Honkai Star Rail Simulation: I'm Surrounded By Characters

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Himeko realized she had miscalculated.

She never anticipated that Su Qing and Kafka's relationship could be so deep.

Between herself and Su Qing, they shared their first kiss and a heartfelt romance, almost a perfect first love, with both deeply caring for each other.

Yet despite this,

When faced with a choice, Su Qing unexpectedly picked Kafka...

How could it be?

What exactly was the nature of Kafka and Su Qing's relationship?

It didn't seem like a romantic one; were they just friends? Teammates perhaps?

Himeko felt there must be more to it than that.

But beyond these possibilities...

What else could their relationship be?

[March 7th: Even with all her calculations, Sister Himeko couldn't have foreseen that Kafka is actually his daughter!]

[March 7th: If she knew this earlier, she would've never forced him to choose!]

[Seele:...Honestly, who could've guessed something like that?]

[Black Swan: The renowned Stellaron Hunter, known throughout the universe, Kafka—who appeared older than Su Qing—turns out to be his adopted daughter.]

[Black Swan: It's a complete blind spot. One can only say, Himeko lost fair and square.]

[Sparkle: Honestly, even if she racked her brain, she wouldn't have guessed this twist!]

At that moment, Himeko couldn't spare any more thought to analyze their relationship dynamics.

All she heard was that although Su Qing didn't explicitly state it, he clearly indicated his choice for Kafka. He also suggested delaying the reconciliation further, allowing both parties time to seriously consider before making a decision...

Himeko managed a few strained responses, feeling slightly suffocated and dizzy.

Once, due to a misunderstanding, they had nearly ended their relationship completely.

Now, after finally reuniting with such difficulty, she thought everything would smoothly progress, like happiness blossoming as a flower.

Yet, in the end, it turned out this way again...

[March 7th: ? What do we do now?! With this delay, our chances of a successful multiplayer simulation seem slim!]

[Sushang: Ah? No way, is it really falling apart??]

[Clara: (sobbing) Big Sister Himeko...]

[Silver Wolf: Himeko starts strong, Himeko maintains dominance, Himeko wreaks havoc, Himeko claims victory... Himeko collapses!!]

[Seele: Her previous simulation seemed to follow a similar pattern.]

[Qingque: Indeed. But last time, it was due to her own misstep; this time, Kafka got the better of her.]

[March 7th: @Himeko, what happened, Sister Himeko?! How did this occur??]

[Himeko: ... (speechless)]

[Fu Xuan: Some people are just like that. Smooth sailing most of the time, only to stumble when it matters most.]

[Silver Wolf: The undisputed top-tier version—unstoppable Himeko.]

[Silver Wolf: Alas, such invincible heroes do not exist.?]

[Herta: Too bad; I also bet on Himeko.]

Everyone chimed in with their thoughts, except for Firefly, who remained silent.

[Firefly: (enjoying the drama unfold)(this is truly captivating)]]

Words spoken cannot be unsaid, just as water spilled cannot betaken back.

Having already voiced her ultimatum, and with Su Qing making her choice, there was no turning back now.

Dizzy and disoriented, Himeko struggled to maintain her composure, doing her best to salvage the situation. Thankfully, she managed to prevent things from worsening further—even if mending their relationship would take more time, hope still lingered...

Kafka quietly observed without saying a word, knowing when to stop pushing her advantage. With little interest in prolonging the confrontation, Kafka followed Su Qing away.

As they passed by Himeko, Kafka's lips curved into a perfectly measured smile. She tilted her head slightly, studying Himeko's expression.

[Sparkle: Joy.]

[Sparkle: Kafka: That's exactly the expression I wanted to see! The look of shattered romance! The face of defeat at my hands!]

[Kafka: (Laughs)]

[Kafka: @Himeko, anything you'd like to say?]

[Himeko: ...No.]

[Qingque: Still taunting her?! Kafka, you're truly despicable!!]

[Qingque: But on this battlefield, "despicable" seems to be a term of praise, signifying immense strength!]

[Qingque: Her move just eliminated the competition—she's too strong! Knew betting on her was the right choice!!]

[Stelle: Heh heh, greatness speaks for itself.]

With mixed emotions, Himeko glanced briefly at Kafka before gritting her teeth and defiantly turning away, then walking off.

Kafka chuckled softly, ensuring it was loud enough for Himeko to hear.

She quickened her pace, falling into step beside Su Qing once more.

Assuming her charming demeanor again, she walked shoulder-to-shoulder with Su Qing as they departed together.

[Bronya: Speaking of which, seeing their backs reminds me of the first time Su Qing took young Kafka on a mission. They left side by side back then too.]

[Bronya: Only now, Kafka has grown so tall and mature from that small figure.]

[Stelle (sighing): Indeed, I've watched my mom grow up since she was young. It feels like just yesterday, sigh... and now she's already so grown.]

[Seele: ...Every time you say this, it sounds utterly absurd.]

[Qingque: +1]

***

Himeko couldn't recall how she made her way back.

