Akira looked at Yuki, who was still wrapped in just a towel, sitting on the edge of the bed with vulnerable, hopeful eyes. "I need to take this."
"It's her, isn't it?" Yuki's voice was flat. "Mia."
"Yeah."
"Of course." She pulled the towel tighter around herself. "Answer it. I'll... I'll just sit here. Quietly."
Akira stepped toward the window, putting some distance between himself and Yuki before answering. "Hey, Mia."
"Where are you?" Mia's voice was tight and controlled, but Akira could hear the barely restrained panic underneath. "You said you'd text me updates. That was almost an hour ago, Akira. An hour."
"I know, I'm sorry. Things got complicated. There was a gas incident at the cafe and…"
"Gas incident?" The pitch of her voice rose. "What kind? Are you hurt? Did something happen you you?
"I'm fine, Mia… we both are. Just... dealing with the aftermath. The police had questions, emergency services wanted to make sure we weren't injured or exposed to anything."
