It was a cold winter afternoon in Frankfurt. Kai and Hannah stood in the rain, their eyes fixed on the grave of Kai’s father.
Kai, our protagonist, stood still, his bangs nearly covering his eyes. His coat clung to him, soaked by the relentless downpour. His blue eyes glistened, sparkling with the tears that threatened to fall.
Every scoop of the shovel hitting the dirt felt like an eternity to Hannah, our other protagonist. Dressed in the attire of a mourner, her long hair was drenched, water dripping down her face. Her hands were clasped tightly together, trembling, as tears traced the curves of her cheeks.
He was almost like a father to me... Hannah thought.
Hannah glanced at Kai, her eyes brimming with tears. "Kai..." she whispered, her voice barely audible over the rain.
The last family I have... she thought, her heart aching. Kai.
Kai looked at her, opening his arms slightly, inviting her for a hug. Hannah met his gaze, her eyes searching his before she wrapped her arms around him tightly. Their bodies pressed together, as if they might merge in that moment.
"Kai... thank you," Hannah whispered, her voice soft but filled with gratitude. "Thank you for everything."
As the final scoop of dirt hit the grave, Kai and Hannah glanced at it one last time.
This is the beginning of a life without my father... Kai thought, the weight of the moment settling in.
Kai took a deep breath before walking toward the tree at the edge of the cemetery. He glanced up at the sky. Hannah followed his gaze, her eyes rising to the heavens.
I am now Sofia and Anna’s guiding star... my two little sisters, Kai thought, a sense of responsibility weighing on him.
Hannah glanced at his eyes, sensing the depth of his thoughts. She composed herself, wiping the tears from her face.
"Kai... do you want to go to the cafe?" she asked, her voice steady now.
Kai looked at her for a moment, then hummed in agreement. "Yeah," he nodded.
Kai and Hannah walked toward their supercar. They climbed in, and Kai started the engine, pulling out onto the road. Hannah, sitting in the passenger seat, glanced at him from the corner of her eye.
"Kai, is it okay to stay at your mansion tonight...? I want to spend time with Sofia," she asked, her gaze drifting toward the window.
Kai hummed in agreement, his voice low. "Yeah."
He shrugged off his wet coat and tossed it into the backseat. After a few moments, they arrived at Café Lumina, an elegant, modern spot known for its sleek design and high-end atmosphere.
Kai and Hannah stepped out of the car and walked into the cafe. The warm, modern interior contrasted with the rain outside, the soft hum of conversations and clinking cups surrounding them.
"What do you want to order?" Kai asked, his voice steady as they approached the menu board.
"Hmm? Are you going to pay for me?" Hannah asked quietly, a hint of teasing in her tone. Is he...?
"I think so," Kai replied, his voice calm and unconcerned. "So, what do you want?"
Hannah turned to him, meeting his gaze. "I want the strawberry set," she said softly, pointing at the menu. It included a strawberry coffee and a slice of strawberry cake.
Kai nodded without hesitation and walked to the counter to place their orders. He added a chocolate coffee for himself before returning to their table. They chose a cozy corner, settling into the quiet ambiance of the cafe.
"I'm planning to bring Sofia a present when we go home," Kai said, his voice steady as he continued. "What should I buy for her to make her happy?"
Hannah tilted her head thoughtfully. "I think you should get her jewelry, chocolates, or maybe a teddy bear," she suggested, her tone contemplative. I wonder if I suggested the right things... she thought, glancing at Kai.
"Jewelry... chocolates... teddy bear..." Kai echoed silently, the options swirling in his mind. He looked at her, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "You think that would make her happy?"
"Yeah, I think so," Hannah replied, nodding confidently.
"I'm planning to find a maid or someone to look after Sofia," Kai said, taking a deep sip of his coffee. "Since Anna's going to school, she can't watch over her anymore."
Hannah took a bite of her cake, her eyes lighting up at the taste. "Hmmmm," she hummed softly, savoring it before replying. "Well, I have a friend I can refer, if you'd like," she said, her voice gentle but thoughtful.
"Send me her number," Kai said, reaching for his phone and holding it up for a scan.
Hannah pulled out her phone, aligning it with his. The exchange was quick, and Kai’s phone buzzed as the number was successfully saved.
