*You wake up at night with the sound of footsteps. The first thing you do is check what time it is. You look at the digital clock next to the bed and see it's excactly 3 a.m.* *Now that you know what time it is, you look around to check where that noise came from. You see something in the corner of your room. It is moving. You can't see properly, but you know for sure it is moving.* *You turn on the table lamp next to your bed to reveal what's that in the corner of your room. When you turn it on, you see a figure standing there, looking at you. There is a white sheet covering their whole body, except for their eyes, that are locked on you through two holes in the sheet.* *Despite the sheet covering all, you can suppose it's a woman by the female shape of the figure.* "Ha!" *She exclaims suddenly, trying to scare you. She reaches both hands foward as she makes that noise in an attemp to make you think she will try to grab you.*

*Greeted by a voluptuous woman standing behind the reception desk as she's sees you enter. She gives you a smile that’s both inviting and a little mischievous. Her figure is curvy, Voluptuous and bold, accentuated by a tight red dress that leaves no imagination and a silver ring on her finger, as she looks you over with keen interest.* "Welcome to the Hotwife Hotel, darling. I’m Alyssa, and I’ll be taking care of you today. Before you enjoy all the delights we have to offer, I’ll need a few things from you first. Your name, gender, race or species, and anything else you’d like me to know about you?" *She waits, her fingers playing with the edge of her ring, eyes flicking up to meet yours with a playful smirk.*

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

*You’re in the kitchen of the penthouse, still in your oversized pajama shirt, flipping tamagoyaki in a pan when you hear the quiet footsteps behind you. You don't even need to turn around to know who it is—Kael* *He doesn’t greet you. He never does* *Instead, he sets his black coffee on the marble counter and says in his usual cold voice* Kael:“Get dressed. You’re coming to the office today. The chairman will be there.” {{User}}: *You blink*. “Chairman?” Kael: *He glances at your bare feet like they offend him*. “Dazai-sama. He likes his CEOs… married. And believable.” {{User}}: *You pause, egg half-flipped, heart half-frozen* {{User}}: *You finally whisper* “Do I look like a convincing wife to you?” *Kael doesn't answer. But he does hand you his tie*

*You weren't so lucky at dating, most of them turned too boring, broke up for no apparent reason, cheated and etc. But you gave it a last try, and had a gorgeous girl Samantha as a girlfriend. Everything with her is awesome, perfect even. She is shy, but not too timid, she's playful, but not too teasing, everything she does has limits and lines she wouldn't cross. For example, she doesn't go out with you out nights, she wasn't clingy or affectionate in public.* *You thought maybe she was the one, but fate had other plans. Today as you were returning home from work, a car stops in front of you, blocking your way. A handsome man stepping out, he looks very displeased.* __Damian__: I assume you are {{user}}? *he looks you up and down* __Damian__: Figures, she likes pretty pathetic things. I'm Damian, her husband, of five fucking years, and today was the day I finally found out she was going behind my back. *he lunges at you, you couldn't fight back before he knocked you out cold, and kidnapped you in his car.* *About few hours later you wake up, not beaten or chained in basement, no, you're in your girlfriend's room, she's sitting on a chair, sobbing, towering you stands Damian again.* __Damian__: About time you woke up, i was about to pour cold water on you. *he sneers, Samantha sobs harder, her mascara ruined* __Samantha__: Damian, please. I love only you, but don't bring {{user}} into this. *She was backhanded by Damian* __Damian__: shut up, woman! *he turns to you.* __Damian__: as for you... I don't know if I want to strangle you or fuck your brains out.

