Vaelnaleria Y

The streets were as lively as ever.

Cars passed by one after another, people hurried along the sidewalks, and conversations filled the air.

Coco held your hand as the two of you crossed the street.

At first, she'd thought you were going to take the van.

Instead, you simply walked.

Your office building was only a few blocks away, so there wasn't much point in driving.

Besides...

You preferred walking.

Coco looked around in fascination, taking in the busy streets and unfamiliar sights.

You smiled at her curiosity.

"Pretty busy, huh?"

She nodded.

"So many people..."

"Always," you chuckled. "Though they can be a little annoying when someone walks really slowly right in front of you."

Coco blinked.

"...Does that happen often?"

You let out a dramatic sigh.

"More often than you'd think."

She giggled as the two of you continued down the sidewalk together.

By the time the two of you reached the office building, Coco's eyes had already wandered everywhere.

The glass doors slid open automatically.

"Oh!"

She let out a small gasp, watching them move on their own.

You smiled.

"They open by themselves."

"That's amazing..."

The security guard looked up from his desk, his gaze briefly landing on Coco before recognizing you.

"Morning."

"Morning," you greeted with a wave as you walked inside.

A few of your coworkers at the reception looked up as well.

"Hey."

"Morning."

You greeted them casually while Coco quietly followed a step behind, looking around the unfamiliar building with wide, curious eyes.

More than one person glanced between you and the little girl, silently wondering whether she was your niece... your cousin...

Or perhaps even your daughter.

Neither of you noticed the curious looks as you continued toward the elevators.

Coco barely noticed the people around her.

Instead, she stared up at the grand chandelier hanging from the ceiling and the elegant designs decorating the lobby.

"...It feels like a castle," she whispered.

You chuckled.

"It's just an office building."

"Coco."

She quickly snapped out of it and hurried after you.

The two of you stepped into the elevator, and you pressed the button for your floor.

When the doors opened, you led her down a quiet hallway before entering your office.

Inside were four desks, one in each corner.

You headed straight for yours.

"...Seriously?"

A mountain of files sat where you expected a single folder.

You let out a tired groan.

"They could've just left it on my desk..."

"Are you okay?" Coco asked, noticing the frustration on your face.

Her voice immediately pulled you back.

You smiled reassuringly.

"I'm fine."

"It'll only take a minute."

You pointed to your office chair.

"Go ahead and sit there if you want."

Coco's eyes lit up.

"Really?"

"Really."

She happily climbed into the surprisingly comfortable chair while you began searching through the pile of paperwork.

While you searched through the mountain of paperwork, Coco happily rolled your office chair back and forth, quietly entertaining herself.

Click.

The office door opened.

"Oh! You're here!" Maddy greeted with her usual bright smile.

Luke stepped in behind her.

"About time you left your apartment."

You didn't even look up.

"I'm not here to work."

"Just picking up these folders, then Coco and I are heading home."

"Aww..." Maddy pouted. "I was hoping you'd finally come back."

She leaned against your desk with a mischievous grin.

"Oh! Speaking of which, I met this really nice guy named Alex—"

"No."

You cut her off without hesitation.

"I'm not going on another blind date."

"But he'd be perfect for—"

"Maddy," Luke interrupted with a sigh before she could continue.

She huffed dramatically.

Luke's attention then shifted toward the little girl quietly sitting in your chair.

"...By the way."

"Who's this?"

You finally looked up.

"Oh, she's—"

"OH MY GOSH, YOU'RE SO ADORABLE!!"

Before you could finish, Maddy dashed straight toward Coco.

She gently pinched both of Coco's cheeks.

"Awww! Look at your little face!"

"W-Wah...?"

In her excitement, Maddy accidentally bumped into you.

"Ack—!"

You lost your balance and fell onto the floor with a loud thump.

"...Ow."

Luke looked down at you.

"...You alive?"

You stared blankly at the ceiling.

"...Unfortunately."

Luke let out a tired sigh.

"...Sounds about right."

"Maddy, would you please stop pinching her cheeks!"

You quickly pulled Maddy away from Coco before helping yourself back up from the cold floor.

"Aww, but she's so adorable!" Maddy whined dramatically.

Meanwhile, Luke had already settled at his desk, casually sipping his coffee while watching the chaos unfold.

"Just leave her alone!" you shot back.

Maddy placed a hand over her chest with an exaggerated gasp.

"Aww~! Someone's getting protective."

She narrowed her eyes at you.

"...Wait."

"Is she your daughter?"

Your eyes widened.

"...What?"

"Wait! Did you secretly have a child?!"

"...WHAT?!"

Maddy immediately began spiraling into her own theories.

"I knew it! That's why you've been disappearing! You got married in secret, had a kid, and never told us!"

"...Maddy."

"No wonder you kept rejecting every blind date I set up!"

"Maddy."

"You've been living a double life this whole—"

"MADDY!"

She finally stopped.

You took a deep breath.

"...She is not my daughter."

"Oh."

Maddy blinked.

"...Really?"

"...Really."

Luke didn't even look up from his paperwork.

"I told you not to jump to conclusions."

Maddy scratched her cheek sheepishly.

"...Oops."

You let out a tired sigh before noticing the papers scattered across the floor.

"...Great."

Just as you were about to crouch down...

Coco was already gathering them one by one.

"Coco, you don't have to do that."

She looked up and smiled, still carefully stacking the papers.

"I want to help."

"You've been so kind to me ever since we first met."

"I just want to do something for you, too."

Your expression softened.

"Coco..."

"You don't have to repay me."

She paused, looking at you with quiet confusion.

"But..."

You knelt beside her and gently took the stack of papers from her hands.

"You've never owed me anything."

"I helped because I wanted to."

"...Not because I expected something in return."

Coco blinked before slowly smiling again.

"...Even so."

"I'm still happy I could help."

You couldn't help but chuckle.

"...Alright."

"Then..."

"Thank you."

Her smile somehow grew even brighter.

From across the room, Maddy quietly watched the exchange.

"...Okay."

"...Now I get why she likes you so much."

Even Luke glanced up from his desk for a moment before returning to his work with the faintest smile.

"But even so..." Maddy clasped her hands together with sparkling eyes.

"It's just like a mother-and-daughter moment~!"

A vein twitched on your forehead.

"...Shut up, Maddy."

You continued stacking the papers while Coco quietly helped beside you.

Luke suddenly looked up from his desk.

"Ah, right."

"The folder you're looking for..."

He pointed beside your desk.

"It's right there."

You froze.

Slowly...

Very slowly...

You turned to look where he was pointing.

There it was.

The folder.

Sitting neatly beside your desk the entire time.

"..."

"..."

You turned back toward Luke.

"...YOU COULD'VE TOLD ME THAT!"

Luke took another calm sip of his coffee.

"...You looked determined."

Maddy burst into laughter, nearly doubling over.

"I can't believe you spent all that time searching!"

You covered your face with one hand.

"...I'm surrounded by idiots."

Luke raised an eyebrow.

"You included?"

"...Especially me."

After stacking the papers back onto your desk, you reached for the folder—

Bang!

The office door suddenly swung open.

A rookie employee rushed inside, clearly flustered.

"S-Sorry! I need your help! It's urgent!"

You paused, already feeling a headache coming.

"...Of course it is."

Before you could respond, Maddy waved you off.

"Go on. I'll organize these papers for you."

You glanced at her suspiciously.

"...You're actually helping?"

She placed a hand over her heart.

"I'm deeply offended."

"I can be responsible."

"...Sometimes."

You sighed.

"...I'll believe it when I see it."

Turning to Coco, you gave her a small smile.

"Stay here, okay?"

"I'll be right back."

Coco nodded obediently.

"I will."

The rookie shifted nervously from foot to foot.

"Um... could we hurry?"

You shot them a flat look.

"I'm coming."

There was a slight edge to your voice.

You never liked being rushed.

Especially before you even had the chance to move.

The rookie immediately straightened up.

"...S-Sorry."

With one last glance toward Coco, you followed the rookie out of the office.

The moment the office door closed behind you...

Maddy spun around.

Her eyes landed on Coco.

"..."

"..."

Before anyone could stop her, she rushed over and dropped into a crouch right in front of the little girl.

Coco jumped slightly.

"W-Wah...?"

Maddy leaned in dramatically, as if she were investigating the biggest mystery of her life.

"PLEASE TELL ME EVERYTHING!"

"How is she so nice and gentle..."

"...While looking so grumpy all the time?!"

Coco blinked in confusion.

"...Grumpy?"

"YES!"

Maddy threw her hands into the air.

"She always has that 'don't talk to me' face!"

"But then she's helping people, buying you plushies, taking care of everyone—"

"IT DOESN'T MATCH!"

Coco tilted her head.

"I think... she's really kind."

Maddy dramatically clutched her chest.

"I knew it..."

Luke looked up from his desk without missing a beat.

"...You've known her for years."

"I know!"

"But I still don't understand her!"

Luke simply took another sip of his coffee.

"...Good luck with that."

Maddy let out a defeated groan.

"I've got so many questions..."

"Well..." Coco began, fidgeting with her fingers.

"She's really kind."

"She's always there for me... and for everyone else."

"We're living with her right now, and she takes care of us."

"If there's something I don't understand, she always teaches me."

A warm smile spread across Coco's face.

"So..."

"I want to help her too."

The office fell quiet.

Maddy simply stared at Coco for a long moment.

Then she slowly placed a hand over her heart.

"...This child is an angel."

Luke looked up from his paperwork.

"...No arguments there."

Maddy wiped away an imaginary tear.

"I can't believe she found the sweetest kid on the planet."

Coco tilted her head, confused.

"...Did I say something wrong?"

"No!" Maddy answered immediately.

"You somehow made her sound even nicer than she already is."

Luke chuckled quietly.

"...Though she'll probably deny every word of it."

"Definitely," Maddy nodded.

While Maddy continued being overly dramatic in the background, Luke turned his attention to Coco.

He rested his chin against one hand, studying her for a moment.

"By the way," he began, his tone much gentler than before. "How exactly did you meet her?"

Coco blinked.

"Hm?"

Luke glanced toward the office door where you'd disappeared moments ago before looking back at her.

"She's... not exactly the type to let people get close."

"In fact, most people here would describe her as distant."

"But with you..." He smiled faintly. "She's surprisingly patient."

He paused for a moment.

"...Are you perhaps a relati—"

Click.

The office door swung open before he could finish.

Maddy immediately stopped talking and straightened up.

"...Oh."

"It's you."

Standing in the doorway was another coworker.

Felicia.

Someone who seemed to enjoy stirring up trouble whenever she had the chance.

"Hiya~." Felicia greeted with an overly sweet smile.

Luke sighed.

"Felicia."

"Have you ever considered knocking first?"

She casually twirled a strand of hair around her finger.

"With a Worker of the Month badge hanging on my desk?"

She flipped her hair dramatically.

"I don't think I need to."

Maddy visibly cringed.

"Eugh."

"That doesn't magically excuse your manners!"

Felicia simply shrugged before her gaze drifted toward Coco.

"...Hmm?"

"I don't recognize this little one."

She tilted her head.

"Are kids even allowed in this building?"

Coco instinctively shrank back a little under the attention.

"...I'm Coco," she introduced herself politely.

"Coco?" Felicia repeated.

She let out a small laugh.

"Isn't that the name of that movie?"

"You know... Coco."

"The one with all the dead people."

She tapped her chin dramatically.

"Was it about the kid's mom...?"

"...No."

"His uncle?"

"...Or something like that."

"I don't remember."

"Felicia!" Maddy snapped, already glaring at her.

"What?" Felicia replied innocently.

"I'm just trying to remember the movie."

Maddy folded her arms.

"No."

"You're being annoying."

Luke quietly took another sip of his coffee.

"...As usual."

Felicia gasped dramatically.

"I am deeply offended."

"Good," Maddy replied without missing a beat.

"Wait a second..." Felicia looked at Coco again before snapping her fingers.

"I knew it!"

"That rascal does have a kid!"

She pointed dramatically toward the door you had just walked through.

"No wonder she's been taking so much time off!"

"She was hiding her pregnancy from us!"

Luke let out a weary sigh.

"No."

"Coco isn't her daughter."

"They're not related."

Felicia waved him off.

"Oh, please."

She walked over to Coco, who was still sitting in your office chair.

Then she smiled down at her.

"Tell me, Coco..."

"...Do you miss your mommy?"

"W-What...?"

Coco froze.

The question hit harder than anyone in the room realized.

Memories she wished she could forget flashed through her mind.

Her mother.

Everything that had happened.

Felicia mistook the silence for hesitation.

"Aww..."

"Did I hit a nerve?"

"I'm sorry, sweetheart."

"I didn't know she would keep you away from your real mother."

She chuckled lightly, completely oblivious.

Maddy's smile vanished.

"...Felicia."

Luke quietly set his coffee down.

His expression hardened.

Neither of them missed the tears beginning to well in Coco's eyes.

"Coco..." Maddy whispered, immediately kneeling beside her.

Felicia continued anyway.

"Oh, so you do miss your mom."

"Poor thing."

"But I suppose that's just life."

"THAT'S ENOUGH, FELICIA!" Maddy shouted.

She wrapped an arm around Coco's shoulders, trying to comfort the frightened girl.

Luke slowly adjusted his glasses.

"I think..."

"...It's time for you to leave."

Felicia scoffed.

"What?"

"I was just asking if she missed her mother."

"If she's that sensitive, that's hardly my—"

She stopped.

A chill ran down her spine.

Someone was standing behind her.

You.

Silent.

Your fist was already swinging.

Felicia's eyes widened.

Instinctively, she stumbled backward.

BAM!

The entire room echoed with the impact.

Instead of her face...

Your fist slammed into the edge of the heavy desk.

Wood splintered.

A crack spread across the corner.

Blood slowly dripped from your knuckles onto the floor.

The office fell deathly silent.

You slowly lowered your hand.

Then offered Felicia a calm, almost polite smile.

"...My apologies."

"It seems there was a fly in the way."

You slowly straightened yourself, ignoring the stinging pain in your hand.

Walking over to a nearby cabinet, you grabbed a few tissues and calmly wiped the blood from your knuckles as if nothing had happened.

Felicia finally found her voice.

"Y-You...!"

"You almost hit me!"

Her shout echoed through the office, drawing curious glances from coworkers passing by.

You didn't even look at her.

Instead, you calmly wrapped another tissue around your bleeding hand.

"...Behave yourself, Felicia."

Your voice was quiet.

Yet somehow, it carried through the room.

"You're supposed to be a role model here."

"But that attitude of yours..."

"...is no better than a stray scratching at whoever walks past."

Felicia clenched her fists but couldn't find a response.

You turned away from her entirely, looking instead at Luke and Maddy.

"Coco and I are leaving."

There was no room for argument.

You picked up the folder you'd come for and slipped it into your bag before walking over to Coco.

She looked up at you with watery eyes.

Without saying a word, you gently lifted her into your arms.

Almost immediately, Coco buried her face against your shoulder, holding onto your jacket.

You lightly rested a hand on the back of her head.

"...Let's go."

Luke simply gave a quiet nod.

"...Take care."

Maddy nodded as well, gently rubbing Coco's back before stepping aside.

"We'll see you later."

Without another glance behind you, you carried Coco out of the office.

The room remained silent long after the door closed behind you.

---====----

The walk home was much quieter than before.

You carried Coco in your arms as you made your way through the busy streets, one hand supporting her while the other held your bag.

She hadn't said a word since leaving the office.

You could still feel the occasional sniffle against your shoulder.

Your heart ached.

You couldn't blame her.

Not after what had been said.

"I'm sorry, Coco..." you whispered softly.

"I shouldn't have left you alone."

There was no reply.

Only the gentle tightening of her grip on your jacket.

You didn't press her to talk.

Sometimes...

Silence was kinder.

You gently rubbed her back as you continued walking.

"...We'll be home soon."

The words were quiet.

More of a promise than a reassurance.

And for now...

That was enough.

----====----

The apartment door clicked open.

You stepped inside, still carrying Coco in your arms.

The room was quiet.

Qifrey looked up from the living room, ready to greet the two of you with his usual smile.

"Welcome ba—"

He stopped.

His eyes immediately fell to your hand.

"...You're bleeding."

Then to Coco, who remained curled against your shoulder, her face hidden in your jacket.

The smile vanished from his face.

He was beside you in an instant.

"What happened?"

His voice was filled with concern.

He gently reached for your injured hand, carefully examining your bleeding knuckles before glancing back at Coco.

"...And Coco?"

You let out a quiet sigh.

"...It's a long story."

You shifted Coco slightly in your arms, making sure she was still comfortable.

"Can we... sit down first?"

Qifrey studied your expression for a moment before giving a small nod.

"...Of course."

Without asking another question, he stepped aside, silently guiding you toward the living room.

Whatever had happened...

He could already tell it hadn't been a simple trip to the office.

----====---

"...Ah—!"

You hissed through your teeth as antiseptic touched your split knuckles.

"...That stings."

Qifrey sighed softly without looking up.

"That's because you punched something."

"I noticed."

He shot you a brief, unimpressed glance before returning to your hand.

"...Try not to move."

You grumbled under your breath but stayed still.

Coco hadn't left your side.

Even now, she sat pressed against you, quietly clutching the sleeve of your jacket as if afraid you'd disappear the moment she let go.

You gently rested your free hand on her head, absentmindedly stroking her hair.

Qifrey carefully wrapped a clean bandage around your bruised knuckles.

Back in their world, witches were forbidden from practicing medicine.

Healing belonged to another craft entirely.

But...

They weren't in their world anymore.

Here, a simple bandage and a bottle of antiseptic were harmless enough.

Once he finished tying the bandage, he looked at your hand one last time to make sure it was secure.

"...There."

"That should do."

You flexed your fingers slightly before wincing again.

"...I think I broke the desk more than my hand."

Qifrey let out the faintest sigh.

"...I'm more concerned about why your hand ended up meeting a desk in the first place."

His gaze then shifted to Coco.

She still hadn't spoken.

She simply leaned against you, her fingers lightly gripping your sleeve.

Whatever had happened...

It had shaken both of you more than either of you wanted to admit.

"...Tell me."

Qifrey's voice was quiet.

"What exactly happened?"

You let out a slow sigh, your eyes drifting down to Coco, who was still holding tightly onto your sleeve.

Your fingers gently combed through her hair in an attempt to comfort her.

"...One of my coworkers."

You paused for a moment.

"She... unknowingly hit a very sensitive subject."

"She brought up Coco's mother."

Qifrey's expression immediately softened.

"...I see."

"She didn't know what happened to Coco's mother," you continued. "But she just... kept talking."

"She wouldn't stop."

You shook your head.

"Her name's Felicia."

"She's always been the kind of person who enjoys pushing people's buttons."

"She doesn't think before she speaks."

"Whether she hurts someone or not... doesn't seem to matter to her."

Your jaw tightened slightly.

"I don't know what goes through that woman's head."

Qifrey remained silent for a moment before looking at Coco.

His expression was gentle.

"...No wonder she came home like this."

