The winter afternoon hung heavy in the air, the quiet stillness of Frankfurt’s cemetery broken only by the faint rustling of the wind through the trees. The world felt distant, as if frozen in time. Old houses loomed nearby, their stone facades draped in the shadows of the late day, and the ground beneath was thick with the weight of history.

Kai and Hannah sat side by side on the cold grass, their usual agent attire inconspicuous against the backdrop of the graveyard. Between them lay the headstone, weathered and worn, with the name Martin Krause etched deep in stone. The air was thick with unspoken emotions, the chill of the winter not enough to mask the tension hanging between them.

Hannah glanced at Kai, her heart tightening at the sight of him. His eyes were fixed on the grave, his expression unreadable. There was an eerie calm about him, his blue eyes like frozen lakes, distant and unmoving. A part of her wondered—did he even care?

Her voice barely broke the silence. “Do you think… there’s a chance the authorities will ever find justice for your father?” The words felt heavy, slipping from her lips like a prayer to the wind.

Kai didn’t move, his gaze still on the grave. “I don’t know,” he replied, his voice a low murmur. “Let’s just focus on the present. After all, what’s gone is gone.”

Hannah felt a sharp pang in her chest. His words, so matter-of-fact, hit harder than she’d expected. She swallowed, trying to keep the lump in her throat from choking her. “So, you’re okay with them closing the case? Just like that?” Her voice was still soft, but there was a hint of something deeper, something more urgent in it now.

Kai’s gaze finally shifted to her, his blue eyes meeting hers, his expression unreadable. “You wouldn’t understand,” he said, his tone distant, yet the weight of his words lingered between them.

Hannah’s chest tightened. “But he’s still your father, Kai,” she whispered, her voice faltering as if she were a child trying to make sense of something too big for her.

Kai looked away, his gaze back on the grave. “Whatever…” he said quietly, his voice barely more than a whisper now.

The evening began to settle in, the light dimming around them as the shadows lengthened. Kai stood slowly, stretching his legs, his gaze still lingering on the gravestone.

“Wanna go to a café? To cool down… my love?” His voice was softer now, almost tender, as if he were offering a sliver of warmth amidst the cold.

Hannah stayed where she was, staring at the grave, her heart still heavy. She didn’t answer immediately, the weight of his words settling over her. How could he be so detached? So indifferent?

But even as she thought it, she felt something shift within her—a quiet acceptance. She wasn’t sure if it was out of love, or something else entirely, but she stood up and followed him, the sound of their footsteps crunching softly against the earth.

As they approached the sleek, black car, Kai opened the door for her. Hannah hesitated for a moment, her thoughts still lingering on the heavy silence of the cemetery. With a quiet breath, she stepped forward, sliding into the passenger seat. The cool leather felt oddly comforting against her skin, but her mind was elsewhere. Kai closed the door behind her with a soft click, and she caught a glimpse of him walking around the car, his movements purposeful, yet somehow distant.

He slid into the driver's seat, his hand briefly brushing her thigh as he reached for the gear shift. The unexpected touch sent a jolt through her. She flinched, a warmth spreading across her cheeks, and looked at him from the corner of her eye. His hand rested casually on her leg, as if it was nothing. His expression remained unreadable, focused on the road ahead. But there was a quiet tension in the air, something unspoken between them.

"Love," Hannah began, her voice softer than before, almost hesitant. "Should we head back to CIZA after?" She glanced at him, her curiosity tugging at her.

Kai’s eyes flicked to hers for a brief moment before he let out a deep, quiet sigh. "I don’t know... I’m tired," he said, his voice low and weary. The words hung between them, heavier than the silence that followed. "Let’s go home after. And you know…"

He looked at her, his gaze warm yet knowing, and his lips curved just slightly. She felt a shiver run through her.

Hannah's blush deepened, and she quickly turned her gaze to the window, her heart suddenly racing. Don’t tease me, she thought, pressing her hand to her face as the warmth spread. Her thoughts tangled in a mix of frustration and something else she couldn’t quite name.

"I love you," Kai said, his voice soft but filled with sincerity, the warmth in his eyes undeniable.

