Valentine's day : evening. Karin was alone in her room in a hotel in Paris. She was able to see the Eiffel Tower. A great symbol of France culture just in front of her grey eyes, she had dreamed of trip around the world during her youth so she should be happy at this moment but something bothered her. Valentine's day was the day of love, the day of couples, romanticism and blissfulness. But Karin was single, the vision oh these young people who exchanged kisses and hugs with smiles and glances full of tender made her sick about her situation.

If Valentine's day were a tribute to those who loved without being loved, Karin could have liked it, but it was not the case. Love was made for those who loved each other, not for those who wanted to be loved, whatever hard they try to win the heart of their soulmate, like Karin did. The only man she could see was the one who was not meant to be hers, but Alice's, a soul. Yuri, this name, these four letters meant so much to Karin's eyes : affection, desire, passion, LOVE. Yes, she loved him to death.

Her deep thoughts about her beloved were interrupted by Lucia who seemed to be excited by this event. Karin remembered that she was planning to go in a romantic restaurant with his husband Lawrence. Karin was jealous, this man loved Lucia so much. He has even bought a wonderful deep blue dress and flowers to her. What a lovely man ! Thought the german swordwoman. She saw her fortune-teller friend come next to her and she heard her ask innocently :

_What are you planning to do tonight? Asked Lucia.

_To sleep...Answered Karin with a neutral tone.

_Are you kidding me? Karin, don't tell me you're not going to celebrate Valentine's day ?

_I am single, so this day is like the others for me.

_Come on ! There are many delightful men who'd want to have you as their companion, even for a few hours !

_Maybe...But spending this day with a man that I don't love and even don't know is meaningless !

_Invite Yuri ! Said Lucia with a smile on her pretty face.

This sentence made Karin cough with surprise, she felt her cheeks turning all red. Was it the side effect of hearing this name? Did she love him that much? Lucia saw Karin's discomfort but insisted :

_You'd be so cute together !

_He doesn't love me, it's stupid...

_He's a human you know, and according to me, every human can move his mind ! Perhaps he doesn't want to be alone tonight, that'd be so sad, don't you think?

_Yeah but I'm not sure it's a good idea as well...

_You love him or not? Valentine's day is the best way to start a love story ! Just give it a try !

Karin understood at this moment that Lucia was right. To invite Yuri would allow her to be alone with him and have a chance to win his heart : this treasure that she wanted to protect and cherish, more than anything. Released, Karin hugged Lucia with joy, she heard her friend giggling and telling her to go invite Yuri. So Karin ran, leaved her room and went to the room where Yuri rested. Shyly, she knocked the door and after several minutes, he opened to her. Karin gasped, seeing him. He was handsome, as always, bare-naked and wet. He wore a simple towel around his waist. Karin turned all red and looked at his eyes : so wonderful, ignited by fire and shining as jewels. How can a human be so perfect? Thought Karin. How lucky Alice was, having the faith of a beauty like Yuri.

_What's wrong? His sulfurous voice awakened her.

_Am I bothering you? Asked Karin, watching the muscular chest.

_No, sorry for receiving you like this, but I have took a shower and I haven't had the time to put my clothes on...Is it disturbing for you?

_No, not at all ! I'm paying you a visit to know if you'd agree to go out with me for Valentine's day...Asked Karin, abashed.

_Is it not a day for...

_Yes, I know but it's just a way to relax and discuss a bit, as friends ! We're not obligated to behave as a couple !

_Ok, come in, I'm gonna prepare myself, please wait.

Karin entered the room and while Yuri went into the bathroom, she sat down on the bed. She started to think of what was going to happen between them. She wanted so much to have a chance to kiss him and taste his lips, she wanted so much to hug him to feel the warmth and softness of his skin.

Yuri appeared in front of Karin and waved his hand. Then, she woke up, excusing herself for being so dreaming. Yuri followed her outside the hotel and they started to walk, without knowing where to go. But for Karin, to be with him was the only thing which mattered.