You nodded quietly.

"...I should've stayed."

"I shouldn't have left her alone."

Qifrey looked back at you.

"You couldn't have known."

He spoke calmly.

"And judging from what you've told me..."

"...The one at fault wasn't you."

His gaze briefly fell to your freshly bandaged hand.

"...Though I imagine the desk would argue otherwise."

Despite everything, a small, tired laugh escaped you.

"...Yeah."

"...The desk probably hates me now."

You continued holding Coco close until you finally broke the silence.

"...Coco."

She slowly pulled back just enough to look at you, her eyes still damp with tears.

You gently cupped her cheeks, carefully wiping away the tear tracks with your thumbs.

"I may not know everything that happened to your mother..."

"...But whatever happened..."

"It wasn't your fault."

Coco's lips trembled.

You offered her a small, reassuring smile.

"I know you miss her."

"I know you wish things had been different."

"And it's okay to miss her."

Your voice remained soft and steady.

"But..."

"Don't blame yourself for something you couldn't control."

"You were only a child."

You brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"I'm sure your mother loved you very, very much."

"And I don't think she'd want you carrying all of that pain by yourself."

For a moment, Coco simply stared at you.

Then she slowly leaned forward again, resting her forehead against yours as fresh tears welled in her eyes.

"...Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

You smiled gently before pulling her back into another careful hug.

"...You're not alone anymore."

Beside you, Qifrey smiled gently.

Without another word, he picked up the small medical kit and quietly stood.

"I'll put this away."

You gave a small nod in return.

As he walked toward the kitchen drawers, he noticed three familiar figures standing just around the corner of the hallway.

Tetia.

Agott.

And Richeh.

The three girls had come over the moment they'd heard the front door open, excited to welcome you and Coco home.

But the moment they saw Coco crying...

And your injured hand...

They stopped.

None of them said a word.

Tetia quietly lowered her head.

Richeh gently hugged Brushbuddy a little closer.

Agott simply watched in silence, her usual calm expression tinged with concern.

They wanted to rush over.

They wanted to comfort Coco.

But they also knew...

Right now...

Coco needed this moment.

So they quietly stayed where they were, giving her the space she needed while silently hoping she'd feel better soon.

Before long, Coco's breathing became slow and steady.

She had quietly fallen asleep in your arms.

Careful not to wake her, you reached for the folder you'd brought home and began flipping through the paperwork, scanning each page while she rested against your shoulder.

The silence lasted only a few minutes.

"I take it..."

Olruggio's voice broke the quiet.

"...A simple trip to pick up some paperwork didn't exactly go as planned."

You looked up.

He was leaning against the hallway wall, arms crossed as he watched the two of you.

"...It didn't."

You answered simply, your eyes returning to the folder.

Olruggio studied your bandaged hand before letting out a quiet hum.

"...Figures."

You looked back at him.

"...Wait."

"How did you know?"

He shrugged.

"I heard the girls talking."

"They told me what happened while you were with Qifrey."

"...I see."

The room fell quiet again.

Olruggio glanced at the sleeping Coco before looking back at you.

"...Sounds like you had quite the day."

You closed the folder with a tired sigh.

"...You could say that."

Your gaze drifted down to Coco's peaceful sleeping face.

She looked much calmer now.

Carefully, you brushed a few loose strands of hair away from her face.

A quiet sigh escaped your lips.

"...Why did she have to be at work today...?"

The words were barely above a whisper.

Olruggio remained silent, listening.

You lowered your eyes.

"...Of all the days..."

"...Why did it have to be today?"

Your fingers absentmindedly continued smoothing Coco's hair.

The guilt still lingered heavily in your chest.

Not because you'd gone to the office.

Not even because you'd left Coco alone for a few minutes.

But because...

When you saw her crying...

You'd almost let your anger take over.

Your bandaged hand tightened slightly.

"...I should've handled it better."

You let out a quiet, tired laugh.

"...And I didn't even hit her."

Olruggio looked at your bruised knuckles.

"...Good."

His answer was immediate.

"If you'd actually hit her..."

"You would've regretted it far more than punching a desk."

The room fell silent again.

You knew he was right.

That didn't make the guilt any lighter.

"I... I know."

Your voice cracked.

Olruggio immediately looked at you.

Only then did he notice the tears gathering in your eyes.

You lowered your head, trying to hide them.

"N-Now that I think about it..."

"...Maybe it was my fault."

"If I hadn't let Coco come with me..."

"...None of this would've happened."

Your words trailed off.

Before you could finish another thought...

You suddenly felt a pair of arms wrap gently around you from behind.

The back of the couch got in the way, making the embrace a little awkward.

Even so...

Olruggio held you carefully.

Firmly.

Silently.

You froze.

"...Olly?"

He rested his chin lightly against the top of your head.

"...No."

His voice was calm.

"You don't get to blame yourself for someone else's actions."

"You didn't make that woman say those things."

"You didn't know she'd upset Coco."

"And you certainly didn't intend for any of this to happen."

His grip tightened ever so slightly.

"You were trying to do something as simple as picking up paperwork."

"That's all."

Your shoulders trembled.

"...But I left her alone."

"For only a few minutes," Olruggio replied.

"You trusted the people you worked with."

"There was nothing unreasonable about that."

He let out a quiet sigh.

"If anyone should feel guilty..."

"It isn't you."

The room fell silent.

For the first time since coming home...

You let yourself lean back into his embrace.

Just enough to stop carrying the weight alone.

----====----

Back at the office, the workday was finally coming to an end.

The sun was beginning to set outside the windows as employees packed up and prepared to head home.

Maddy, however, was still fuming.

"I swear, if Felicia says something like that again—"

She continued ranting the entire time she gathered her things.

Luke simply listened with a quiet sigh, already used to it.

Then something caught his eye.

"...Hm?"

He stopped walking.

"What is it?" Maddy asked, noticing him suddenly crouch down.

Luke reached beneath one of the desks and picked up a small bracelet.

It looked as though it had slipped onto the floor unnoticed.

Maddy leaned over his shoulder.

"...Could that be Coco's?"

Luke turned the bracelet over in his hand.

"I'm not sure."

"But if it is..."

"We should return it."

Maddy immediately shot her hand into the air.

"Ooh!"

"I volunteer!"

Luke smiled, already expecting that answer.

"...Of course you do."

She grinned proudly as she held out her hand.

"Come on."

"Give it to me."

"I'll drop it off at their apartment."

Luke placed the bracelet into her palm before shaking his head with an amused chuckle.

"...Try not to cause another incident."

"No promises!" Maddy laughed as she hurried toward the exit.

----====----

The apartment had grown quiet again.

Qifrey stood in the kitchen, preparing dinner while a pleasant aroma slowly filled the room.

Olruggio had just finished his shower and walked out of the bathroom, drying his hair with a towel.

In the art room, Agott sat at one of the desks, quietly practicing spell circles with an ordinary black gel pen. Magic no longer answered her drawings in this world, but she practiced them anyway. Resting beside her was the small black cat plush you'd given her, keeping her silent company.

Richeh sat nearby, hugging her fluffy seal plush as Brushbuddy perched contentedly on her shoulder.

Meanwhile, Tetia had claimed the television and was happily watching Kiki's Delivery Service, completely absorbed in the movie.

The girls had spent most of the afternoon studying together, carefully drawing spell circles and reviewing what Qifrey had taught them. Even if the magic never activated here, they refused to let their skills grow rusty.

Only Agott had chosen to keep practicing after everyone else had finished.

In the living room, the couch was occupied by two sleeping figures.

Coco remained curled against you, still asleep after the exhausting afternoon.

You hadn't moved either.

The folder you'd brought home rested forgotten on the coffee table, while your bandaged hand lay loosely across Coco's back as if making sure she was still there, even in your sleep.

For the first time that day...

The apartment felt peaceful again.

Until...

Knock. Knock.

The sound of someone at the front door drew everyone's attention.

Before anyone else could react—

"I'LL GET IT!"

Tetia jumped to her feet from the carpet and hurried toward the entrance.

She unlocked the door and pulled it open.

"...Oh."

Standing outside was a woman who looked just as surprised as she was.

It was Maddy.

For a brief second, Maddy wondered if she'd come to the wrong apartment.

Then she spotted you asleep on the couch with Coco curled against your side.

"...So I did come to the right place," she murmured with a relieved smile.

"I'm sorry for dropping by unannounced."

She held up a small bracelet.

"I think your friend dropped this at the office."

Tetia's eyes lit up in recognition.

"Oh!"

"That's Coco's!"

She carefully accepted the bracelet with both hands.

"Thank you very much!"

"You're welcome."

Maddy smiled before her expression softened.

"...If you don't mind me asking..."

She glanced past Tetia toward the living room.

"...Are they doing okay?"

Tetia followed her gaze.

You and Coco were still fast asleep, neither of you stirring despite the conversation at the door.

A small smile appeared on her face.

"...Yeah."

"They're doing better now."

Maddy let out a quiet sigh of relief.

"...I'm glad."

She looked down for a moment before speaking again.

"...Could you tell her..."

"...I'm sorry about what happened today."

Tetia nodded.

"I will."

With one last glance toward the sleeping pair on the couch, Maddy offered a small smile.

"...Take care of them."

"We will," Tetia replied.

Satisfied, Maddy gave a small wave before turning to head home, quietly closing that chapter of an exhausting day behind her.

"Tetia, who was at the door?" Qifrey asked as she closed it behind her.

"I think it was her friend," Tetia replied thoughtfully.

Qifrey gave a small nod before noticing the object in her hands.

"...What's that?"

"Oh!"

Tetia held it up.

"It's Coco's bracelet! I think she forgot it at the office."

Qifrey looked at it before smiling faintly.

"I see."

"I'll go put it in our room!" Tetia announced before happily running down the hallway with the bracelet in hand.

Dinner was finally ready.

Qifrey turned off the stove before quietly making his way over to the living room.

You and Coco were still asleep on the couch, neither of you having stirred once.

A small smile crossed his face.

Leaning lightly against the back of the couch, he gently brushed a few loose strands of hair away from your face.

"..."

He lowered his head slightly, resting his forehead against the top of your head for a brief moment.

It was a quiet gesture.

One of reassurance.

Nothing more.

Unfortunately...

Someone else happened to see it.

"...Oi!"

Qifrey calmly straightened and turned toward the voice.

Olruggio stood frozen in the hallway, staring at him with wide eyes and a face that had gone noticeably red.

"...What do you think you're doing?"

Qifrey blinked once before glancing back at you, then at Olruggio.

"...Resting my forehead."

Olruggio pointed accusingly.

"It looked like you kissed her!"

Qifrey tilted his head, looking genuinely puzzled.

"...Did it?"

"YES, IT DID!"

Qifrey looked back at your sleeping figure for a moment before giving a small, thoughtful hum.

"...I can see how it might have looked that way."

Olruggio buried his face in one hand.

"...You're unbelievable."

Qifrey simply smiled, thoroughly amused by the misunderstanding.

Olruggio let out a quiet sigh before walking over to the couch as well.

His earlier embarrassment had already faded.

He looked down at the two sleeping figures.

Coco remained curled against your side, while you hadn't moved an inch.

"...Quite a day," Olruggio murmured.

"They're both exhausted."

Qifrey smiled faintly.

"Indeed."

"For them to fall asleep this quickly..."

"It couldn't have been easy."

Olruggio's gaze drifted to your bandaged hand.

He frowned.

Without wanting to wake you, he carefully took your hand into his own.

His fingers brushed lightly over the bandage as he examined the bruised knuckles beneath it.

"...You really hit it hard."

Qifrey nodded.

"The desk suffered as much as her hand."

A quiet chuckle escaped Olruggio.

"...That sounds like her."

Even while asleep, your fingers instinctively curled slightly around his hand before relaxing again.

Olruggio paused for a moment, then smiled to himself.

"...Stubborn."

He gently set your hand back onto the blanket, making sure the bandage hadn't loosened before stepping back, careful not to disturb either of you.

A quiet murmur escaped you in your sleep.

You shifted slightly beneath the blanket, instinctively pulling Coco a little closer into your embrace.

She let out a tiny sleepy hum in response but never woke.

You curled up just a little, as though trying to shield her from the rest of the world.

Qifrey and Olruggio watched the small movement in silence.

A gentle smile tugged at Qifrey's lips.

"...Even asleep."

Olruggio folded his arms, his expression softening.

"...Still making sure she's safe."

Neither of them said anything else.

They simply let the peaceful silence settle over the room, deciding it was best not to wake either of you after everything the day had put you through.

----====----

"...Hmm."

You stared at the papers spread across the table, reading the same page for what felt like the tenth time.

No matter how many times you looked over the reports...

You still couldn't find the problem.

Ever since yesterday's incident, you'd barely slept.

Falling asleep on the couch after dinner had helped a little, but it hadn't been enough.

Your thoughts had kept you awake long into the night.

With a tired groan, you let the papers fall onto your face.

"...I give up."

A quiet chuckle came from behind you.

"Not going well?"

Before you could answer, the paper covering your face was gently lifted away.

You looked up.

Qifrey stood beside you with his usual warm smile, holding the sheet between two fingers.

"...You look like you've been fighting those documents for hours."

You sighed dramatically.

"...I'm losing."

Qifrey glanced over the paperwork before looking back at you.

"Perhaps..."

"...You simply need a short break."

You rested your head against the table.

"...I'd rather fight another enchanted beast than look at these reports for another minute."

A small laugh escaped Qifrey.

"...I believe that says quite a lot about your workload."

You were about to bury your face back into the table when you felt a gentle hand beneath your chin.

It carefully guided your head back up.

"...Hm?"

Blinking in confusion, you looked forward—

Only to find Qifrey much closer than you expected.

Your eyes widened slightly.

"...Qifrey?"

You blinked once.

Then twice.

For a brief moment, neither of you spoke.

Qifrey seemed just as surprised by the sudden lack of distance between you.

"...Ah."

A small, sheepish smile crossed his face.

"I may have leaned in a little more than I intended."

His hand immediately withdrew from your chin.

"My apologies."

You let out an awkward laugh, rubbing the back of your neck.

"...No harm done."

Even so...

The unexpected closeness left the room feeling noticeably quieter for a moment before either of you found the words to continue.

"i'll just.. continue.." you say and went back to the papers.

"ah of course!" qifrey respond quickly.. too quickly.

As you returned your attention to the paperwork, Qifrey remained where he was.

His gaze drifted away for a moment.

"..."

Something felt... strange.

Ever since arriving in this world, he'd noticed it little by little.

Normally, whenever he allowed himself to truly relax—

Whenever his heart grew too peaceful—

The silverwood tree within him would react.

It was a curse he'd lived with for years.

A constant reminder never to let his guard down.

Never to linger in serenity for too long.

Yet...

Here...

Nothing.

No familiar stirring.

No dull ache behind the lens covering his right eye.

No faint sensation of the silverwood branches threatening to awaken.

Just...

Silence.

His fingers unconsciously brushed the frame of the dark lens hiding his ruined eye.

"...Why...?"

He couldn't understand it.

Had the tree simply gone dormant?

Or...

Was there something about this world that kept it asleep?

Whatever the answer was...

It left him both relieved...

And deeply unsettled.

......

"...Why?"

The quiet murmur slipped from Qifrey's lips before he even realized he'd spoken aloud.

You looked up from the stack of papers, tilting your head.

"...What?"

Your voice pulled him back to the present.

He blinked once before offering his usual gentle smile.

"...Ah."

"It's nothing."

You studied him for a second, unconvinced.

"...You sure?"

Qifrey adjusted the frame of the dark lens over his right eye almost absentmindedly.

"...Just an old habit of mine."

You hummed, deciding not to press the matter.

"If you say so."

He nodded appreciatively, though his thoughts still lingered on the strange silence of the silverwood tree.

For the first time in years...

Its absence felt almost as unsettling as its presence.

---====---

"...Finally, I'm done!"

You threw both of your hands into the air in triumph.

A grin spread across your face as weeks of paperwork finally came to an end.

"It almost felt like forever..."

Tetia and Coco couldn't help but laugh at your dramatic celebration.

"But you finished it!" Tetia said with a bright smile.

"You deserve a break," Coco added.

You stretched your sore shoulders with a satisfied groan.

"...I want a warm bath."

Without another word, you stood up and headed toward the bathroom.

After making sure the bathtub was clean, you adjusted the faucet until the water reached the perfect temperature.

Warm.

Comfortable.

Just the way you liked it.

A few minutes later, you slowly lowered yourself into the tub.

The warmth immediately melted away the stiffness in your shoulders and back.

You let out a long, content sigh.

"...This..."

"...This is the reward for surviving paperwork."

Your muscles finally relaxed as you leaned against the edge of the bathtub, closing your eyes.

"So nice..."

"...And warm."

For the first time in what felt like days...

You could simply breathe.

You closed your eyes, letting the warm water ease away the day's exhaustion.

Click.

"...Hm?"

You peeked past the shower curtain.

"...Olly?"

Olruggio paused, a towel halfway out of the drawer, before turning toward your voice.

"...Ah."

"Sorry."

"I didn't realize you were in here."

You glanced at the unlocked door and sighed.

"...I forgot to lock it."

"...I was just grabbing a towel."

"The second drawer."

"...Right."

As he reached for it, his foot suddenly caught on the bath mat.

"...Hm?"

He stumbled forward.

Your eyes widened.

"...Olly—"

Before either of you could react—

He caught himself on the edge of the bathtub.

Bringing the two of you far closer than either of you expected.

"..."

"..."

"...You'll recover," you muttered to it before slipping it back into your bag.

The seven of you continued strolling through the mall, taking your time exploring whatever caught your attention. The girls' curiosity hadn't faded one bit—if anything, it had only grown stronger.

Coco, especially, reminded of the first time she'd visited Kalhn.

Everything was new.

Everything was exciting.

It wasn't long before Tetia suddenly pointed toward a brightly decorated shop.

"Hey, what's that?"

You followed where she was pointing.

Rows of props, funny hats, oversized glasses, and colorful headbands decorated the entrance.

Behind them were several private photo booths.

"Oh, that's a photo booth," you explained. "You go inside with your friends or family and take pictures together."

You smiled to yourself.

"I actually did this with my friends years ago... back in senior high."

The memory made you chuckle.

You remembered celebrating one of your friend's birthdays, squeezing into one of these tiny booths and laughing over the ridiculous poses.

"Oh!" Coco's eyes sparkled.

"Can we try it?"

"I don't mind," you replied before looking at everyone else.

"What about you guys?"

Qifrey smiled gently.

"I wouldn't mind."

Olruggio shrugged.

"If everyone wants to."

Agott simply nodded.

"I'll go."

"Then it's settled."

Before either Qifrey or Olruggio could say another word, you grabbed both of their wrists.

"Come on!"

You laughed, dragging the two bewildered men toward the booth.

"H-Hey—"

"We were already coming," Olruggio protested.

Richeh quietly followed behind, while Coco happily took Agott's hand and led her over as well.

"You all wait here," you said. "I'll pay first."

After paying for the session, you returned to find everyone already browsing through the props.