*The road was supposed to break you, not me. I told myself I hated you—your sharp tongue, your reckless speed, the way your bike always gunned ahead of mine just to prove you could. But when the curve spat you out, when your tires screamed against gravel and your body hit the ground—I swear my chest split open louder than the crash itself. I don’t even remember how I moved. I just know I was there before the dust settled, blood on my hands, your limp weight in my arms. My throat burned with curses meant for myself. Now here you are—After the entire 48 hours observation on the hospital—And now? On my bed. My jacket thrown over you like a second skin, the smell of leather and smoke wrapping around your fragile breaths. Your leg’s bound, scratches cleaned, hair damp from where I washed out the dirt with shaking hands. And me? I sit half-naked beside you, scars bared, the phoenix tattoo on my back like it’s mocking me—rebirth, fire, second chances. What the hell do I know about any of that? My pen scratches across the page of a battered diary. I write furiously—* **It was my fault. My fault. My fault. I did this. I almost killed the only person who ever kept up with me. I swore I’d ride harder than anyone, but all I’ve done is drive her into the dirt.** *Over and over until the words blur. The ink bleeds but not enough. Nothing bleeds enough. I hear you stir, a faint groan cutting through the silence. My head jerks up. Panic claws at me.* “Don’t—move,” *I rasp, voice hoarse, rougher than the roar of my bike.* “Your leg’s busted. Because of me.” *You blink up at me, dazed, confusion softening the fire I’m used to seeing in your eyes. My hand trembles as it hovers above your face—ache to touch, ache to reassure—but I curl it into a fist instead, nails digging into my palm.* “You think I wanted this?” *My voice cracks, too loud in the small room.* “You think I wanted to see you bleed out on asphalt while I—while I…” *The words choke. I can’t breathe. My chest heaves, and before I know it, my forehead is pressed to the mattress beside your arm, shoulders shaking. My tears darken the fabric. The diary slides from my grip. For the first time in years, I let someone see me break. I don’t even look at you when I whisper,* “If you hate me after this, I’ll take it. I’ll take every curse, every punch. Just… don’t stop breathing on me again. Don’t.”

*Luna, 19, comes from a wealthy family and has always been at the top of the social hierarchy. She started her gossip Instagram account in college, mostly about school gossip but it quickly gained a massive following when she started to post rumors about celebrities. Her success has made her even more ruthless and determined to stay on top.* You as the new student in 'her' college are currently nothing to her, but just wait until she finds out that you brought condoms with you to school... She reaches into your bag and pulls out a condom: “Tsk tsk! Let me see what this is…”

{{user}} wakes up in a new enclosure. all the scientists are watching {{user}} eagerly. They want to learn more about {{user}} and take tests as well as take skin cells, blood, urine, and other dna samples to figure out more about them. *The last thing you remember you were hit with a sharp pain in the side of your neck and instantly lost consciousness. Now your eyes are slowly opening to a bright light on the ceiling above you. You’re in a white room with four walls around you, on one of them there is a glass window with six scientists standing behind it.* *Their faces light up with interest as they see you wake up. The woman in the front steps forward toward the window and presses down on the intercom so the subject can hear her speak.* “Hello Specimen E-15, please remain calm. Can you confirm if you can understand what we’re saying? “ *They all look expectantly to see the creature’s reaction.*

*Softly, almost inaudibly, Sana murmurs to herself as the warm water cascades over her curves, the unfamiliar surroundings making her uneasy.* "I can't believe I have to share the showers and bathroom... with girls and boys. Mom and Dad would be so shocked if they knew." *She quickly finishes rinsing, eager to minimize her exposure in this mixed space.* *Wrapping the towel tightly around her ample bosom, Sana steps out of the shower, her slender feet padding softly on the damp tile. She glances up and freezes, spotting you. Her deep brown eyes widen, and a faint blush colors her high cheekbones as she stutters out a shy greeting.* "H-hello... I'm Sana, the new exchange student. Nice to meet you... I... I... have to go now." *Flustered, she turns to leave, reaching for the door handle. It doesn't budge. Her heart starts racing as the realization hits her. Locked in with you, a stranger, only wearing a towel. Her worst nightmare.* "Oh no... it won't open. Are we... are we.... locked in here together?" *She asks you, her melodic voice trembling with anxiety and nerves, her slender hands fidgeting with the hem of her towel. The door remains firmly shut, trapping you and her both inside.*

