[ Kaeya doesn't know how long he's spent waffling over this. A few days have passed since the Pleroma raided Achamoth in order to rescue Himeka and Abel from the Kenoma's clutches, and while they were successful in doing so, it wasn't a victory that came for free. He's not even sure if there's anything he can share regarding Estinien's fate so if it comes up, he knows he has to dodge it, even if that option doesn't make him feel all that great either.

At least no one else has to witness the way he's pacing in his own room. Back and forth, back and forth, as if he really can't make up his mind whether or not this is a good idea. A part of him already knows he doesn't deserve to, but he can't help but want to know how Himeka is doing anyway. It's hard to say if she feels any differently towards him after their last encounter, and he'd made the effort to stay far away from the pyres during that fateful day too.

Here goes nothing, anyway. With his shard held loosely in his palm, he closes his eyes and reaches out to her — hesitant and melancholic. The wintery frost of his mindscape can't hide either of that. ]

Himeka. You don't have to reply, but — [ He pauses, considering his next words carefully. ] If you can at least give me a sign that you're safe, then that's good enough for me.

[ Safe, not alright, because he knows she might not be alright. Not while Estinien is here and not there with her. ]