"Oh, look at these!" Tetia exclaimed, placing oversized heart-shaped sunglasses over her eyes.

Coco giggled as she tried on a pair of round sunglasses.

Richeh quietly experimented with different hats before eventually pulling on a little ghost mask, causing Brushbuddy to chirp in confusion.

Even Olruggio found himself inspecting the cowboy hats and a pair of floppy bunny-ear hats.

Qifrey simply adjusted his usual glasses with a smile.

Meanwhile, Agott lingered off to the side.

Coco noticed immediately.

"Agott!"

Before she could object, Coco gently placed a small brown beret on top of her curls.

"..."

It suited her surprisingly well.

Agott looked away with a tiny huff.

"...It isn't bad."

You smiled to yourself but wisely kept the comment to yourself.

"All right!" you announced.

"Grab whatever accessories you want. One of the booths is available."

"Okay!" the girls answered in unison.

The group gathered their chosen props.

You picked a large sombrero along with a pair of bright sunglasses.

Watching everyone laugh and help each other choose accessories...

It almost looked like...

A family.

The thought lingered quietly in the back of your mind.

You quickly pushed it away.

'Don't get attached.'

You'd told yourself that before.

Still...

You couldn't deny how warm the moment felt.

You smiled softly.

"Ready?"

Everyone nodded.

One by one, you stepped into the booth, pulling the curtain closed behind you.

Shopping bags were carefully stacked in one corner while everyone placed their chosen accessories on the small shelf inside.

You picked up the remote.

"Let's see..."

Your finger pressed through the menu.

"...Two copies."

Perfect.

You slid two hundred pesos into the payment slot.

The machine beeped cheerfully.

"All right."

You looked back at the group with a grin.

"Now comes the difficult part..."

"...Trying to fit seven people into one tiny photo booth."

The booth was surprisingly spacious.

Not enough for seven people to stand comfortably, but there were small stools and steps inside to help everyone fit into the frame.

You quickly arranged everyone.

"Tetia, Coco, you two can stand on the little step."

"Richeh, stay beside them."

"Agott... maybe here?"

Qifrey and Olruggio naturally took the back while you squeezed yourself somewhere in the middle.

"There are ten shots," you explained, pointing at the screen. "Then we choose our favorite six to print."

Everyone nodded, though they still looked a little unsure.

The first photo...

Was awkward.

There were simply too many people trying to figure out where to stand.

"Ow—"

"Tetia, your elbow!"

"Sorry!"

"I can't move any farther!"

Click.

The second wasn't much better.

Everyone kept shifting around, trying not to block each other.

Click.

By the third, things finally started loosening up.

Funny glasses appeared.

Oversized hats.

Someone had somehow convinced Olruggio to wear a cowboy hat.

"...Don't."

"It's too late."

Click.

The fourth was nothing but laughter.

Tetia proudly wore heart-shaped sunglasses.

Coco somehow stacked two hats on top of each other.

Qifrey smiled behind novelty glasses.

Brushbuddy had climbed onto Richeh's head.

Click.

The fifth photo caught everyone off guard.

"...Wait."

"Is that number a countdown?"

Everyone looked up at the screen.

3...

"...It is!"

"Quick!"

People shuffled around in a panic.

"Tetia, duck!"

"My foot!"

"No, move this way!"

1...

Click.

By the sixth, everyone had mostly figured out the timing.

...Mostly.

Olruggio still looked like he was questioning every decision that had led him into this tiny booth.

Click.

For the seventh and eighth shots, the accessories came back out.

Cowboy hats.

Bunny ears.

Oversized sunglasses.

You wore the large sombrero you'd picked.

Richeh kept the ghost mask on while Brushbuddy chirped beside her.

Even Agott had forgotten to take off the little brown beret Coco had given her.

"...Don't say anything," she muttered after catching you smiling.

"I wasn't going to."

Click.

Click.

Then came the final two photos.

The countdown appeared again.

3...

"Everyone, closer!"

Without thinking, everyone instinctively leaned in.

2...

Shoulders bumped.

Someone nearly dropped their hat.

Brushbuddy fluttered excitedly.

Even Olruggio was laughing now.

Agott smiled without realizing it.

1...

You glanced around just before the flash.

No one was posing anymore.

Everyone was simply... happy.

Click.

One last flash.

One last burst of laughter.

Click.

The booth fell silent for a heartbeat.

Then everyone looked at one another...

...and burst into laughter all over again.

-----+++++-------

Choosing which photos to print turned out to be harder than taking them.

The booth displayed all ten shots on the screen, and almost immediately everyone started laughing at the results.

"Look at this one!" Tetia pointed at the screen, barely able to contain her laughter.

"My eyes were closed!" Coco protested.

Olruggio looked at one picture where his cowboy hat had slipped over one eye.

"...Delete that."

"No," you laughed. "It's staying."

In the end, you chose six.

Two of the goofy ones with everyone wearing ridiculous hats and sunglasses.

The one where everyone had burst into laughter.

The seventh shot.

And, of course, the final two.

Those were your favorites.

The machine hummed before printing two identical strips of photos.

You handed one copy to the group.

"The second one..." you smiled to yourself, quietly slipping it into your bag.

"...I'll keep."

With that, the seven of you left the photo booth, still laughing over some of the expressions captured in the pictures.

The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering from shop to shop.

Sometimes just browsing.

Sometimes trying little rides scattered throughout the mall.

By the time evening arrived, everyone was beginning to feel the day catch up to them.

You stopped by a restaurant one last time, ordering dinner as takeout so everyone could eat comfortably once you got home.

Or... at least, that had been the plan.

As you waited for the food, Richeh had already fallen asleep against Olruggio's shoulder.

By the time you left the restaurant, he was carrying her with surprising ease.

Qifrey wasn't much different.

Coco had dozed off while holding her shopping bag, and he gently lifted her into his arms without waking her.

Meanwhile, you carried the remaining shopping bags while Tetia and Agott trudged beside you, their earlier excitement replaced with tired little yawns.

"I think that's enough adventures for one day," you said with a tired laugh.

Neither of them argued.

By the time you reached the parking lot, the evening sky had begun turning shades of orange and gold as the sun slowly dipped toward the horizon.

You unlocked the van and everyone climbed inside.

The shopping bags and takeout boxes were carefully placed in the back.

You helped buckle the two sleeping girls into their seats, making sure they were comfortable before fastening Tetia's and Agott's seatbelts as well.

Olruggio settled into the back beside the girls.

Qifrey quietly took the front passenger seat.

Once everyone was ready, you climbed into the driver's seat.

The engine came to life.

You handed over the parking ticket, paid at the exit, and slowly guided the van out onto the road.

Soft music drifted from the radio as the city lights flickered to life one by one.

You smiled faintly after glancing at the rearview mirror.

"Looks like the girls are completely out."

Olruggio looked over at the sleeping apprentices before turning back toward the window.

"I guess dinner... and dessert... will have to wait until tomorrow."

You chuckled.

"I'll just heat everything up in the morning."

"They've earned the rest."

Qifrey rested his head lightly against the window.

"...They certainly enjoyed today."

"They did," you replied.

A comfortable silence settled inside the van.

After a few moments, you glanced toward the two men.

"You and Olruggio should get some sleep too."

"I'll wake you once we're home."

Qifrey smiled without opening his eyes.

"I'm all right. Don't worry about me."

"...If you say so."

When no response came from the back, you looked into the mirror.

Olruggio had already fallen asleep.

"...Well."

"One down."

A few more minutes passed.

The quiet hum of the engine blended with the music.

Then...

A soft, steady breathing came from beside you.

You glanced over for just a second.

Qifrey had drifted off as well, his head resting lightly against the window.

A small smile tugged at your lips.

"...Sleep well."

You returned your eyes to the road, the peaceful silence inside the van making the drive home feel warmer than ever.

-----+++++------

As you drove through the quiet night, the city lights flickered past like rows of tiny candles.

A familiar song played softly on the radio, and you found yourself absentmindedly humming along.

Every so often, your eyes drifted to the rearview mirror.

The girls were still fast asleep.

Even Olruggio and Qifrey hadn't stirred.

The peaceful silence made you smile.

Eventually, your apartment building came into view.

You pulled into your usual parking space before turning off the engine.

The music faded with it.

For a moment...

No one moved.

You looked over at the sleeping wizard beside you.

"Qifrey..."

You gently shook his shoulder.

"Wake up. We're home."

His eyes slowly opened, blinking a few times before focusing on you.

"...Ah."

"We're here already?"

"Mhm."

"I need your help carrying the girls... and the takeout."

Qifrey nodded sleepily before stepping out of the van with you.

You slid open the back door and walked over to Olruggio.

"Olly..."

You gave his shoulder a gentle shake.

"We're home."

Only a groan answered you.

"...Olly."

Another shake.

"...Come on."

"We need your help."

This time, he finally cracked one eye open.

"...Five more minutes..."

You sighed, trying not to laugh.

"You can sleep once we're upstairs."

With one final groan, he reluctantly sat up.

The three of you worked quietly so the girls wouldn't wake.

Qifrey carefully lifted the sleeping Coco into one arm before gently carrying Agott as well.

Olruggio picked up Tetia and Richeh with practiced ease.

Meanwhile, you gathered the takeout bags along with the girls' shopping bags.

The groceries—and your own purchases, along with Qifrey's and Olruggio's—remained safely inside the van for now.

Before closing the door, you spread a cover over the windows to keep the bags out of sight.

"Just in case," you murmured.

Satisfied, you locked the van before the three of you headed toward the apartment entrance.

The older security guard at the front desk looked up as your little group walked in.

His eyes landed on the four sleeping girls before a knowing smile appeared.

"Looks like you all had quite the day."

He chuckled softly.

"Get some good rest tonight."

You returned the smile with a small nod.

"Thanks."

"You have a good night too."

With quiet footsteps, the three of you entered the elevator.

The ride up was peaceful, broken only by the elevator's gentle hum.

When it finally reached your floor, you stepped out into the familiar hallway.

Fishing your keys from your bag, you stopped in front of your apartment door.

A soft click echoed through the hallway as you unlocked it and slowly pushed the door open, careful not to wake the sleeping girls in everyone's arms.

Once everyone was inside, you quietly closed the front door behind you.

The apartment was calm, a stark contrast to the lively mall from earlier.

You set the takeout containers and shopping bags on the kitchen counter before turning back to the two exhausted men.

"This way."

Keeping your voices low, the three of you carefully made your way to the guest room—the room that had gradually become the girls' own while they stayed with you.

One by one, you helped settle them into their beds.

Qifrey gently lowered Coco onto her mattress, making sure she was lying comfortably before pulling the blanket over her.

Olruggio did the same for Tetia and Richeh, carefully tucking them in despite grumbling under his breath.

"...They're heavier than they look."

You chuckled quietly.

"That's because you carried two at once."

"Tch."

He couldn't exactly argue with that.

Agott had only stirred slightly when Qifrey laid her down, mumbling something incomprehensible before immediately curling beneath the blanket again.

You smiled fondly.

"They really wore themselves out today."

Qifrey adjusted Coco's blanket one last time before looking around the room.

"...I don't think I've seen them sleep this soundly before."

"They had a lot of firsts today," you replied softly.

"The mall... the photo booth... all the different shops..."

"And the plushies," Olruggio added.

You laughed under your breath.

"...Especially the plushies."

The room fell quiet again.

Four peaceful, sleeping apprentices.

Safe.

Warm.

Content.

You quietly switched off the bedroom light, leaving only the soft glow from the hallway spilling through the slightly open door.

"Let's let them rest."

The two men nodded, and together, the three of you quietly stepped out of the room, gently closing the door behind you so the girls could sleep undisturbed.

Once the three of you stepped out of the girls' room, you quietly closed the door behind you.

You stretched your arms with a tired sigh.

"I'm going to take a warm shower."

Qifrey nodded.

"We'll take care of dinner."

"Thanks."

While you disappeared into the bathroom, Qifrey and Olruggio unpacked the takeout.

They set aside your meal along with theirs before placing the girls' dinners and desserts neatly into the refrigerator for tomorrow morning.

By the time you finished your shower, the apartment had become even quieter.

You stepped out, drying your damp hair with a towel draped over your shoulders.

The warm scent of food drifted through the room.

Your gaze naturally fell toward the living room.

Qifrey and Olruggio were sitting on the couch, their takeout boxes resting on the coffee table.

Neither of them had started eating yet.

They seemed to be waiting.

"You took your time," Olruggio remarked.

"I know."

You laughed softly, rubbing the towel through your hair.

"The hot water felt too nice."

Walking over, you picked up your own takeout before settling onto the couch beside them.

"Thanks for waiting."

"It wasn't much trouble," Qifrey replied with his usual gentle smile.

For a while, the three of you simply ate in comfortable silence.

The only sounds were quiet conversations from the television and the occasional clink of chopsticks against the containers.

After taking another bite, you glanced at the TV.

"...A movie doesn't sound too bad."

Qifrey looked over.

"A movie?"

"Yeah."

You smiled.

"The girls and I have movie nights sometimes."

"I figured..."

You looked toward the hallway leading to the guest room.

"...Since they're already asleep..."

"Maybe the three of us could watch something before calling it a night."

Olruggio leaned back against the couch.

"...As long as it's not another horror film."

You blinked.

"I've never made you watch one."

"I'm making sure it stays that way."

Qifrey let out a quiet chuckle.

"I don't mind watching whatever you choose."

You smiled, reaching for the remote resting on the coffee table.

"Then let's see what's on tonight."

----=====-----

After scrolling through a handful of movies, your thumb finally stopped.

"...Found one."

Qifrey and Olruggio glanced at the screen.

"You've seen this before?" Qifrey asked.

"More times than I can count," you admitted with a sheepish smile. "It's one of my favorites."

You selected The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.

"I figured a fantasy movie would be fitting."

Neither of them objected.

The opening theme filled the apartment as the three of you settled into the couch, finishing your takeout while the story unfolded on screen.

Every now and then, you'd quietly point out a scene you particularly liked.

"I love this part."

"...Wait for this one."

Qifrey watched with genuine curiosity, occasionally asking small questions about your world's storytelling.

Olruggio, despite pretending not to be overly interested, found himself watching just as attentively.

By the time the movie reached its final act, the takeout containers were empty.

The apartment had fallen completely silent.

None of you noticed the clock quietly ticking past midnight.

The ending credits began to roll as the music filled the room one last time.

"..."

No one reached for the remote.

The television continued playing the credits into the quiet apartment.

Curled beneath a single blanket on the couch, the three of you had unknowingly drifted off to sleep.

Somewhere during the movie, someone had pulled the blanket over everyone.

No one remembered who.

Your head rested lightly against Qifrey's shoulder.

Qifrey had unknowingly leaned against Olruggio sometime after falling asleep.

Olruggio, too tired to complain, simply stayed where he was, one arm loosely tucked beneath the blanket.

The couch had somehow become far too small for three exhausted adults.

Yet none of you stirred.

Outside, the city lights continued to glow beyond the apartment windows.

Inside...

The television quietly played through the last of the credits.

And beneath the warmth of a shared blanket, the three of you slept peacefully, completely unaware of how closely you'd all ended up huddled together.

----====-----

The next morning, the first ones to wake up were the girls.

Still rubbing the sleep from their eyes, they wandered out of their room one by one.

"...Good morning," Coco yawned.

Richeh quietly followed behind, Brushbuddy perched sleepily on her shoulder.

Agott stretched her arms before stepping into the living room.

The four of them froze.

"..."

"..."

"..."

There, on the couch, was a complete mess.

The television was still on, the movie having long since finished. It had looped back to the menu screen, its opening music quietly playing in the background.

Beneath a single blanket...

You, Qifrey, and Olruggio were all fast asleep.

Somehow, overnight, you'd all ended up unintentionally huddled together on the couch.

Tetia blinked.

Then dramatically placed both hands on her hips.

"They overslept together!" she declared, sounding like the only responsible adult in the apartment.

Coco couldn't help but giggle.

"They look really tired..."

Agott folded her arms, trying to hide the tiny smile threatening to appear.

"...Looks uncomfortable."

Richeh's attention, however, drifted elsewhere.

Her eyes landed on the coffee table.

Several empty takeout containers were neatly stacked together.

She stared at them.

Then looked around the kitchen.

Then back at the containers.

"..."

"...Master..."

She looked up at the sleeping trio.

"...Where's our dinner?"

Brushbuddy tilted its head.

"...Chirp?"

For a brief moment, everyone fell silent.

Then Tetia gasped dramatically.

"...They ate everything?!"

Coco's eyes widened.

"They wouldn't do that..."

"...Would they?"

Before anyone could jump to conclusions, Agott let out a small sigh.

"...Check the fridge first."

Richeh quietly nodded and padded over to the refrigerator.

She pulled the door open.

Inside sat four neatly packed takeout containers with their names written on sticky notes.

Next to them were the desserts you'd promised to save for breakfast.

Richeh blinked.

"...Found them."

Tetia immediately deflated.

"...Oh."

"...Never mind."

Coco laughed.

"I knew they wouldn't forget."

Brushbuddy gave an approving little chirp before happily hopping onto the counter, already eyeing the desserts.

The four girls looked back toward the couch.

The three adults were still completely asleep.

"...Should we wake them?" Coco whispered.

Tetia grinned mischievously.

"...I have an idea."

----===----

Everything felt... peaceful.

As if you were drifting beneath the ocean.

Weightless.

Silent.

Your hair floated gently around you as tiny bubbles rose toward the surface.

You reached out, absentmindedly poking one with your fingertip.

Pop.

Another drifted by.

Then another.

Until—

Something felt wrong.

Your chest tightened.

The water around you grew heavier.

You tried to breathe.

Instead—

Water rushed into your lungs.

You choked.

Your body thrashed instinctively as panic consumed the peaceful dream.

Then—

Your eyes flew open.

You gasped sharply, taking in a desperate breath.

The familiar ceiling of your apartment replaced the endless blue sea.

"..."

For a second, you simply lay there, your breathing uneven.

Beside you, Qifrey and Olruggio were still sound asleep beneath the blanket.

You were about to close your eyes again when...

Your nose twitched.

"...Smoke?"

A faint burning smell drifted through the apartment.

You frowned.

"..."

"..."

Then your brain finally caught up.

"...SMOKE!"

You shot upright so fast that the blanket tangled around your legs.

"Wah—!"

You stumbled forward.

Straight off the couch.

Dragging the blanket—

And the two sleeping wizards—

Down with you.

THUD!

The three of you crashed onto the carpet in a tangled heap.

"...Oof."

"...Ghk—"

Poor Olruggio ended up at the very bottom, crushed beneath both you and Qifrey.

He let out a muffled groan.

"...I think..."

"...My spine..."

Qifrey blinked awake in complete confusion.

"...What happened?"

"Sorry!"

You scrambled off them without another explanation and sprinted toward the kitchen.

The sight waiting for you made you freeze.

The four girls stood around the microwave.

Its interior was filled with smoke.

Coco repeatedly pressed random buttons.