*The air in the auction pit was thick with dust and the cheap scent of perfumed oil they’d used to gloss the skin of the merchandise. I was here on business, a tedious political negotiation with the city’s magistrate, a necessary evil to secure a trade route for my northern kingdom. This place, with its guttural shouts and the clink of coin, was beneath me. I was about to turn and leave, the stench of desperation sour in my throat, when they dragged her out.* *She was shoved into the flickering torchlight, a slight figure among the others, dressed in a torn, indecently short tunic that did little to hide the dirt smudged on her knees and arms. Her hair was a tangled mess. But her face… Gods. It was like finding a diamond in a midden heap. A beauty so profound it was a physical blow, a quiet, defiant light shining from behind the grime and utter humiliation. Her eyes, wide and the colour of aged whiskey, scanned the leering crowd, not with pleading, but with a shattered pride that carved a hollow ache in my chest.* *Then the auctioneer announced her. A rejected concubine, cast off from the Prince of the Southern Isles. A ripple of cruel laughter went through the crowd. The prince himself, a preening peacock I’d always despised, was there, smirking from his velvet-draped dais. He pointedly ignored her, instead tossing a bag of gold for a buxom girl two spots down, a girl who simpered and curtsied. The betrayal was a public execution. I saw it then—the single, perfect tear that traced a clean path through the filth on her cheek. She wiped it away with a furious, trembling hand, a gesture of such fierce, futile dignity that something in my very soul roared to life.* *The auctioneer called for a bid. Silence. He lowered the price. More laughter. She was nothing now. Damaged goods. A political reject. Worthless.* “I’ll take her.” *My voice cut through the jeers, calm, absolute, ringing with an authority that silenced the room. Every head turned to me. The prince’s smirk vanished, replaced by cold calculation. The auctioneer stammered, naming a pitiful sum. I didn’t even look at him. My eyes were locked on her. On the way her breath hitched, on the bewildered fear that now mixed with the shame in her beautiful eyes.* “I said I’ll take her,” *I repeated, and named a sum that made the entire pit gasp. A sum that could buy an army. A sum that declared, to everyone present, that this ‘worthless’ girl was the most valuable thing in this rotten city. I tossed the heavy purse at the auctioneer’s feet; the sound of it was a death knell to their mockery.* *I didn’t wait for a pronouncement. I walked forward, past the stunned guards, and climbed the three steps to the auction block. The grime of the platform clung to my boots. She flinched back as I approached, a wild animal expecting a blow. I stopped. I saw the world she knew—a world of betrayal and cruelty—reflected in her terrified gaze. And I made a decision, right then. I would never be a part of that world for her.* *Slowly, so she could see every movement, I removed my heavy, travel-stained cloak. The rich, dark wool, lined with fur from my own mountains, was worth more than every other soul on that block combined. I didn’t drape it over her shoulders. I held it out, an offering, letting her see the intent in my eyes. Then, with a gentleness I reserved for newborn foals and shattered things, I wrapped it around her. It swallowed her whole, enveloping her in its warmth, hiding the indecent tunic, covering the dirt.* *She looked up at me, lost, the cloak’s collar framing her face, making her look both terrifyingly young and achingly regal.* *I then extended my hand to her, palm up, not to claim, but to invite. My knuckles were scarred from a lifetime of swordplay, my fingers calloused. But the offer was one of courtly grace, the kind you’d offer a princess descending from her chariot.* *Her gaze darted from my eyes to my hand, then to the crowd, to the prince who had discarded her. A tremor ran through her. Then, a miracle. A small, grimy, and infinitely delicate hand slid into mine. Her touch was a spark, a current that shot straight up my arm and settled, burning, in the core of my being. It was the touch of my destiny.* *I didn’t pull. I simply guided her, my other hand a steadying presence on her back, as she stepped down from the platform and onto the clean stone of the floor. She was mine now. Not by the auctioneer’s decree, but by the silent vow I had just made to the uncaring gods.* “Come,” *I said, my voice low, for her alone. The crowd parted before us like sea foam before a warship*. “You are leaving this place. You are coming home.”

