Freya woke up to the enticing aroma of food.
It was April 29th, her third day harboring a fugitive, and a rare morning without classes—perfect for sleeping in.
Adult sirens typically needed 12 hours of sleep, but this schedule didn't align with the fast-paced city life. On school days, Freya limited herself to six hours of sleep and relied on stimulant pills. If necessary, she could manage with just four hours and two pills.
However, stimulant pills came with a catch: tolerance. Once you started increasing your dose, it was hard to cut back. Freya strictly adhered to one pill a day, preferring to yawn through her morning classes rather than pop a second one.
It wasn't about addiction—it was the cost. Stimulant pills were pricey, even more so than the notoriously cheap Moon Sugar. In the Blood Moon Kingdom, entertainment was always affordable, while anything tied to productivity came with a steep price tag.
She yawned and greeted Ash casually before heading to the bathroom. Donning a non-slip headband, she took a shower, washed her face, brushed her teeth, and trimmed her body hair. As a naturally gorgeous siren, Freya didn't need much upkeep, especially since she wasn't using her looks to charm anyone. She was the one paying others, after all. Her routine skin care took less than half an hour.
Before stepping out, she hesitated. To show a bit of consideration, she decided to put on clothes today—after all, it was a school day, not bedtime.
Ash had already prepared breakfast and was watching a video while eating. Freya peeked at the screen and immediately lost interest. The title read: Strengths and Weaknesses of Various Sorcery Disciplines (Part 1).
"I'd suggest watching comedy videos instead. Though, I suppose this one is unintentionally funny."
Ash raised an eyebrow. "Why? I just wanted a basic understanding of the other disciplines."
"Videos like this only give you preconceived biases," Freya said matter-of-factly. "Can you sum up your entire existence in one sentence? Then why expect a few minutes to summarize sorcery traditions that have existed for centuries?"
She continued, "Watching this will only make you think earth magic is about moving dirt, lightning magic is all about sparks, swordsmanship is limited to melee combat, illusions lack offensive power, divination practitioners are frail scholars, and psychic sorcery can be countered by plugging your ears. You'd be better off knowing nothing at all—it would at least make you more cautious."
"If you really want to understand a sorcery discipline, you should read introductory books or, at the very least, attend lectures by professionals. Videos like this are made for non-sorcerers—people who just want to feel superior by thinking, 'Oh, sorcery isn't that mysterious or even useful.'"
"Honestly, you'd be better off watching something from New Folder. At least those won't give you the wrong ideas and might even boost your appetite."
Ash blinked. "They boost your appetite?"
"You doubt a siren's taste? I can pick one for you right now that'll definitely—"
"No, no need!" Ash hastily rejected her offer and scrolled through the video options. "Fine, I'll pick this one: Why Is It So Expensive?—Oh, wait, this is about tea cafés?! Ugh."
"Want me to switch to a Mud Café review?" Freya teased with a sly grin.
"No, this is fine," Ash said, resigned.
To his surprise, the food did seem to taste better while watching.
As they ate, Ash glanced around the tiny studio apartment and asked, "Have you lived alone since you left the orphanage and started university?"
Freya looked at him quizzically, her fork paused mid-bite. "I'm not alone. Or do you think I'm a cat?"
She chuckled, scratching String under the chin. The Scottish Fold purred contentedly, nearly drooling.
"Have you ever considered co-renting with someone?" Ash pressed. "It'd be cheaper and might improve your quality of life."
"Nope." Freya shook her head firmly. "Living alone gets me rent subsidies, plus university student grants cover about 80% of my rent. With such a good deal, why share?"
"But wouldn't splitting rent make it even cheaper?"
"I don't need to share. I manage just fine on my own. Back in the orphanage, I had my own room. Why would I downgrade to sharing now?"
"Well, having someone around could be helpful. What if you got injured and couldn't call for help?"
"I'd use my chip to summon an ambulance," Freya said matter-of-factly.
"Two people could cook at home instead of eating out all the time…"
"Eating at the university cafeteria costs me less than what you spend on groceries," Freya retorted. "And cooking means washing dishes. My apartment doesn't even have a dishwasher."
Ash finally voiced his real concern: "But since you have… certain needs, wouldn't living with a romantic partner be more convenient?"
He had barely survived the previous night, enduring endless low moans from the other room. What he initially thought was a one-time ordeal turned out to be Freya's nightly routine—typically three sessions, varying in length from 15 to 45 minutes depending on her mood, materials, and workload.
Freya tilted her head, her big, curious eyes locking onto Ash. "Why would having a partner make a difference? Have you ever been in a relationship?"
Ash wanted to retort confidently, but under the gaze of this seasoned siren, he decided honesty was the better part of valor. "No."
Freya's response stunned him: "Me neither. Who falls in love these days anyway?"
Ash was bewildered. "Why not? With your looks, you could easily attract anyone. Or is it because your siren physiology intimidates people?"
Shaking her head, Freya replied, "No, I just find it strange you'd even think I should. Do your Four Pillar God cultists still believe in such impractical fantasies?"
"How is falling in love impractical?" Ash countered. "You were laughing your head off at Sorcerer 100%, a romantic comedy, last night."
Freya's smile faded. "Tell me, what's the romance like in Sorcerer 100%?"
"Well… genuine love, putting the other person first, protecting them at all costs, and compromising in daily life…"
"Exactly!"
"Exactly what?"
"That kind of love only exists in stories," Freya said, throwing up her hands. "Who actually puts others first, makes compromises, or risks their life for someone else? Certainly not me."
She paused, then continued, "I can feel attraction, infatuation, and even love. For example, I think you're okay. I wouldn't mind being with you once or twice—or even regularly. But if you wanted to move in, share my daily life, or become part of my future plans? No way."
Freya leaned back in her chair. "Most university students understand that pure relationships like the ones in stories don't exist. It's usually the less educated who cling to those fantasies, getting scammed in the Veil by promises of love. More often than not, they lose all their money—and the person behind the screen isn't a beauty or a hunk, but some beastman uncle or goblin hag."
Ash frowned. "But relationships are normal. Surely you can find someone trustworthy in real life? Can't friendship evolve into romance?"
Freya giggled, reaching over to pat Ash's head like he was a naive child. "Oh, sweetie. People change. Someone you trust today might get hooked on Moon Sugar tomorrow and lose their wits, or stumble upon a Void fortune and decide they're too good for you the day after."
"Didn't the orphanage teach you not to trust strangers or expect anything from them?"