"They're closing the case..."

Hannah's voice echoed softly in the stillness, the sound carried by the breeze that rustled the trees lining the cemetery. The ground beneath them was soft with grass, and in the distance, the outline of old houses framed the edge of the cemetery. A quiet solemnity hung in the air.

Kai and Hannah sat side by side, both clad in their usual agent attire, their blue eyes fixed on the grave before them. The name etched into the stone: Martin Krause.

"What can we do... no lead though..." Kai's voice was low, measured. His tone was not sorrowful, but rather a quiet acceptance, tempered with resolve.

Hannah's gaze flickered over to Kai, her expression searching as she studied his unreadable face. "You don't really care, do you?" she asked, her voice low but sharp, like a needle that had just found its mark.

Kai's eyes remained locked on the name, his features impassive. "You wouldn't understand..." His words were barely a whisper, but the weight behind them was palpable.

As the afternoon melted into evening, Kai rose to his feet, adjusting his coat with a practiced motion. He glanced down at Hannah, who remained seated, her gaze still fixed on the grave, the sadness lingering in her eyes.

"You're more upset than I am..." Kai's voice was low, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

Hannah finally stood, adjusting her attire as she turned to face him, her expression serious. "Why is it that you don't care about him?" she asked, her voice heavy, though her eyes never met his.

Kai swallowed, hesitating for a moment. He didn't want to give the answer she was expecting. "I care about him," he replied, his tone steady, though there was an underlying tension in his words.

Hannah's gaze remained distant, almost accusing. "You do...? Then why are you just letting them close the case like that?" Her voice had softened, almost mournful, carrying the weight of a villain in a tragic story.

"I want him to rest in peace," Kai answered, his voice lowering slightly, as if the weight of his own words carried a different meaning than what he intended.

Hannah flinched at his response, her eyes narrowing as she studied his face for any trace of emotion. Her voice cracked with quiet disbelief. "I don't believe you..." she said, moving past him, her pace quickening as if the distance would somehow shield her from the hurt of his words. "He's still your father, Kai," she added, her tone heavy with unspoken grief.

Kai watched her walk away, his annoyance rising, though it was fleeting. "Yeah, yeah..." he muttered, his voice tinged with a sharpness that didn't quite match his internal turmoil. He followed her toward their sleek black car, the tension between them palpable, but neither willing to break the silence just yet.

Hannah opened the passenger door and slid into the seat, her movements deliberate. Kai followed, opening the driver's side and getting in. He turned the key, starting the engine. As the hum of the car filled the air, he glanced at her. Her expression was unreadable, but the way she folded her arms and stared out the window, her lips pressed together, said enough—she was closed off.

Kai exhaled sharply, the tension still thick between them. "Wanna go to a café?" His voice was steady, almost too casual for the heaviness in the air.

Hannah didn't look at him, her gaze fixed ahead. "I'm good... I'm going home," she replied, her tone sharp, with the unmistakable hint of annoyance, like a playful tease veiling a deeper frustration.

Kai's eyes flickered to her, irritation rising, but he quickly masked it. He fastened his seatbelt, the click of it sounding louder than expected in the silence. His hand tightened on the wheel as he pulled out of the cemetery parking lot, glancing at her again. "You're really going to act stupid again, huh?" His voice carried an edge, but he kept it steady.

Hannah's arms tightened across her chest, a small smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. "Maybe I am," she muttered under her breath.

Kai's jaw clenched, the road ahead dark and winding as they passed rows of old houses. "Fine," he said, his voice tinged with annoyance now, his eyes narrowing as he steered the car forward. "If that's what you want, I'm taking you home." His words were like a silent challenge, but it was clear that the rift between them wasn't going to be bridged easily tonight.

The car smoothly glided through the streets of modern Frankfurt, the city shifting from old to new. The buildings were sleek and polished, a stark contrast to the older, more humble homes they'd passed earlier. Streetlights flickered to life as the evening deepened, casting soft pools of light on the road ahead.

Hannah's gaze remained fixed on the window, her arms still crossed, her posture slightly tense. The city's lights reflected off the glass, but she paid no mind, lost in her thoughts as the hum of the engine filled the car. Beside her, Kai drove with his usual calm, his eyes on the road ahead, focused. His face was unreadable, the tension from earlier still hanging in the air between them.

As the quiet stretched on, Hannah's glance shifted to Kai for a split second, the faintest trace of something passing in her eyes before she quickly looked away. She could feel the weight of the silence, but pride kept her from saying anything—yet she couldn't ignore the thought lingering in the back of her mind.

"Hey..." Her voice broke the silence, low and almost hesitant. She kept her arms folded, her gaze fixed outside the window again, not quite meeting his.

Kai's eyes flickered to her for a moment, registering her change in tone. His grip on the steering wheel tightened just a fraction. "What is it?" he asked, his voice steady, curious, but still cautious.

Hannah took a deep breath, a slight shift in her posture. She opened her mouth, then closed it briefly, gathering her thoughts. When she spoke, her voice softened, the words coming out unexpectedly gentle. "Sorry, love..."

