Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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Let's split the narrative briefly and rewind slightly. The audience continued watching Himeko's experiences over the past two days.

In the VIP lounge, the supervisor intended to introduce Su Qing to Himeko but noticed she was already stunned, simply saying, "We, actually, already know each other..."

And not just acquaintances!

The supervisor, being perceptive, immediately understood the situation upon seeing their reactions: "Then, my sincere thanks to both of you. I won't disturb your reunion; please feel free to let me know if you need anything." With those words, the supervisor excused themselves.

Observing their demeanor, Aisha asked, "Himeko, who is this?"

In a soft voice, Himeko replied, "He's the person I've been searching for..."

Aisha's eyes widened instantly.

Though incredibly curious, she understood from Himeko's state that it was crucial to give her some space. Despite wanting to stay, Aisha reluctantly left the VIP lounge with deep regret.

[March 7th: hhh, Aisha and Anna would definitely have lots to talk about!]

[March 7th: By the way, how did things turn out for Anna and the others later on?]

[Himeko: Anna and Kahn thrived on Water Blue Star, becoming leading figures in their respective fields of research.]

[Himeko: As for Professor Xu, after retirement, he remained spirited and eventually joined the Intelligentsia Guild.]

[March 7th: That's wonderful.!]

[Stelle: @March 7th, thank you, our sequel hero!]

When Su Qing met Silver Wolf, their encounters were often filled with wonder at the passage of time. From his perspective, they had just parted ways not long ago.

Reuniting with Kafka evoked mostly emotions of deep affection.

However, meeting Himeko again, beyond the joy,

there was also a hint of... awkwardness between them.

Despite having privacy in the VIP room after everyone else left, a brief silence fell upon closing the door. Neither knew quite how to begin the conversation.

[Silver Wolf: This clearly resembles the situation when ex-lovers meet again post-breakup.]

[Himeko: It's not like that.]

[March 7th: Huh? Did it really turn out like that??]

[Fu Xuan: If the misunderstanding could have been quickly clarified back then, things might have been different.]

[Fu Xuan: But as time passed, even if it was indeed a misunderstanding, it became increasingly difficult to bring up.]

[Natasha: Indeed.]

There was a brief moment of silence.

As their eyes met, both Su Qing and Himeko spoke simultaneously:

Su Qing: "I didn't expect to meet here..."

Himeko: "How have you been lately...?"

Realizing they had interrupted each other, they paused mid-sentence and gestured courteously for the other to continue.

Su Qing: "You first..."

Himeko: "No, you go ahead..."

Taken aback, they exchanged glances again and, after a moment, both smiled.

Both Su Qing and Himeko recalled the same scene—their initial awkwardness when Himeko first confessed her feelings, similarly yielding to each other just as now.

[Kafka: ?]

[Silver Wolf: Ah???]

[Firefly: Something's off, feels kinda strange!]

[Sparkle: Ha ha, these memories of being the official girlfriend are full of surprises, huh? Do any of you have such memories?]

Himeko, deeply immersed in her longing, found it even harder to contain herself upon this sudden reunion.

She spoke up again, "How have you been lately?"

Su Qing pondered for a moment. "Pretty good."

During this time, he had occasionally moonlighted as a legendary hacker and spent his usual days cooking, all quite enjoyable activities.

[Qingque: hhh, becoming a legendary hacker whenever you find the time—impressive!]

Su Qing also asked, "And you? How's everything going?"

Himeko smoothed her hair, "I... I'm doing alright too."

Their conversation, neither awkward nor comfortable, truly resembled that of ex-lovers meeting again after a breakup.

This atmosphere made Himeko realize that the misunderstanding from before must have indeed taken root.

"Su Qing, actually, things weren't like that back then..." After exchanging pleasantries, Himeko's thoughts raced, hastily wanting to clarify the situation.

However, she quickly realized it wasn't the right time. Her emotions were not settled, and speaking impulsively might only lead to more confusion.

Stay calm, Himeko, take deep breaths.

It's not like before; you can't repeat those mistakes.

Himeko took two deep breaths and changed her approach. "Speaking here might not be convenient. Why don't we go to my room first?"

Su Qing didn't immediately agree, appearing somewhat hesitant, as if considering its appropriateness.

Himeko felt a pang of sadness.

Their once-close relationship had deteriorated to this point. Most regretfully, it was all due to her own actions.

Can...

Can I still go back...?

[Silver Wolf: No going back now, just let the ex-girlfriend cry.?]

[Firefly: Cry indeed, but tears won't change anything!]

[Himeko: True, Firefly keeps crying, yet it changes nothing.]

[Firefly: Ah... (falls defeated)]

[Stelle: Firefly is so weak these days!]

