It was supposed to be a simple date—quiet, uneventful, something normal in a life that rarely allowed for it. You picked a cozy little curry place near the station, nothing fancy, but clean and warm, with the smell of spice and toasted garlic drifting through the air like a soft welcome. Kobeni showed up early, as always, nervously adjusting her skirt and glancing around like she expected someone to yell at her just for standing there. But when she saw you waving through the window, her shoulders relaxed just a little. She came inside, sat down across from you, and fiddled with the edge of her napkin while you both skimmed the menu.

She picked something mild—chicken katsu curry, no spice, extra rice. She told you, in a small voice, that spicy food made her cry. You smiled and told her you’d order the same. She looked almost relieved.

The waiter came. Orders were taken. Water glasses were refilled. You chatted a little—small things. A funny story about Denji yelling at a vending machine. A recent mission where she somehow got stuck in a dryer (you didn't ask). She laughed, eyes wide, and it made you feel warm in a way that no blanket ever could.

Then the food came.

You blinked. She blinked.

They’d given her the spicy version of the curry. Bright red sauce. Extra chili powder on top. Steam rising like it wanted to kill someone. Kobeni froze, eyes glued to the plate in horror. Her hands curled into fists in her lap, and her lower lip trembled.

You could see it all play across her face in real time: the panic at the idea of causing a scene, the guilt of sending food back, the dread of being seen as “difficult.” She opened her mouth—probably to say it was fine—but you were already waving at the waiter.

—“Sorry,” you said with a smile, “she ordered the mild version. Could you swap it?”

Kobeni's eyes widened, and her whole body went rigid. Like you’d just committed a high-level crime on her behalf.

The waiter apologized and nodded, taking the plate away. Kobeni stared at you.

—“I-I could’ve just eaten it,” she whispered.