𝓜𝔂 𝓟𝓪𝓼𝓽, 𝓞𝓾𝓻 𝓕𝓾𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓮 ・❥・ᴅᴀɴ ʜᴇɴɢ × ʀᴇᴀᴅᴇʀ

'*:;,．★ Chapter Two ☆・:.,;*

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Kafka smiled, "That would be my dear friend Blade."

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"We're not helping her," Dan Heng cut in immediately before anyone else could think of speaking.

The scowl on his face was enough to say he knew whoever Blade was. From Kafka's expression, it seemed as though she was expecting this reaction from him.

"Ah well, I can't force you guys. But please, do consider it for me. I'm sure Bladie would appreciate it," her voice faltered for but a split moment. If not for a keen ear, Y/N wouldn't have noticed the worry laced within her voice.

"Goodbye then, trailblazers," she turned around to leave, but not before Y/N stopped her.

"Wait," she demanded. "I need answers."

Kafka glanced back at Y/N, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Dear Y/N, I would love to. But now isn't the time. Ta," she waves farewell and vanishes into thin air, to Y/N's dismay.

A chilling silence filled the room as everyone processed the events that just unfolded. A minute or so went by before Dan Heng finally broke the ice.

"I hope we don't plan on actually helping her."

Himeko had been in deep thought, weighing out every possibility.

"There is the possibility that she was lying, however..."

"I highly doubt she was. She may be good at acting, but she is definitely concerned for this Blade person. I think we should put the decision to a vote," Welt shared his opinion. Himeko nodded in agreement.

"I should have known it would come to this," Dan Heng muttered disapprovingly.

"All those against visiting the Xianzhou, hold out your hand," Himeko said as she gestured expectantly at her younger companions.

Dan Heng held his hand out, thinking he would be the only one to do so. But to his surprise, Y/N also held her hand out. He wasn't expecting her of all people to make this decision. He briefly made eye contact with her. She seemed a little lost in thought, but he noticed the look of sympathy she gave him nonetheless. He felt somewhat relieved he wasn't alone in his ideals.

Himeko nodded after a few more seconds passed. "And all those in favour of taking a trip to the Xianzhou, cast your vote now."

Welt, March, and Himeko all held out their hands in unison.

"March?" Y/N raised her brows from surprise.

"I saw how scared you were just before. I was so sure you'd vote no."

"You're right. I was going to say no. Then I thought about it, and I'd truly regret it if I was capable of helping someone but chose not to do so out of fear, " March explained.

She had a good point, March was always such a compassionate person - even if she did complain quite a bit.

"That's three to two. It looks like our next stop is the Xianzhou Luofu," Himeko concludes the vote, pulling her hand away.

Dan Heng groaned in disappointment.

"If that's all, I'll be turning in early. Goodnight, everyone."

He briskly walked away, heading towards his room. Y/N watched him worriedly as he closed the door behind him. She just hoped he'd feel alright later on.

"Actually, why is Dan Heng acting so stiff about this? What's his relationship with this Blade guy?" March questioned as she tapped her chin in thought.

"I believe they're both from the Luofu," said Welt. "They definitely have history, and not the good kind."

March hummed to herself.

"Looks like we may gain some insight on Dan Heng's lore after all," she giggled.

Y/N smiled slightly in response, but she had too many things weighing on her mind to pay full attention.

"I think I'll turn in too," Y/N stifled a yawn. She bid everyone goodnight and quietly left the room.

The hall was dimly lit, the soft glow of the lanterns cast long shadows across the floor. Y/N focused on the quiet thud of her boots against the carpet as she headed towards her room. It was located at the end of the hall.

She recalled everything that happened, wondering why Kafka was purposefully avoiding her. All Y/N wanted to know her own identity. Who was she? Why was she here? What was her purpose?

Y/N's mind was so clouded she lost track of where she was going. Her gaze mostly wandered aimlessly around the floor, but she was completely trapped in her headspace. She loved travelling with the Express, but she couldn't help but feel a little left out, as if she was not from this world to begin with.

Many events pointed towards this - the way she could manipulate the power of multiple paths and elements, the fact she had a whole stellaron living within her body, it was all so confusing. She felt so lost.

"Ah!" Y/N jolted back to reality as she felt someone grab her shoulder. She quickly covered her mouth to stifle her yelp of surprise.

"Lost in thought again, I see," Dan Heng smiled slightly in amusement.

"Dan Heng? When did you get here?" Y/N asked, still feeling somewhat aloof from her sudden 'awakening.'

"I was here the whole time, I suppose you didn't notice since you walked right into me," he replied, softening his expression.

"Are you alright?"

"Oh, yes I'm fine. Sorry about that," Y/N chuckled half-heartedly. She turned to look out the window, where an endless sea of stars glittered brightly.

"I should be asking if you're alright."

Dan Heng's grip stiffened slightly from her question, but only for a moment. He soon let go of Y/N's shoulder, allowing his arm to rest by his side once more.

"I suppose," he frowned, a sigh escaping his lips. Y/N could easily tell he wasn't telling the truth.

"Dan Heng, I know you don't express much, but anyone can tell you aren't alright."

He ran his fingers through his fluffy black hair, sighing once more to no one in particular.

"Yeah, I know. I don't mean to worry anyone. I apologise, I just need some time. I'll be alright by tomorrow."

Y/N nodded slowly in response, knowing she wouldn't be getting anything else out of him.

A few moments of silence passed, but it felt rather comfortable. Y/N wanted quiet from all the noise and thoughts that rang through her head, and for the first time, she appreciated Dan Heng's reserved personality. Though, she couldn't help but feel bad for him. He seemed to really struggle with conveying how he feels.

Dan Heng looked up, locking eyes with Y/N who was now facing towards him. She looked rather sympathetic. The starlight highlighted her E/C orbs in a rather alluring way, as if beckoning him to trust her.

A part of him wondered if maybe he could share a part of his burden with her. He felt so peaceful with her right now. But he knew better than to do that. His past was his to bear alone. It wasn't that he didn't trust Y/N, he just didn't want to involve others in his own personal affairs.

Y/N was first to break eye contact, shivering slightly from the cold. "Well, looks like my warm bed is calling for me," she laughed.

"Ah right, I should be heading to bed too," Dan Heng nodded.

"Rest well, goodnight Y/N."

Y/N smiled softly, "Goodnight, Dan Heng."

She walked past him, her H/C locks swaying behind her as she moved. Dan Heng watched her attentively until she disappeared into her room, before heading towards his own. Tomorrow was going to be a big day for him.

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