Realizing she needed to emphasize the importance, Himeko explained there was something crucial to discuss, which finally convinced Su Qing to agree.

***

Himeko had already messaged Aisha earlier, ensuring she wouldn't return for a while.

As Su Qing sat down in the living room,

Himeko opened her luggage, which she always carried with her.

In one corner, she first spotted the hair accessory Su Qing had gifted her, and her gaze lingered on it for a few seconds.

Then, from beside it, she retrieved a letter.

With both hands, Himeko handed the letter to Su Qing. "Everything I wanted to say is written here."

"Please...please make sure to read it."

[Fu Xuan: She came prepared!]

[March 7th: Great, great, just as I knew! Go, Sister Himeko!!]

[Clara: Big Sister Himeko, you're amazing!!]

[Kafka: ...]

[Sparkle: Someone's about to get anxious now~]

Su Qing accepted the letter, opened it, and began reading attentively.

Unconsciously, Himeko's golden eyes followed his gaze as he perused the letter, feeling even more nervous than when she initially confessed her feelings.

As she recalled these past years, ever since boarding the Astral Express and embarking on the Trailblazing journey, she had continuously sought news about Su Qing. Yet despite relentless pursuit, she found nothing.

Over time, this letter underwent numerous revisions and additions. On nights without navigator duties, Himeko often spent hours in her room, sipping coffee while gradually expanding the content of the letter.

As a result, by the end, the letter had grown much longer than their original love note, spanning several pages.

The letter encompassed their past misunderstandings, Himeko's feelings of regret and remorse, her subsequent experiences, her longing for Su Qing, and much more.

Most crucially, it expressed her heartfelt desire to reconcile and return to their once-close relationship...

In theory, this letter conveyed her thoughts precisely. Yet as Himeko watched Su Qing read it, she felt a faint pain in her stomach.

For years, she had relentlessly pursued reconciliation, never letting hope fade.

If after reading the letter, Su Qing still rejected her, it would truly be over, beyond repair...

[Himeko, watching the live stream, experienced that same stomachache.]

[After all, she couldn't predict how Su Qing would react upon reading the letter.]

Himeko tried her best to remain optimistic.

Back then, both physically and emotionally, they had been inseparably close.

Being Su Qing...

He surely understood the myriad emotions contained within those words... If anyone could grasp them, it was him...

The letter was lengthy, and Su Qing read it attentively. The room fell silent, interrupted only by the occasional rustling sound as he turned each page.

[Viewers held their breath, captivated.]

[March 7th: Aaaaah! What do I do? So nervous! Help!]

[Sushang: Me too! @Black Swan, can you reveal what's written in the letter? The suspense is killing me!]

[Black Swan: @Himeko, should we share it?]

[Himeko: ...Let's not.]

[The letter carries hopes for reconciliation, and both regret and longing are expressed quite candidly, even more so than in a typical love letter.]

[If they were to read it now, there might be numerous instances later that could invite teasing...]

After a long moment, Su Qing finally finished reading the letter.

He pondered for some time.

Finally, meeting Himeko's gaze, Su Qing spoke, "I understand now that it was just a misunderstanding."

Himeko felt a surge of joy within her heart.

"Although it was a misunderstanding," Su Qing seemed equally conflicted, "a lot has changed since then. To instantly return to how things were back then feels... somewhat unrealistic."

[Silver Wolf: I knew it!!!]

While Silver Wolf continued rejoicing, Kafka picked up on certain key phrases, causing her heart to sink.

Su Qing deliberated before continuing, "So perhaps, we can take it slowly."

"We can try gradually rediscovering those past feelings. Once we both feel ready... we can decide whether to rekindle our relationship. What do you think?"

[Silver Wolf: Ah?!]

Himeko and Silver Wolf's emotions oscillated like a roller coaster ride, albeit with peaks and valleys diametrically opposite each other.

Upon hearing Su Qing's response,

Himeko was naturally overjoyed, exclaiming, "Great!"

Given that their past misunderstandings and separation were now undeniable facts, it wasn't feasible to simply brush everything aside as if nothing happened and instantly restore their relationship to its former state.

Gradually repairing their bond and slowly rebuilding what they once had...that would already be the best possible outcome!

Not only was Himeko delighted, but she also felt an immense sense of relief. The years of longing finally bore fruit.

"...I'm sorry; I didn't mean for you to see me like this right away." Nervously, Himeko wiped away tears that had unexpectedly fallen.

Su Qing promptly stood up and handed her some tissues, reassuringly saying, "It's alright, such reactions are quite natural..."

Himeko struggled to hold back her tears, taking several moments before gradually regaining composure.