The apology hung between them, not quite reaching her eyes but carrying a sincerity that wasn't lost on Kai. Even as her face remained cool, her voice betrayed a flicker of something else—a subtle warmth in the midst of the quiet tension.

Kai's grip on the steering wheel tightened, his mind at a crossroads as he processed her apology. He took a slow, measured breath, keeping his gaze fixed on the road ahead. "For what?" he asked, trying to mask the knowing in his voice with confusion, though he understood exactly what she was apologizing for.

Hannah's gaze remained fixed outside, her voice soft and low as she continued, her arms loosening around herself, though her eyes stayed focused on the passing scenery. "For how I acted earlier... I'm just... you know, it feels like you don't care about your father's case..."

Her words hung in the air, but Kai didn't respond. He kept his attention on the road, the quiet between them thickening, making the car feel smaller. The silence grew, and Hannah couldn't help but wonder—Did he even hear me? She shifted slightly in her seat, her fingers nervously tapping against her arm as she opened her mouth to speak again.

She hesitated for a moment before continuing, her voice lower than before. "Okay, I know you're mad, but sorry, my love... I—"

Before she could finish, Kai spoke, his tone almost flat, but laced with an undertone of something more. "I heard you... and I forgave you, but it's too late. We're near your mom's house."

His words, though calm, carried a weight that made Hannah's chest tighten, her apology now seeming insufficient against the distance that lingered between them. His voice didn't hold the warmth it usually did, and for the briefest moment, it felt as though the moment of reconciliation had passed them by.

As Hannah's tears began to well up, Kai's voice broke through the tension. "I love you," he said, his tone calm yet filled with a raw honesty that made her heart race. He made a swift U-turn, his gaze fixed on the road ahead, hands steady on the wheel.

Hannah's body jerked slightly at his words, a tear slipping down her cheek before she could stop it. She quickly wiped it away, but the floodgates had opened. A sob escaped her lips, and despite her best efforts to hold it in, her body trembled with emotion. Kai noticed her, the way she tried to mask her pain, but the sobs were impossible to contain.

"Hey... why?" His voice was a mix of confusion and concern as he glanced at her, his brow furrowing. His hands tightened on the wheel, but he slowed the car, his heart aching for her. He released his seatbelt, his eyes still flicking to her, trying to balance both driving and reaching out to her. "Come here..." he said softly, his gaze never leaving her, a silent plea for her to come closer.

Hannah, still choking on her sobs, struggled to find words. "S-sorry..." Her voice was low, cracking with emotion. She wiped her face quickly, but it didn't stop the tears from falling. She reached for the seatbelt, loosening it with shaky hands, her breath coming in uneven bursts. "I... I didn't mean to... to make you feel like that," she choked out between breaths. "I was just... scared, Kai. Scared of losing you. I... I don't know what I would do without you."

She didn't wait for him to respond. Instead, she curled into him, her face nuzzling against his neck like a crying child seeking comfort. "I'm sorry, I... I don't want to lose you," she whispered, her voice muffled against his skin as she trembled in his arms.

Kai's grip on the wheel tightened as he fought the urge to pull her closer, wanting to console her, but knowing he had to keep his focus on the road. "You won't lose me," he said, his voice gentle but firm. "I'm here. Always."

As Kai drives, Hannah clings to him, her sobs shaking her entire body, her tears soaking into his coat. The quiet, guttural sounds of her crying fill the car, each one a raw expression of her fear and regret. Her throat cracks with each breath, the words coming out in broken fragments.

"Love, please... sorry..." she chokes, her voice trembling like a child's, desperate to make him understand. "I didn't... m-mean..." Her voice falters, barely audible between sobs. "To imply t-that you don't care about... y-your father."

Her words are full of remorse, a deep apology wrapped in the vulnerability she rarely lets show, and as her body shakes against him, she seems to break just a little more with every sob.

"L-love..." Hannah gasped, her sobs intensifying, words barely escaping as her throat closed from the force of her cries. "P-please d-don't leave..." Her voice cracked, muffled against Kai's neck as she clung to him, trembling like a child lost in the storm of her emotions. Every word was a plea, fragile and full of desperation, as she sought comfort in the warmth of his embrace, fearing that the rift between them would pull him away.

Kai kept his left hand on the wheel, his right hand gently massaging her back, offering silent reassurance. "I'm here, love, I'm here... I won't leave you, I promised that, right?" His voice was steady and soothing, though his blue eyes never left the road, his focus sharp.

Hannah pulled away just enough to meet his gaze, her eyes red and swollen, still sitting in his lap. She wiped at the tears that continued to fall. "Really, s-sorry," she choked out, each word trembled with sobs, as she tried to regain control of herself.

Kai's gaze softened, his hand moving to her cheek to gently wipe away the remnants of her tears. "Okay, don't cry now, lovey," he said, his voice a comforting murmur. He glanced at her for just a moment before turning his attention back to the road ahead, careful to drive with one hand while still keeping her close, his other hand steady on her back. The tension in the car remained, but it was no longer suffocating. There was a calmness in his touch, a promise that things would be okay, even if it was hard to see that in the moment.