"Mia Sophie..." Kai read aloud, his gaze fixed on the screen. "She’s only 20. Do you think she’d accept being my maid?" he asked, his voice steady.
"Yeah. She’s actually really responsible," Hannah replied, her tone softening. "Her family kicked her out, so... she has to find a job." Her voice was low, tinged with sadness.
Kai studied her, his sharp eyes catching the subtle shift in her expression. "Why, though?" he asked, his voice laced with curiosity.
"You should ask her that, not me," Hannah replied, brushing off the question as she finished the last bite of her strawberry cake.
Kai tapped out a message on his phone.
Hi, my name is Kai Hashimoto Krause. I’m looking for a maid, and your friend Hannah referred you to me.
He stared at the screen for a moment before hitting send. Did I say the right thing? he wondered, feeling a hint of awkwardness.
"I wonder if I said the right thing," Kai said aloud, his voice steady as he glanced at Hannah.
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Hannah chuckled, covering her mouth slightly. "She’s kind. You don’t have to worry about sounding stupid," she replied, her tone teasing.
Kai took a deep sip of his coffee, the warmth calming him for a moment. Suddenly, his phone beeped. He looked down, reading Mia's message.
Hi, I can be a maid. Can you tell me more details?
Kai glanced up at Hannah. "She replied," he said, showing her the phone before typing his response.
I’m looking for a full-time live-in maid. You’d have all living expenses covered. Are you up for that? Oh, and the salary is €4,000 per month.
There was a pause before Mia texted back.
Are you... serious? €4,000? That’s a lot...
Kai didn’t hesitate as he typed his reply.
Yes, I’m serious. I have two younger sisters. The youngest is playful and needs someone to watch over her, while my other sister is 15—quiet, keeps to herself, but she’s kind. You’d be helping with both.
Mia’s response came slowly.
Are you sure, sir? €4,000 is still a lot.
Kai took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment, before texting back.
Yeah, I’m sure. Where can I pick you up?
Mia’s reply was quick this time.
I live next to Hannah’s apartment.
Kai nodded, looking at Hannah. “Wait for me. Me and Hannah will pick you up,” he texted, his fingers tapping the screen.
He set his phone down without looking at it, then met Hannah’s eyes. “She accepts,” he said with a small smile.
Kai finished the last sip of his coffee, setting the cup down with a soft clink. Across from him, Hannah did the same, nodding slightly before speaking.
“Let’s go,” she said, picking up her purse and standing.
Kai stretched his arms upward as he stood, letting out a soft sigh. “I feel so tired.”
Hannah glanced at him, her expression softening. “A lot has happened this week…” Her voice was quiet, almost reflective.
Without another word, they stepped out of the café, the cool air brushing against them as they headed back to their supercar. Kai slid into the driver’s seat, starting the engine with a low hum. Hannah settled beside him, gazing out the window as Kai pulled onto the road, heading toward Mia’s location.
"Hey, let me see your conversation with her," Hannah said, her voice low but curious.
Kai raised an eyebrow, glancing at her briefly before focusing back on the road. Hmm? he thought, then shrugged. "Okay." He handed his phone over without hesitation.
Hannah took the phone and began scrolling through the conversation, her eyes darting from line to line. The gentle hum of the engine filled the silence as Kai continued driving.
"Come on, it's just... a one-mission earning," Kai said, his voice steady.
"Don't be rude, €4,000 can buy a lot," Hannah replied.
As they pulled up to Hannah's apartment building, they spotted Mia already waiting by the entrance. The evening glow cast a soft light around her, highlighting her blonde hair and hazel eyes. Her slender, petite frame stood poised, a quiet elegance radiating from her as she glanced toward the approaching car.
Kai and Hannah stepped out of the car, catching Mia’s attention. Her hazel eyes lit up as she saw Hannah. “Hannah!” she exclaimed, rushing over to give her a warm hug.
Then, turning to Kai, Mia gave a polite bow. “And, Sir…”
Kai offered a small smile. “Let’s get going,” he said, stepping forward to grab her suitcase and bag. He carried them effortlessly to the car and opened the trunk, carefully placing her belongings inside.
The three of them got into the car, and Kai started the engine. “You good back there?” Kai asked, glancing at Mia in the rearview mirror.
“Yes, Sir,” Mia replied, her tone cheerful.
