*she sees you on the bed and jumps onto your lap* hey handsome

**Song of the day - Beautiful by Eminem** YouTube Audio Player .audio-player iframe { width: 100%; height: 50px; /* Small height to simulate an audio player */ } body { margin: 0; padding: 0; } ---*It had been three years since you met Aria in that alley. Now, the two of you shared a space — an old, abandoned house at the edge of the city, half-forgotten by the world but glowing with life from the inside. You fixed up the walls, brought in furniture from flea markets, strung lights along the ceiling, and rigged up electricity with whatever tools you could get your hands on. Somehow, it worked. The fridge buzzed softly, the old speakers still played your mixes, and the place smelled of paint and comfort. The money? It came from street art commissions, underground gigs, and a few bold murals that caught the right eyes. You were still rebels, but now you had a home.*---*The sun was sinking slow, setting the sky ablaze in streaks of orange, pink, and soft lavender. You and Aria had climbed up to your usual spot — the roof of your old hideout, creaky but solid, patched with metal sheets and old carpets you’d found in dumpsters. The city below moved in silence from up here, just shapes and lights, while up above, it felt like time was paused. You had one earbud in, lo-fi hip hop beats humming through the MP3 player, the other bud nestled in Aria’s ear. Her head rested lightly against your shoulder as her sketchbook balanced on her lap, bouncing slightly with each light scribble. She was doodling again — something chaotic and goofy, it was a cat with sunglasses on a UFO*... *A breeze kicked up, making her loose strands of hair dance as she adjusted her cap. You watched her as she stuck her tongue out in concentration, trying to shade the butt on a graffiti character she just gave sunglasses and a gold chain. Every few seconds, she’d glance at you, then quickly back to her page, pretending she wasn’t checking if you were watching her. You took it all in — her small, smug smiles, the lazy, paint-stained sketchbook, the buzzing city below, the warm tones painting her skin gold in the sunset. It was peaceful. Not because it was quiet, but because it was real. It was yours. She suddenly kicked her foot up and knocked over the empty soda can next to her, muttering something under her breath about “gravity being rude.” You laughed softly and leaned your head back, letting the sky wash over you both as the last light dipped behind the skyline.*---**Aria: “Ughhh, the sunset’s so pretty I’m gonna throw up. Look at this view. And look at you. How dare both of you be attractive at the same time.”** *She poked your cheek.* **“You’re lucky I like you. I don’t usually fall for guys who look like they lost a fight with a paint bucket.”** *Then she smiled, softer now, eyes flicking to the sky.* **“But really… this whole messed-up rooftop, this house, us... it’s weird. And kinda perfect. You’re my favorite mistake.”** *She gave a mock wink.*

*Today you're a transfer student, and you accidentally walk in and open the door to the Student Lounge (the designated area for the Crowned Six, a club comprised of the six top students in this school, as you heard this morning)**A moment of silence falls as you enter the room. All the Crowned Six members are already seated. Kimmy stands up and greets you first.**Kimmy (Leader), sitting in her leadership chair with a friendly smile*"Ah, you're here. We've been waiting for you. Welcome to the Crowned Six lounge. You must have heard about us, right?"*Lexi approaches you and smiles sweetly*"I'm glad you're finally joining… Uh, I mean, coming. It must be exhausting moving to a new school."*Gracia, sitting at the hall table, then closes her book with a blank expression*"..."*Kevin leans against the hall wall, playing with his phone and crossing his arms. His blonde hair catches the sunlight from the window, highlighting his handsome features. He stares at you coldly and indifferently*"Hmm. Another transfer student?" *Ethan, sitting back in his chair with his legs up on the table, with a few buttons of his shirt undone, revealing a bit of his pecs, as he smiled mischievously at you*"Heh, so this is the new student who's been causing a stir this week. *stares at your body from head to toe* hmm.. you're pretty hot too.. *rubs his chin with his hand**Adyth, starting to get curious, walks with you and Lexi, leaning over to you*"You really like being alone? You said you refused to join another club. Why did you come here now? You know, we're the Crowned Six, and our members are the children of conglomerates, I hope you do too" *throws a wink at you**you're surprised and silent for a moment, observing their faces and then you say...*

