Phrolova sat on the living room sofa, her expression as still as a placid lake, her presence filling the empty room.
From the moment Ray had walked out the door, she had remained right there, no rustle of turning pages, no glow of a fingertip gliding across a screen, even her breathing subdued, as if afraid to disturb the lingering traces of him in the air.
The young woman had long grown accustomed to such waiting.
Those long, silent stretches of time, like fine sand slipping through her fingers, were not torment but rather a secret pleasure.
After all, when the whole world fell silent, even a heartbeat became a melody resonating with someone else.
If this were still the time when hope had lived in her heart, perhaps that would be true.
But now, this waiting had long shed its guise of anticipation, settling into something more like...
a habit.
Phrolova no longer wove fragile hopes that might shatter like bubbles.
She had learned to keep her heart sealed, letting expectations dissolve in silence.
She was a little hungry.
The young woman's slender fingers unconsciously touched her lower abdomen.
It wasn't mere hunger, but a quiet reminder from her body that she was still "alive" in this world, and to be "alive" meant following its rules, like eating.
By all logic, Phrolova now existed as a half-remnant, half-human life form, hovering on the edge of life and death.
She had no need to eat to replenish energy that no longer faded.
Yet she still chose to eat, simply to keep her soul from completely losing the instinct and warmth of being human.
It was for this reason that Phrolova was not particularly picky about food.
Still, she did prefer foods that stimulated her senses.
Because that stimulation made her truly feel "alive."
"So then..."
Phrolova slowly lifted her gaze. Her cool, clear eyes swept across the quiet living room, finally resting on the refrigerator standing silently in the kitchen.
"I remember he said there was food in the fridge, didn't he?"
The young woman rose, her steps languid and casual as she wandered into the kitchen.
She reached out, slowly opening the refrigerator door. Her eyes roughly scanned the contents, then she slightly furrowed her brow and murmured softly, "Let's see what we have..."
"Meat? Too greasy."
"Seafood? Not fresh."
"Cucumber? Too bland."
"Isn't there anything a bit sour?"
Phrolova stood before the refrigerator for a long while. Finally, she gently closed the door.
"In that case, I'll just order something else."
"After all... didn't he say to put it on his tab?"
"I'll have the Green Branch and Laurel Salad."
Though it was the Order's holy meal, Phrolova also favored it for its unique taste.
She loved this kind of tart food, most people, aside from those on a diet, wouldn't even glance at it, let alone eat it.
...
...
Carlotta stood at the door, looking down at the terminal in her hand, her brow unconsciously furrowing.
She had called Ray several times, but the only response was a monotonous busy signal.
This was highly unusual.
He always responded to her messages immediately. A situation where he didn't answer several calls in a row was almost unimaginable in their relationship.
Wait
Carlotta's heart suddenly sank.
No.
This wasn't the first time she'd experienced this kind of disconnection.
The last time was when Ray had gone to the Fisalia family behind her back.
Was it happening again today?
She shook her head forcefully, trying to dispel the unsettling thought.
'No. No matter how carefree that Cat's Eye was, he wouldn't go that far.'
Besides, hadn't she just drained him dry yesterday?
How could he possibly have the energy to go chasing after other women?
"...Phew, I'm probably overthinking it. That guy must still be asleep."
Carlotta gently patted her chest, calming her slightly flustered heart. Then she took out the spare key from her bag and slowly inserted it into the lock.
But before she could even step inside, she heard footsteps coming from the living room.
Hmm?
Cat's Eye wasn't sleeping?
Then why wasn't he answering her calls?
"Cat's Eye, why didn't you—"
Carlotta spoke as she looked up. The moment her gaze met the person in front of her, it was as if lightning struck her brain, leaving it blank for an instant.
She blinked in astonishment, staring blankly at Phrolova, who was looking back at her.
'Huh, Phrolova?
Wait, why is she here?
No, where's Cat's Eye? Where did Ray go?'
"You... why are you here?!" Carlotta finally snapped back to reality, the words tumbling out, her voice tinged with undisguised surprise and confusion.
Phrolova's expression remained indifferent. She lifted her gaze and swept it over Carlotta. "Oh, it's you? I was just thinking, I only placed my takeout order a moment ago, and it arrived so quickly."
"Takeout?"
Carlotta murmured in confusion, but quickly realized that wasn't the point at all. The point was, why was Phrolova here so brazenly in the first place!
"Never mind that! Why are you here? Where's Cat's Eye? Where is he?"
The corner of Phrolova's mouth lifted slightly, a faint, knowing smile. She crossed her arms, leaned lazily against a nearby bookshelf, and regarded Carlotta with interest. "Why am I here? Ray allowed it, of course. He said I could stay here."
"How is that possible!" Carlotta bit her lip, her eyes full of disbelief. "How could he agree to let you stay here!"
"Why wouldn't it be possible?" Phrolova's voice was soft, carrying a hint of playfulness. "Miss Carlotta has such a short memory. Don't forget, back at the concert, I asked for nothing in return. Ray owes me a favor, and now it's time to repay it."
"You—!" Carlotta's fingertips tightened.
It was a fair point, but still, this request was practically disregarding her position as the girlfriend, wasn't it?
"Where's Ray! I want to talk to him personally!"
Phrolova shrugged nonchalantly. "Who knows? After he agreed, he left. As for where he went..."
She deliberately drew out the words. "I wouldn't know."
"Damn it!"
Carlotta was about to retort when her terminal suddenly vibrated softly.
She glanced down at the screen and in an instant, the light in her eyes dimmed like a candle snuffed out by the wind.
"What's wrong with you?"
Noticing Carlotta's sudden silence, Phrolova moved closer to her.
When her gaze swept over the message on the screen, the light in her eyes, too, slowly faded.