Apart from grief and anger, her heart was filled with questions.

Upon reaching her bedroom, she brewed herself a cup of coffee. Staring at the rising steam, she found little desire to drink it.

Himeko began reflecting on when exactly she fell into Kafka's trap.

It started earlier today, no, even from yesterday, Kafka seemed to be guiding Himeko into believing she was merely Su Qing's teammate.

Then, by continuously provoking her, appearing highly dangerous, Kafka induced frustration, making Himekoeagerly drive her away from Su Qing's side.

The most critical moment came with the ultimatum.

Originally, Himeko would never have uttered such definitive words. However, based on the groundwork laid beforehand, combined with Kafka's persistent emphasis, she ended up saying them...

[Qingque: Truly masterful, leading someone step by step into a trap.]

[Bronya: Unable to win in the romantic rivalry, she cleverly shifted to the broader emotional track where she held more advantage.]

[Bronya: This is the true way to open up a new arena—Silver Wolf could learn from it.]

[Stelle: The question is, in which arena does Silver Wolf hold an advantage?]

[Bronya: Hmm, good point... Let me think...]

[Herta: The stubborn denial arena.]

[Seele: Ha ha ha, indeed!]

Himeko realized her biggest mistake was underestimation.

As soon as Kafka learned she was Su Qing's girlfriend, hostility filled her instantly. Likely from that moment on, Kafka began strategizing with full determination.

In contrast, even after discovering Kafka's intentions, Himeko remained somewhat unconcerned. Ultimately, her overconfidence as Su Qing's girlfriend led to this situation.

Reflecting back, Kafka's statement of "giving up everything" might not have been empty words at all.

Though deeply unwilling, Himeko had to admit defeat. Whether it was her feelings for Su Qing or his affection towards them, she felt outmatched by Kafka...

After pondering for a long time, until her coffee had gone completely cold, Himeko finally picked it up and drank it down.

Today's coffee tasted even more bitter than usual.

***

The next day, the fifth day of the auction event, it was Himeko who sought out Kafka this time.

Himeko cut straight to the chase and asked, "What exactly is your relationship with Su Qing?"

Kafka no longer needed to maintain her act, so she didn't feign any further provocation or hostility.

Nevertheless, Kafka remained distant, "Do you think I'd tell you? If you want to know, why not ask Su Qing yourself?"

Himeko had already asked him.

However, Su Qing merely stated they were teammates, as if he believed she wouldn't believe the true nature of their relationship.

[Natasha: If Su Qing told you he once adopted Kafka, @Himeko, would you have believed it?]

[Himeko: ...At that time, indeed, it would have been hard for me to believe.]

She never expected to glean any meaningful information from the tight-lipped Kafka anyway.

The main purpose of Himeko's visit this time was to express, "Regarding yesterday's conversation, I admit, I truly couldn't say something like giving up everything as easily as you did."

Kafka gave a cold smile, preparing a few mocking words.

But then, Himeko continued, "Because it was Su Qing who helped me overcome such thoughts."

"I once immersed myself deeply in our relationship, treating him as my everything while neglecting my studies and future."

"But now, I clearly understand that dreams, hobbies, friendships, the path I choose, along with love, all together shape who I am.

"If I focus solely on romance, only on him, and abandon everything else, I would cease to be me. Instead, I'd become just a beautiful yet dull shell."

"Even if I could accept it, would Su Qing truly appreciate such a version of me? Does he genuinely wish for me to become like this?

"If Su Qing were in danger, even at the cost of my own life, I wouldn't hesitate to stand by his side.

"But casually talking about giving up everything or abandoning all..."

Himeko responded partly in jest but also earnestly, "I advise you to soon break this habit. It's somewhat unhealthy, burdensome, and verging on madness."

After a moment of silence, Kafka retorted, "...Did I ask for your opinion? Are you trying out for a speech contest with all these words?"

[Seele: hhhhh]

After listening to Himeko's lengthy speech, Kafka felt increasingly agitated.

It wasn't due to the content itself; a few words couldn't sway her thoughts that easily.

Sickly? She didn't care.

Heavy? Who asked you anyway?

Madness? As the company's most wanted fugitive, she was no stranger to such labels.

Kafka's frustration stemmed from knowing that Su Qing indeed preferred women like Himeko.

Himeko was rational, intelligent, and always on the right path. Though deeply in love, she wouldn't blindly follow but rather help someone become better together. Additionally, with her beauty, elegance, excellent figure, and refined demeanor, she embodied nearly the perfect girlfriend archetype.

...And what about Kafka's own feelings?

She knew that if she were to tell Su Qing, "I'm willing to give up everything for you," he would undoubtedly frown and admonish her against having such intense and exaggerated thoughts.

[Sparkle: Joyful, self-aware, and well-understood when it comes to Su Qing.]

[Qingque: Kafka and Himeko truly represent two completely different personalities.]

[March 7th: From this conversation, Sister Himeko seems quite light-hearted?]

[Himeko (confident): Of course.]