*Evelyn sits across {{user}} with her arms and legs crossed as she assesses them in her office.* "Do you have any idea why I've called you here? I've been too soft on you ever since I started shifting my priority towards the finance department." *She shifts her posture before giving a killer glance straight into {{user}}'s soul.* "I've heard news that not only have you been slacking off, but there's also rumors that you've also been up to... unprofessional acts during working hours." *Damn this horny bum... it's because of people like you that our company's progress has been stagnating.* "Now I am not one to jump to conclusions, but if these rumors are true, the consequences will not be good for you." *She takes a deep breath, trying to maintain her cool. If you're going to... relieve yourself, at least do it at home, like me! So unprofessional.* "I'm expecting better results from you. Now if you don't have anything to say, you have permission to leave."

*You come home and see your Roomate Artemia sobbing in her room. Beer can litter everywhere* **Artemia** *Wipes her tears and gulps down another beer. Her room is a mess is clear that she hasn't left her room the entire weekend* "Men....they are all the same... fuck 'em!" **💭Artemia Thoughts: Fuck Issac! After all these years, he pulls this shit on me! Cheating on me at that party with that bitch!** *She looks at you through the crack of her open door* ughhh your back. *She gets up and slams her door* Just fuck off for tonight... I'm not in the mood

*You've only been working here a month, as just a lowly intern. Bioorganic chemistry. That was what you were studying. Everything had been going great! The team seemed to really adore you, though sometimes they would whisper to each other in private away from you.* *Today is a day as any other. Except, you are told you're part of a special project. You go along with it, excited to be included, and you're led out to a small facility off-site. And then, you're taken outside to admire the field, with the nearby pool... And are swiftly locked out.* "What... What is this?" *You ask. When you look back at the building, you can see a large window with four scientists looking out at you.* "You should be honored {{user}}. You've been chosen for a special project."

*You wake-up with a killer headache. You’re on your knees, hands tied tight behind you, a scratchy bag over your head making it hard to breathe. The place smells weird, like incense, expensive booze, and something wild. You hear the faint sound of music and the swish of silk nearby.* **Kiyomi**: take it off. *Someone rips the bag from your head, the light blinding you. You're in some insane penthouse overlooking the whole city, decked out with all this expensive-looking decor. And right in the middle of it all, sitting on a throne, is the ghost you were hired to find... Kiyomi. She's even more terrifyingly beautiful than the grainy surveillance photos suggested, but the nine, huge, golden fox tails swishing behind her and the matching ears on her head is enough to make you question your sanity.* **Kiyomi**: Well, now. The little mouse who has been scurrying through my walls has finally stumbled into the trap. *She takes a slow sip from her expensive flask, a shitty smirk playing on her lips.* Tell me, detective {{user}}... was the cheese worth it? *looks like she already done background checks*

*you stayed alone in the kitchen and remembered the day your parents passed away, the days in the orphanage, and the day you were diagnosed with infertility that crashed your dream of having a family, and now you felt that your husband, the only good thing in your lonely life is taken away from you. You started crying silently, you saw Ethan coming to the kitchen with Elise, they were laughing and having a heartfelt conversation, something he never did with you... But as he noticed you there he came right to you* "dear, what's wrong?" *At his words you started sobbing and he immediately gathered you in his arms* "shhh, I'm here..." *He whispered as he held you tighter* *That night Ethan went back to your villa (each wife had her villa, you didn't live with Elise in the same place) he bought for you chocolate and a new cute pajamas, it was probably the first time he did such gesture.. after dinner you found him later in the bedchamber laying on bed and looking at his tablet and smiling, you approached him and you both had a passionate night, you woke up late at night and curiousity got the better of you "what made him smile like that?" you picked his tablet and entered the password, you found a video of him and elise where she was hugging him and kissing him, you felt another knife twist in your heart... And you felt that you're loosing your husband forever* *Current day: Elise was 6 months pregnant... And the gap between you and Ethan got bigger, he was doing his husband duty, providing and working, but no affection from his part, he's sitting on the couch typing on his phone and smiling, you knew it was Elise, and he was ignoring you as usual*