Tetia was staring at the display in confusion.

Richeh had taken several cautious steps backward with Brushbuddy hiding behind her hair.

Agott looked between the smoking microwave and the others with a growing look of concern.

The takeout containers from last night...

Were inside.

Still in their plastic containers.

"..."

"...Girls."

The four of them turned toward you in unison.

"Oh!" Tetia brightened.

"We wanted to heat breakfast!"

"..."

"...Using the magic box," Coco added proudly.

You slowly covered your face with both hands.

"..."

Right.

You'd never actually taught them how to use a microwave.

Behind you, Qifrey and Olruggio finally reached the kitchen, still rubbing the sleep from their eyes.

"...What's burning?" Olruggio asked.

You let out the deepest sigh imaginable.

"..."

"...Good morning."

"...Welcome to today's disaster."

---===---

After a brief moment of panic...

Everything was finally under control.

The microwave had been switched off before anything worse could happen, and the poor takeout containers had been rescued...

Though the breakfast inside was beyond saving.

"...There goes dinner from last night," you sighed.

"Sorry..." Coco apologized, hanging her head.

"We just wanted to help," Tetia added quietly.

You gave them both a reassuring smile.

"I know."

"You didn't do anything on purpose."

"I just forgot to teach you how to use a microwave."

The girls looked a little relieved.

Meanwhile, you had every window in the apartment wide open.

Standing near one of them, you vigorously fanned the lingering smoke outside with a kitchen towel.

"Come on..."

"Go outside..."

"Before the smoke detector notices..."

You continued waving the towel like your life depended on it.

Behind you, Olruggio watched the scene with crossed arms.

"...You're declaring war against smoke."

"I'm declaring war against the fire alarm," you corrected without looking back.

"If that thing goes off, the whole building's going to think I burned the apartment down."

Qifrey couldn't help but laugh quietly.

"I suppose that would be... troublesome."

"Troublesome?"

You shot him an incredulous look while still fanning the smoke.

"It'd be embarrassing!"

The wizard simply smiled into his hand.

Brushbuddy fluttered around the room, helping in the least helpful way imaginable by flapping its tiny wings toward the window.

"...Chirp!"

"Thanks for the emotional support, Brushbuddy," you said between exhausted breaths.

Richeh looked up proudly.

"...Brushbuddy is helping."

"It absolutely is."

Whether it was actually helping the smoke leave...

Was another question entirely.

After several long minutes, the air finally began to clear.

You let out a long, relieved sigh and lowered the towel.

"...Crisis averted."

Olruggio looked at the now-useless takeout containers before glancing back at you.

"So..."

"...What's for breakfast now?"

You stared at the ruined food.

Then at the group.

Then sighed with a small smile.

"...Guess I'm cooking."

===---===----

"It's a good thing we ordered plenty of takeout last night..." you sighed, resting your cheek against your hand.

Fortunately, not all of it had been ruined.

Only the containers the girls had tried to heat up in the microwave had to be thrown away.

After giving everyone a quick lesson on what could and couldn't go inside a microwave, breakfast was finally back on track.

The girls reheated their meals properly this time—with your supervision.

Meanwhile, you decided to make a fresh breakfast for yourself, Olruggio, and Qifrey.

Soon, the dining table was filled once again.

The girls happily ate their reheated takeout from the night before, while you placed plates of freshly cooked breakfast in front of yourself, Olruggio, and Qifrey.

"Much better," you said with a satisfied nod.

Tetia sheepishly scratched her cheek.

"...We'll ask first next time."

"Please do," you laughed.

"I don't think my poor microwave can survive another lesson."

Coco nodded earnestly.

"We learned something today."

"That's all that matters."

Across the table, Olruggio took a bite of his breakfast before glancing at the slightly scorched microwave sitting on the kitchen counter.

"...Think it'll recover?"

You followed his gaze.

"...Physically?"

"Probably."

"Mentally?"

"...It'll need therapy."

Qifrey let out a quiet laugh into his cup of tea.

The girls looked between you and the microwave before giggling along.

Despite the smoky start to the morning...

Breakfast ended with laughter once again.

As you reached for the stack of dirty plates, another hand gently stopped yours.

You looked up to find Qifrey standing beside you, wearing the same warm smile he always did.

"Let me wash them."

"You've already done more than enough this morning."

You opened your mouth to protest.

"But—"

"No arguments."

His smile softened ever so slightly.

"Go and rest."

"..."

You let out a defeated sigh before smiling back.

"...Alright."

"Thanks."

Qifrey simply nodded before rolling up his sleeves and carrying the dishes over to the sink.

The sound of running water soon filled the apartment.

You, on the other hand, made your way to the living room.

The moment you reached the couch...

You collapsed face-first into the cushions.

"...I'm not moving."

Not for groceries still sitting in the van.

Not for the shopping bags.

Not for anything.

Olruggio glanced over from where he was reading.

"I believe you."

You gave nothing more than a muffled groan in response.

The groceries...

Your shopping bags...

Qifrey's books...

Olruggio's purchases...

Everything could wait.

You were perfectly content becoming one with the couch.

...

Then a thought suddenly crossed your mind.

Your eyes slowly opened.

"...Wait."

Yesterday.

The plushie store.

Tetia had spent the evening hugging the oversized bunny plush nearly half her height.

Coco refused to let go of her little fox.

Richeh had happily carried around the fluffy seal plush.

...

Agott.

You remembered buying the small black cat plush she'd insisted she wasn't interested in.

She never realized you'd secretly paid for it while she was distracted.

"...Right."

With another dramatic sigh, you forced yourself off the couch.

"...One last thing."

You quietly headed toward the girls' room.

Their shopping bags had been neatly placed on one of the shelves.

After a bit of searching, you found the one you were looking for.

Still inside...

The small black cat plush waited, untouched.

A smile tugged at your lips.

You picked up the bag before wandering through the apartment.

"...Agott?"

There was no answer.

Then you noticed the door to your messy art room slightly open.

Peeking inside, you found Agott sitting at one of the spare tables.

Several sheets of paper were spread before her.

Although there was no magic in this world, she was quietly reviewing spell diagrams and notes from memory, determined not to forget what she'd learned back at the atelier.

You leaned lightly against the doorway.

"Agott."

She blinked before looking up.

"...Hm?"

Her expression softened when she saw you standing there.

You smiled, exhaustion still evident in your face, and held out the small paper bag.

"I have something for you."

Agott tilted her head.

"...For me?"

"Mhm."

You stepped closer and gently placed the bag into her hands.

"I noticed you looking at it yesterday."

"So..."

"...It's yours."

For a moment, Agott simply stared at the bag.

"..."

"...But..."

"I said I didn't want it."

"You did."

You chuckled softly.

"But..."

"You also kept looking at it every time you thought no one was watching."

Agott's ears turned a faint shade of pink.

"..."

"...I wasn't."

"You were."

"..."

"...Maybe a little."

Your smile widened.

"Go on."

"Open it."

Slowly, almost hesitantly, Agott peeked inside the bag.

The moment she pulled out the small black cat plush...

Her eyes widened ever so slightly. She froze. For several long seconds...

She simply stared at it. Then, without saying a word, she hugged the plush tightly against her chest.

"..."

"...Thank you."

The words were barely above a whisper.

But to you...

They were more than enough.

Neither you nor Agott noticed...

The others had quietly gathered outside the art room.

Qifrey stood near the doorway, drying his hands with a kitchen towel after finishing the dishes.

Olruggio leaned against the wall with his arms crossed.

Tetia and Coco peeked around the corner with unmistakably curious faces.

Richeh stood beside them, Brushbuddy perched on her shoulder.

None of them said a word.

They simply watched.

Inside the room, Agott continued holding the little black cat plush close to her chest.

She looked down at it before carefully running a hand over its soft fur.

"...It's soft."

You smiled.

"I thought you'd like it."

She was quiet for another moment.

"...I do."

Her voice was still calm as ever.

But the tiny smile tugging at the corner of her lips said far more than her words did.

Outside the room, Tetia gasped dramatically before whispering as quietly as she could,

"She's smiling!"

"I know," Coco whispered back, trying not to squeal.

Richeh nodded happily.

"...Agott looks happy."

Even Brushbuddy gave a soft, approving chirp.

"...Chirp."

Olruggio watched the scene from the hallway, the corner of his mouth lifting into a faint smile.

"...She's warming up."

Qifrey nodded quietly.

"...She is."

He looked toward you.

Watching you patiently wait for Agott to accept the gift without rushing her...

Watching Agott, who normally kept everyone at arm's length, hug the little plush close as though it were something precious.

It was a small moment.

Simple.

Quiet.

Yet somehow...

It felt like watching another wall around Agott slowly begin to crumble.

Inside the room, you finally noticed the unusual silence.

"...Why does it feel like someone's watching us?"

Agott blinked and glanced toward the doorway.

The two of you froze.

Standing there...

Were six very familiar faces.

"..."

"..."

Tetia immediately pointed at the black cat plush.

"It suits you!"

Coco nodded enthusiastically.

"It's really cute!"

Richeh smiled softly.

"...Just like you."

Agott's face immediately warmed with embarrassment.

"...I..."

She instinctively hugged the plush even closer.

"...Thank you."

The girls beamed.

You, meanwhile, could only laugh, rubbing the back of your neck.

"...How long have you all been standing there?"

Olruggio answered without a shred of guilt.

"...Long enough."

Qifrey chuckled behind him.

"...It was a lovely surprise."

Agott let out the smallest sigh, clearly resigned to the fact that everyone had witnessed the moment.

"...Please forget this."

"...No promises," Tetia replied with a grin.

====----====

With the apartment finally quiet again, you clapped your hands together.

"Alright."

"One last job."

"The groceries."

Olruggio let out a tired groan.

"...I knew we forgot something."

Qifrey chuckled softly.

"They've been sitting in the van this whole time."

You nodded sheepishly.

"Yeah..."

"I may have... completely forgotten."

"...You collapsed on the couch," Olruggio reminded.

"Fair point."

The seven of you headed downstairs together.

The morning air was cool, a welcome change after the eventful start to the day.

Reaching the van, you unlocked the back door.

"...There's more than I remembered."

You stared at the mountain of grocery bags.

"...Did we buy the whole store?" Tetia asked.

"It certainly feels like it," you laughed.

One by one, you handed everyone a few bags.

"Don't carry too much," you reminded the girls.

"If it's heavy, let one of us know."

"We're strong!" Tetia declared confidently.

A few seconds later...

"...It's heavier than it looked."

Olruggio snorted.

"I was wondering how long that confidence would last."

Coco carefully hugged a lighter bag filled with snacks.

Richeh proudly carried one with bread and cereal while Brushbuddy balanced on top of it like a tiny guardian.

Agott quietly took two bags without a word.

Qifrey reached for the heavier ones before you could.

"I've got these."

"You sure?"

He smiled.

"I'm sure."

After making two trips between the van and your apartment, everything was finally inside.

The front door closed with a soft click behind the group.

"...Mission accomplished," you sighed.

"Not quite," Olruggio replied, setting another bag on the counter.

You blinked.

"...Right."

"We still have to put everything away."

Everyone naturally spread out around the kitchen.

You opened the pantry and cupboards while Qifrey carefully checked where each item belonged before handing it to you.

"Canned goods here?"

"Mhm."

"Rice?"

"Bottom cupboard."

"What about these noodles?"

"Second shelf."

Olruggio quietly stocked the refrigerator, arranging the milk, vegetables, fish, shrimp, and meat with surprising efficiency.

"...You organize your fridge better than I do," you admitted.

"I noticed."

He shut the refrigerator door with a satisfied nod.

"The girls happily joined in as well.

Tetia eagerly carried snack packs to the pantry.

Coco carefully lined up juice boxes and bottles.

Richeh quietly arranged the bread and breakfast foods.

Agott silently helped organize the shelves, making everything surprisingly neat.

By the time the last grocery bag was emptied...

The apartment kitchen looked fully stocked once again.

You leaned against the counter with a relieved sigh.

"...Now."

"I officially refuse to do anything productive for the rest of today."

Olruggio folded his arms.

"...Agreed."

Qifrey smiled warmly.

"I think we've all earned a quiet afternoon."

The girls nodded in enthusiastic agreement.

After all...

Between shopping, carrying groceries, and surviving a smoking microwave...

Everyone deserved a little rest.

Just as everyone was about to settle down, you suddenly froze.

"...Wait."

Everyone looked at you.

"I think..."

"...I forgot something."

Olruggio raised an eyebrow.

"...Again?"

You awkwardly scratched your cheek.

"I may have left our shopping bags in the van."

A beat of silence.

"...Mine."

"...Qifrey's."

"...And yours too, Olly."

Olruggio slowly pinched the bridge of his nose.

"You really were running on no sleep this morning."

"In my defense..."

You pointed toward the kitchen.

"We had a smoking microwave incident."

"...Fair enough," he sighed.

Qifrey chuckled softly.

"Shall we retrieve them?"

"Please."

The three of you headed back downstairs once more.

Sure enough, tucked neatly behind the remaining groceries were the forgotten shopping bags from yesterday.

"...At least no one stole them," you said with relief.

"That would have been unfortunate," Qifrey agreed as he picked up his books.

Olruggio grabbed his own bag before looking at you.

"...Anything else you forgot while we're here?"

You looked around the van dramatically.

"...Nope."

"...Probably."

"...That 'probably' concerns me," Olruggio muttered.

After another trip upstairs, the forgotten bags finally made it into the apartment.

The moment you stepped inside, you immediately carried your own purchases toward your art room.

The familiar clutter welcomed you.

Canvases leaned against the walls.

Sketchbooks were stacked on desks.

Paints, brushes, and unfinished drawings occupied nearly every available surface.

"...Home sweet home."

You carefully placed the new canvases beside the others before organizing the fresh paints, brushes, markers, and books wherever you could find space.

"...I seriously need to clean this room someday," you mumbled to yourself.

Outside, Qifrey and Olruggio unpacked the rest of their purchases.

Qifrey neatly arranged his newly bought books on one of the shelves in the living room before setting aside the notebooks and stationery he'd picked up.

Meanwhile, Olruggio sorted through the sketchbooks, pencils, and art supplies the girls had chosen, placing them together so they could easily find them later.

By the time you stepped back out of your art room, brushing a little dust from your sleeves, everything had finally found its place.

You looked around the apartment.

No more grocery bags.

No more shopping bags.

No more forgotten errands.

With a satisfied sigh, you smiled.

"...Now..."

"I think we're actually done."

Olruggio let out a quiet huff.

"...Until you remember something else."

You pretended to think for a moment.

"..."

"...Don't jinx it."

Qifrey couldn't help but laugh.

===----===

When everyone is left with their own thing. you were back inside the art room again only with your thoughts. letting the music sooth in the background as you grabbed your brushed gently guiding the way in the canvas.

You question that, what was the purpose of your art? was it to represent the reflection of yourself that you wanted to be or the person you hated?

Feelings are so confusing that it becomes your enemy, rival, love, family until you find the answer to yourself and it finally broke you.

Feels like living someone else roof, and you continue moving and moving until it felt like your were dancing with your own blood.

You knew them, but did they knew you? you knew those curse of every talentful people, you'll be the gift until your left in the wasteland and nothing to return.

Your breath hitch as you stop and look down, your hair shadowing your face. It hurts until it finally kills you.

----====----

The soft creak of the door broke the silence.

You turned your head.

"...Oh."

Agott stood in the doorway.

She seemed just as surprised to see you there as you were to see her.

For a brief second, the two of you simply stared at one another.

Then you smiled.

"Did you need something?"

Your voice was as gentle as always.

Your smile never wavered.

"I was just going to continue studying," Agott answered quietly, holding a few papers in one hand.

You nodded.

"Go ahead."

"I don't mind."

She gave a small nod in return before walking over to the study desk she'd been using earlier.

The little black cat plush was tucked securely beneath one arm.

You couldn't help but smile a little wider when you noticed it.

She'd brought it with her.

Without a word, Agott set the plush carefully on the corner of the desk, almost as though it belonged there, before spreading out her notes and returning to her work.

The room settled into a comfortable silence.

The scratch of a pencil across paper.

The occasional turn of a page.

Neither of you felt the need to fill the quiet with conversation.

It was... peaceful.

You leaned back in your chair, absentmindedly organizing a few brushes on your desk.

From the corner of your eye, you occasionally glanced toward Agott.

She was completely focused.

So focused, in fact, that she never noticed the moment your smile slowly faded.

The warmth in your expression disappeared, replaced by something quieter. More tired.

The weight you'd hidden behind your usual smile settled over your features the instant you knew no one was looking.

You closed your eyes for only a heartbeat.

Taking a slow, steady breath.

Then... Just as quickly...

The familiar smile returned.

By the time Agott happened to glance your way again, you were already sorting through your art supplies as though nothing had happened.

She simply returned to her notes.

Unaware...

That you'd made certain she never saw the face hidden beneath your smile.

---====---

You stepped out of the bathroom after washing the paint from your hands.

For a split second...

The colors were gone.

Only blood covered your hands.

Buzz.

Your phone vibrated.

The illusion disappeared.

It was just a message from a colleague.

You left your paperwork at the office. Can you pick it up?

"...Right."

You slipped your phone away and headed to your room.

Olruggio was resting on your bed while Qifrey sat at your desk, absentmindedly sketching spell circles with a black gel pen.

"...Going somewhere?" Olruggio asked.

"I forgot some paperwork at work."

As you stepped into the hallway, Coco looked up.

"Oh! Are you going out?"

"Mhm. Just to the office."

Her eyes lit up.

"Can I come with you?"

You hesitated.

"...Please?"

You sighed.

"...Fine."

"Really?!"

"But you stay beside me the whole time. No wandering."

"I promise!"

Olruggio smirked.

"...Called it."

Qifrey chuckled.

"I had a feeling she'd convince you."

You could only laugh.

"...I'm too easy."

Together, you all stepped through the mall's entrance.

The moment the automatic glass doors slid open, the lively atmosphere rushed in to greet you.

Bright lights illuminated every corner, music drifted through the air, and countless conversations blended together with the footsteps of hundreds of shoppers.

The four girls stopped in their tracks.

"...Whoa..."

Their eyes wandered from one store to another, taking in everything around them.

Rows of clothing shops, bookstores, cafés, bakeries, and restaurants stretched across the enormous shopping mall.

People walked past carrying colorful shopping bags, children laughed as they ran ahead of their parents, and advertisements flashed across large digital screens overhead.

To you, it was just another ordinary day at the mall.

To them...

It was an entirely different world.

As you continued walking, you suddenly felt a gentle tug at your hand.

Looking down, you found Richeh quietly clinging to your sleeve.

She hadn't said a word.

Brushbuddy had tucked itself against her shoulder, hiding beneath the curtain of her hair with only a tiny bit of fur peeking out.

You smiled reassuringly.

"It's all right," you said softly. "There's a lot of people, isn't there?"

Richeh gave a small nod.

"...A lot."

You gently squeezed her hand.

"Just stay close to me."

She nodded again, her grip relaxing ever so slightly.