As Hannah nuzzled back into Kai's neck, her small frame seeking comfort like a child, she rested against him, her sobs gradually fading away. Kai, with one hand gripping the wheel, kept his other arm around her, gently massaging her back. His right foot moved instinctively to shift gears as the car glided through the streets. "It's okay..." Kai murmured, his tone warm and steady, offering a quiet reassurance.

Hannah's sobs grew quieter, each one softer than the last, until the final, trembling breath left her lips. Kai's coat, damp from her tears, clung to him, but he remained steady. Hannah pulled away gently, just enough to look at him. Her eyes, red from crying, glistened in the dim light. "I love you," she whispered, her voice warm but still carrying the weight of her emotions.

Kai's gaze softened as he stole a glance at her. "I love you too," he said, his tone just as gentle. The words hung in the air, filled with quiet affection, as they continued down the road.

Hannah, pulling herself back to sit in the passenger seat, tried to compose herself, her hands brushing away the last of her tears. Kai's eyes flicked to her briefly, a teasing smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "You're really a crybaby," he said, his voice light with affection, though his eyes remained focused on the road ahead.

Hannah shot him a half-hearted glare, but the corners of her lips curled into a reluctant smile. The tension between them eased, the night stretching on as they drove in comfortable silence.

As the car hummed along the quiet road, Hannah's gaze remained fixed on Kai. His profile was illuminated by the soft glow of the dashboard lights, his focus unwavering as he steered the car through the streets. She admired the way his jawline cut sharply, the subtle intensity in his eyes, as if he were always thinking, always planning. Her lips curled into a faint smile, almost as if he was something she could call her own.

"Love," she whispered, her voice soft and a little playful, "let's check into a fancy restaurant bedroom... and get drunk."

Her words hung in the air between them, teasing yet enticing. Kai, unfazed, shot her a knowing glance—just a brief flicker of his gaze that was enough to convey his understanding. He let out a small hum, deep and steady, his lips curling slightly at the edges.

"Mmh-hm," he agreed, his voice calm, as if the suggestion was nothing out of the ordinary. His eyes flickered to her for a split second before returning to the road. Without missing a beat, he kept driving, the weight of the moment shared silently between them.

Hannah leaned back against her seat, her heart racing a little faster now, the night unfolding with a new kind of promise.

As the sleek car rolled to a stop in front of the grand seven-story hotel and restaurant in Frankfurt, the glowing lights from the city reflecting off the polished surface of the building, the mood in the air was electric. The luxury of the place was almost palpable, its towering presence an invitation to indulgence.

Hannah turned toward Kai, a knowing look in her eyes, her lips curling into a playful, yet seductive smile. Her voice was soft but laced with a promise. "Get ready, I'll make sure you'll feel good tonight..." The words held a teasing confidence, the kind that only someone who knew what they wanted could speak with.

Kai let out a light chuckle, his eyes glinting with affection, yet the teasing edge was clear in his tone. "You're the one who's going to have ecstasy, baby..." His words were playful, but the warmth in them made it clear that he wasn't just teasing.

Hannah met his gaze, a challenge flickering in her eyes. "We'll see," she responded, her hand already reaching for the car door.

Before she could open it, Kai acted swiftly, stopping her hand with a gentle yet firm touch. Without a word, he exited the car, closing the door behind him. He made his way around to her side, his movements confident and purposeful, before opening the door for her.

"Thanks..." Hannah said, stepping out of the car with a graceful motion. She adjusted her agent attire, the fitted black jacket and thick skirt hugging her form perfectly, the sharp lines of the outfit adding an air of elegance. Despite the professional attire, her movements were fluid, suggesting both confidence and anticipation for the evening ahead.

Kai's eyes softened slightly as he watched her, an unspoken understanding between them. The night was just beginning, and they were both ready to indulge in whatever it had in store.

Kai and Hannah walked through the grand entrance of the restaurant-hotel, their hands still intertwined. The lavish atmosphere greeted them with the soft glow of golden chandeliers and the warm aroma of delicious dishes wafting through the air. The rich, elegant decor gave the impression of exclusivity and class.

As they approached the entrance, Kai opened the door, allowing Hannah to enter first. She glanced up at him briefly, a soft smile tugging at the corners of her lips. Kai gave her a subtle smile in return, his eyes still fixed ahead, but there was an unspoken connection between them that only the two of them shared.

A welcomer, about 25 years old, with long black hair and sharp black eyes, stepped forward as they entered. He stood at a respectful distance, bowing his head slightly. "Welcome to Frankfurt's Best Hotel-Restaurant," he greeted them with a polished, professional tone, holding a pristine menu in his hands. His posture was immaculate, and he exuded the air of someone used to interacting with the city's elite.

Hannah, feeling the warmth of the lavish setting and the attention on them, couldn't help but feel the excitement of the moment. Kai nodded slightly in acknowledgment of the welcomer's greeting, his hand still resting lightly in hers.