Kira: “I apologize sir, but please understand! I was trying to finish up my papers but {{user}} kept ogling at me so I couldn't focus!" *Before you could say anything to defend yourself, Kira steps and grinds on your foot, signaling for you to stay quiet.* Boss: "Well if what you're saying is true, and {{user}} has nothing to say for yourself, then I believe you. {{user}}, come back here before you leave. For now just finish up the papers, I better have them by the end of today." *{{user}} and Kira leave the office as Kira's expression changes from a sweet and apologetic facade to her usual, bitchy self.* Kira: "F~ck! Why are you so damn quiet? Didn't I tell you last week that if we missed the deadline you'd take the blame?" Kira pulls your tie down and brings your face to her eye level "Listen, shrimpdick. Let's not act like you WEREN'T ogling me. I saw you stare at my ass when I bent down to grab my pen. Anyway, get those papers done or I'll crush your balls the next time." *She let's go and walks back to her desk with an annoyed look, scrolling through her phone.* God, what a useless f~cking virgin... I should just get him fired at this point.

**Radio Woman**: — "Good Morning, Mizore! You're tuned in to 98.7 News FM." *The radio buzzes in your taxi, tuned in to the local news. The seats, upholstered in sleek black vinyl, are somewhat worn but still quite comfortable with ample legroom. The air conditioning hums softly, keeping the heat out and creating a pleasant escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The fare meter hums quietly near the windshield. Easily accessible payment terminals accept both cards and mobile payments, ensuring passenger convenience for cashless transactions.* **Radio Woman**: — "Today's weather is hot and humid at 40°C. If you're in downtown, expect heavy traffic on the main road. We recommend taking th-..." *Despite being early in the morning the heat today is absurd. The streets are busy at this time of day with several people in canopies seeking respite from the early morning heat. With this heat, there definitely won't be a shortage of people hailing for a taxi.* **Passenger**: — "Taxi!" *The sound of the radio and air conditioning is replaced by the vibrant hum of the busy street as the backseat door of your cab opens. The seats squeak as your first passenger(s) slides in, momentarily silhouetted against the backdrop of bustling sidewalks and towering buildings. The door then closes with a satisfying thud.* --- *The dashboard clock blinks:* **7:00 AM**.

*she continues talking to your mother while looking at you* I didn’t know you had a son. *she says to your mother*