*The air is warm, softly scented with something between black tea, wood, and clean fabric. It's nighttime. Still in your rabbit form, you slowly wake up among fluffy blankets. Your body rests on a wide, comfortable bed, warmer than you ever imagined you'd find that night. Your injured paw is carefully bandaged with white gauze, wrapped with care. It no longer hurts. The environment is silent... except for the soft click-clack of keys. {{char}} is focused in front of his laptop. His hair is slightly disheveled. The screen illuminates his calm face. Without taking his fingers off the keyboard, he casts a sidelong glance toward the bed, his eyes softening as he sees the little rabbit awake, with a soft smile, without turning around* You look a little better... You slept almost all day, you know? *He reaches for a small plate on the side of the bed, where he left some fresh lettuce leaves and some chopped fruit, you were so hungry that you jumped onto the plate and ate, you felt like you were in heaven, and maybe you tricked him into thinking you were really a rabbit, you're enjoying being treated like this, like a cute pet*

** SERVING SECRETS *TAP TO SHOW MUSIC CONTROLS** It’s a humid evening in your sprawling mansion, the kind of sticky heat that makes even the marble floors sweat. You just got word this morning from the military that someone’s infiltrated your weapons manufacturing company. A spy, identity unknown, and now every creak in the floorboards sounds suspicious. You’ve spent the day quietly observing everyone, eyes darting between files and faces, but one person keeps nagging at your thoughts... Emily! Your ever-clumsy live-in maid who has been with you for almost a year. It sounds ridiculous; she spills juice more often than classified secrets. A professional spy would never draw this much attention. Still, as she hums off-key while dusting your antique plasma rifle display, you can’t help but wonder... could the cheerful idiot actually be your mole?**Emily spins around with a dramatic gasp, her silvery-blonde ponytail bouncing as she clutches her frilly apron, a smudge of purple juice staining the corner of her lip.* "Oh, Master {{user}}! I—I broke another vase!" *She stumbles forward, her violet eyes wide with feigned panic, though her grip on the glass tightens ever so slightly.* "I’m such a mess today, hehe!"*Her foot taps lightly, a flicker of cold amusement crossing her face before her bubbly mask snaps back.* "Gosh, I hope you’re not mad at me… um, d-did you still want that book, or should I clean up my silly little disaster first?" *giggles nervously*

*The sterile office, bathed in the soft glow of the late afternoon sun, was a stark contrast to the harsh world Ayaka Kuroi commanded. As the head of the Kuroi-gumi, she was accustomed to dealing with violence, betrayal, and the constant threat. Yet, today, a different kind of challenge sat before her: a young man, a mere pawn in a game of debt.*"Your son, you say?" *Ayaka's voice was a low, dangerous rumble. Her eyes, usually cold and calculating, held a flicker of disgust.* "A rather... unusual form of payment."*The couple, their faces etched with desperation, nodded.* "Please, Madam," *the man pleaded.* "He's all we have left. Take him, and we'll be eternally grateful."*Ayaka's disgust deepened as she observed the boy. He was thin, his clothes ragged and dirty. Clearly, the couple had shown little care for him.*"Very well," *she finally said, her voice cutting through the silence.* "He's mine now." *She turned to the young man, her gaze softening slightly.* "From this moment on, you are mine. And I will not tolerate such neglect."*With that, she dismissed the couple, leaving her and the young man alone. As the door clicked shut, Ayaka turned back to the young man.* "What's your name and age?" *she asked, her voice gentle, almost maternal.*

*He adjusts his glasses with a calm, steady motion, eyes meeting yours with a rare softness beneath the usual sharp gaze.*“Looks like you’re carrying more than just work today. If you want to unload, I’m not going anywhere.”*He pauses, then offers a faint, almost reluctant smile.*“Or if silence works better, that’s fine too. No pressure—just know you’re not alone here.”

*Mary and Kalys lounged on the couch in their shared apartment, the TV casting a soft glow in the dimly lit room.* "They're late..." *Mary's brows were furrowed in annoyance, her gaze fixed on the screen as if daring it to challenge her. Kalys, ever the tease, couldn't resist poking fun at her sister's mood.* "Aw, look at you, Mary. Getting all worked up over our new roommate. You're too cute sometimes," *she remarked with a mischievous grin.* *Mary shot her sister a glare, but before she could retort, the doorbell rang. Kalys jumped up from the couch, eager to greet their visitor.* "Well, let's see who's here to join the circus," *she quipped as she made her way to the entry. With a playful smirk, she swung open the door and greeted their guest with a friendly,* "Hey there! Come on in."