Silver Wolf observed this scene and realized she couldn't bear it anymore.

[Because her inherently wicked ex-girlfriend is now on the verge of becoming an even more formidable current girlfriend!]

[One pair has experienced life-altering separation and reunion.]

[The other, with a history of sweet romance, seems likely to rekindle their past connection upon meeting again.]

[What am I here for then, exactly???]

[To compete for third place? At least claiming top three sounds decent, right?]

[But the problem is, there are only three people involved!]

[Silver Wolf sensed her chances of winning were dwindling rapidly, almost vanishing entirely.]

[No way, they must counterattack!]

[Silver Wolf: Hmph, Kafka and Himeko are just alike—meeting Su Qing only makes them cry! Seems so weak!]

[Kafka:]

[Himeko:]

[Firefly:]

[Silver Wolf: ? Why isn't anyone responding? Even Firefly is silent?!]

[March 7th: Silver Wolf, oh dear...]

[Fu Xuan: Tsk tsk, Silver Wolf.]

[Bronya: Silver Wolf...]

[Silver Wolf: ??? Why do you all react like this?]

[Stelle: Because! Inability to hold back tears upon meeting signifies deep emotional bonds!]

[Silver Wolf pondered for a moment. Hmm... It seems, it does seem true indeed.]

[Silver Wolf: When I met Su Qing, my nose tingled too. But I didn't tear up because I'm more mature.]

[Stelle: Uh, so you think Kafka and Himeko aren't as mature as you?]

[Silver Wolf: ...Hard to say.]

[Qingque: Ha ha ha ha ha ha!!]

[Seele: LOL.]

[Sushang: She's overly confident!]

[Sparkle: Between Kafka and Himeko, it's hard to say who will win or lose.]

[Sparkle: But now I'm fairly certain about who is .]

***

The above events occurred on the first day of the auction.

Another day passed.

At the end of the second day, after the auction concluded, Himeko once again invited Su Qing to her room for conversation.

Finally meeting again, they had so much to talk about.

Although she intended to take things slow, whenever Himeko looked at Su Qing, she couldn't help but reveal a hint of nostalgic sweetness in her smile.

Why was their past romance so enchanting?

Himeko vividly recalled their first kiss under a pavilion amidst the rain, every detail still crystal clear in her memory.

She remembered how, as Su Qing carried her down the mountain on his back, she continuously whispered her affection into his ear.

She reminisced about that day when emotions and rationality intertwined, reaching the pinnacle of love towards him...

Their relationship back then was so perfect, almost dreamlike.

As these memories surfaced, Himeko found herself inadvertently leaning closer.

Whether by accident or not, her hand brushed against Su Qing's.

"Ah..." Himeko let out a soft gasp.

Oh no, why am I still so nervous?

Himeko felt like covering her face, knowing she must be blushing slightly.

After all these years of experiences... Despite being a trusted navigator now...

She had thought she could casually touch his hand, appearing perfectly composed and natural. Yet unexpectedly, as soon as she got close to Su Qing, she couldn't help but feel shy and even let out a small gasp.

This isn't good..., Himeko lamented inwardly.

It seemed she hadn't grown at all, feeling just as bashful as when they first started dating...

Su Qing naturally noticed Himeko's clear reaction.

He glanced to his left.

There beside him were Himeko's slightly flushed, beautiful cheeks.

Su Qing took a moment to observe her.

The familiar feelings predominated, but after their long separation, there were subtle differences he noted.

Back then, Himeko would only apply lip gloss, giving her lips a glossy and vibrant appearance, reflecting her youthful energy.

Now, she wore lipstick, making her lips even more enticing.

Dressed in a white gown adorned with golden embellishments, it accentuated her perfect figure beautifully.

The high heels on her feet further enhanced her elegant and mature demeanor, which was a style Su Qing had not seen her adopt before.

"W-What is it?" Despite looking strikingly mature and beautiful, Himeko blushed like a shy young girl, unable to meet his gaze as she softly asked, head slightly bowed.

"Nothing..." Su Qing turned away slightly, avoiding eye contact. "So, where were we just now?"

[March 7th: Aaaah! Sister Himeko looks stunning, and Su Qing's getting flustered?!]

[March 7th: Yesss, ship them hard! I can't handle this excitement anymore!!]

[Seele: Sometimes, I may not fully understand what's happening.]

[Seele: But I've noticed that based on little March's reactions, I can gauge the situation. The more excited she gets, the better things seem to be.]

[Stelle: ? Ha ha ha, finding alternative ways to interpret!]

[Qingque: Honestly, you might be onto something.]

Noticing Su Qing's reaction, Himeko was undoubtedly the happiest among them.

