Chapter 1: Introduction
"Oh, Kino!" Kei squealed, her face lighting up at the sight of her friend. "You made it! Come in, come in - it's freezing outside!"
Kino smiled sheepishly, pushing her long purple twin tails behind her ears. "Sorry I'm late," she muttered. "I got caught up at work."
Kei waved her apology away, motioning towards the cozy living room. "No worries, honey," she chirped.
"Come grab some tea I've prepared for you. It's still hot!"
Kino gratefully accepted the cup from Kei, inhaling the soothing scent wafting up from the steaming liquid. The warmth spread through her body, washing away the frigid bite of the evening air. "Thanks, Kei," she murmured softly.
The two friends nestled into the worn-out leather couch, its worn patches and frayed edges a testament to years of shared memories.
Kei eagerly poured them both another cup of tea, offering Kino a bright smile that made her heart flutter. "So, tell me everything," she prodded, her dark eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Kino hesitated, glancing down at her hands. "Work was busy today, as usual," she admitted quietly. "But I'm glad I could make it here."
Kei nodded, understanding passing between them like a silent conversation. "It's nice to have a break, isn't it?" she mused, her tone softening.
"How about you?" she asked, turning the conversation back onto Kei. "What's been going on in your life?"
Kei took a sip of her tea before answering, "My boss had us working overtime again," she groaned, rolling her eyes. "He never seems to understand that we need time to relax too, right?"
Kino laughed sympathetically, nodding her head. "Tell me about it," she agreed.
"But hey, what do you say we forget about our troubles for awhile and do something fun?"
Kino looked up at Kei, her interest piqued. "Like what?" she asked, curious.
Kei grinned mischievously, her dark eyes sparkling with excitement. "Well, there's this movie we've been wanting to watch together," she said cryptically.
"But I think we should get comfortable first."