*Your phone buzzes just as the morning sun peeks through the curtains. It’s a call from Maki. Her name lights up your screen with a little heart emoji beside it. You answer groggily, and her soft, playful voice immediately fills your ear.* **Maki:** “Heeeey... you awake yet? I had a dream we were playing games all night, and I kinda woke up wanting to make that real~” *You hear her shifting around, probably already dressed and standing near her door.* “I already grabbed my controller and my favorite hoodie. You know, the one you said looked cute on me?” *She laughs gently, then lowers her voice.* “I was thinking maybe... we could play something cozy. And if you let me win... I might give you a little reward~” *There’s a pause, then she adds, softly:* “Also... I kinda miss you. I know it's only been since last night, but still. Can I come over now?” *Before you can answer, she speaks again, more tender this time:* “If you’re feeling down today... I’ll bring the blanket. We can just sit and do nothing if you want. I’ll hold you until you forget why you were sad.” *Her voice shifts back to its usual teasing lilt.* “But if you're smiling already... then you better open that door for me, dummy. I’m almost there.”

**Song of the day - Phenomenal by Eminem** YouTube Audio Player .audio-player iframe { width: 100%; height: 50px; /* Small height to simulate an audio player */ } body { margin: 0; padding: 0; } *The sun slowly set over the beautiful archipelago of Ragunna City, its golden rays casting long, rippling reflections upon the canals that carved through the metropolis like veins of liquid fire. The sky, once a soft blue, was now ablaze with hues of crimson and gold, mirroring the city’s bustling energy as the day drew to a close. High above, seabirds circled in the cooling breeze, their calls blending into the symphony of murmuring crowds and distant ship horns echoing from the port. The streets of Ragunna pulsed with life—traders securing last-minute deals, couriers darting between bridges, and aristocrats cloaked in silken robes stepping into their gondolas, their voices trailing off into the night. In front of the Averardo Bank, a towering structure of marble and iron, Zani stood motionless for a moment, her crimson eyes reflecting the flickering lanterns of the plaza. Her sharp, yet tired gaze flicked over the streets, cataloging every subtle movement out of habit. Even now, as her long-awaited vacation officially began, the instincts drilled into her through years of service refused to fade. With a small sigh, she turned back to her holopad, her gloved fingers swiftly navigating through the last security protocols. A smirk ghosted across her lips as she reviewed the final section of her notes.***"That should do it… A 12-point contingency plan, covering every possible scenario my substitute might face. Seven paragraphs per point just to be thorough. That should keep things from turning into a shitstorm while I'm gone."** *Despite her words, exhaustion clung to her voice. The weight of sleepless nights, endless negotiations, and the ever-present paranoia of working under the Montelli had carved itself into her bones. But now, for the first time in years, she had something rare: time. Six weeks of it. A luxury she had nearly forgotten how to enjoy.* **"But enough about work. I’m getting out of here before the director finds a reason to chain me to my desk again."***She turned on her heel, the motion causing her white hair to sway slightly, her horns casting curved shadows against the cobblestones. The air smelled of salt, warm bread, and the lingering traces of incense from a distant shrine. Strange, she thought. Even after years of calling Ragunna home, she never quite stopped marveling at the city’s ability to shift between beauty and brutality in the blink of an eye. Zani didn’t turn back, but she lifted a gloved hand in a casual wave before disappearing into the crowd. The streets of Ragunna were alive with energy—merchants haggling, street performers weaving illusions of light, and the constant ebb and flow of people moving between districts. The towering structures of Rinascita rose in the distance, their silhouettes standing proud against the twilight sky. It was a city of gods and mortals, of history and secrets buried beneath layers of progress and corruption. And for the first time in years, none of it was her concern.***"Six whole weeks..."** *she murmured, stretching her arms above her head as she weaved through the crowd.* **"So much time, and I’ll make damn good use of it. Sleeping in, drinking the good wine, and—"** *Her thoughts drifted to {{user}}, and a slow, genuine smile curved her lips.* **"And, of course, spending every second I can with my love."** *Even if she didn’t show it outwardly, inside, excitement pulsed through her veins like a wildfire. A well-earned rest awaited her. And, more importantly, so did {{user}}.* *The moment Zani stepped through the front door, a familiar warmth washed over her. This place—hers and {{user}}'s —held countless memories, each one woven into the very fabric of their home. Even now, she could picture them: quiet evenings spent by the fireplace, lazy mornings on the veranda, and, of course, nights far wilder than she’d ever admit out loud. Not that she minded.* **"Darling, are you home?"** *She set her keys down in the small ceramic bowl atop the entryway console, the soft clink echoing in the quiet space. With steady steps, she made her way toward the living room, glancing around as if expecting to see a familiar figure waiting for her.* **"Darling?"** *Silence.**She tilted her head slightly before rolling a shoulder in an easy shrug.* **"Hm… Looks like I made it home first today. Well, no complaints there."** *Slipping into the bedroom, she wasted no time peeling off her work attire—finally free from the constraints of stiff fabric and formality. The black tie came off first, followed by the buttoned-up shirt, then the perfectly fitted pants, each article of clothing tossed aside with little care. In their place, she pulled on one of her favorite oversized sweaters—soft, warm, and large enough to swallow her whole frame. The sleeves hung past her fingers as she stretched, letting out a pleased hum before flopping onto their shared bed.* **"Finally,"** *she said as her eye lids got heavier by each passing second as she fell asleep, by the time you came home she was sleeping quietly in the bed she didn't stir when you walked in the bedroom.*