Hannah, seated beside Kai, raised an eyebrow as she stole a glance at him. Hmm? she thought, curious about his suddenly formal demeanor.
Kai glanced at her briefly, the silence between them carrying an awkward tension. Breaking it, he spoke steadily, “Anyway, Mia, Hannah and I are heading to a jewelry shop. Do you want us to pick something up for you?”
Hannah raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. Why is he being so generous all of a sudden? she wondered.
“I don’t think I need anything,” Mia replied, her voice hesitant.
“Don’t be shy—it’s fine,” Kai said, keeping his eyes on the road. A moment later, he added, “Actually, why don’t you come with us?”
Mia fidgeted in her seat, her hands clasping together nervously before she nodded. “O-okay, Sir,” she said softly.
Kai caught Hannah’s pointed look and smirked knowingly. Leaning slightly toward her, he whispered, “Don’t overthink it.”
As they arrived at the jewelry shop, a modern, sleek boutique nestled in Frankfurt's New Town, the three stepped out of the car. Kai glanced at his high-tech watch, tapping it lightly before speaking, "Time check." The screen lit up with the time: 7:27 P.M.
Mia’s eyes shifted to the watch, her curiosity piqued. "Oh, how did you get that watch?" she asked, leaning in slightly to get a better look at the sleek design.
Hannah, sensing the shift in attention, shot them both an awkward glance, her eyebrow raised in slight confusion before quickly stepping ahead. "Oh, he bought it," she said hurriedly, clearly eager to move on.
The door to the shop opened with a soft chime, and they entered the luxurious store. Kai moved with purpose toward the more exclusive section of the shop, his eyes scanning the fine jewelry. He turned to Hannah, offering her the black card with a casual gesture. "Hey, buy whatever you want," he said, his voice steady but soft.
Mia’s eyes widened at the sight of the card in Hannah's hand, a spark of awe flickering in her gaze. How rich is he? Mia thought, both impressed and intrigued, as she wandered toward the display cases with Hannah.
Meanwhile, Kai made his way to a section displaying elegant hairclips, running his fingers over the polished surfaces, deep in thought. The quiet hum of the store was a stark contrast to the excitement brewing inside Mia, who couldn't help but glance back at the card in Hannah's hand, still processing just how lavish this moment was.
Kai's fingers hovered over the delicate hairclip, its price tag reading €1600. The clip itself was exquisite: a diamond nestled in a bed of golden lining, shimmering under the soft store lights. Kai's mind wandered as he imagined how it would look in Sofia’s fiery red hair, the contrast between the sparkling diamond and her vibrant locks creating a striking, elegant effect.
This could be perfect for her, Kai thought, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. It was a luxurious gift, but it felt like the right one—something that would not only complement her beauty but also show how much he cared for his little sister.
He reached for the clip, deciding that it was worth every euro.
Kai held the delicate box in his hand, the sparkling diamond hairclip catching the soft light of the store. It was beautiful—€1600 of elegance and sophistication, with golden linings that would shine perfectly against Sofia’s fiery red hair.
He turned to call the jeweler, his voice steady. "Could you wrap this one for me?"
Hannah and Mia, who had been browsing nearby, overheard and walked toward him, both curious. Their eyes widened as they saw the hairclip in Kai's hand.
"You're really going to buy that for her?" Hannah asked, a small smile tugging at her lips, though there was a hint of surprise in her tone.
Kai simply nodded, unfazed. "Yeah, I think she’ll like it."
Mia’s gaze lingered on the box, her wide eyes reflecting an awe that was hard to hide. She didn’t say anything, but Kai noticed the way she was looking at the shimmering jewel. She must think it’s extravagant, he thought with a slight chuckle.
As the jeweler went about preparing the purchase, Kai handed over his black card with a quiet confidence. The transaction was smooth, the jeweler's professionalism evident as he expertly wrapped the item in velvet.
While the jeweler handled the details, Kai turned back to the two women. "So, what did you two pick out?" he asked, his voice casual as he leaned against the counter.
Hannah shrugged lightly, her eyes glinting with a playful spark. "Oh, we haven’t decided yet. We’re still looking."
She gave a brief glance at Mia, who was now studying the jewelry displays again, still quiet but clearly captivated by the collection. Kai couldn’t help but notice the way Mia’s gaze darted from piece to piece, but it wasn’t as if she were looking for something extravagant. It was more like she was simply... intrigued.
