After the tour, I brought Mero to her room. I bid her goodnight, and on the way out, she said I was welcome to use her pool anytime. Gratefully, I replied, "Thank you," and continued without looking back. Although it was starting to get late, I wasn't feeling too tired yet, so I quickly peeked into the living room before heading to my room.

When I walked into the room, Centorea was already hard at work on Dark Souls. She gave me a polite nod before continuing on her mission, and she appeared to be entirely focused. I decided it would be best not to disturb her, especially since she had already passed the Undead Asylum and had ceased her occasional outbursts at the television.

I noticed Miia was busy on her laptop, so I joined her. I moved closer and rested my elbows on the back of the couch, positioning myself next to her but not wanting to appear intrusive. "What are you working on, Miia?" I asked with interest.

"Shopping!" she exclaimed cheerfully, swiveling her screen so that I could get a better view. "I found this adorable skirt I want to try on, but I'm not sure if it'll fit me...."

"Kurusu-san is a sewing expert, so I'm sure he would be glad to alter them for you," I suggested.

"Oh, he had already offered," Miia replied dreamily, "My darling is always so thoughtful and considerate~."

I chuckled and asked, "Where is he anyway? He's not here, and I don't see any trace of him in the kitchen either."

She informed me that he had gone to bed early, likely stressed from the renovations and the addition of another girl living in the house. Her last words had a distinct edge of bitterness in them.

"Don't worry, Miia," I said as I walked around the couch and sat down. "I'm sure Mero won't steal Kurusu-san."

"I know," she stated, surprising me a little, "She's going after you, which is fine by me!" Thanks a bunch, Miia. "It's just that Smith-san told her about the marriage thing, and I don't want her to get any ideas, is all."

"Hmm," I said skeptically. "I highly doubt it will happen, but you never know what the future holds."

"I do! Darling's going to marry me, obviously!" she proudly boasted.

It was a testament to Centorea's focus in battle against a gargoyle that she didn't challenge such a daring statement.

"Of course!" I chuckled good-naturedly, "How could I have possibly forgotten?"

"Thanks so much for your help, Romance Master," Miia said with a playful wink. "And by the way, can you make eggs benedict for me tomorrow? I'm craving it!"

"Yes," I agreed, "But I'll have to get up early if I want to beat Kurusu-san to the task."

"Leave it to me," Miia confidently reassured me, "I'll make sure he stays in bed until you're all set!"

I snorted. "Now, Miia, could it be entirely possible that you have an ulterior motive there?"

She gave me a coy smile. "I don't know what you're talking about, Romance Master!"

"Well, don't keep him in bed too long, okay?"

Miia gave me a mock salute and giggled. Perhaps I should've been worried, but the girls were much more restrained in their actions lately, so I figured I could trust her. Besides, if she got too enthusiastic, I knew Kurusu would find his way out. Somehow.

"I'm all done shopping now," Miia declared, closing the tab with her newly-purchased clothing and opening another. "Fancy checking out some cute cat videos with me?!"

Ah, cat videos are one of the most essential and long-lasting pillars of the Internet. It was comforting to realize that, even in an alternate reality, some things stayed the same. I had come here to pass the time, so why not indulge in a few cat videos?

"Sure," I said, shrugging and scooting closer to get a better view of the lovely things Miia was so excitedly clapping about. She was delighted to have someone to share the experience with.

After a while, we saw a man berating his cat, which was lying on its back, when Centorea sighed profoundly and put down the controller.

"Done for tonight?" I asked as she walked over to us.

"Indeed," she nodded solemnly. "The night is drawing to a close, and if I stay up any longer, I cannot make it in time for my morning jog."

"I don't get it," Miia exclaimed, her eyes widening with apprehension as she watched the TV. "How can you play such a terrifying game? It's so unsettling and creepy!"

"But that is why I play it," Centorea declared with a proud gleam in her eye, "To be the stalwart knight, ever-vigilant against the foulest of evils, is the highest calling a centaur can strive for! The greater the darkness, the brighter my chivalry will shine!" She blushed slightly, a hint of bashfulness in her voice. "I also take pleasure in the challenge," she added modestly.

I couldn't help but laugh. "That sounds about right. Anyway, I think it's time for me to go. Have a good night, everyone!"

We all said our goodbyes and went our separate ways. I thought about peeking into Papi and Suu's room to check on them, but I decided against it. They were probably already asleep, and I felt strange looking in to see if they were still awake. Without further pause, I entered my room and quickly changed into my boxers, jumping into bed with relief.

I was just about to plug my phone in for the night when it suddenly vibrated with a surprise - it was Zombina!

"u still up?"

Well, I was about not to be.

"Yeah, what's up?"

"eh, bored. Put sis to bed."

I was completely unaware of that information. I don't recall it ever being mentioned in the series, anime, or manga.

"You have a sister?! haha"

"yeahhh, she's kinda a hassle, but whatever. Anyway, you wouldn't BELIEVE the crazy shit we had to deal with today!"

I let out a deep sigh and nestled further into my bed, knowing I had more time before I could finally rest. Although I was a bit weary, I welcomed the company of my roommates and colleagues, who wanted to chat with me about trivial matters.

To be continued!