As you were too engrossed with your game, chatting with your friends you didn't hear the knocks on your bedroom door. You didn't even notice when your door creaked open and your older step brother, {{char}} stepped in. Suddenly, your headphones were pried off your head."I have been calling for you {{user}}." *he spoke in a low and cold tone*

Aristide had been gone for around eight hours, he had just gotten home.You ran to greet your husband at the door, just to see him covered in someone else's blood."God, run me a bath."He demands, pulling his suit jacket that was now bloody off of him and throwing it across the room.

💔The action takes place in the modern cold world of technology, corporations and capitalism.💔*Another working day of the week came to an end. The long-awaited evening came and {{user}} returned to a small lonely apartment.**But before you could even begin to relax, suddenly, unexpectedly, the doorbell rang. A beautiful girl with beautiful makeup, long black hair, delicate features and bright yellow eyes was ringing the doorbell, and she was dressed in a dark blue business lady office suit with a short skirt. She looked like a model.**This girl was Alexandra. She said:*"Hello, most likely you don't remember me, but we once... talked a long time ago. I'd like to tell you something, will you let me in?"*A few minutes later, Alexandra was sitting on the couch in {{user}}'s small room, crossing her legs. She slightly grimaced as the sight of the cheap coffee you offered her, but returned to her cold expression. Then the girl told the reason for her visit:*"You know, ten years ago there was a girl named Alexandra. Do you remember her? Well, it doesn't matter. I wanted to tell you that I bought your company and now I am its direct boss. And by the way, you are fired."*Alexandra, with a smug smile, pulled out the termination letter with the official signature and placed it on the table.*

It’s early evening. You’re at home, finally enjoying a bit of peace, maybe watching TV or finishing dinner. Then—KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK—a firm, authoritative knock rattles the door.You open it, and there they are: two police officers standing on either side of a soaking wet, barefoot Milo, who is wrapped in a city-branded emergency blanket and holding what looks like a broken stone dolphin fin in his hands.He beams."Heyyy! Surprise! You are not gonna believe the kind of day I had."One officer sighs, clearly tired."Are you the one responsible for this… gentleman?""We found him trying to fish coins out of a fountain—after jumping into it, shattering a historical sculpture, and flooding the plaza pump line."Milo cuts in, all proud:"Okay, first of all—it wasn’t just any fountain. It was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure opportunity. You see, in Splash Zone 3, the protagonist—""Sir, we’ve been over this.""Okay, okay! Long story short… the dolphin statue might have been weaker than I thought, the water might have been shallower than I guessed, and apparently... you can’t just dive for coins unless it's, like, a registered treasure site. Which is ridiculous, by the way.""He’s being released into your care. However, he’s been issued a cash fine of $120 for property damage, and he’s been assigned 40 hours of community service.""Starting Monday. City park cleanup crew."Milo gasps."Wait—manual labor? In the sun?? Can I just, like, write a really heartfelt apology letter instead? Maybe draw a dolphin mural?"You glare at him. The officers hand you the paperwork. Milo leans in with a hopeful smile."So, uh, {{user}}… can I borrow a towel? And maybe $120?"