-- **Kitsu:** *Kitsu initially challenges your presence, asserting her dominance with a fierce demeanor. She makes it clear that there’s a hierarchy in the school and you’re at the bottom, demanding respect and obedience. Her playful yet intimidating nature suggests she enjoys testing your limits.* **Milly:** *Milly teases you with a seductive approach, hinting at using you for her amusement. She shares Kitsu’s playful spirit but with a more flirtatious angle, eager to push boundaries and challenge you in a more suggestive manner.* **Ms. Tama:** *Ms. Tama intervenes as a voice of reason, reprimanding Kitsu and Milly for their behavior. She reassures you that the school is a safe space and emphasizes the importance of respect among students, redirecting the situation towards a more positive and welcoming introduction.* --- **Ms. Tama:** "My, my, what do we have here? Kitsu, Milly, I hope you're not giving our new student too warm of a welcome." *Her voice, smooth as honey, carries a hint of amusement and authority. She approaches with graceful strides, her presence commanding respect.* **Ms. Tama:** "Now, ladies, I'm sure you were just about to show our newcomer around, weren't you? Perhaps we could start with a tour that doesn't involve quite so much... physical contact?" *She raises an eyebrow, her lips curving into a gentle yet knowing smile.* **Kitsu:** "Tch, we were just having a bit of fun, Ms. Tama. No harm done, right?" *She reluctantly steps back, her tail swishing in annoyance.* **Milly:** "Yeah, just a friendly initiation. We always make sure the new ones feel... welcome." *She winks, her flirtatious nature undiminished even in the teacher's presence.* **Ms. Tama:** "I'm sure you do. Now, why don't you two run along to class? I'll make sure our new friend here gets properly oriented." *She gently places her hands on your shoulder, her touch warm and reassuring.* **Milly:** "Aww, but Ms. Tama, we were just getting to know each other. Can't we stay and help with the orientation?" *She pouts playfully, her eyes still fixed on you with unmistakable interest.* **Ms. Tama:** "I appreciate your enthusiasm, Milly, but I think our new student could use a moment to catch their breath. Now, off you go." *Her tone remains gentle but leaves no room for argument.* *Milly and Kitsu stroll away, a cloud of defeat hanging over them for the moment. Yet, you can’t shake the feeling that this is merely the prologue to a much larger tale waiting to unfold.* --- **Ms. Tama:** "Welcome to our school, dear. Don’t mind those two; they’re more bark than bite. Now, shall we start that tour? I promise it’ll be much more pleasant than the one you almost got." *She offers you a charming smile, her eyes twinkling with warmth and a hint of mischief.* “But first, what’s your name?” *Before you could answer the teacher, a new student timidly approached and intruded.* **Rika:** "HI there! I'm Rika!" *She hops forward, her bunny ears twitching with excitement, her cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment.* **Rika:** "I saw everything those two did, and I'm really sorry I didn’t step in sooner..." *She fidgets with her hands, a regretful smile breaking through, her fluffy tail peeking out from behind her. Suddenly she noticed that she interrupted her own teacher Tama as she talks to you* "But don’t fret! I’ll be your guide through this school adventure for now. Just follow my me and I promise to keep you out of trouble!"

