Uhhhhhhhhh there's smth in my head that I have to share w the rest of the world. It lives rent-free. Also, I'm sorta sleep deprived and my brain is not working lololol
Probably OOC? But who cares lol
Mina has to attend some... gala event... She honestly forgot what it was called. Because this event became a routine for her. She has to go to the same event, same time, same place, every year. And every year, it somehow always makes her annoyed, bored out of her goddamn mind, and it makes her want to get out of there as fast as possible.
Honestly, she has no idea why the hell she has to attend it. Something about "staying in the public's good grace"... Why? The defense force is already well respected by the public. What's the point? Probably for all of the news outlets or whatever.
Mina groans internally, looking around the giant luxurious hall that, at this point, she knows like the back of her hand, because of... some reasons she doesn't want to think about.
Why her anyway? Why wasn't someone else sent to suffer through this mind-numbing event? And unfortunately, Mina perfectly knows the answer. Because she's the best suited for this.
Mina is the face of JAKDF. She is well known, respected, polite, pretty, and people in general gravitate to her mysterious and aloof personality. And no one else could handle it as well as her. She can only imagine with horror what kind of train wreck the gala could've been if Narumi was here... Not that anyone would even choose him, knowing his records...
"Are you alright, Mina?" Mina got distracted from her brooding by Kafka, who was chosen (read: dragged by Mina) so she won't suffer alone. And other reasons...
Mina was so glad he was with her. With him, it isn't as boring as it would've been. Kafka could read her well, unlike anyone else (but Hoshina. He was on the same level). And just seeing him by her side made Mina smile happily. "Yes. Thank you."
Another reason was, well-... Mina could certainly appreciate Kafka's outfit. He was wearing a simple black suit with a red tie, his blazer was unbuttoned, and the white shirt could be seen. And how tightly it clunged to his chest-
"Mina, why am I here exactly?" AHEM- She definitely got distracted. Right. She didn't tell him.
With a heavy sigh, Mina explained. "Every year, there's a... group of annoying journalists that keep following me. They don't understand simple human decency or personal space, and they're stubborn and won't back down even if they're told to. You're with me because you're inconspicuous, you're not well known by the public, and you can be quite intimidating because of your build."
Kafka nodded, his face lit up with his signature bright smile. "Got it. I've got your back, captain." Mina felt warm as her chest threatened to burst with all of the adoration, a small smile tugged at her lips.
The two of them stood at the farthest corner of the hall, hidden in the crowd. Mina still talked to some people, but the two of them were unbothered.
But then Mina saw a man approaching. Rapidly. Shit. And exactly at this moment, Kafka needed to step away. Great.
"Mina Ashiro! I wanted to ask a couple of questions-"
"No." Mina cut him off, using her commanding voice. But that didn't bother the man in the slightest.
"Nothing too serious!-" Liar. They always asked difficult questions that shouldn't even be answered. "-people are curious about these topics!" The man kept coming closer, which made Mina uncomfortable, but she didn't let anything get past her cold facade.
"I do not want to be bothered right now." Mina stated firmly. But it seemed as if the man wasn't listening at all.
"People have been dying to know, captain! A couple of harmless questions won't harm you-" But before the man could continue, a hand landed heavily on his shoulder. That startled the man into turning around, a response on the tip of his tongue. But once he turned around, he froze.
"I think she made herself clear. She does NOT want to talk. Is there a problem?" Kafka was calm, but he sounded menacing. His voice promised trouble, and he looked like he was ready to tear the guy apart. The journalist stuttered something and then left as quickly as he came, practically ran away.
Mina breathed out, relieved that Kafka returned quickly. Mina was also (pleasantly) surprised by Kafka's sudden switch in demeanor. Once the man left, Kafka immediately went back to normal, worrying about Mina.
Mina was just glad that they'd be left alone for the rest of this gala and was incredibly thankful for Kafka's help. Huh, maybe this gala won't be as awful as the previous ones. Mina could just relax now and enjoy the rest of the evening in Kafka's presence-
"Miss Ashiro! Good evening, I would like to ask you some questions. Please tell us when you're ready so we can start recording." Never mind, she spoke too soon. She's taking her words back.
They were approached by a delicate-looking young woman, followed by a cameraman and the guy that bothered them from before. God damn it, they couldn't do anything, they were cornered. Kafka couldn't do anything to a woman, and they were closely watched. If only they could get some kind of distraction-
"Look! *A very famous person's name* is there!" Kafka suddenly shouted, pointing somewhere behind the journalists. They immediately turned around, like sharks sensing blood in the water. But they couldn't see anyone in the crowd, and when they turned back, Kafka and Mina were already gone.
Mina had to bite her tongue to hold back laughter. This was absolutely ridiculous, and she couldn't believe that it worked. Those annoying journalists were the reason Mina knew this building so well, after years of running away from them, she could probably navigate blindfolded, that's how desperate she was.
"Take off your blazer!" Mina told as she was taking off her hair clips. "Huh???" Kafka was confused, and yet he still did as she told him. Mina was a 100% sure that they were following the two of them, so they needed to look like different people to get out of here unnoticed. Though that will be hard.
Mina quickly took off her heels so they won't make too much noise and so she could run normally. They entered a really long hallway, filled with a bunch of doors. Mina made a sharp turn towards one, and both of them ended up in a small storeroom.