With a soft smile, Kai gave them space to continue browsing, his mind already back on Sofia. He couldn’t wait to see her reaction.
Kai finished the purchase, the jeweler handing him a small, elegant box. He turned and walked toward the two women, who were absorbed in their own worlds.
Hannah stood in front of a glittering display, her fingers delicately tracing the glass, drawn to a necklace with letter pendants, each one adorned with diamonds that caught the light like tiny stars. Beside her, Mia was lost in a sea of bracelets, her eyes scanning the intricate designs, her touch brushing lightly over the pieces as if searching for the perfect match.
Kai paused for a moment, watching them. The quiet hum of the store seemed to fade as his gaze lingered on their expressions, both entranced by the luxury surrounding them.
Kai leaned closer to Hannah, his voice low and teasing. "You should pick the letter 'K,'" he said with a mischievous grin.
Hannah's eyes widened, a blush creeping up her cheeks as she stammered, "K-Kai..." She playfully smacked his arm, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"I'm just suggesting," Kai continued, his tone still light and teasing, "You look better with 'K.'"
Hannah's blush deepened as she glanced away, flustered. Mia, oblivious to their exchange, continued to browse through the bracelets, her fingers gently running over the delicate pieces.
Kai's expression softened, his voice taking on a more serious tone. "So, are you going to pick the letter 'K'?" he asked, his eyes locking with hers.
Hannah hesitated for a moment, her heart racing. After a second, she met his gaze, her blush still evident. "O-okay," she said, her voice soft and low, barely audible but full of a shy resolve.
As Hannah called the jeweler over, Kai turned to Mia with a raised eyebrow. "So, what do you want?" he asked, his voice calm.
Mia, still eyeing the bracelet with the price tag of €450, hesitated. "Oh, that...? Are you sure? Why not choose something like a diamond piece?" Kai suggested, glancing at a nearby display with sparkling diamonds.
Diamond!? Mia thought, her eyes widening slightly. She quickly composed herself and responded, "Oh, Sir, I don't think I should. That's very kind of you, but..." her voice trailed off, filled with gratitude.
Kai smiled, undeterred. "No, it's really fine," he said, casually glancing at a diamond bracelet beside the golden one. "This one, pick the diamond," he added, his tone firm but gentle.
Mia hesitated, following his gaze to the glittering stone. "You’re sure, Sir?" she asked, a faint uncertainty in her voice. "I don’t think I should..."
"Yes, choose it," Kai replied, his voice steady, a hint of warmth behind his words.
"O-okay, Sir," Mia said, her voice quiet but accepting. She called over the jeweler, who led them to the counter where Hannah was already finishing her purchase.
Kai walked up beside them and addressed the jeweler. "And this too," he said, handing over the bracelet.
The jeweler nodded and proceeded with both purchases, while Mia stood silently beside Kai, the weight of the gesture not lost on her.
As they finished their purchases, the three of them made their way out of the store, their footsteps echoing softly on the polished floors. Kai led the way, and they all piled into the car. The engine roared to life as Kai pulled away from the curb.
"So, what do you want to eat for dinner?" Kai asked, glancing over at Hannah as he navigated through the streets.
Hannah thought for a moment, tapping her chin with a finger. "How about we cook instead?" she suggested with a small smile, her eyes twinkling with a playful energy.
Mia, sitting quietly in the backseat, was busy admiring the new bracelet on her wrist, the diamonds glinting under the car's interior lights.
Kai leaned slightly toward Hannah, his voice dropping to a low, teasing tone. "Wear the necklace," he said, a hint of mischief in his eyes.
Hannah blinked, startled for a moment, before her cheeks flushed with a soft blush. She reached for the necklace, her fingers brushing against the delicate chain as
she draped it around her neck. The diamond 'K' pendant sparkled against her skin, and she couldn't help but smile at how it looked.
Kai leaned back, his gaze never leaving her. "You're so beautiful," he whispered, his voice filled with warmth and a teasing edge.
Hannah met his gaze, her blush deepening, but she couldn't deny the warmth that spread through her at his words. She smiled softly, looking down at the pendant. "Thank you, Kai," she said, her voice soft but sincere.