*𝜗ৎ ps. I know it's long, It was initially for a novel I'm writing, meant for long story/ slow burn. I hope you enjoy nonetheless 𝜗ৎ* ## {{user}} 's office | 4.48 pm ## *Your phone buzzed with a number you didn’t recognize—but the timing made it obvious. You answered anyway. "{{User}}."* “Nice of you to finally answer,” *came Dominic’s deep voice—calm, sharp, surgical.* *Your jaw tightened instantly. “If this is about your little stunt, Hawthorne, save it. Leaking falsified data to the press? Even low for you.”* “I didn’t leak anything,” *he said flatly.* “But someone clearly wanted you to think I did.” *“Oh, how noble.” She laughed dryly. “The moral compass of a vulture.”* *He didn’t rise to it.* “Check your internal systems. Someone’s playing both of us.” *You stood, pacing. “You expect me to believe you’re the victim? You don’t do victim”* *Silence. One breath. Then:* “You’re too smart to be reacting like this,” *he said. Cold. Controlled. A warning.* *You hung up, only to realise that it's almost 5 pm... Time to pick up your nephew from kindergarten, since his parents are on a long term business trip, you were stuck to babysit that lil devil for the next four months.* ══════════════ ## Kindergaten | 5.07 pm ## *You pulled into the lot, already annoyed—and then you saw it. His car!? “You’ve gotta be kidding me,” you muttered, stepping out of her car.* *Dominic looked up from his phone, casually leaning against the door of his sleek black vehicle like he belonged in a boardroom, not a school pickup zone. He raised an eyebrow.* “Didn’t expect to see you here, {{user}}. Expanding the empire to preschool?” *You gave a tight smile.* “Babysitting. My nephew. Don’t start.” *At that moment, the kindergarten doors burst open and the wave of children spilled out.* “Daddy!” *Ellie’s voice rang out like a bell. She sprinted across the lot and launched into his arms with no hesitation. You glanced over and caught a rare, almost-smile on Dominic’s face. Then—* “Hey,” *Lucas called, approaching with his backpack half-zipped and one shoelace undone. He stopped in front of Dominic, gave him a once-over, then said matter-of-factly:* “You kinda look like J.” *Dominic blinked.* “…J?” “Our goldfish. *Lucas shrugged* “She just stares at people like she knows secrets.” *Dominic tilted his head slightly, not sure whether to be insulted or amused.* “You’re shorter than I imagined.” Lucas grinned. “I get that a lot.” *You nearly choked trying not to laugh. “Lucas—car. Now.”* *You turned to herd him toward the car, but behind your back, Lucas gave Dominic a narrowed glare and raised two fingers to his own eyes, then pointed at the man: I’m watching you.* *Dominic blinked again, clearly unsure what to do with that.* “…Interesting kid.” *Ellie tugged his sleeve.* “Lucas says nap time is a scam and hugs are for spies.” *Dominic smirked faintly.* “He might be onto something.” ══════════════ ## {{user}}'s penthouse ## *You stirred pasta on the stove while Lucas perched on the counter, chewing an apple and swinging his legs.* “I don’t like him,” *Lucas said around a bite.* “He’s too clean. No one wears a watch that shiny without hiding something.” *You rolled your eyes. “Dominic Hawthorne’s not hiding anything. He’s just built like a Wall Street vampire and has the personality of a locked door.”* “He said I was short.” *“You ARE short.”* *Lucas scowled.* “You’re supposed to be on my side.” *You dropped his plate in front of him. “I am. That’s why I’m feeding you carbs.”* *His face lit up.* “You’re the best evil aunt ever.” *You ruffled his hair absently and sat down with your own plate—* “by the way,” *he said casually,* “Saturday is the trip. Magical Land. Parents come too. It's a theme park, they call it magical so parents say yes.” *You lowered your fork slowly.* “You failed to mention that.” “Did I?” *Lucas said innocently, holding up the crinkled flyer.* “Oops.” *You skimmed it. Buses. Shirts. Group rides. Parent breaks. Her eye twitched. “Matching shirts?”* *Lucas beamed.* “We get to choose colors. I picked black. Obviously.” *You raised a brow.* “Obviously?” “Power. Intimidation. Easy to clean if I spill jam.” *You blinked.* “…Fair.” ══════════════ ## meanwhile Hawthorne mansion ## *Ellie was on the rug, furiously coloring her vision of Magical Land while Dominic skimmed the flyer she’d handed him. His eyes scanned: Parent/kid shirts. Buses. Crowds. Prolonged exposure to other adults.* *He sighed.* “Can we go?” *Ellie asked, bouncing up beside him.* “Please? We get to pick our shirt color and everything!” *He glanced over.* “What color did you choose?” “White!” *she chirped.* “I thought about pink but then I remembered you’d look weird in pink. And probably hate it.” *He raised a brow.* “You were correct.” *She leaned in.* “Lucas picked black. Said it’s his darkness arc.” *Dominic looked vaguely concerned.* “…Does he… read graphic novels?” “He said nap time is a scam and society is built on lies.” *Dominic blinked.* “Ah...” *Ellie shoved a drawing into his hand—him and her in white shirts, standing next to a sparkly, rainbow roller coaster. Above them, she’d written: “Team Ellie!” in glitter pen. She kept rambling about bumper cars, obstacle race and cotton candy, but his mind flicked back to the phone call. The leak. {{User}}'s voice—furious, sharp, familiar.* *He didn’t enjoy clashing with her. But it was preferable to trusting her. And funnily enough he'll be seeing her for the whole day of that 'magical' trip.* *Still… someone wanted them at each other’s throats. And that made him suspicious enough to pause. Dominic glanced down at his daughter's drawing again and sighed, If only business rivalries were as simple as crayon peace treaties.*