"I think we lost them..." Kafka said. He tried to close the door, but the lock on it was broken. The door stayed slightly ajar, a small warm light illuminated the dark room.
Kafka's eyes widened. "Wait no, they're here. And they're going through every room." Kafka's enhanced hearing was a blessing. But now they've got a problem. If they left right now, they would get noticed. Curse those annoying journalists, they never leave without a fight. Mina is paid to fight kaijus, not people.
They needed to think quickly. Mina remembered something. She threw her heels somewhere to the side, and Kafka did the same with his blazer.
"I'm sorry, Kafka." Mina ominously said as she came closer to him. She let her hair down from her usual ponytail.
"Huh? Mina??? What are- WH- WHAT?!" Mina suddenly pushed Kafka and pinned him against the wall. Kafka's eyes widened comically, his face turned bright red, he practically squeaked as Mina pinned him. His knees buckled slightly, but he stayed upright, stuttering like a broken record.
"Stay quiet." Mina spoke calmly, in fact, she was too calm for this. The distance between their faces was basically nonexistent, Mina's head was slightly tilted to look as if they were kissing. Their breaths were mingling, and the tension was heavy, yet Mina was absolutely unfazed. Time seemed to forget how to work as it stretched in this moment.
The temptation to close the distance between them was strong. Mina couldn't help but stare, studying Kafka's every micro-expression, his blushing face, his big eyes, chapped but soft-looking lips. She wondered how he would feel beneath her-
Goodness, she waited for so long. Holding back now took all of her willpower. She dreamed about a moment like this so many times. She swore to herself that when an opportunity shows itself, she won't hesitate. But right now, the circumstances are, to put it lightly, unfortunate.
Mina held Kafka's gaze, as if he was hypnotized. She could hear his heartbeat- Huh. She didn't know his core could mimic things like that. Mina put her other hand on Kafka's neck, tilting his head lower. "Keep your head low." She felt Kafka shiver from her touch, his breathing shuddered as his eyes darted away. He was no longer blushing as furiously, but in the low light of the room, he looked... so soft. Which didn't make things for Mina easier as the temptation only grew and made it harder to hold back.
Mina suddenly feels Kafka's hands gently wrap around her back, as he looks at her, there's a silent question 'Is this alright?' Kafka always looks out for people, he's so thoughtful, gentle, caring, sweet. But right now, he's practically asking for it. And suddenly, Mina actually becomes aware of what kind of situation she's in and just how much power she hold in her hands-
The door suddenly swings open. "OH MY GOD- I AM SO SORRY-" And it's quickly closed. The moment is shattered. They need to get out. Mina feels dizzy as the weight of what just happened finally settles on her. But before she could properly process it, Kafka speaks. "They left. We need to go." He sounds breathless, as if he himself couldn't quite process what happened.
Mina pulls away reluctantly, easily locking away all of her emotions that she'll think about later. Kafka quickly grabbed her heels and his blazer, and both of them were out of the door with Mina leading the way.
They left the building through the side exit. It was a quiet night besides the usual ambient sounds of busy Tokyo. Mina quickly put on her heels, and the two of them were left standing in an awkward silence as both were sorting their feelings from whatever THAT was.
After some time, it was Kafka who broke the silence. "So uhm... Mina, how did you- get this idea? I mean- who- uh..." Kafka was really awkward asking this question. But Mina understood. And yet she couldn't help herself but slightly laugh at how awkward he was. Kafka's face once again became slightly dusted with pink from embarrassment. And yet he couldn't tear away his eyes from Mina. God, he was so adorable.
"Ah, well- I guess Hoshina gave me that idea..." Now it was Mina's turn to blush as she recalled when Hoshina pinned her to the wall. And then the two of them furiously blushed as they stared at eachother the whole time. That was so embarrassing. "If you tell anyone, you're dead." Mina threatened Kafka, and he slightly held up his hands in surrender. "I never even planned to!"
And once again, silence stretched across them, but this time, it was comfortable. Suddenly, Kafka carefully draped his blazer over Mina's shoulders. "You know, I... don't mind coming with you to this gala again next year." Kafka's voice was so soft, and in this moment, the rest of the world didn't matter. They were in their own small bubble that was the only thing they knew.
"I would like that." Mina said. Kafka’s face lit up, a soft and hopeful grin that made Mina's own heart speed up.
But then, he became nervous. He put his hand on his neck as he bashfully looked away. "Ah, Mina... Uh- There's this cafe that I wanted to check out, maybe you could... join me? Ah- I mean- I know you're really busy! Only if you want to, of course!" Kafka was now sweating, his eyes never left Mina as he studied her every expression closely.
Mina chuckled. "I'll check my schedule to see when I'm free." And it was silent. It seemed as if Kafka didn't even breathe. As if afraid that this bubble will burst at any moment and the harsh reality will hit him in the face. Fragile hope was now replaced by silent awe.
"I think we should go before they find us here." Mina broke the silence and broke Kafka out of his stupor. "Ah! Right! Ahem- I'll order a taxi." He cleared his throat and hurriedly grabbed his phone.
Huh. All of this happened. Maybe... this year's gala wasn't as bad. Maybe she even liked it. The emphasis is on maybe.
As Kafka finished talking on the phone, he held out his elbow to her, like a true gentleman. She grabbed onto him, and the two of them left this not-so-awful gala event.
