."
Just then, Zhang Xiu and Yaoshi poked their heads over, speaking one after the other:
"Kafka tops."
"Himeko tops."
Having grown up in Dual-Phase Paradise, how could Himeko not know what that meant? Her lovely eyes flicked toward them, and she shot them both a glare.
Stelle seized the opportunity to slip away with the doll, though who knew why she hadn't put her away like Zhang Xiu had.
Seeing Himeko's displeasure, Zhang Xiu hurriedly changed the subject. "Himeko, invented any new coffees lately? My wife's