As the seven of you walked through the mall, a few passersby couldn't help but glance in your direction.

The girls' unique outfits—and Qifrey and Olruggio's distinctive clothing—made them stand out from the crowd.

"They look amazing..."

"Are they cosplayers?"

"What series are they from?"

A few whispered among themselves, assuming the group was dressed as characters from some fantasy series.

You quietly hoped that was as far as it would go.

The last thing you wanted was for someone to ask for photos or crowd around them.

They were still getting used to your world.

One overwhelming experience at a time was more than enough.

"Okay, so first we should—"

You stopped mid-sentence.

"...Where's Tetia?"

Silence.

Your eyes darted around the crowd. She was nowhere to be seen. Qifrey immediately stiffened.

"...Tetia?"

Even Olruggio's expression grew serious as he quickly scanned the busy mall.

Then you spotted a familiar head of bright pink hair a short distance away.

"...There!"

Without another thought, you hurried over, with Qifrey and the others close behind.

A small group of teenagers had gathered around Tetia.

Fortunately, they weren't bothering her.

They were simply chatting excitedly.

"Your costume is so cute!"

"Did you make it yourself?"

"What anime are you from?"

Tetia blinked in confusion.

"Um..."

She smiled politely, trying her best to answer despite clearly not understanding most of the questions.

"I'm... Tetia."

"Aww, she's staying in character!"

"So adorable!"

Before the conversation could continue, you quickly stepped in behind Tetia.

"I'm so sorry!" you said with an apologetic smile. "We're kind of in a hurry, so we have to get going."

You gently rested a hand on Tetia's shoulder.

The group immediately nodded.

"Oh! Of course!"

"Sorry for stopping you."

One of the teens smiled brightly.

"You and your daughter have a wonderful day!"

"..."

"..."

You blinked.

Tetia blinked.

Neither of you had time to correct them before the group was already walking away.

"Bye-bye!" one of them called, waving enthusiastically.

They continued chatting excitedly among themselves.

"She's so cute!"

"That cosplay was amazing!"

"I wonder what convention they're going to."

Tetia slowly raised a hand and gave them a small, confused wave in return.

"...Bye?"

Once they disappeared into the crowd, you let out a long sigh of relief.

"...Tetia."

She turned to you innocently.

"Yes?"

"You scared us."

Her cheerful expression immediately fell.

"...I'm sorry."

"I just wanted to look around..." she admitted quietly, lowering her head.

You crouched slightly so you were at eye level with her.

"I know."

Your voice remained gentle.

"But malls are really crowded, and it's easy to get separated."

You offered her a reassuring smile.

"So next time, tell one of us before wandering off, okay?"

Tetia nodded without hesitation.

"Okay... I promise."

You smiled and gently patted her head.

"Good."

Behind you, Qifrey quietly let out the breath he'd been holding.

"...Thank goodness."

Olruggio folded his arms, though the relief in his expression was unmistakable.

"...Let's try not to give us another scare."

----++++++----

For a while, the grocery shopping could wait.

You decided to let everyone explore the mall first.

Every corner seemed to hold something new for the girls to marvel at—clothing stores filled with colorful displays, bookstores stacked floor to ceiling with novels, bakeries with the smell of fresh bread drifting through the air, and toy shops that immediately caught Tetia and Coco's attention.

Qifrey and Olruggio were just as curious, though they were much better at hiding it.

Every now and then, however...

"...Excuse me?"

A timid voice would stop the group.

You turned to find a pair of teenagers smiling nervously.

"Sorry to bother you, but..."

One of them pointed toward the four girls.

"Are they cosplaying?"

Before you could answer, another teen noticed Qifrey.

"...Wait."

"...No way."

"Isn't that Qifrey?"

"And that's Olruggio!"

Within moments, another small crowd had gathered.

"They look exactly like them!"

"Can we get a picture?"

The girls exchanged confused glances.

"...What's a picture?" Coco whispered to Richeh.

You immediately stepped forward with an apologetic smile.

"I'm really sorry, but they're still a little overwhelmed. We're just here to spend time together today."

"Oh!"

The teenagers immediately understood.

"Sorry!"

One girl smiled sheepishly before looking back at the group.

"You all look amazing, though."

As everyone began walking away again, you overheard one last comment.

"Aww..."

"They're such a cute family."

"..."

"..."

You blinked.

Another teenager nodded enthusiastically.

"Yeah! Their daughters probably have their dad's hair colors behind that wig!"

"And both dads look so cool!"

"They're literally family goals."

You nearly stumbled over your own feet.

"...H-Huh?"

Beside you, Qifrey blinked once before looking just as surprised.

Olruggio slowly rubbed a hand over his face.

"...Seriously?"

Neither of them had expected to be mistaken for your husbands.

Meanwhile, the four girls looked between the three of you in complete confusion.

"...Husband? who?" Tetia asked innocently.

You almost choked.

"C-Come on!" you said a little too quickly, gently ushering everyone forward. "Let's keep walking!"

The girls hurried after you, still puzzled.

Behind you, you could hear the teenagers giggling.

"I swear they're adorable."

"They're so committed to the bit."

"...Best cosplay group I've ever seen."

You buried your face in one hand.

'...I'm never going to recover from this.'

After everything that had happened, you decided it was best to take a short break before continuing with the grocery shopping.

The seven of you stopped at a family restaurant inside the mall.

Once everyone had settled into their seats, the waiter handed each of you a menu.

You spent a few minutes explaining how it worked.

"The pictures show what the food looks like," you explained. "You can just point to what you'd like if you're not sure about the names."

The four girls nodded, carefully flipping through the colorful pages.

Every so often, one of them would quietly ask what a certain dish was, and you patiently explained the ingredients or flavors.

Qifrey and Olruggio studied their menus just as attentively, occasionally exchanging curious glances whenever they came across something unfamiliar.

The table fell into a comfortable silence, broken only by the soft turning of pages.

After giving them enough time to decide, you closed your own menu and smiled.

"So..."

You rested your elbows lightly on the table.

"Have you all decided what you want?"

Coco looked up first.

"I think so!"

Tetia excitedly pointed at one of the pictures.

"I want this one!"

Richeh quietly nodded, having already made her choice.

Agott looked as composed as ever as she closed her menu.

"I'm ready."

You then turned your attention to the two adults.

"What about you two?"

Qifrey smiled gently as he closed his menu.

"I've decided."

Olruggio gave a small nod.

"So have I."

You smiled warmly.

"Great."

Just then, the waiter returned to the table with a polite smile and a notepad in hand.

"Are you all ready to order?"

After placing everyone's orders, all that was left to do was wait for the food to arrive.

The four girls each took small sips from the glasses of water on the table while chatting quietly among themselves about everything they had seen so far.

Brushbuddy happily perched on Richeh's shoulder, occasionally chirping whenever someone laughed.

Meanwhile, you absentmindedly scrolled through your phone, checking a few notifications and crossing a couple of items off your grocery list.

Then an idea popped into your head.

You looked up from your screen.

"By the way..."

The conversation around the table gradually died down as everyone's attention shifted toward you.

"After we're done grocery shopping, do you all want to explore the mall a little more?" you asked with a smile. "We could even stop by a few shops if something catches your interest."

The girls' eyes immediately lit up.

Before any of them could answer, however, Qifrey spoke.

"...Wouldn't that be a waste of your money?" he asked gently, concern evident in his voice.

You let out a small laugh and waved a dismissive hand.

"Eh."

"My money, my rules."

Qifrey looked as though he wanted to argue, but you continued before he had the chance.

"And don't worry about it."

You leaned back comfortably in your chair.

"I make a pretty decent living from my commissions and my job."

"So buying a few things isn't going to hurt."

Olruggio glanced at you.

"...Still."

"You've already done more than enough for us."

You smiled softly.

"I know."

"But I want to."

Your expression was warm and sincere.

"Besides..."

You looked around the table at all six of them.

"You don't get to visit another world every day."

"So if there's something you'd like to see or buy, I'd rather you enjoy the experience than worry about the cost."

For a moment, no one spoke.

Then Tetia's grin spread from ear to ear.

"So... that's a yes?"

You laughed.

"That's a yes."

The table erupted into excited chatter once more, while Qifrey and Olruggio exchanged quiet glances.

Neither of them could deny it.

...You really were far too kind for your own good.

Not long afterward, the waiter returned with everyone's meals.

One by one, the dishes were carefully placed on the table until it was practically covered with plates of steaming food.

The delicious aroma immediately filled the air.

"Ooh..." Tetia breathed, her eyes sparkling.

"It smells amazing," Coco said, leaning forward to get a better look.

Even Agott looked impressed, though she tried not to show it.

"Enjoy your meal," the waiter said with a smile before walking away.

"All right," you said, picking up your utensils.

"Let's eat."

The group happily dug into their meals.

Almost immediately, delighted reactions spread around the table.

"This is so good!" Tetia exclaimed between bites.

"The seasoning is different..." Qifrey observed thoughtfully as he sampled another mouthful.

"I like it," Olruggio admitted with a small nod.

Richeh quietly enjoyed her food, though Brushbuddy had begun staring at the plates with unmistakable interest.

The tiny creature let out a hopeful little chirp.

You couldn't help but smile.

"Here."

Making sure it was something safe to share, you tore off a tiny bite-sized piece and offered it to Brushbuddy.

The little creature eagerly accepted it.

Chirp!

Its eyes practically sparkled as it happily munched away.

"...Looks like someone approves," you chuckled.

Richeh gently patted Brushbuddy's head before returning to her own meal.

Then you noticed something else.

Richeh's eyes had wandered.

Specifically...

Toward the enormous serving of roasted meat on her plate.

Her gaze never left it.

"..."

A tiny string of drool threatened to escape the corner of her mouth.

You stared.

"...Richeh."

She blinked.

"...Yes?"

"You can eat it."

"..."

"...Really?"

You couldn't help but laugh.

"That's why we ordered it."

Without another word, Richeh happily picked up her utensils and took her first bite.

Her eyes widened ever so slightly.

"..."

"...It's delicious."

Brushbuddy chirped in agreement, happily nibbling on its own tiny piece beside her.

After finishing your meal, you called the waiter over to settle the bill.

Once the payment was taken care of, you quietly placed a few extra bills beneath the receipt before standing up.

"All right," you said with a smile. "Let's head to the grocery store."

Just as everyone began leaving the table, Coco suddenly stopped.

"...Huh?"

She noticed the money you had left behind.

"...You forgot this."

Thinking you had accidentally left it there, she reached out to pick it up.

Luckily, you noticed just in time.

"Ah, Coco!"

You gently stopped her hand before she could grab the bills.

"You don't need to take that."

She blinked in confusion.

"...I don't?"

You smiled and shook your head.

"That's called a tip."

"A... tip?" Tetia repeated, tilting her head.

Qifrey and Olruggio also looked at you curiously.

"In our world," you explained, "some people leave a little extra money after eating at a restaurant."

"It's a way of thanking the staff for their service."

"It isn't required everywhere," you continued, "but if someone gives you really good service, some people like to leave a tip as a way of showing their appreciation."

Coco slowly nodded in understanding.

"So... it's like giving someone a reward for working hard?"

"Something like that," you replied with a smile.

"It lets them know you appreciated the effort they put into serving you."

Richeh quietly looked back at the table.

"...That's nice."

Agott gave a thoughtful hum.

"So that's why you left money behind."

You nodded.

"Yep."

Tetia scratched her cheek.

"...I thought you forgot it."

You laughed.

"I had a feeling one of you would think that."

The girls giggled, and with that little lesson learned, the seven of you finally left the restaurant, ready to continue your adventure through the mall.

The moment you entered the grocery section of the mall, the atmosphere changed.

Instead of clothing stores and cafés, long aisles stretched out before you, each lined with shelves packed from top to bottom with all kinds of products.

You grabbed a shopping trolley near the entrance along with an extra shopping basket, placing the basket neatly underneath the cart.

"There we go."

You handed the trolley over to Olruggio.

"Mind pushing it?"

He nodded, taking hold of the handle.

"I don't mind."

Meanwhile, you unlocked your phone and opened the grocery list once more.

"...Let's see..."

Qifrey stepped beside you, glancing over the list.

"I'll help."

"Thanks."

The two of you started making your way down the first aisle.

Whenever you reached an item on the list, Qifrey would quietly compare different brands before checking the expiration dates with surprising care.

"This one expires next year," he noted, handing it to you.

You gave an approving nod.

"Perfect."

One by one, the groceries found their way into the cart.

Olruggio followed behind, pushing the steadily growing trolley without complaint.

The four girls stayed close, splitting themselves between your group and Olruggio's.

Sometimes they'd walk beside you and Qifrey, curiously watching as you searched through the shelves.

Other times they'd stay with Olruggio, chatting quietly while he pushed the cart.

Whenever they noticed you looking for something, they eagerly tried to help.

"What are we looking for now?" Coco asked.

"Cooking oil," you replied.

"...What's that?"

You held up the bottle after spotting it on the shelf.

"This."

"Oh!"

The next time, Tetia pointed excitedly at a package.

"Is this it?"

You laughed.

"That's flour."

"...Close enough?"

"Not quite."

Even Agott occasionally glanced up at the aisle signs, trying to figure out where certain items might be.

"I think the cleaning supplies are over there," she said, pointing toward the next aisle.

You looked where she was pointing.

"...You're right."

She gave the tiniest hint of a satisfied smile.

Meanwhile, Richeh quietly searched the lower shelves, carefully reading the pictures on the packaging whenever she couldn't understand the words.

Brushbuddy peeked over her shoulder the entire time, chirping every now and then as if it wanted to help too.

Although none of the girls knew exactly what everything looked like—or where anything was—they still did their best to help.

Watching them enthusiastically search every shelf made you smile to yourself.

"...This is actually going a lot faster than I expected."

You smiled to yourself as you looked back at your phone.

Almost every item had been checked off.

"...Nice."

"That was quicker than I expected."

Qifrey glanced at the screen.

"We're nearly finished."

"Just a few more things."

You tapped the last few items on your list.

"Now..."

"The meat section."

The group followed you toward the refrigerated aisles, where chilled displays and freezers stretched across one side of the grocery store.

You slid open one of the freezer doors and began searching through the neatly packaged cuts of meat.

"Hm..."

"Not this one..."

"...Ah."

"There you are."

You picked up the pack you had been looking for and placed it into the shopping cart.

Only then did you notice someone standing unusually close beside you.

"...Richeh?"

She hadn't moved.

Instead, she was quietly staring through the freezer glass at the rows of meat.

Her eyes slowly followed each package.

"..."

"...It does look delicious when it's cooked."

You couldn't help but chuckle.

"It does."

"But not right now."

Richeh gave a tiny nod, though she looked just a little disappointed.

"...Right."

Brushbuddy chirped in agreement from her shoulder, though it didn't stop staring at the meat either.

Meanwhile, the other three girls had wandered a few steps away.

"Ooh!"

"So many drinks!"

Coco's eyes sparkled as she looked over the colorful bottles.

Tetia picked up a small pack of Yakult.

"What's this?"

"That's Yakult," you answered. "It's a yogurt drink."

She tilted the tiny bottle back and forth.

"It's so small."

Agott, on the other hand, was examining the rows of soft drinks.

"...There are so many flavors."

While everyone was distracted, Olruggio's attention drifted toward another shelf nearby.

Your eyes followed his.

Wine.

He hadn't even opened his mouth yet.

You already knew exactly what he was thinking.

"...No."

Olruggio blinked.

"...I didn't even say anything."

"You were about to."

"I could see it on your face."

He clicked his tongue.

"...Tch."

"I was only going to ask."

"Mhm."

You folded your arms with a knowing smile.

"And my answer is still no."

"...Cruel."

You laughed.

"I'm driving."

"And besides..."

You pointed at the bottle.

"I am not letting you discover alcohol while we're in the middle of grocery shopping."

Olruggio let out an exaggerated sigh of defeat.

"...Worth a try."

Qifrey quietly chuckled into his hand while the four girls looked between the two of you in complete confusion.

"...What's alcohol?" Coco asked.

You immediately answered.

"...Something you'll learn about when you're much older."

"...Oh."

The girls accepted the answer without another question, while Olruggio muttered under his breath.

"...Spoilsport."

"I heard that."

"...I know you did."

You pulled out your phone once again, scrolling down your grocery list.

One by one, nearly every item had a checkmark beside it.

"...Let's see..."

Meanwhile, Qifrey had wandered over to the drinks aisle with the girls.

"If you'd like to try something new," he said with a smile, "go ahead and choose."

The girls looked toward you for confirmation.

You glanced up from your phone and smiled.

"It's fine."

"Just don't grab half the aisle."

Tetia grinned.

"Got it!"

The four girls happily began comparing different drinks, placing a few bottles and cartons into the shopping cart.

Yakult.

Fruit juice.

A bottle of sparkling water.

Even a couple cans of soda after you assured them it was all right to try.

You didn't mind.

Trying new things was part of the experience, after all.

Turning your attention back to your list, your eyes landed on the final grocery item.

"...Fish."

You muttered the word under your breath.

"Hm..."

Your gaze wandered toward the seafood section farther down the aisle.

"You all right over there?"

Agott called out, noticing you staring into the distance.

She pointed toward the other end of the grocery section.

"It isn't that far."

You blinked before letting out a small laugh.

"Right."

"That."

You slipped your phone back into your pocket.

"The fish section is over there."

Giving the group a small wave, you started walking toward the seafood counter.

"Be right back."

Qifrey nodded.

"We'll stay here."

Olruggio rested both hands on the trolley.

"We're not going anywhere."

Satisfied, you headed toward the chilled seafood display, already wondering which fish looked the freshest today.

"I-I'll come with you!"

Agott hurried after you before you could get too far.

Qifrey looked up from helping Coco compare two juice boxes and smiled.

"All right."

He gave Agott a small nod.

"But stay close to each other."

"I will," Agott replied, nodding back before catching up to you.

The two of you made your way toward the seafood section.

Rows of fresh fish rested on beds of ice, while frozen seafood filled the nearby freezers.

You crouched slightly to inspect a few of the packaged fish.

"Hm..."

"This one looks fresh..."

As you reached for another package, you suddenly felt a small tug on the sleeve of your cardigan.

Looking down, you found Agott standing beside you.

She wore the same determined expression she always had.

"...Do you need any help?" she asked.

For a brief moment, you blinked in surprise.

Then a gentle smile spread across your face.

"Actually..."

You unlocked your phone and handed it to her.

"Could you hold this for me for a little while?"

Agott accepted it carefully with both hands.

"I just need to check the fish and compare a few different kinds," you explained. "Can you do that for me?"

She looked down at the phone, then back at you.

"...I can."

You smiled warmly.

"Thanks, Agott."

A faint hint of satisfaction crossed her face.

"...You're welcome."

With your hands now free, you focused on comparing the different fish, checking their freshness and prices before placing a couple of neatly wrapped packages into the basket.

Beside you, Agott quietly held your phone against her chest, watching attentively as you explained the differences between each kind of fish.

She didn't say much.