[Himeko: At most, when we first started dating, I created a detailed plan outlining our entire life and future together.]

[Stelle: ...]

[March 7th: ...]

[A sudden silence fell over everyone.]

[Himeko (puzzled): What's wrong?]

[March 7th: Sister Himeko, actually... uh... normally, we already refer to this as being 'caught up' or 'under the influence'.]

[Himeko: ???]

[Himeko: Isn't this much better than Kafka's approach, where she casually talks about giving everything up at any moment?]

[Himeko (defensive): Besides, that was just during the early days of our relationship; I've grown since then.]

[Sparkle: Surprise inspection! @Himeko, how many letters did you write while separated from Su Qing those few years?]

[Himeko: ...I don't want to answer that question.]

[March 7th: ? Seems like it might be quite a concerning number.]

[Kafka: Ha, the pot calling the kettle black.]

Kafka had won one round.

She initially thought this would leave Himeko disheartened, at least for some time.

To Kafka's surprise, just the next day, Himeko approached her again with an even greater threat.

Especially concerning was when Himeko mentioned Su Qing helping her overcome infatuation—an aspect of her past that Kafka knew nothing about...

Because deep down, she realized Himeko truly matched the type Su Qing might be attracted to.

Thus, Kafka confirmed it—she genuinely despised this woman.

Their relationship had started amicably in the elevator conversation.

Then, upon learning the truth, it swiftly plummeted to its lowest point.

During their subsequent confrontation, although Kafka won the first round, Himeko's assertiveness put immense pressure on her.

Now, both sides were fully serious, treating each other as true romantic rivals.

[Firefly: By the way, where's Silver Wolf?]

[Firefly: With things getting intense between you two, what about the third participant, Silver Wolf?]

[Stelle: #Check Silver Wolf's status#]

[Black Swan switches the camera view.]

At that moment, in the living room, Su Qing and Silver Wolf were seen playing video games together.

[Silver Wolf: Ha ha, panicking now?]

[Silver Wolf: @Kafka, @Himeko, while you're battling fiercely, I'm stealthily taking your base. 😜]

[Kafka: (Can't help but chuckle)]

[Himeko: (Laughs)]

[Bronya: ...Are you just playing games there?]

[Stelle: ? So little Silver Wolf only knows gaming, huh?]

[Silver Wolf: What?!]

[Silver Wolf: I enjoy playing with Su Qing—so what?!]

[Stelle: (Removes sunglasses) Direct sneak attack!]

[Stelle: ? → ???, Huh?!]

[Silver Wolf: ?]

[March 7th: Stelle managed to remove Silver Wolf's sunglasses! And look at that expression beneath them! Ahh! Unexpected ship tease!]

[Silver Wolf: (Face rapidly turning red)]

[March 7th: Blushing now!]

[Seele: Ha ha, adorable.]

[Stelle: Little Silver Wolf is so cute.]

[Silver Wolf: (Activates holographic sunglasses projection)]

[Silver Wolf: ?]

[Silver Wolf: Actually, those hearts and blushing were just facades, not my real expressions.]

[Sparkle: Doesn't seem like it to me though~]

[Silver Wolf: Silence! You Masked Fool, what do you know about masks?!]

[Sparkle: Aww, Silver Wolf's all proud yet cute indeed.]

***

The conversation between Kafka and Himeko, as expected, ended on a sour note.

Kafka didn't take Himeko's advice seriously, but she did sense a growing unease within her. Initially, she was overwhelmed by the emotion and joy of reuniting with Su Qing, not giving much thought to anything else.

But now...

Daring ideas began to emerge in Kafka's mind.

Her words spoken earlier to intimidate Himeko might become reality after all.

Living together again, combined with knowledge of the Word Spirit Technique.

A smile spread across Kafka's lips.

Yes, there are quite... many possibilities, aren't there?

[Himeko: ???]

[Himeko: @Kafka, what are you planning?!]

[Himeko: I just told you not to burden yourself too much—are you already considering using the Word Spirit Technique for something?]

[Kafka: (Smiling) Guess if you can.]

Meanwhile, elsewhere.

In the living room, after finishing one round of her game, Silver Wolf hesitated instead of immediately starting another.

She put down the controller, contemplating her next move with some uncertainty.

[Seele: Finally, Silver Wolf is taking action too!]

[Bronya: Go for it?!]

[Bronya: Even if you don't win, at least @Silver Wolf, try not to lose so miserably and be completely overshadowed!!]

[Sparkle: Hey, just observing here - each of these three has shown distinct traits as they stepped up.]

[Sparkle: Surprisingly, despite being the frontrunner with high expectations and apparent advantages, Himeko was the first eliminated after all that maneuvering.]

[Himeko: ...]

[Himeko: Next episode, Kafka and Silver Wolf's double blunder.]

[Kafka (laughs): Next episode, introducing Su Qing's new girlfriend, Kafka.]

[Silver Wolf: Boring. No need for previews, my victory is certain. ?]

[March 7th: ...Among them, surely one must be the correct choice, right?]