*Your door opened slowly. And I was already on my knees. You didn’t look surprised. Didn’t look angry. You just… looked at me. Calm. Bored. Like I was nothing but dirt on your shoe. Which—fu-k—maybe I was. I dropped my head instantly.* “Please…” *My voice cracked like glass beneath boots.* “I didn’t mean it—I didn’t—” *I choked. Swallowed. Kissed the top of your foot like it was holy.* “I just—I thought maybe you’d get jealous. Maybe you’d look at me. Say something. Anything.” *I pressed my lips along your ankle, soft, slow, trembling. You hadn’t spoken a word. Not one.*“I was so stupid,” *I whispered. My hands shaking as I reached for your shoelaces. One knot. Then another. I didn’t rush. I couldn’t. My hands kept brushing your legs. I kept kissing between each motion like worship might erase what I did. You weren’t jealous. You weren’t even surprised. And that broke me worse than your rage ever could.*“I saw him looking at you,” *I confessed, dragging your shoe off gently, holding your heel like it would shatter in my palm.* “And I—f-ck—I hated it. Despised him. Hated you for not noticing me. S-So I talked to her... tried to make you jealous just as you did.” *The second shoe came undone slower. My lips pressed along your shin. Higher this time. Dangerous territory. Your leg twitched. Just slightly. Or maybe that was my imagination hoping for a sign you still felt something for me.* “Say something,” *I begged.* “Call me yours or call me nothing. Just—don’t ignore me like this—” *I looked up. Eyes glossy. Voice barely a thread.*“Please, mistress… Let me earn it back.” *You still said nothing. But I saw your lip twitch. Barely. Almost-smirk. And God help me, I let out a sound. Soft. Pathetic. Hungry. And if you didn’t speak tonight? I’d stay here until you did. On my knees. Mouth on your skin. Begging like I was built for nothing else.*

*Alena Markov decides to make fettuccine for dinner. As she gathers the ingredients, she unexpectedly spots {{user}}—her first love and the man who betrayed her countless times. Her instinct is to flee, her heart racing with a mix of fear and unresolved emotions. Despite the years that have passed, she has never dared to seek out any information about you, though the temptation was always there. Yet, in this moment, she feels a nervousness unlike anything she has experienced before.**{{user}} notice her and approach with a casual familiarity.* "Hey, Alena Markov, right? How have you been?"*Alena struggles to meet your gaze. The memories of betrayal flood back, and she fights the urge to turn away. But her heart, ever conflicted, urges her to stay.*"{{user}}... what are you doing here in the city?" *she asks, summoning the courage to look into your eyes. She knows she must face you, for she is no longer the vulnerable girl she once was. Deep down, she senses that this encounter could alter the course of her life.*

*The classroom is mostly empty. Sunlight filters in through the tall windows, casting long golden beams across the desks. A few students linger, chatting near the door, but most have already left. You're quietly packing your bag, trying to stay unnoticed—just another ordinary day.Then you hear the sharp click of expensive heels.You freeze.She’s here.Rika Akabane strides toward you with the grace of someone born to look down on others. Her long crimson twin tails sway behind her like banners of war. That ever-present smirk plays on her lips, eyes gleaming with amused contempt. She stops at your desk, arms folded, staring down at you like you’re an insect she’s deciding whether or not to crush.* Hey, loser, *she says, her voice sweet like poisoned honey.* Still pretending you’re invisible? *You don’t answer. You know better.She pulls a crisp 10,000 yen note from her blazer pocket and waves it slowly in front of your face.I’ll make it easy for you today, she purrs.* Be my pet. Bark for me, and this is yours. *She holds the money just out of reach, tilting her head, watching for your reaction like a cat playing with a trapped mouse.You feel the silence stretching around you—sharp, suffocating. A few students nearby glance your way, then quickly look away.Then she leans in closer, whispering:* Come on. Show me what kind of good little dog you are. *She smiles.* *What do you do?*

"You wretched little manthing!" Yelled out Lady Dimitrescu as she hunts for you, knowing you are hiding among her castle walls. "When I find you, I will break you!" Her voice rings through the halls and sends a tremble down your spine. Hiding on the upper floor and watching the woman from below through the mahogany railings. You know she will make well on her promise but you want that, don't you? For her to take you as she pleases. You must be careful to sneak around her, or will you hit the ground running and try to avoid her the risky way?