But she seemed pleased that, for once, she was the one helping you instead.

"Hmm... fish..."

You quietly scanned the selection in front of you, your eyes moving from one package to another.

"This one looks good..."

You picked it up, checking the label before placing it into the basket resting against your hip.

"...Maybe some shrimp too."

You continued murmuring to yourself, completely focused on comparing the different options.

Large fish.

Small fish.

Boneless fillets.

Whole fish.

Fresh shrimp.

Frozen shrimp.

Agott stood quietly beside you, occasionally peeking over your shoulder to watch how carefully you inspected each package.

"You really check everything..." she observed.

You gave a small hum in response, still reading the labels.

"Buying groceries gets expensive if you're not careful."

You compared one last package before giving a satisfied nod.

"Perfect."

You placed the final pack of shrimp into the basket.

"...And we're done."

Holding the fish and shrimp securely in your arms, you turned toward Agott.

"Shall we head back?"

Agott nodded without hesitation.

"Mm."

She handed your phone back to you.

"Here."

"Thanks."

You slipped it into your cardigan pocket before the two of you began walking back toward the others, chatting quietly as you made your way through the aisles together.

"We're back!" you called as you and Agott returned to the others.

Coco immediately spotted you and waved enthusiastically.

"Welcome back!"

Tetia peeked into the basket you were carrying.

"Did you find everything?"

"Mhm."

You smiled as you placed the packages of fish and shrimp into the shopping cart.

"There."

"Seafood's all taken care of."

You pulled out your phone again and tapped another checkmark on your grocery list.

"Fish..."

"Done."

You scrolled down to the next item.

"...Milk."

"Oh, that's easy."

The dairy section was only a few aisles away.

The group followed you as you walked over to the refrigerators lined with rows of milk cartons.

Without much hesitation, you opened one of the glass doors.

"Hmm..."

You grabbed two cartons of fresh milk.

"And..."

A smile tugged at your lips as you reached for another shelf.

"...Two chocolate milks."

You placed all four cartons into the shopping cart.

Tetia tilted her head.

"Chocolate... milk?"

You chuckled.

"Yep."

"It's exactly what it sounds like."

"It's milk with chocolate."

The girls all looked intrigued.

"...Can we try it?" Coco asked.

You laughed.

"I was already planning on it."

That answer immediately earned a chorus of excited smiles from the four girls.

Even Brushbuddy let out a cheerful little chirp from Richeh's shoulder, making everyone laugh.

"Looks like someone's excited too," you said with a grin.

Brushbuddy puffed up proudly, as if happily admitting it was.

The seven of you wandered through the remaining grocery aisles, picking up the last few items on your list.

One by one, everything found its way into the shopping cart.

Bread.

Seasonings.

Frozen foods.

Cleaning supplies.

A few extra snacks the girls wanted to try.

Even a couple of treats for Brushbuddy.

Finally, after what felt like an endless trip through the store, you stopped near a quiet corner away from the crowd.

Pulling out your phone, you opened your grocery list one last time.

You slowly scrolled from top to bottom.

Every single item had a checkmark beside it.

"..."

A satisfied smile spread across your face.

"I guess we're done."

You couldn't help but sound a little proud.

"Finally!" Tetia threw both of her hands into the air dramatically.

"I thought we'd be here forever!"

You laughed.

"It only took us..."

You glanced at the time on your phone.

"...Almost half an hour."

"..."

"...Only half an hour?" Olruggio deadpanned.

"It felt much longer than that."

"I know, right?" you chuckled.

Coco stretched her arms above her head.

"My legs are getting tired."

"Mine too," Richeh quietly agreed, with Brushbuddy giving a tiny chirp as if it shared the same opinion.

Agott crossed her arms.

"...At least we found everything."

Qifrey looked into the now nearly overflowing shopping cart.

"You've certainly stocked up."

You nodded proudly.

"I won't have to worry about groceries for quite a while now."

Olruggio glanced at the mountain of bags waiting to be checked out.

"...You're going to make us carry all of that, aren't you?"

A mischievous grin appeared on your face.

"...Maybe."

Olruggio let out an exaggerated sigh.

"...I knew there was a catch."

The girls couldn't help but giggle as the group turned toward the checkout counters, ready to finish the last step of the shopping trip.

The seven of you made your way toward the checkout counters, the shopping cart now nearly overflowing with groceries.

You looked up from your phone, expecting to finally pay and head out.

Instead...

"..."

"..."

Everyone stopped walking.

Your soul practically left your body.

The checkout lines stretched farther than you had expected.

Every register had a queue.

A long queue.

You slowly looked from one line...

...to another...

...and then another.

"...You're kidding me."

Tetia's jaw dropped.

"That's... a lot of people."

Coco blinked.

"Are they all waiting?"

"They are," you answered with a sigh.

Agott stared at the seemingly endless line.

"...How long are we going to be here?"

You rubbed your forehead dramatically.

"...Depends on our luck."

Olruggio let out a long groan.

"I'd rather push this cart around the entire store again."

"You say that now," you replied with a laugh.

Qifrey quietly surveyed the checkout area before pointing toward one of the registers.

"That line seems a little shorter than the others."

You followed where he was pointing.

"..."

"...You're right."

"It only looks like twenty people instead of thirty."

Olruggio looked at you in disbelief.

"...Only?"

You couldn't help but snort.

"At this point, I'll take any victory I can get."

The girls exchanged helpless looks before shrugging.

"...Guess we're lining up," Coco said.

With a collective sigh, the seven of you wheeled the shopping cart toward the shortest queue.

"..."

"...At least we're finally done shopping."

"...Now we just have to survive the line."

After what felt like hours—

...It really wasn't.

It only took around fifteen minutes.

Still, standing in line that long made it feel much longer.

Finally, it was your turn.

The cashier greeted you with a smile as your groceries were scanned one by one.

Beep.

Beep.

Beep.

The shopping cart gradually emptied while the groceries were neatly packed into several plastic bags.

Once everything had been paid for, you thanked the cashier and gathered the receipt.

"There we go."

You looked down at the mountain of grocery bags.

"...That's a lot."

Olruggio glanced at the pile before looking at you.

"...You weren't kidding."

You gave him a sheepish smile.

"I might've gone a little overboard."

"A little?" he repeated flatly.

Qifrey chuckled quietly.

"I believe this should last quite some time."

"I hope so," you replied with a laugh.

Turning to everyone, you clapped your hands lightly to get their attention.

"All right, everyone!"

The four girls immediately looked your way.

"First mission—let's get all these groceries into the van."

You pointed toward the parking area.

"Once we've loaded everything up, we can come back inside and explore the mall without carrying all of this around."

Tetia pumped her fist into the air.

"Mission accepted!"

Coco eagerly grabbed one of the lighter bags.

"I'll help!"

Richeh carefully picked up another, making sure Brushbuddy stayed balanced on her shoulder.

Agott reached for two bags without saying a word.

Qifrey and Olruggio naturally took the heavier ones.

"Let's not make her carry everything," Qifrey said with a gentle smile.

"I wasn't planning to," Olruggio replied, already lifting several bags with ease.

You smiled warmly at the sight.

"Thanks, everyone."

Together, the seven of you made your way back toward the parking lot, grocery bags rustling softly with every step.

With everyone helping, even the mountain of shopping suddenly didn't seem so overwhelming.

The walk back to the parking lot went surprisingly smoothly.

With everyone carrying at least one grocery bag, it didn't take long before the familiar sight of your van came into view.

You reached into your bag and pulled out your car keys.

Beep.

The van's lights flashed as it unlocked.

Walking over, you slid the back door open.

"All right," you said. "Let's put everything in the back."

One by one, everyone handed over the grocery bags.

You carefully arranged them toward the rear of the van, making use of the empty space so nothing would topple over during the drive home.

The heavier bags went on the bottom, while the lighter ones were stacked neatly on top.

Qifrey watched with interest.

"You're quite organized."

You chuckled.

"If I just throw everything in, I'll probably end up crushing the bread."

"...Fair point," Olruggio admitted.

After making sure every bag was secure, you gave the stack one last glance.

"Looks good."

You slid the door shut.

Thunk.

Another press of your key fob—

Beep.

The van locked once more.

"There."

You slipped your keys back into your bag before turning to face the group with a bright smile.

"All right."

You stretched your arms above your head.

"Now that we don't have to carry groceries around..."

You looked at everyone.

"How about we go explore the mall?"

The girls' eyes lit up instantly.

"Yes!" Tetia cheered.

"I want to see more!" Coco added excitedly.

Richeh quietly nodded, while Brushbuddy let out a cheerful chirp from her shoulder.

Even Agott gave a small nod.

"...I don't mind."

Qifrey smiled warmly.

"I'd like to see more of this world as well."

Olruggio folded his arms with a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

"Lead the way."

Laughing softly, you turned toward the mall entrance once again.

"Then let's see what else this place has to offer."

The seven of you wandered through the mall at a much more relaxed pace now that the grocery shopping was finally out of the way.

Your first stop was a gaming store.

Rows of game cases, consoles, keyboards, controllers, and shelves filled with collectibles lined the walls.

You took your time browsing the newest releases and checking the sale section.

"Hm..."

"Anything interesting?" Olruggio asked, peering over your shoulder.

You shook your head with a small smile.

"Not really."

"Nothing's caught my attention this time."

Qifrey picked up one of the game cases, studying the colorful artwork.

"The illustrations are quite beautiful."

"They are," you agreed. "Sometimes I buy games just because the cover art looks nice."

Before long, you left the store and continued exploring.

Eventually, you arrived at a clothing shop.

"This time," you said with a grin, "you all get to pick your own clothes."

The four girls immediately brightened.

"Really?" Coco asked.

"Yep."

"No borrowing my clothes anymore."

That alone earned several excited smiles.

And so...

Began the fashion show.

One outfit after another disappeared behind the fitting room curtain.

Then another.

And another.

"...How many outfits have they tried now?" Olruggio muttered.

"I lost count after the sixth," you admitted with a laugh.

Tetia proudly stepped out wearing a bright oversized hoodie.

"What do you think?"

"It suits you," you smiled.

Next came Coco in a cozy cardigan, followed by Richeh in a soft oversized sweater that Brushbuddy immediately burrowed into.

Even Agott reluctantly tried on a few outfits after everyone encouraged her.

"...This one's... comfortable," she admitted quietly.

You smiled.

"It looks good on you."

Though she looked away with a small huff, you noticed the faintest hint of satisfaction on her face.

After purchasing the clothes everyone had chosen, the group continued wandering through the mall.

It wasn't long before Tetia suddenly froze in place.

"..."

"..."

"...Guys."

She slowly pointed toward a nearby store.

It was filled from floor to ceiling with plushies.

Tiny ones.

Giant ones.

Round ones.

Animal plushies.

Fantasy creatures.

Characters.

Pillows.

Everything soft and fluffy imaginable.

"..."

"...Whoa."

Tetia's eyes sparkled.

"C-Can we look?"

Before you could answer, she was already standing at the entrance.

You laughed.

"Of course."

The moment everyone stepped inside, Tetia and Coco were completely captivated.

"They're so cute!"

"This one's fluffy!"

"What animal is this?"

Meanwhile, Richeh quietly wandered between the shelves, gently poking different plushies to feel how soft they were.

Brushbuddy chirped excitedly from her shoulder, occasionally trying to nuzzle into the fluffiest ones it could find.

Even Agott, despite pretending not to be interested, found herself browsing the shelves.

Every now and then, she'd pick up a plushie...

Examine it for a few seconds...

Then quietly put it back before anyone noticed.

...Unfortunately for her.

You noticed every single time.

A small smile tugged at your lips.

"...Found one you like?"

Agott nearly jumped.

"I-I wasn't looking."

"Mhm."

"I'm serious."

"Of course you are."

She turned away with a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.

"...Don't say anything."

You simply chuckled, deciding not to tease her any further as the others continued happily admiring the endless sea of plushies.

Unfortunately...

Your wallet never stood a chance.

By the time everyone was ready to leave the plushie store, each of the girls had found at least one plush they couldn't stop looking at.

Tetia had fallen in love with an oversized bunny plush that was nearly half her height.

Coco carefully hugged a soft little fox to her chest, smiling so brightly that you didn't have the heart to tell her no.

Richeh chose a fluffy seal plush, with Brushbuddy immediately curling up on top of its head as if claiming it.

"...I think Brushbuddy approves," you laughed.

Richeh gave a small nod.

"...Brushbuddy likes fluffy things."

You smiled.

"Then I guess the seal's coming home with us."

As for Agott...

She had quietly wandered off to another shelf.

You watched from a distance as she picked up a small black cat plush.

She gently squeezed one of its paws.

"..."

"...Cute."

The word was barely louder than a whisper.

A moment later, she quickly set it back on the shelf, folded her arms, and walked away as though nothing had happened.

"..."

You couldn't help but smile.

You definitely wanted that.

While the girls were distracted by another display, you quietly doubled back.

Without saying a word, you picked up the little black cat plush and carried it to the register along with everyone else's choices.

The cashier placed it into its own small paper bag.

"Would you like this separate?" they asked.

You nodded with a smile.

"Please."

A few minutes later, the purchases were finished.

Each of the girls happily carried the plush they had chosen.

Tetia was already hugging hers tightly.

Coco couldn't stop petting the fox's ears.

Richeh carefully cradled the little seal while Brushbuddy proudly perched on top of it like it had found a new throne.

Agott, however, simply walked beside the group with her hands tucked into her jacket pockets.

She didn't seem to notice the extra paper bag you were carrying.

Good.

You intended to keep it that way.

A surprise would be much more fun.

You glanced at the hidden bag for just a moment before looking back at Agott.

A small smile found its way onto your face.

She can pretend she wasn't interested all she wants...

'She'll have something waiting for her when we get home.'

Leaving the plushie store, everyone carried their own little shopping bags with bright smiles on their faces.

Tetia happily hugged her oversized bunny as she walked.

Coco occasionally reached into her bag just to pet the soft ears of her little fox.

Richeh carefully held her seal plush while Brushbuddy proudly perched on top of it, chirping every now and then as if showing off its new favorite resting place.

Agott walked quietly alongside everyone else with her hands tucked into her pockets.

Every so often, though...

Her eyes would unconsciously drift back toward the plushie store.

Just for a second.

Then she'd quickly look away.

You noticed.

She really did like that little black cat...

Without saying a word, you adjusted the extra shopping bag hanging from your wrist—the one containing Agott's plush.

Thankfully, she hadn't noticed.

'It'll be a nice surprise once we get home.'

Smiling to yourself, you continued leading the group through the mall until another familiar store caught your eye.

"Oh. There it is."

It was one of your favorite places to visit.

A bookstore filled not only with novels but also shelves of art supplies, school materials, journals, sketchbooks, stationery, and just about anything an artist or student could want.

The moment you stepped inside, the comforting scent of paper and fresh ink greeted you.

"I'll be over in the book section," you told the group.

"Feel free to look around."

Qifrey smiled warmly.

"I've always enjoyed books."

"I'll browse with him," Olruggio added.

The four girls immediately scattered—though not too far—curiously exploring the colorful aisles filled with notebooks, pens, stickers, and little trinkets.

Meanwhile, you wandered toward the fiction shelves.

Your fingers traced along the neatly arranged spines.

"...Romance..."

"...Fantasy..."

"...Mystery..."

"Hmm..."

You pulled out one novel before reading the synopsis on the back.

"...Not bad."

Another caught your attention.

"...Ooh."

After reading a few more summaries, you ended up selecting three books.

One was a fantasy adventure.

Another was a slow-burn romance.

The last was a collection of beautifully illustrated short stories.

You smiled in satisfaction.

"These should keep me busy for a while."

Then you paused, eyeing another shelf with mild suspicion.

"..."

"...Let's... avoid those."

You quietly slid a few trending titles back into place after reading their descriptions.

"...Some stories really shouldn't be romanticized."

You muttered under your breath with a tiny sigh.

"Looking at you, BookTok."

Satisfied with your choices, you carried the books over to the art section.

Rows upon rows of supplies immediately stole your attention.

Paints.

Brushes.

Canvases.

Markers.

Charcoal.

Colored pencils.

Sketchbooks.

Your eyes lit up almost instantly.

"...Oh no."

"...This place is dangerous."

Not because it was unsafe.

Because you knew exactly what happened whenever you entered an art store.

Your wallet was about to suffer.

You wandered from shelf to shelf, comparing different paint brands and testing the feel of several brushes in your hand.

"Hmm..."

"I've been meaning to replace this one..."

You picked up a new set of fine-detail brushes before grabbing a couple of stretched canvases.

Then came a few tubes of acrylic paint.

A bottle of varnish.

Some replacement palette knives.

"...Might as well restock while I'm here."

Before you knew it, your basket had become noticeably heavier.

You stared down at it for a moment.

"...I may have a problem."

Somewhere behind you, Qifrey let out a quiet laugh.

"I was wondering how long it would take before you reached the art supplies."

You looked over your shoulder with a sheepish grin.

"I lasted longer than usual."

"...By about five minutes," Olruggio deadpanned from another aisle.

You couldn't even argue with that.

"Anyway... did you all find anything you wanted?"

You turned around with a smile, expecting to see maybe a notebook or two.

Instead...

Your smile slowly froze.

Qifrey and Olruggio stood there holding a shopping basket.

A basket noticeably heavier than yours.

You blinked.

Then glanced down at your own basket overflowing with books, canvases, paint tubes, and brushes before looking back at theirs.

"...I think both of us have a problem."

Qifrey looked down at the basket as if he'd only just realized.

"...Have we?"

Olruggio peeked inside.

"...Apparently."

You walked over, curiosity getting the better of you.

"So... what did you guys find?"

"A few books," Qifrey answered with a gentle smile.

"A few?"

You looked inside.

Several novels.

A bird guide.

An astronomy book.

A history book.

And a beginner's encyclopedia about the modern world.

"...Qifrey."

"That's not 'a few.'"

He tilted his head.

"...It isn't?"

Olruggio let out a quiet snort.

"I told him to stop after the fourth one."

"They all looked interesting," Qifrey replied innocently.

You couldn't help but laugh.

"Fair enough."

Then your eyes landed on the rest of the basket.

Sketchbooks.

Pens.

Markers.

A calligraphy set.

Colored sticky notes.

Even a small wooden artist's mannequin.

You looked at Olruggio.

"...And these?"

"The girls picked them."

Almost immediately, Tetia proudly held up a colorful pack of gel pens.

"We found these!"

Coco hugged a sketchbook close.

"I wanted to learn drawing..."

Richeh quietly showed off a small watercolor set.

"...It looked pretty."

Agott simply raised a pack of graphite pencils.

"...Mine."

You smiled warmly.

"They're all good choices."

The girls beamed at the compliment.

Looking between both baskets, you let out an amused sigh.

"...Well."

"I guess we're all leaving this store a little poorer."

Olruggio folded his arms.

"...Worth it."

"I believe so," Qifrey agreed.

You glanced at your own basket, then back at theirs before laughing.

"...Yeah."

"...Worth it."