Hannah looked at him, her blue eyes shimmering with unshed tears, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "I love you too."

Kai glanced at her, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Too soft," he murmured, as he slowed the car and pulled up in front of Café Lumina, the most elegant and exclusive café in Frankfurt.

The building stood in contrast to the chill of the city, its white exterior gleaming under the pale afternoon sun. Large windows framed by black linings gave it a modern, sleek look. The minimalist design was the perfect blend of sophistication and charm.

"Stop teasing," Hannah said, her voice playful but soft, like a child with a secret gift she didn't quite know how to handle.

Kai chuckled and reached over, gently pinching her cheek. "Love you," he said, his words teasing but with a tenderness that was unmistakable.

He stepped out of the car, walking around to her side and opening the door with a flourish. Hannah hesitated for a moment before stepping out, her cheeks still flushed from earlier. "Thanks," she murmured, a soft laugh escaping her lips as she tried to hide her smile.

They walked toward the café, the scent of freshly baked pastries wafting through the air, mingling with the delicate aroma of modern perfume. The sleek, contemporary interior greeted them with its understated elegance. The hum of soft conversations and clinking cups added to the atmosphere, as if the café itself was a sanctuary from the world outside.

“What do you want to order?” Kai asked, his gaze soft as he looked down at Hannah. She stood there, looking up at him with a curious expression, her youthful innocence making her seem almost like a child.

“You look cute,” he added, his voice carrying a warmth that was impossible to hide.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Hannah’s cheeks flushed a delicate pink, and she immediately swatted his arm, trying to act annoyed. “No teasing,” she muttered, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her.

Before she could say anything else, Kai chuckled, a low, amused sound that lingered between them. “Let’s order something fancy, yeah? Bee sting cake and caramel coffee, maybe?”

Hannah’s eyes lit up. “Oh, Bee sting cake! My favorite… Let’s order it, love!” Her tone was filled with excitement, like a teenager receiving the best surprise—pure joy and enthusiasm shining through.

Kai grinned at her, his heart warmed by her contagious energy. “Sit over there and wait for me,” he said, gesturing to a quiet table in the corner, his smile softening as he watched her, almost fondly.

Hannah nodded eagerly, then, as if unable to contain herself, walked over to the table. But before sitting down, she turned back to him with a playful gleam in her eyes. She leaned up and kissed his cheek, the sudden affection making Kai pause for a moment, caught off guard by her sweetness.

Kai walked up to the counter, his eyes scanning the display of desserts as he ordered a whole bee sting cake and two caramel coffees. The moment the order was ready, he carefully balanced the tray in his hands, the scent of freshly baked cake and rich coffee filling the air. With practiced ease, he made his way back to their table, setting the tray down in front of Hannah with a soft smile.

Hannah’s eyes instantly sparkled with excitement, her gaze locked on the bee sting cake like it was a treasure. Her mouth watered as she looked at the decadent layers of honey and almond, the cake calling to her. “Love, love, love, Bee sting cake,” she cooed, her voice soft and teasing, “and you… both delicious.” She paused for a beat, her eyes narrowing playfully. “Though I think you’re just a bit sweeter,” she added with a grin, causing a rush of warmth to flood Kai’s chest.

Kai chuckled, unable to hold back a smile. He sat down opposite her, taking a sip of his caramel coffee. “You’re trouble, you know that?” he teased, his tone filled with affection. But his eyes softened as he watched her, his heart swelling.

Hannah, meanwhile, was already cutting the cake, her hands trembling slightly with eagerness. She took the first bite eagerly, her eyes closing in bliss as she hummed in pure satisfaction. “Mhmmmmmmmm,” she moaned, the sound drawn out and high-pitched, like the hum of someone who had just tasted something otherworldly. She pouted, her lips curling around the sweet treat, as if she couldn’t quite contain her delight.

Kai’s chest tightened as he watched her—her unfiltered joy, the way her whole face lit up with every bite. He couldn’t help but laugh softly. "Hahaha..." His laugh was warm, filled with a kind of joy that made the world seem a little bit lighter. I’m glad I could make her this happy, he thought, his eyes never leaving her. The sight of her so carefree, so full of life, stirred something deep within him.

