steel maiden.

"O-Oh, forgive me," pulling the curtains back into place, her urgent and worried expression remained.

"...It's alright." With a sigh on the other side, Xiaoyu calmed and moved to turn off the water. "Just don't freak me out like that again!"

"Yes, of course. I was simply worried seeing as you did not respond to my text messages nor answer my phone calls. I wished to speak with you right away."

"Huh? About what?"

"Well... I... overheard Miss Nina speaking of Jin--and you. Is it true?"

Xiaoyu slowly peered from behind the curtains. "U-Uh, is what true?"

"That you are currently in a relationship?" Though Alisa always reasoned logically and waited until all information was gathered to make an educated guess, her friend's expression said enough and she gasped. "It is!"

"Please don't freak out! I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner! Just don't tell anyone else, okay? Even though I don't get how Nina possibly found out but please just keep it a secret!"

There was a long pause as Alisa attempted to even process the possibility of this situation. But she would nod dismally, "Understood."

Frowning now, Xiaoyu reached a wet hand to place upon her friend's shoulder. "Hey, what's wrong?" But when she didn't answer, Xiaoyu pulled on a comforting smile. "How about you pass me that towel over there and we can talk in my room, okay?"

Xiaoyu patted the mattress beside her and Alisa moved to obey her silent request. She sat tall, hands placed gingerly upon her lap, but her expression shown worry still which contrasted with elegant movement.

"I know something I said upset you," the brunette pried gently. "But what?"

Silence again. But eventually Alisa turned to her friend, expression grave and voice saddened. "Xiaoyu, you are certain of this?"

Xiaoyu blinked. That question--she understood now. "About... me and Jin?"

"Yes, and Devil Jin as well. I worry greatly for you Xiaoyu, but I am also confident that you will help him like no one else can. There is so much darkness within him after all..." Her gaze fell to the floor. "Perhaps I fear that he may one day treat you, use you as he does me. His motives have never been quite clear to anyone."

Xiaoyu seemed hesitant, as if reluctantly considering all of this. Though she knew Alisa had many valid points, as she often found herself deep in thought over Jin, she was much too happy for their relationship for it to trouble her much anymore. "So I guess you don't approve then?" she asked quietly.

Alisa looked back to her, a small smile showing itself. "Not particularly, however," her gloved hand was placed upon Xiaoyu's, "I certainly approve of our friendship, and your happiness. Always."

Xiaoyu smiled and nodded, giving a reassuring squeeze. She would take what she could get. "Alright. And same with you, okay? So if you ever wanna go out with Lars, I'm all for it--"

Alisa gasped, hands raising to her cheeks. "E-Excuse me?"

"You know~" she mocked, fingers forming the heart-shaped symbol her friend had shown the other day.

"Oh no no, you are mistaken--!"