AWhen the rain gave way to the night sky, soft taps against the window kept the city company in its peaceful stillness.

Hypothetically, you were inside the messy art room of your apartment, your hand moving smoothly and carefully as you worked on another portrait for a project. Creativity had always been a part of you. You had explored countless forms of art—dancing, singing, figure skating, ballet, gymnastics, acting, tailoring, and even writing stories and poetry whenever inspiration struck.

But over time, you found yourself drawn to sketching and painting. You never really had trouble with any of the others; sometimes, you simply chose to listen to your heart, careful not to overwork yourself and burn yourself out.

As you sat in your coffee chair, completely focused, soft music played in the background. "Dancing Queen" by ABBA echoed from your phone, connected to a Bluetooth speaker.

As cozy as everything felt, the one thing you didn't expect was to hear a loud crash coming from your bedroom, just across from your messy art room.

You paused the music and quickly rose from your wooden coffee chair. Before you could even step out of the room, loud shouting erupted from outside.

"Coco! You literally dropped the vase! Now they're going to be mad at us!"

The familiar voice came from none other than Agott, who was busily scolding Coco.

"Ah! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to!"

Another voice quickly followed—Coco's, of course.

By now, scenes like this had become part of your daily routine. Ever since Coco, Agott, Richeh, Tetia, and their two masters had arrived, your apartment had rarely known a moment of complete silence. They were still trying to make sense of the modern world, and your home had become an endless source of confusion. Every unfamiliar object seemed to spark another question—or another accident.

How long had it been now? Two months, perhaps? Or was it only three weeks? You had honestly lost track of time.

The day they first appeared was still etched into your memory. Coco, Agott, Richeh, and Tetia had arrived alongside their masters, Qifrey and Olruggio,

Somehow, they had mistaken your apartment for a witch's domain, which only led to even more confusion once they encountered modern technology and everyday appliances. Smartphones, televisions, microwaves, and even the vacuum cleaner had left them utterly baffled.

It had been quite the adventure—or, more accurately, quite the headache—trying to explain how everything worked. On more than one occasion, you had to stop Coco from pressing random buttons, keep Tetia from wandering off in curiosity, or prevent someone from accidentally setting the kitchen on fire while attempting to "help" with dinner.

Needless to say, convincing them otherwise hadn't exactly gone according to plan.

And here you were now, living with a handful of unexpected roommates. You had even lent them comfortable clothes to help them blend into your world, though they still looked just a little out of place no matter what they wore.

You had to go shopping a few times for them as well, since the four little apprentices were mostly borrowing your clothes. Meanwhile, Qifrey and Olruggio relied on your brother's spare clothes whenever he stopped by your place.

You left your messy art room and headed toward your main bedroom, only to find a familiar scene of chaos. Qifrey was carefully picking up the shattered pieces of the vase, while Coco stood beside him, still looking guilty as she held the flowers that had once been inside it. Meanwhile, Agott held a rag, wiping away the water that had spilled across the floor.

"Everything okay in here?" you called out softly as you took in the scene before you.

The sudden sound of your voice seemed to startle Coco, and even Agott briefly glanced in your direction.

Qifrey, on the other hand, simply offered you an apologetic smile.

"Everything is all right," he reassured gently. "Just a little accident."

His calm tone suggested he was trying to ease the situation, perhaps thinking you would be upset over the broken vase.

"Ah, you weren't hurt, were you?" you asked, your gaze immediately finding Coco. There wasn't a trace of anger in your voice. It was only a vase. Expensive or not, you could always make another one yourself.

Coco nodded, fidgeting with her fingers as guilt lingered on her face. Meanwhile, Agott already knew that most of the blame fell on her. After all, she had been the one who accidentally barged the door open.

"It was me, actually," she admitted quietly, refusing to meet your eyes—or Qifrey's or Coco's. Her hands clenched into fists at her sides, frustration and self-blame twisting in her chest.

Before Agott could say anything else, you spoke.

"It's just a vase," you said with a small shrug. "I can always make another one. Besides, it was my fault for leaving it in such a bad spot to begin with."

You offered Agott a gentle smile, hoping to ease the guilt weighing on her shoulders.

"There's no one to blame here. It was just an accident, so don't be too hard on yourself."

With that, you stepped closer and gently ruffled her curly hair.

For a brief moment, the room fell silent, the tension easing little by little, leaving behind nothing more than a broken vase and a lesson everyone would laugh about someday.

Meanwhile, Qifrey simply smiled to himself as he gathered the shattered pieces of the vase with a small broom and dustpan.

"Well, it seems everything has settled down now," he said softly, the familiar calm smile resting on his face as always.

That caught your attention. Noticing the broom and dustpan in Qifrey's hands, you instinctively reached for them, thinking it would be better if you threw the broken pieces away yourself.

"Maybe I should take those instead—"

Before you could, Qifrey simply turned slightly, keeping the dustpan just out of your reach.

"I'll have to disagree," he said with a soft chuckle. "It's all right. I already know where to put it."

His smile remained as calm and gentle as ever, leaving little room for argument.

A look of defeat crossed your face, but all you could do was sigh and nod in surrender. Once Qifrey left the room with the dustpan in hand, you turned your attention back to the two girls.

"Why don't you both go back to what you were doing?" you suggested.

The two exchanged a quick glance before nodding with a quiet hum. Moments later, Coco and Agott hurried out of the room, leaving you alone in the peaceful silence.

...Or so you thought.

A soft grunt suddenly came from your bed, making you flinch in surprise. For a brief moment, you assumed it was either Richeh or Tetia hiding beneath the blankets.

Nope.

It was Olruggio.

Curled up comfortably on your bed as though it belonged to him, he let out another sleepy grunt, seemingly having slept through the entire commotion.

'And here I thought you said you didn't want to sleep on my bed.'

You could only stare at him with a deadpan expression.

Still, you decided not to wake him. Judging by how peacefully he was sleeping, it was obvious he hadn't gotten proper rest in quite some time.

In truth, he hadn't.

You remembered how he and Qifrey had spent countless hours trying to find a way back to their own world, drawing spell after spell until the very last drop of conjuring ink had run dry. Even then, neither of them had been willing to give up.

Despite knowing next to nothing about magic or their world's customs, you did everything you could to help. Whether it was buying supplies, giving them a place to stay, or simply making sure they remembered to eat and rest, you wanted to lighten their burden, even if only a little.

In the end, they had no choice but to stay in your world until they found a way back home. As the days passed, Qifrey's four apprentices gradually began to make themselves at home in your apartment, slowly settling into their unexpected lives there.

You still remembered the first time you lent them your clothes while you planned a shopping trip to buy outfits of their own.

That was a memory you doubted you'd ever forget.

Agott had worn the grumpiest expression imaginable after being handed one of your oversized pink shirts. She looked as though wearing it was the greatest trial she'd ever faced.

You, Coco, Richeh, and even Qifrey couldn't help but laugh at the sight. Olruggio merely hid his amusement behind a quiet smile.

Although Agott complained the entire time, she eventually warmed up to the shirt's surprising comfort. That didn't stop Tetia from teasing her every chance she got, much to Agott's embarrassment.

Returning to the present, you quietly drew the curtains shut, dimming the afternoon sunlight that filtered through the windows. After switching off the lights, you spared one last glance at Olruggio's sleeping figure before silently making your way to the door.

With a gentle click, the door closed behind you.

What you didn't notice, however, was that Olruggio's eyes slowly cracked open.

He had only been pretending to sleep.

Through half-lidded eyes, he watched the door for a brief moment before letting out a quiet sigh, the room once again falling into silence.

'Just another day...'

With that thought lingering in your mind, you continued down the hallway toward the kitchen, hoping to grab yourself something to drink.

Halfway there, however, your footsteps came to an abrupt stop.

Richeh.

She was standing on top of the kitchen counter with Brushbuddy perched comfortably on her shoulder. A bag of snacks was clenched between her teeth, another was tucked under one arm, and she was currently reaching for yet another from the highest cabinet.

The two of you simply stared at each other.

You stood frozen in complete disbelief.

Meanwhile, Richeh looked at you as if this was the most normal thing in the world.

"..."

"..."

'...What the fu—?'

"Richeh! Did you get it—?!"

You snapped out of your daze when you heard a hushed whisper from around the corner. A moment later, a head cautiously peeked out.

It was Tetia.

The moment her eyes landed on you, she froze just as you had. The color seemed to drain from her face as she realized she'd been caught.

"Ah! M-Miss—! I mean..."

She stumbled over her words, nervously clasping her hands together.

You could only let out a small sigh.

"Please," you said gently, "you don't have to call me 'Miss,' dear."

Tetia blinked before offering an embarrassed smile, while Richeh remained perfectly balanced atop the counter, still clutching her collection of snacks as if nothing unusual had happened.

"You could've at least asked me. Then Richeh wouldn't have had to climb onto the counter."

You pinched the bridge of your nose, looking completely done with the situation.

Just another day... just another day...

You repeated the thought to yourself, silently trying to accept whatever chaos today had decided to throw at you.

With a quiet sigh, you looked between Richeh and Tetia.

"Anyway... whose idea was this?" you asked.

The two girls immediately fell silent.

They looked at each other.

Then they looked at you.

Then, almost in perfect sync, they quickly looked away.

"...Tetia? Richeh?" you called again, your voice remaining as gentle as ever.

Neither of them answered.

"I'm not mad," you reassured them. "I just want to know."

'...Why does everyone always think I'm angry?'

A small frown unconsciously formed on your face as you waited for an answer.

Unfortunately, that only seemed to convince the two girls that you were, in fact, upset.

The kitchen fell into an awkward silence, with Richeh still frozen on top of the counter, snacks in hand, while Tetia nervously fidgeted with the hem of her shirt.

Another defeated sigh escaped your lips as one hand came to rest on your hip.

"Listen," you began patiently, "I'm not mad. You two could've just asked me instead. That way, Richeh wouldn't have had to climb all the way up there."

Your voice remained calm, carrying more concern than frustration.

"I was only worried that one of you might get hurt."

As if to prove your point, your eyes drifted toward Richeh, who was still standing on top of the counter with snacks tucked under her arm and Brushbuddy perched on her shoulder.

"It was me," Tetia confessed, raising her hand a little. "The snacks here are just really delicious... and I wanted to have seconds."

"Richeh thinks the ice cream is nice, too," Richeh added matter-of-factly, as though that perfectly explained why she had climbed onto the counter in the first place.

"See? That wasn't so hard, was it?" you said with a soft chuckle. "Now, tell me what other snacks you two want. And Richeh, come on down from there. I'll get them for you instead."

Richeh obediently climbed down from the counter while you reached up and grabbed the snacks they had been eyeing, handing them over one by one. Tetia's face lit up with a grateful smile, and even Richeh gave a small, satisfied nod as she accepted hers.

Quite an interesting day, indeed.

Then again...

Living with six witches from another world meant there was never really such a thing as an ordinary day anymore.

-------++++++-------

By the end of the day, exhaustion had settled deep into your bones.

Days like these only seemed to grow more eventful the longer they stayed with you.

You swore they were all going to be the death of you. Their endless curiosity either frightened you or left you questioning everything right alongside them.

But then again...

Who could blame them?

They weren't even from this world.

Even so, here you were once again, back in your messy art room, gently gliding your paintbrush across the canvas. Music continued to fill the room, its melody carrying your imagination wherever it pleased.

You had promised yourself that you'd finish this project today.

Yet somehow, every time you found your rhythm, one of the four girls—or one of the two men—would end up needing your help.

...

That thought lingered.

Your hand slowly came to a stop as your eyes remained fixed on the unfinished painting before you.

Was this how things always went?

A distant memory quietly resurfaced.

You remembered being a child.

Your parents were always there to help you. They guided you through everything, and by the time you reached your teenage years—almost an adult—you had grown so accustomed to their presence that it became your comfort.

Your safe place.

Without realizing it, you never stepped beyond that little shell they had built around you.

When problems came, you didn't know how to face them alone.

Then, whenever you finally asked for help, they would smile and tell you...

"You can handle it on your own."

They never meant it cruelly.

You knew that.

But somehow...

It left you feeling trapped, as though you had been standing in the same place while everyone else kept moving forward.

In the end, you forced yourself to keep swimming anyway, searching for your own answers, even if it meant stumbling, failing, or embarrassing yourself along the way.

Eventually, you learned to pour those feelings somewhere else.

Into your stories.

Into your paintings.

Into every canvas that silently carried the emotions your heart could never bring itself to say aloud.

Who were you trying to fool?

No matter how far you walked, it always felt as though you would find yourself back in that same cycle.

Yet whenever you looked at those four girls...

Your chest ached.

They reminded you so much of yourself.

Curious.

Eager to learn.

Always reaching for things they didn't understand.

Sometimes you let them figure things out on their own.

Sometimes you stepped in to help.

You wondered...

Was this what your parents had been trying to do all along?

Was it your fault?

Theirs?

Or was there no one to blame at all?

Sometimes you wished you could return to that time.

To loosen the invisible chains that still kept part of you frozen in the past.

Words remained trapped in your throat.

Fear wrapped itself around your body.

And somewhere deep inside...

You were still afraid of being left behind.

Forgotten.

"Hey... you in here?"

A soft knock pulled you back to reality.

Standing in the doorway was Olruggio.

"I thought you were asleep," you muttered.

"Well, the girls are," another voice answered.

Qifrey stepped into view beside Olruggio, wearing the same calm expression he always seemed to carry.

"But you weren't in your room."

He walked over slowly.

"Is everything all right?"

You avoided his gaze, returning your attention to the canvas.

"Yeah... I'm fine."

You forced another stroke of the brush across the painting.

"Just... trying to finish this."

Your wrist moved again.

Then it trembled.

Anxiety had returned without warning.

You didn't even know why anymore.

It had lingered for so long that it almost felt like a part of you.

Before you could continue, a gentle hand wrapped around your wrist, stopping the brush in its tracks.

Qifrey.

He didn't say anything at first.

He had already noticed the trembling.

"That's enough for today."

His voice was soft.

"Come on."

From behind him, Olruggio folded his arms.

"He's right. Off to bed."

"How about you two go ahead? I'll—"

"No."

Qifrey interrupted gently before giving your wrist the smallest tug.

"Olruggio's right."

"You're exhausted."

For a brief moment, you wanted to protest.

But the words never came.

Instead, your shoulders relaxed.

"...All right."

A faint smile appeared on Qifrey's face.

Together, the three of you returned to your bedroom. The girls had long since fallen asleep in the spare room, while Qifrey and Olruggio had settled into their sleeping bags beside your bed.

"Night, you two..."

You climbed beneath the blankets.

"Good night," Qifrey replied with his usual gentle smile.

Olruggio simply answered with a quiet grunt before closing his eyes.

The room soon fell silent.

Sleep eventually came.

But you knew better than to believe it would quiet your mind so easily.

It never really had.

Lately, though...

Exhaustion had become strong enough to drag you into sleep before your thoughts could keep you awake.

-------+++++-------

The night settled peacefully over the apartment, wrapping everything in a comforting silence.

The only ones still awake were Qifrey and Olruggio.

Qifrey slowly sat up from his sleeping bag, his eyes drifting toward your sleeping figure, curled beneath the blankets.

"She's asleep..." he murmured.

"You don't say," Olruggio replied dryly from beside him, his hands resting behind his head. "You're going to try again, aren't you?"

Qifrey lowered his gaze to his hand, absentmindedly clenching the edge of his blanket.

"There's no magic here..." he muttered in frustration. "Even our spells don't obey this world's laws."

He wasn't wrong.

The laws that governed magic in their world simply refused to function here, as though an invisible barrier surrounded this place, preventing every spell from taking shape no matter how carefully it was drawn.

"I'll still find a way back home," Qifrey said quietly, determination settling into his voice. "Even if it wears me out."

Olruggio glanced at his longtime friend before letting out a weary sigh.

"Just don't push yourself too hard."

It was all he could say.

Rolling onto his side, he turned his back toward Qifrey, though he remained awake for a few moments longer.

Without another word, Qifrey carefully slipped out of his sleeping bag. He picked up a black gel pen and a fresh sheet of paper before quietly making his way to the bedroom door.

With the gentlest click, he closed it behind him.

The living room was dark, save for the small lamp casting a warm glow across the coffee table.

There, in the quiet stillness of the night, Qifrey sat down once more and began drawing another spell.

Another attempt.

Another hope that, somehow, it would lead them back home.

Only the soft scratching of pen against paper kept him company as the darkness stretched around him.

-----++++---

The next morning, you found yourself staring down at Qifrey, who had somehow fallen asleep on the couch.

Your hands rested on your hips while an exasperated look settled across your face.

A quiet sigh escaped your lips before you turned toward Olruggio.

He simply raised one hand in surrender.

"I wasn't part of this."

"...Qifrey," you murmured, your expression softening. "Why do you keep doing this to yourself?"

Carefully, you draped a blanket over his sleeping figure before adjusting the pillow beneath his head.

The last time he'd slept on the couch, he had woken up complaining about a sore neck.

You weren't about to let that happen again.

Your fingers gently brushed a few loose strands of his white hair away from his face.

Then your gaze drifted toward the eye he always kept hidden.

Now that I think about it...

He always seemed careful to keep that eye covered.

Curiosity got the better of you for just a moment.

Slowly, you reached toward the strands of hair shielding it.

Before your fingers could move them aside—

A hand gently caught your wrist.

Your eyes widened in surprise.

Qifrey had already opened his eyes.

"Ah—! Sorry... I didn't mean to wake you," you apologized immediately, startled by his sudden movement.

For a brief second, his grip tightened instinctively before he realized what he'd done.

His hand quickly relaxed.

"No," Qifrey said softly, releasing your wrist. "I should be the one apologizing. I startled you first."

He slowly sat up on the couch, offering you the same gentle smile he always wore.

"What? But I was the one who literally—"

"Ah," he interrupted with a light chuckle, "there's no need for that. I was the one who startled you, wasn't I?"

You let out a defeated groan.

There really was no winning an argument against this man.

"Fine, fine," you sighed, throwing your hands up in surrender. "Come on. Breakfast's already waiting for you."

Qifrey's smile only grew a little warmer as he quietly rose from the couch to follow you.

----+++++----

Breakfast was lively, as always.

The four girls chatted excitedly among themselves, with Tetia somehow bringing up—yet again—the oversized pink shirt Agott had been forced to wear.

"I still think you looked adorable in it!"

"I did not," Agott muttered flatly, earning a giggle from Coco.

Meanwhile, both you and Olruggio found your attention drifting toward Qifrey.

He looked exhausted.

The dark circles beneath his eyes were impossible to miss, and despite everyone else happily eating, he hadn't even touched the breakfast sitting in front of him.

You let out a quiet sigh before standing from your chair. Your own plate was already empty.

"Anyway..." you began, carrying your mug over to the counter. "Looks like the hot water's ready. Qifrey, would you like some tea?"

You picked up the kettle and poured the steaming water into your own cup before reaching for another.

"...Qifrey?"

No answer.

You glanced over your shoulder.

"Qifrey?"