“This cake never fails to make my stomach needy,” Hannah said between bites, her voice bubbling with excitement and satisfaction. She didn’t even try to hide how much she loved it, her enthusiasm infectious. Her eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as she forked another piece, eager for more.

Kai leaned back, watching her with a mix of admiration and something more—a deep, quiet affection that swelled in his chest. It was thrilling, in a way. The way she seemed to bring light to the simplest moments, like this one. Everything felt more alive when she was around.

In that moment, as she savored every bite, he realized that it wasn’t just the cake that made her happy—it was everything about this shared moment between them, this simple, perfect piece of their world.

"Hey, love, take a bite!" Hannah exclaimed, holding out the piece of cake she had just bitten into. The sweet dessert glistened with the remnants of her bite, the soft icing and almond slivers catching the light.

Kai chuckled at her playfulness, leaning forward as she held it out to him. He took the bite, his lips brushing against hers for a brief, almost intimate moment. "Mhmmm," he moaned softly, savoring the flavor, trying to match her pace.

Hannah watched him intently, a smile tugging at her lips as she observed his reaction. "Taste good, right?" she teased, her tone soft and almost affectionate. "Even my nonchalant man can’t help but hum when he tastes something this good, huh? My man?" She raised an eyebrow, her voice playful yet filled with tenderness.

Kai smiled, the warmth in his eyes making his expression more genuine than his words. "Eat the whole cake if you want," he replied, his tone steady and light. "I’ll eat your leftovers." His gaze lingered on her, his eyes soft, conveying more than his words ever could.

Hannah’s smile faltered just slightly, a hint of guilt crossing her face, as though she were still that same innocent kid who couldn’t quite make up her mind. "Why don’t we eat together?" she asked, her voice soft and a little uncertain, still holding the bitten cake out to him. Her eyes were searching his face, as though waiting for him to confirm her small request.

Kai’s smile deepened, and this time, his eyes softened with affection, a warmth that was almost tangible between them. "Then let’s eat together," he said, his voice gentle but filled with sincerity. His eyes lit up, a subtle glimmer of affection shining through as he took in her simple, sweet gesture.

As they shared the cake, the bustling cafe around them seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the two of them in their little world. Each slice of the bee sting cake was savored slowly, shared between them with easy laughter and quiet smiles. For a few moments, nothing else mattered—just the simple joy of being together.

When the last bite was eaten, Hannah leaned back, resting her head gently on Kai’s shoulder, the warm scent of cake and coffee still lingering in the air between them. “I’m gonna vomit,” she murmured, her voice laced with playful exaggeration. She picked up her caramel coffee, her eyes narrowing at it with mock distaste. “I can’t finish this.”

Kai chuckled softly, his gaze flicking to her with affection. He leaned over, pressing a light kiss to her forehead. “You’re always dramatic,” he teased, his voice warm. But there was a softness in his eyes that matched the tenderness of the moment.

“What do you want to eat for dinner?” Kai asked, glancing down at his high-tech watch, tapping it lightly to check the time. The screen blinked: 6:44 P.M.

Hannah’s expression softened as she looked up at him, her hand resting gently on his thigh. “I don’t think I could eat anything later… let’s just bring Sofia and Mia some food,” she suggested, her voice quiet, almost thoughtful.

Kai nodded, his eyes still on her. “Sounds good,” he said, his voice steady, though his gaze lingered on her, noticing the subtle shift in her mood.

Hannah smirked, her tone teasing as she propped herself up on one elbow, looking at him with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Hey… you’re gonna pamper me tonight, aren’t you?” she asked, her words slow and suggestive, as if daring him to respond.

Kai raised an eyebrow, his lips curling into a small smile. He leaned back in his chair, completely nonchalant, but the hint of amusement in his eyes was unmistakable. “I will, don’t worry,” he said with a quiet, confident assurance, though a smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

Hannah leaned forward, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to Kai’s lips. For a moment, the world around them seemed to dissolve, the bustling cafe and the noise of the outside world fading away entirely. It was just the two of them, caught in the quiet intimacy of the moment. Their lips parted reluctantly, and as they pulled away, Hannah let out a breath, her chest rising and falling as she panted softly.

