#kanakarin

“Oh, why?”

“It means I'm forming habit around you.”

“Is that bad?”

Kanata blinked as though just then registering what she had said. “No…” She smiled again, but Karin thought it looked a little forced. “I know Karin-chan and Emma-chan have been working hard so Karin-chan can sleep properly at home. And then you won't need Ka… Somnial's services any more.”

“I’m not sure you're in any danger of that just yet.” Karin admitted. “My ability to sleep at home has definitely improved with your help, but I still have a ways to go.”

Kanata hummed, seemingly satisfied with that answer.

Karin couldn't help wondering if there was more going on than she realized.

“Thank you, as always, for your service, Konoe-san.” A polite voice interrupted Karin's thoughts.

A short, bespectacled woman approached and bowed to the dream shop owner.

“Same time tomorrow?” Kanata asked.

“Of course.” The woman nodded before hurrying out of the store, having not so much as even acknowledged Kanrin's presence.

“Your usual room is open, Karin-chan.” Kanata returned her attention to Karin.

“Thank you.” Karin replied, turning in that direction.

And almost ran into a short, bespectacled woman, except the other woman dodged deftly around her.

“Thank you, as always, for your service, Konoe-san.” She said politely with a bow.

“Same time tomorrow?” Kanata asked.

“Of course.” The short woman nodded before hurrying out of the store.

“They’re twins.” Kanata answered Karin's unasked question. “Not a case of déjà vu.”

“Ah…” Kanrin replied.

Now that she thought about them, were they not the aids of Mifune Shioriko, the chairwoman of the city council? Karin felt herself sneer as memories of the council’s interference with her career crossed her mind. The council was far too possessive over the power they wielded and it often felt like it was their way or the highway.

“Hrm… that's not a good look, Karin-san.” Kanata said, moving out from behind her desk. “Why don't I set you up with some extra incense to help you dream today? On the house.”

“Thank you.” Karin replied, finally reaching her usual room. It was time for some good rest to make up for weeks of insomnia.

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Author's Note: I literally ran this one down the last minute to post on the server. As such, it feels very rushed and I had more ideas for it than I had time to include. As such, I definitely need to come back to it. Honestly, I need to do more worldbuilding with the Paragon dimension in general.