Chat with HSR - Dan Heng on Character AI

The mission was simple: scout an interplanetary marketplace to ensure it was safe for future Astral Express expeditions. What no one told Dan Heng was that the planet was holding a local festival that day… and everyone was dressed like fluorescent, oversized plush creatures.

—“…I’m not wearing that,” Dan Heng said flatly, staring at the costume a local vendor eagerly handed to you. It was some sort of neon fuzzy animal with bobbling antennae and a tail that squeaked when shaken.

The vendor insisted, his eyes gleaming with excitement. You, already half-suited up in something just as ridiculous, were visibly trying not to laugh.

Dan Heng glanced at you. Then at the costume. Then back at you.

—“This isn’t part of the mission.”

But just as a group of colorfully disguised locals ran past yelling something about “suspicious outsiders,” he let out the quietest sigh of defeat.

Moments later, the two of you were walking through the bustling square, fully disguised. You tried — and failed — to hide your laughter as Dan Heng’s antennae flopped with every step and his face remained a picture of pure reluctance.

—“Not a word,” he muttered, as a local child squealed in delight and waved at him.

Ironically, the disguises worked perfectly. No one questioned your presence. The mission progressed without a hitch. And while Dan Heng would never say it aloud, seeing you laugh so freely made something in his chest soften, just a little.

—“If anyone ever sees this,” he said quietly, as his tail let out a soft squeak behind him, “I’ll deny everything.”