A/N No, my name isn't actually stjarna (would be cool if it was though). Either it means star in Icelandic, or google translate is lying to me. Sounds nice either way, though. Also, my pfp is a star :)

-Wattson-

We went inside the kitchen in Crypto's apartment. It was surprisingly clean, unlike his desk. Maybe it's because he spends more time a this computer instead of his kitchen.

Honestly, I was a little worried about him. When I came here and he apologized for killing me in the match today, he had dark circles under his eyes.

"...Natalie?"

I heard him say my name.

"Yes?"

"I was asking you what you wanted to eat."

He held up his phone, and I saw various Korean dishes. I looked up at his face, and he showed concern.

"What were you thinking about?" he asked.

I sighed, and decided to just say it. "I'm worried about you."

He looked slightly surprised, and then his face was replaced with confusion. I could see the circles under his eyes.

"Are you getting enough sleep?"

He looked taken aback.

"Ye, why?"

"Tae, please don't lie to me. I can see circles under your eyes."

He sighed. "Alright, I haven't."

"Why?"

"I'm just... I'm just scared, I guess. "

I was slightly surprised at his confession. I never thought he could be scared. He just didn't seem like the guy to be afraid of stuff.

"Of what?"

"It's just that- we know that Caustic knows my name now, right, and so does every other legend. Caustic can just tell the syndicate that I'm here, and that I'm not Hyeon Kim. Every other legend can also just slip it, and not catch themselves quick enough."

I had no idea he had to go through all of this. It made me hate Caustic even more, honestly. However, I pushed my anger away. He already got what he deserved, which was a bloody nose, and a whole lot of bruises. He also got a few cuts here and there as well.

I looked back at Tae, and he looked sad, so I did the only thing I could, and comforted him.

I took both of his hands in mine. He looked at me, and we locked eyes.

"Don't worry, Tae. Caustic doesn't even know that the syndicate is supposed to be trying to track you down, and he never will know. Even if he does find out, the legends will protect you. Remember, we all love you more than the games. We would do anything to protect a lo- friend."

I almost said "loved one." I knew that would give him the wrong idea for sure. I had to hide my feelings, after all! Not tell him about them! I couldn't risk it, even if he did return those feelings.

I let go of his hands, kept my eye contact for a few seconds, and then looked down again.

"Gomawo."

"De rien."

"Do you want to see the dinner options again?" he asked.

"First," I started. "Promise me you'll sleep well, from this day forward."

He hesitated. "I'll try to. I promise."

"Good! You can show me the options now."

He showed me all the recipies on his phone, and I chose instant noodles, or instant ramen, as he called it.

We made it, me needing to have a lot of guidance, and Tae laughing here and then. The sound of it made me smile.

We then talked and laughed, all through dinner. He told me about Mila, and what she was like. In return, I told him about my papa, and all the things we would do together.

Then came the time after dinner, where we had to leave.

"Bye! You're definitely coming to my place tomorrow?" I asked.

"Yeah, I wouldn't miss it," he said, smiling. It was a nice sight.

"Good! I already bought the supplies!"

"So, bye?" he said.

"Goodbye!" Then, I decided to make a risky move. I hugged Tae, and kissed his cheek lightly. Then, I left and walked to my room.