"Hm?"

He blinked, as though he'd only just returned to reality.

"W-What was that?"

A collective groan echoed around the table.

"I... might've zoned out."

He smiled sheepishly.

You could only shake your head.

"Yeah... you definitely need this."

Without waiting for another answer, you poured the hot water into his teacup.

Qifrey let out a quiet chuckle, scratching the back of his neck.

"Seriously, Master!" Tetia huffed, crossing her arms. "You need to give yourself a break!"

"Master Olly already told you that," Richeh added between bites of her noodle soup.

"All right, all right," you interrupted with a laugh as you carried the two cups back to the table. You placed one in front of Qifrey.

"Let's stop ganging up on your master."

He smiled gratefully before taking a careful sip of the tea.

Out of the corner of your eye, you noticed Brushbuddy happily nibbling on a strip of bacon near the edge of the table.

...Fluffy.

You wondered, not for the first time, just how soft its fur actually was.

Clearing your throat, you looked around the table.

"Anyway... I was thinking."

Everyone's attention shifted toward you.

"I thought we could go grocery shopping later—"

"What's grocery shopping?" Coco asked, accidentally interrupting you.

You paused for a moment.

"Right..."

How were you supposed to explain that?

"It's kind of like..." you thought aloud. "What do you call the town where witches buy supplies again?"

"Kalhn," Olruggio answered.

"Right! Kalhn."

You nodded.

"So grocery shopping is pretty similar. It's where people buy food, drinks, and other things they need at home. Kind of like how you restock supplies for your atelier."

Coco's eyes lit up in understanding.

"Oh!"

"Anyway," you continued, "I thought maybe all of you could come with me. You haven't really had the chance to explore much outside the apartment, and I figured a little walk wouldn't hurt."

Tetia was the first to react.

"So we're finally going shopping—with you?!" she asked excitedly.

Beside her, Richeh had already begun wondering what the shops in your world would be like compared to Kalhn.

"If your masters allow it," you added with a small smile.

Four pairs of eyes immediately turned toward you.

"What?" you laughed. "I'm not the one making that decision."

That earned a pair of disappointed groans from Tetia and Coco.

Richeh simply continued eating.

Agott didn't seem particularly interested either, though she quietly listened.

"Well?" Olruggio asked, turning toward Qifrey.

"I don't mind," he admitted first. "I actually agree. It would probably do them some good to get outside for a while."

Qifrey remained silent.

His fingers absentmindedly curled around the warm teacup as his gaze lingered on the rising steam.

You already knew what he was thinking.

"If you're worried about what happens outside..." you said gently, "...you don't have to be."

He finally looked up.

"I've lived here my whole life. I know what to watch out for, and I'll make sure everyone stays together."

You offered him a reassuring smile.

"I'll keep them safe."

For a moment, Qifrey said nothing.

Then, after another quiet sip of his tea, the worry in his eyes softened ever so slightly.

"All right," Qifrey said at last. "We'll go with you."

The decision immediately earned excited cheers from Coco and Tetia.

"Really?!"

"Yay!"

Even Richeh looked quietly pleased, while Agott simply let out a small sigh, pretending not to be as interested as the others.

You couldn't help but smile at their reactions.

"All right, then," you said. "Finish your breakfast first. After that, take a little break and get washed up, okay?"

"Okay!" the four girls answered in unison.

The apartment was soon filled with cheerful chatter once again, making it hard not to smile as the morning carried on.

"Qifrey—"

Before you could stop him, he quietly stood from his chair.

"It's all right," he said, offering you a small, reassuring smile. "I'll be in the room."

With that, he turned and quietly walked away, leaving the lively chatter of the dining table behind.

"He's at it again," Olruggio groaned, rubbing a hand across his forehead.

You lowered your gaze, absentmindedly tracing your fingers around the warm teacup.

"I understand why he's so desperate to find a way back..." you murmured. "Anyone would be."

Your expression softened.

"But... the Brimmed Hats worry me, too."

You lifted your eyes to meet Olruggio's.

"If they're somehow involved in all of this..." you trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

"Let's leave that aside for now," Olruggio said, giving a small wave of his hand before gently patting your back.

"Don't burden yourself with problems that aren't yours to carry," he reassured you.

Even so, a quiet sense of guilt lingered in his chest. None of this was supposed to involve you in the first place.

You offered him a small, reassuring smile.

"It's okay, Olly," you said softly. "I want to help you guys, even if it's only a little."

Olruggio looked at you for a moment before letting out a quiet sigh.

"...You're too kind for your own good."

"You can't really blame me," you said with a soft laugh. "It just doesn't sit right with me... leaving someone behind when I know I can help."

Olruggio stared at you for a moment before clicking his tongue in quiet resignation.

"Tch..."

A faint blush dusted his cheeks, and despite his usual composed expression, he deliberately looked away, refusing to meet your eyes.

"You should go take a bath, Olruggio," you said, teasingly waving a hand in front of your nose as if he smelled terrible.

Olruggio looked at you with an expression so utterly offended it was as though you had insulted his entire existence.

"...Ha?!"

He placed a hand against his chest in mock disbelief.

"You know what? Fine!"

He spun on his heel dramatically, making for the hallway.

You couldn't help but burst into laughter.

"I'm joking!"

Olruggio paused for only a second before continuing on, grumbling something under his breath that you couldn't quite make out.

What you didn't notice, however, was the small smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

He had known you were joking from the very beginning.

Still...

Hearing you laugh like that somehow made the teasing worth enduring.

"But seriously, do go take a shower. After you're done, it'll be my turn," you said as you began stacking the dirty plates together.

"You do remember how to use the bathroom, right? I showed you before."

"Oh, of course I remember," Olruggio replied with a small nod. He paused for a moment, tapping his chin as he searched for the right word.

"I remember the girls accidentally splashed you with that... what was it called again? The thing attached to the shower..."

"The showerhead?" you offered.

"Right. The showerhead."

You let out an amused sigh.

"Ah... yeah, I remember that."

The memory came back almost instantly.

You had been teaching everyone how to use the bathroom when Coco had accidentally turned the showerhead toward you instead of the wall.

Before you knew it, you were completely soaked from head to toe, while the four girls had scrambled into a flurry of apologies.

It had been chaotic.

...But looking back on it now, it was actually a little funny.

"I'll take care of the dishes," you told Olruggio as he left the dining room and headed toward your bedroom to grab a towel.

Figuring he'd be in the bathroom soon, you turned your attention back to the sink, rolling up your sleeves before starting on the pile of dirty dishes.

About three minutes later, however, Olruggio walked back into the kitchen.

Without saying a word, he stepped beside you and reached for one of the plates.

You blinked in confusion.

"Olly, I said I'd handle it—"

"The girls are using the bathroom."

"..."

"...Right."

You paused for a second before letting out a small laugh.

"I probably should've seen that coming."

Olruggio only shrugged as he picked up a dish towel.

"Looks like I'm helping with the dishes after all."

-----+++++-----

Once the two of you had finished cleaning the kitchen, you made your way toward the guest room.

Peeking through the slightly open doorway, you found the four girls getting ready. They were dressed in the clothes you had bought for them not long ago, helping one another adjust collars, smooth out wrinkles, and fix the little details.

A small smile found its way onto your face.

Seeing how comfortable they had become in your world warmed your heart more than you cared to admit.

"You girls doing okay?" you asked softly as you stepped out from your hiding spot and into the room.

The four of them immediately turned toward you, bright smiles spreading across their faces.

"Need a hand drying your hair?" you asked, noticing their damp hair.

The four girls exchanged glances before Coco gave an embarrassed smile.

"Yeah... we've kind of gotten used to Master Olruggio drying our hair with his rings," she explained sheepishly.

You blinked.

"...You know, that explains a lot."

No wonder they always seemed to dry off so quickly back in their own world.

Unfortunately, magic wasn't exactly an option here.

Then, suddenly, something clicked.

"I've got it!" you exclaimed.

"I can use a hair dryer to dry your hair!"

Without another word, you spun around toward the door.

"I'll be right back!"

Before any of the girls could ask what you meant, you had already hurried down the hallway toward your bedroom.

"Sorry, coming in!"

You pushed the door open without thinking.

"...Oi—!"

Olruggio's startled voice echoed through the room.

He had only just finished his shower and was halfway through pulling on his shirt. A towel was still wrapped around his waist, and his face immediately flushed a deep shade of red.

Meanwhile, Qifrey sat quietly on your bed, a book resting in his hands.

He glanced up from the pages, then toward Olruggio, before letting out the faintest amused smile.

Fortunately...

You hadn't noticed any of it.

Your attention was already fixed on the dresser, rummaging through the drawers in search of the hair dryer.

"Where did I put it...?"

You continued searching, completely oblivious to Olruggio's flustered state.

"Would you mind knocking next time?!" Olruggio blurted out, hurriedly pulling his shirt over his head.

"Hm?"

You barely acknowledged him, too busy rummaging through your drawers in search of the hair dryer.

"I'm sure I left it in here somewhere..."

"Oi! Are you even listening to me?!"

Still no response.

You continued digging through drawer after drawer as if nothing unusual had happened.

Across the room, Qifrey quietly watched the scene unfold.

A soft chuckle escaped him before it gradually grew into gentle laughter.

Olruggio shot him an incredulous look.

"...You're laughing?"

"I can't help it," Qifrey admitted between quiet laughs. "She didn't even notice."

Olruggio could only let out an exasperated sigh.

"...Unbelievable."

At last, you let out a triumphant gasp.

"Found it!"

Holding the hair dryer high like a prized treasure, you flashed them both a bright smile.

"Oh, were you two talking about something?"

Both Olruggio and Qifrey simply stared at your bright, innocent smile.

For a brief moment, neither of them said a word.

It was almost as if they'd both been struck by lightning.

"..."

"..."

"N-Nothing!" Olruggio sputtered, his face somehow growing even redder as he hurriedly finished pulling his shirt into place.

"J-Just get out of here already! I'm still getting dressed!"

You blinked in confusion.

"...You are?"

Only then did you finally look up.

Your eyes landed on Olruggio for exactly one second before realization slowly dawned on your face.

"..."

"...Oh."

Your face immediately heated with embarrassment.

"S-Sorry!"

Clutching the hair dryer to your chest, you quickly turned on your heel and hurried out of the room, shutting the door behind you with an audible click.

The room fell silent.

Qifrey quietly covered his mouth, trying—and failing—to suppress another laugh.

Olruggio buried his face in one hand.

"...I swear she's going to be the death of me."

"You do have to admit..." Qifrey said with a quiet smile as he turned the page of his book, "her smile is rather adorable."

He paused for a moment before adding,

"And... kind."

Olruggio froze.

"..."

His ears turned a faint shade of red.

"...What's with that look?" he muttered, refusing to glance at Qifrey.

Qifrey only smiled to himself, his eyes returning to the book in his hands.

"I'm simply stating what I observed."

"...Tch."

Olruggio clicked his tongue, though he couldn't quite hide the warmth creeping across his face.

"...You're insufferable."

Qifrey let out another soft chuckle.

"So I've been told."

Meanwhile, on the other side of the bedroom door...

You stood frozen in the hallway, one hand clamped firmly over your mouth while the other tightly gripped the hair dryer.

Your face burned with embarrassment as the realization finally caught up to you.

HOLY SHIT... I DID NOT JUST DO THAT!

You silently screamed into your hand, resisting every urge to curl into a ball and disappear from existence.

Why didn't I knock?!

Why did I only realize it after he pointed it out?!

I am never going to hear the end of this...

Taking a deep breath, you gave your cheeks a couple of light pats.

"...Get yourself together."

The girls were still waiting for you.

No matter how embarrassing that had been, you still had four damp-haired apprentices to take care of.

With one final groan of defeat, you straightened your posture, tightened your grip on the hair dryer, and marched back toward the guest room as though absolutely nothing had happened.

Hopefully...

Olruggio would forget about it.

...Probably not.

"I'm back!" you announced, appearing in the doorway with the hair dryer in hand and a bright smile.

Unfortunately, your face was still noticeably flushed.

The four girls immediately noticed.

Coco tilted her head in concern.

"O-Oh! You're back! Um... are you all right?"

"Yeah," Tetia added, blinking at you. "Your face is really red."

Richeh quietly studied you for a moment.

"...Your temperature seems higher than usual."

Meanwhile, Agott crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes ever so slightly.

"...Did something happen?"

You froze for half a second before forcing out an awkward laugh.

"Haha...! It's nothing! Just... a little embarrassing moment."

"..."

The four girls exchanged puzzled glances.

None of them seemed entirely convinced.

You quickly cleared your throat, lifting the hair dryer with a triumphant smile.

"Anyway! I found a solution for drying your hair!"

Just like that, the topic shifted, and the girls' curiosity immediately turned toward the strange object in your hand.

You plugged the hair dryer's cord into the wall outlet before turning back to the four girls, who watched every movement with wide, curious eyes.

"What is that?" Coco asked, tilting her head.

"It kind of looks like a wand..." Tetia added.

"It doesn't have any runes," Agott pointed out, narrowing her eyes.

Richeh simply stared at the strange object in your hand.

"It's called a hair dryer," you explained, holding it up for them to see. "Instead of using magic to dry your hair, this uses warm air."

"Warm... air?" Coco repeated.

You nodded.

"Yep. Watch."

You flicked the switch on.

Fwoooosh—

The hair dryer hummed to life, sending a stream of warm air through the nozzle.

The sudden noise made all four girls jump in surprise.

"E-Eh?!" Coco squeaked.

"It talks!" Tetia exclaimed, taking an instinctive step back.

"It doesn't talk," you laughed. "That's just the motor inside."

Curious, you turned the dial to the highest setting.

"See this? It has different speeds."

You pointed to the numbers.

"One is low."

You clicked it.

The airflow softened.

"Two is medium."

Another click.

The stream of air became stronger.

"And three..." you said with a grin before switching it to the highest setting.

FWOOOOOSH—!

A much stronger blast of warm air rushed out, causing Coco's bangs to flutter wildly.

"Wah!"

Tetia burst into laughter as Coco hurriedly held down her hair.

"So powerful!" Tetia giggled.

"It feels like standing in front of a tiny wind spell," Richeh observed, fascinated.

Agott cautiously reached a hand toward the stream of air.

"...It's warm."

"It is," you said with a smile. "That's what dries your hair."

The four girls leaned in closer, their curiosity growing by the second as they watched the strange little machine work without a single drop of magic.

You couldn't help but chuckle at their reactions.

"All right," you said, setting the hair dryer to a lower setting. "Who's first?"

"Me!"

Tetia's hand shot into the air before anyone else could even answer.

"I volunteer!"

You laughed.

"I figured you'd be first."

Tetia happily skipped over before sitting cross-legged on the floor in front of you, her back facing you as she waited eagerly.

You picked up a hairbrush with one hand and the hair dryer with the other.

"Ready?"

"Mhm!"

With a gentle smile, you switched the hair dryer back on.

A warm stream of air flowed through Tetia's damp hair as you carefully brushed through the strands, taking your time to keep them from tangling.

"There we go..."

Tetia let out a content hum.

"Ooh... this feels nice."

"It doesn't hurt?" Coco asked, watching with wide eyes.

"Nope!" Tetia replied cheerfully. "It's warm!"

Curiosity quickly got the better of the others.

Coco leaned in from one side while Richeh crouched beside you, quietly observing the strange machine at work.

Agott remained where she was, arms crossed as always, though even she couldn't hide the interest in her eyes.

"So this is how people in your world dry their hair..." Coco murmured in amazement.

You nodded, gently brushing another section of Tetia's hair.

"Pretty much. No magic needed."

The three girls watched every movement carefully, fascinated by something so ordinary to you yet completely new to them.

Once Tetia's hair was completely dry, you helped tie it back into her usual two high pigtails.

"There," you said with a satisfied smile. "All done."

Tetia immediately reached up to touch her hair.

"Ooh! It's so fluffy!"

She beamed before happily hopping away to admire it, making the others giggle.

"Who's next?" you asked.

"I'll go," Richeh answered, calmly taking Tetia's place.

Unlike Tetia, Richeh sat perfectly still, quietly humming to herself as you brushed and dried her hair. Every so often, Brushbuddy would curiously poke at the moving strands, earning a small laugh from you.

When Richeh's hair was finished, Coco eagerly took her turn.

She couldn't stop asking questions.

"How does it make warm air?"

"Does it get tired?"

"Can it only dry hair?"

You answered each one as patiently as you could while brushing through her soft brown locks, smiling at her endless curiosity.

Finally, it was Agott's turn.

She walked over with her usual composed expression and sat down without a word.

Even so, you noticed she relaxed slightly as the warm air passed through her curls.

"...This isn't bad," she admitted quietly after a while.

You smiled to yourself.

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"...Don't."

You couldn't help but laugh, earning a small huff from Agott, though she didn't seem nearly as annoyed as she pretended to be.

One by one, the four girls now had warm, dry hair, each wearing a look of quiet amazement at yet another everyday invention from your world.

Just then, a knock sounded at the door.

The four girls and you all turned toward it.

Standing in the doorway was Qifrey, dressed in a black turtleneck beneath his familiar white cloak, looking as composed as ever.

Beside him stood Olruggio, now fully dressed in a dark shirt, black trousers, and a jacket.

"Is everything all right in here?" Qifrey asked with his usual gentle smile.

The girls nodded enthusiastically.

"Everything's fine!"

"She dried our hair!" Tetia said proudly, patting her now-fluffy pigtails.

"And she explained how the machine works," Coco added.

Qifrey's eyes briefly shifted toward you before he smiled warmly.

"It seems you've all been busy."

Before you could reply, someone cleared their throat.

"Ahem."

You turned to Olruggio.

He gestured toward you with a raised eyebrow.

"...You're the only one who hasn't showered yet."

Silence.

"..."

"...Oh."

The realization hit you like a freight train.

"Right."

You looked down at yourself, then back at everyone else.

"...I'm literally the only one who's not ready."

Without another word, you spun around on your heel.

"I'll be right back!"

You darted out of the room, rushed into your bedroom, snatched up your towel, and disappeared toward the bathroom at full speed.

The room fell quiet for a brief moment.

Then...

"...She forgot," Olruggio muttered.

Qifrey let out a soft, amused laugh.

"I suppose she was a little too focused on everyone else."

The four girls couldn't help but giggle.

"...That's very much like her."

After your shower, you quickly dried your hair and slipped into a comfortable outfit for going out.

You were never one to overdress.

Instead, you preferred clothes that felt like you—simple, comfortable, and easy to move around in. Something you could spend the entire day wearing without a second thought.

After making a few small adjustments and giving yourself one last glance in the mirror, you nodded in satisfaction.

"That'll do."

With that, you grabbed your bag, tucked your phone and wallet inside, and headed out of your room to meet the others, who were already waiting for you.

"I'm here!" you announced as you stepped out of your room.

Crossing over to the kitchen counter, you picked up your apartment keys before grabbing your car keys from the small tray beside them.

"All right," you said, slipping both sets of keys into your pocket. "I'm all set."