A shy yet joyful smile blossomed across her face.

Her hand gently moved, feeling the warmth at the edge of Su Qing's palm but refrained from further action. Maintaining their close proximity, she continued, "So, let me tell you about my first Trailblazing mission after boarding the Astral Express..."

Su Qing listened attentively.

Although both reunions were significant, his feelings towards Himeko differed greatly from those towards Kafka.

Back then, Su Qing had deeply admired Himeko as well. Even now, just looking at her often stirred emotions within him...

[Kafka: (falls silent)]

[Firefly: ???]

[Silver Wolf: Boring, too cheesy; I can't bear to read more.?]

[Sparkle: ?? These breakdown moments sure have unique flavors.]

[Seele: Is this the power of the official girlfriend? Crushing it right from the start!!]

[Himeko: (picking up coffee cup), Feeling extremely delighted]

[Himeko: Apologies, @Kafka, @Silver Wolf, did you come here to compete for second place?]

[Firefly: Can you tag me too, so I feel included? ?]

[Himeko (smiling): Of course, @Firefly.]

[Sparkle: Fun.]

[Seele: Ha ha ha ha!!]

[Herta: Laughed to death.]

[Guinaifen: ? Firefly is hilarious!]

[Fu Xuan: It seems quite clear now. If judged purely on romance, Himeko undoubtedly takes first place.]

[Sushang: Victory!]

[Clara (cheerful): Big Sister Himeko will definitely win!]

As Himeko chatted with Su Qing, she suddenly recalled the tarot card reading from before.

The prediction of experiencing a sweet and blissful love seemed accurate...

And the separation that would send them in different directions also rang true...

Could the unforeseen reunion it mentioned be happening right now?

Himeko pondered this but found no definitive answer, choosing instead to focus fully on her conversation with Su Qing.

***

The above interactions took place over the previous two days, leading up to the third day.

After wandering aimlessly for two consecutive days, Aisha couldn't continue like this on the third. So today, Himeko made plans with Su Qing—they agreed to meet in his room.

Finally reuniting with her long-missed lover, and with their relationship smoothly restored, Himeko's mood was naturally elated.

With a smile on her face and a radiant demeanor, even when she encountered at the elevator entrance the purple-haired woman who seemed quite dangerous—someone she had noticed before—

Himeko displayed a remarkably friendly attitude.

[Stelle: At this moment, world lines converge!]

Smiling, Himeko asked Kafka about her desired floor.

Kafka responded coldly.

Himeko felt slightly taken aback; it seemed the other woman was in a bad mood?

She didn't dwell on it, simply mentioning they were heading to the same floor, and pressed the elevator button.

It should have been a very brief shared ride.

However, as the elevator reached the third floor, it suddenly jolted and came to a halt.

Most people might panic, but neither of these two were ordinary individuals.

Kafka's readiness goes without saying.

And Himeko could instantly summon her suitcase.

The suitcase served not only for storage but also as her weapon, allowing her to handle any unexpected situations promptly.

[Stelle: As is well-known, summoning weapons at any time and place isn't uncommon in this world.]

[Seele: ? Isn't that common knowledge? Why does Stelle need to emphasize it suddenly?]

[Stelle: Just a casual remark, really ~]

A voice echoed from the elevator's intercom system, "My sincere apologies, esteemed guests. Due to issues left by the Annihilation Gang recently, there is a temporary elevator malfunction."

"Please be patient; repairs are estimated to take approximately twenty minutes..."

After several apologetic messages, the intercom fell silent.

The silence continued inside the elevator.

Only two people were present—one as cold as ice, the other radiant like peach blossoms. Each occupied half of the space, immersed in their own thoughts, without exchanging words.

[March 7th: Yet these contrasting emotions stem from the same person!]

[Bronya: Emotions truly are fascinating.]

[Qingque: With them stuck together in an elevator for twenty minutes, I can't shake this uneasy feeling...]

[Stelle: Next episode—ELEVATOR EXPLOSION!]

[Seele: That's the most likely outcome!]

[March 7th: It...it probably won't happen, right?!]

[March 7th: Look, even though Sister Himeko and Kafka aren't talking, they're coexisting peacefully.]

[Seele: But seriously, can they go twenty whole minutes without saying a word?]

[March 7th: Who knows? Let's just hope the elevator doesn't explode...]

Seconds ticked by quietly within the elevator.

Perhaps sensing the prolonged silence was becoming awkward, it was finally the smiling Himeko who broke it. "Hello there, you seem rather troubled. Is something bothering you?"

[Kafka: ...]

[Kafka: Who knows? Let's just hope this elevator doesn't explode...]