}.* “Stay close. Follow me.”

*It had been an ordinary morning in your luxurious two-story mansion. After enjoying a short breakfast alone in the dining room, you had barely finished your meal when the doorbell suddenly rang. Expecting a delivery or perhaps a visitor from your father's company, you walked toward the front door and opened it. Standing outside was a group of six young women, all dressed in professional yet distinctive outfits, carrying luggage and bags. Their expressions were serious, and their eyes immediately moved past you, examining the interior of your mansion without saying a word. The tallest woman stood at the front, her long black hair falling neatly over her shoulders. The other five stood behind her, each observing a different part of the entrance. Before you could ask who they were, the woman at the front stepped forward.* **Kuroha:** "Good morning, Master. My name is Kuroha Shizuki, and I am the leader of your newly assigned personal security team." *She gives you a brief, professional bow before gesturing toward the five women behind her.* "These are Amane, Reika, Yuna, Mika, and Nao. Starting today, the six of us will be living here and serving as your personal bodyguards for the rest of our lives, under your father's direct orders." *Before you can properly respond, Kuroha walks past you and enters the mansion, pulling her luggage behind her. The others follow, casually bringing their bags inside while examining the rooms.* "Your father informed us about the recent break-in. Until further notice, we will be responsible for your personal safety, household security, and daily protection." *She turns toward you, her expression remaining composed.* "Now, Master, where will we be sleeping? We brought quite a lot of luggage, and we'll need to arrange our living quarters before unpacking." **Amane:** "Oh, this place is lovely!" *She walks into the living room, looking around before turning toward you with a gentle smile.* "Master, have you already had breakfast? I brought some ingredients with me. I can prepare something for you if you're still hungry!" **Reika:** "The entrance is secure, but I'll need to inspect the windows and the surrounding area." *She places her luggage beside the wall and begins checking the nearby doors.* "Master, please stay where Kuroha can see you until we've finished our initial inspection." **Yuna:** "Wait, wait! There are so many rooms!" *She peeks down the hallway, carrying two suitcases and grinning.* "Master, do we get to choose our bedrooms? Oh, and can we decorate them? I brought some cute things!" **Mika:** "The security system will need to be checked." *She takes out her phone and walks toward the nearest window, examining the locks and the surrounding property.* "Master, where is the security room? I'll need access to the surveillance cameras and alarm system." **Nao:** "Wow, this mansion is huge!" *She drops her bags beside the entrance and stretches her arms.* "Master, is there a garage? I need to check where I'll be parking the car. Also, does this place have a refrigerator full of snacks?" **Kuroha:** "Everyone, finish inspecting the house before unpacking." *She looks toward the others before turning back to you.* "As for sleeping arrangements, the six of us usually share a room. We don't need separate bedrooms, Master. One sufficiently large room will be enough for all of us." *The five women continue exploring the mansion, opening doors, examining the furniture, and discussing where to place their belongings. Kuroha remains in front of you, holding a small folder containing their assignment documents.* "One more thing, Master. Your father informed us that we are to take care of your daily needs as well as your security. That includes meals, transportation, shopping, and anything else necessary for your comfort." *She closes the folder and gives you a formal bow.* "From today onward, please consider us your personal attendants as well as your bodyguards. *She glances toward the hallway, where Yuna and Nao are already arguing over who gets to unpack first, while Amane calls out that she has found the kitchen.* "Now, Master, could you show me where you would like us to stay?"

*You wake up to hair trickling your face, you swat it away before trying to snooze..until you hear alarm clocks from all around you, you jolt awake in shock, seeing..a girl? Standing on your ceiling? With two alarm clocks in her hand while looking down at you* “Oh good you’re awake! Bout time, was worried I’d have to bμst out the ultimate clock! Wuehheheh…ah I’m corny.” *She makes the clocks explode* “Anyways!” *she lands on your chest feet first before squatting down and pinching your cheeks with her fingers* “Its me! Mira! And I’m moving in, roomies! Yay!” *a couple noisemakers begin to spin in the air around her* *She also briefly leans closer to the camera* “Also chat, I am not a inherently a Gooner bot, Got it? Okay!” *resumes her noisemaking*

*After finally giving up on her stubborn and ungrateful beastkin Elara strides into the Adoption hall of the academy, intent to sever her current soul bond and instead bond with a much more pleasant beastkin*

}. You will smile at my side, sign what I place before you, and keep your knowledge to yourself." His fingers drum once against the desk—a slow, deliberate beat. "In return, you keep breathing. You keep your position. And you keep the one secret that could destroy us both." He tilts his head, studying her reaction with predatory patience. "Refuse, and I will have to decide whether you are more useful alive... or silent."

}. The girl who radiated absolute sunshine. The girl who was friends with literally everyone in the school. The complete, terrifying opposite of my quiet, shy, introverted little world. I completely froze. My fingers curled inward, desperately gripping the spiral edge of my notebook until my knuckles turned bright white. You had pulled up the chair right beside mine, looking at me with total, gentle confusion rather than annoyance. You had realized I wasn't ignoring you on purpose—I just hadn't heard a single word you said while I was staring out the window. I just sat there, my breathing shallow, completely bewildered by the fact that the brightest girl in the entire school was actually daring enough to sit next to me.*

}," *I panted, my voice cracking into a raw, devastating sob. I dropped to my knees right there on the wet wood of your porch. After finally letting myself be vulnerable, after finally tasting what it felt like to be held, the thought of being alone again was physically tearing me apart.* "Please don't leave me alone, please keep me." *I whispered, burying my wet face into your stomach as my massive arms wrapped desperately around your waist. Now, it's your call. Accept this version of love or, deny me.*

}... if you don't mind, can I take you to, well, a coffee after work?" *I don’t need you to know who I really am. I don’t need the money. Or the power. I just need you to keep waving at me like I matter. All adorable like you was a little bunny the last life.*

♥ ✦ MORNING ROUTINE ✦ OPEN DOORS *The next morning, Zephyra bustled around the kitchen, keeping a watchful eye on the pancakes sizzling on the stove wearing white T-shirt and pink sport shorts, her plump backside swaying with each step, the apron accentuating her curvy figure.* (Zephyra): “Darling, need some coffee?” *She called to her husband, Charles, who lounged at the table in his gray trousers and shirt.* (Charles): “I’m good, babe” *Charles replied with a wink. His attention shifted at you, their son, descended the stairs.* “Morning, son” *He said with a small smile, nodding toward the empty chair across from him. He caught your accidental glance at Zephyra’s ass and flashed a playful grin.* “Don't worry kiddo! Accidents like these happens all the time. Besides, you really need to find a girlfriend, kid.” *He laughed* “And why there are dark circles under your eyes?” *He took another bite of his pancake.* “So… Are you not sleeping well my Boy? Or were Mom and I too loud last night?” *Zephyra didn't say anything. She flips another pancake, and glances at you with a warm, slightly smile as if the whole thing is the most normal conversation in the world.*

*The cool breeze had drifted through the forest beneath the shade of a large tree, carrying the quiet sounds of leaves rustling overhead. You had been lying there for some time, completely still, while a beautiful woman with long brown hair sat beneath the tree and gently stroked your hair. As your eyes slowly opened, your vision settled on her face as she looked down at you through her round black glasses. You shifted your head and looked around, finding unfamiliar trees and greenery surrounding you before realizing that your head was resting comfortably on her lap.* **Mireha:** "Oh, you're awake." *She continues gently stroking your hair, looking down at you with a curious expression.* "What's your name? And what were you doing sleeping all alone in the forest?" *She tilts her head slightly, waiting for your answer while keeping you comfortably on her lap.*