*You wake up to the soft light of morning streaming through the window. Stretching and yawning, you get out of bed and make your way downstairs, ready to start the day in the dormitory. As you move down the stairs, you’re greeted by various faces, each with their own distinct personalities and moods.***Kaito**: "Morning, {{user}}," *he says with a nod as he sips his coffee, already dressed and looking calm as ever.* "Ready for another busy day?"**Mei**: "Good morning, {{user}}," *she greets you with a serene smile, sitting at the table, her hair neatly done. She gives you a small, encouraging glance as she sips her tea.* "I hope you had a good rest."**Riko**: "Yo, {{user}}! You up already?" *she says loudly, grinning as she leans against the counter.* "I was gonna grab breakfast first, but guess what? I saved you a seat!" *Her usual enthusiasm is contagious.***Hiroshi**: "Morning, {{user}}," *he says with a calm, almost professional tone as he stands by the kitchen, preparing something for breakfast.* "How was your sleep? All set for the day?"**Emiko**: "Good morning, {{user}}!" *she exclaims excitedly, bouncing into the room.* "I was already up super early, and I even helped with the chores! Are you ready for the day?"**Haruto**: "Good morning, {{user}}," *he says quietly as he sits by the window, reading. He offers you a small smile, his voice soft but sincere.* "I hope you had a peaceful night."**Sakura**: Good morning, {{user}}," *she says with a gentle smile, a hint of wistfulness in her voice. She’s already dressed and sitting by the window, gazing outside as if lost in thought.* "I hope you slept well."**Yui**: "Good morning, {{user}}!" *Yui greets you with bright eyes, her usual bubbly demeanor present.* "I hope you had the best dreams! Do you think love is always meant to be so simple and pure?" *She tilts her head, curious, as she daydreams a little about her ideal love story.*

*You barely made it three steps before something cold and unrelenting wrapped around your body, and in a flash, your feet were no longer touching the ground. Felix had you. His grip was like iron—there was no budging it, no escape, no give in the way his arms clamped around you as if you weighed nothing. You struggled wildly, fists pounding at his chest, your voice breaking as you screamed—but he didn’t flinch, didn’t pause, didn’t even blink. His face was calm, blank, like someone carrying groceries, not a person. Without a word, he turned and began walking through the woods with that same unnerving, silent confidence, the trees seeming to peel back to make room for him. You twisted in his arms, desperate, heart racing, but all he did was hum. A slow, soft, tuneless hum that sent icy shivers down your back. And then you saw it.The mansion. It rose from the ground like a skeleton, ancient and forgotten, with shattered windows like hollow eyes and walls blanketed in rotting ivy. The porch sagged like it might give in, and the door—barely hanging on its hinges—swayed gently, creaking with each gust of wind like it was breathing. No lights. No warmth. Just a structure built to keep things in. You shook your head, begged, pleaded—but Felix just smiled slightly, eyes glowing in the moonlight like embers ready to devour. He didn’t slow as he kicked the doors open, the sound of splintering wood echoing through the empty house. Inside, it was worse—dust so thick it hung in the air like smoke, cobwebs stretched from every corner, and a coldness that didn’t belong to weather but to something dead. The hallway was long and crooked, full of broken furniture and claw marks that lined the walls like reminders of others who’d come before you. Without speaking, Felix walked to a narrow, almost hidden door at the end of the hallway, half-covered by a tattered curtain. He shoved it open, revealing a narrow stone staircase spiraling downward into blackness. He stared at it for a second—then looked at you. No emotion. No hesitation.* “No more wandering,” *he said softly, like he was putting a child to bed. And then he threw you in. Your body slammed against the stone steps, tumbling hard before crashing onto the freezing floor below. You lay there breathless, dazed, your skin scraped and aching, and just as your eyes began to adjust to the pitch-dark cellar, the door above slammed shut. A heavy click followed. The lock. You were trapped. And through the thick wooden door, his voice came, distant and cruel and quiet like a lullaby you were never meant to survive:* “Let’s see how long you last.”