The strip is definitely tight, and it does hurt, but although Ran winces as Vermouth ties it, she doesn't complain. The pressure will help stop any bleeding, and Vermouth is right to do it as she does. It's just something that Ran will have to bear. "I think that's good."

Pink seeps into her cheeks with the compliments. They're effusive -- at a level that confirms that she's done something to impress this woman . . . though she still isn't sure what that could have been.

"What did I do for you?" The question is, for once, plain, bare.