“I feel sleepy...” she murmured, her voice low and drowsy, like she was already halfway lost in dreams. “I’m so full.”

Kai held her close, his arm resting gently above her head as he pressed her against him, feeling the warmth of her body. “Let’s go back to the car so you can sleep,” he said softly, his voice soothing. He tightened his arm around her waist, guiding them both to their feet. They walked together, each step in sync, their bodies so close that the space between them seemed to vanish.

As they exited the cafe, Hannah’s tiredness was evident—she leaned heavily against his shoulder, her steps slow and steady. Kai stole glances at her, his gaze soft, affectionate, as though she was the only thing that mattered. He gently opened the passenger door for her, and she slid inside, the exhaustion making her movements sluggish. Kai closed the door behind her and then slipped into the driver's seat, his eyes never leaving her.

With a quiet sigh, he adjusted the seat in the passenger side, making it more comfortable for her, turning it into a makeshift bed. He glanced at her, his smile tender.

“Thanks, love,” Hannah whispered, her voice now so soft, it was as if she were drifting in and out of consciousness.

Kai smiled, the affection in his gaze deepening. He turned the key in the ignition, the engine purring to life, but just as he was about to press the gas pedal, he heard her voice—husky and mixed with sleep.

“Hey… kiss me...”

Her words were a soft command, sultry and drowsy, like she didn’t quite know what she wanted but needed him anyway. Kai’s heart skipped a beat at the request. He looked over at her, his gaze heavy with emotion, before leaning across the seat. His lips found hers in a kiss that was slow at first, tender and searching. But soon, the kiss deepened, both of them moving as one, their tongues swirling together in a dance of longing and intimacy.

In that moment, time seemed to stand still. Everything outside the car, everything outside of them, was forgotten. It was just the two of them—lost in the kiss, lost in each other.

As their lips parted, the world around them seemed to disappear. Hannah didn’t release her hold around his neck, her fingers gently tracing the back of his neck as she gazed into his eyes. There was a quiet intensity there, an undeniable pull that left her breathless. Her voice, though soft and heavy with drowsiness, carried the weight of her affection.

"Kai... I love you..." she murmured, her words wrapped in a soft, trembling breath.

Kai’s heart fluttered at the sound, his smile gentle yet filled with deep affection. "I love you too," he replied, his voice steady but tender, as his gaze never left hers. The warmth in his eyes spoke volumes more than words could convey.

Hannah’s hands moved slowly, almost instinctively, to his coat. Her fingers curled around the fabric, pulling him closer as she whispered with a husky, playful edge to her tone, “Take this off.”

Kai’s breath caught, his eyes glinting with a spark of understanding. He smiled, nodding in agreement as he unbuttoned his coat, slipping it off his shoulders. “Done, love,” he replied, his voice quieter now, the moment between them feeling more intimate than ever.

Hannah’s hands then moved lower, slipping toward the knot of his tie, her fingers delicate but purposeful as she untied it. With a slow and deliberate motion, she peeled off his t-shirt, revealing the hard lines of his chest and abs.

Kai’s breath hitched, his heart racing as she gazed at him, her eyes drinking in the sight of his exposed skin. Her touch followed, weak but insistent, trailing over his chest, the ridges of his muscles, and the definition of his abs. Every touch of her hand seemed to burn into him, setting his skin alight.

His breath quickened, but he didn’t pull away. Instead, he leaned forward, capturing her lips in another kiss. This time, the kiss was slow, tender, full of promises unsaid and moments shared.

When they pulled apart, Hannah’s voice came in a whisper, soft yet full of longing, "Do it..." The simple request was heavy with the desire that lingered in the air between them.

Kai’s heart pounded in his chest. There was no hesitation, no doubt in his mind. He held her close, his fingers gently tracing her jawline as he leaned in, the quiet intensity of the moment wrapping them in a world of their own.