"Adra, why did you drag me out here? I was in the middle of catching up on my show. I still haven't watched the finale of Sorcerer 100% from last night—"
"Because the Eastern faction barely edged out the votes, so it's a single heroine ending. The two of them end up together."
"Adra, I haven't watched it yet!"
"Well, now you don't need to, unless you're Team East like me."
"I'm Northeast Alliance…"
Adra raised an eyebrow. Sorcerer 100% had four major heroines, with fans divided into East, South, West, and North factions. Each heroine represented a different archetype: the caring confidant, the childhood friend, love at first sight, and the cheerful buddy. The finale's voting results were hotly contested, with Team East, Team West, and the chaotic multi-heroine factions in a three-way battle. No one knew the outcome until the final episode aired.
But the Northeast Alliance? That was so niche it might as well not exist. Most female viewers supported single-heroine endings, right?
Usually, only male viewers opted for multiple heroines. And if they did, they'd go all-in for the "all girls included" ending. Who would just pick two?
Adra's gaze clearly said as much, but Freya responded with unabashed confidence, "I know it's a long shot, but I can't help it—I'm just that pure-hearted!"
"A pure-hearted succubus? That's a first. Pure-hearted, and yet you picked two?"
"I only like those two! I don't dislike the others, but I won't force myself to like them!"
Their cab stopped smoothly at the curb. The human driver removed a slender, chain-like universal hand from the console and used it to pull a freshly printed receipt from the meter. Adra quickly took it, scanned the arcane seal on it with her chip, and completed the payment.
"Have a lovely evening."
As they stepped out, Freya lingered, watching the cab drive away. Adra, noticing her thoughtful expression, quipped, "What's the matter? Don't tell me you're into the driver. If you are, why didn't you ask for his network ID?"
"No, it's not that." Freya shook her head. "I was just wondering why he'd buy a car that requires a universal hand to operate. Wouldn't one with a steering wheel be more convenient? Or is it cheaper?"
"You clearly skipped the mechanics elective," Adra teased. "Using a universal hand makes driving more responsive, especially in emergencies. These days, most low-end cars have swapped to universal control consoles. Taxis, excavators, and other work vehicles don't even have steering wheels anymore. All their operators need a universal hand to qualify for the job."
"Steering wheels are practically luxury items now. And even then, rich people usually don't drive—they hire someone to do it for them."
"Does that mean the drivers need regular hands to show off the luxury aesthetic?" Freya asked, raising an eyebrow.
Adra gave her a surprised look. "Wow, that's an upper-class level of thinking. You're catching on. I only learned this stuff from chatting at the casino… Anyway, cheer up! We're at your favorite place!"
Freya turned to face the dazzling six-story building in front of her. Its neon sign, crafted from flowing light magic, shimmered faintly against the night sky: Sensitive Mimosa. The entrance bustled with activity, with taxis constantly dropping off and picking up passengers. The popularity of the venue was evident.
"…The most luxurious relaxation center in Kaimon City? A single visit here costs as much as four visits anywhere else…"
"Exactly!" Adra linked arms with Freya and pulled her forward. "Don't worry about money. I've had a lucky streak lately, so tonight's on me. Just focus on enjoying yourself! Consider it a celebration of finally ditching that jerk who had you under his spell."
"I thought you didn't like places like this."
"Once in a while doesn't hurt. Besides, I'm here for you. You've been sulking with that heartbroken look on your face, and it's unbearable to watch."
Freya touched her cheek self-consciously. "Was it that obvious?"
"In any case, the best way to forget a man isn't deleting him—it's replacing him with more men! Let's go. This place won't disappoint."
The building's first floor was a water spa hall divided into ten entrances, each catering to different genders and species. Guests could change clothes, grab lockers, and freshen up. There were hot springs, saunas, scrubs, and massages on offer. The second floor housed a lounge with buffet dining, game rooms, card tables, mat-lined relaxation spaces, and even a casino. These first two floors buzzed with lively chatter, making it a haven for anyone looking to unwind, even without indulging in more intimate services.
After eating and relaxing, the duo took an elevator to the upper levels. The attendant guiding them was an androgynous beauty in a tight-fitting uniform. Their features were symmetrical and striking, with round hips, a flat chest, smooth skin, and pink heart-shaped pupils. Their voice was neutral yet alluring. "Which floor would you like to visit?"
"Which one has mud cafés?" Adra asked.
"Is this your first visit? Crystal Haven doesn't differentiate between mud or tea cafés," the attendant replied with a coy smile that even outclassed Freya's charms. "The third floor offers private rooms for tailored services, perfect for individuals or small groups. You can pick your preferred companions in soundproofed privacy. If you have special requests—costumes, props, even biological modifications—Crystal Haven will do its best to accommodate."
"The fourth floor is an open encounter hall. It features various common settings like orphanages, classrooms, city halls, offices, forests, and libraries. Staff members wear costumes suited to the environment, with work bands on their left hands. Guests can dress up for roleplay or dive straight into the action. However, there's no privacy or soundproofing, so you'll need to be a bit more open-minded."
"The fifth floor caters to… niche interests. I won't go into detail since you've just eaten, but here's a list of the mildest options." The attendant produced a folded sheet, revealing only the first item.
Freya, seasoned by hours spent scouring obscure networks, remained unfazed. But Adra turned pale, visibly queasy.
The attendant immediately leaned in, gently cradling the back of Adra's head. With a soft kiss, they brought her back to her senses. "Feeling better?"
Adra touched her lips, dazed. "So sweet…"
The attendant chuckled. "The sixth floor is for staff breaks, so guests can't access it. Now, which floor would you like?"
Freya hesitated before deciding. "The third floor."
"Understood." The attendant pressed the button, noting Adra's lingering gaze. With a playful wink, they added, "My employee number is 115. I'm free for requests, but I'm quite popular, so don't wait too long~."
Adra, usually composed even in high-stakes gambling, blushed furiously. Upon reaching the third floor, a staff member escorted them to a private room equipped with a compact selection console. They could filter potential companions based on their preferences.
"Any species requirements?"
"Hmm…"
"Costumes? Prison uniforms? Hunter outfits?"
"Hmm…"
Adra noticed Freya's lack of enthusiasm and frowned. "What's wrong with you? You're supposed to be a succubus, yet you look so disinterested."
"I just don't feel like it…"
The staff member offered helpfully, "If you're unsure, I can call a few available companions for a quick introduction. Sometimes seeing them in person helps. Any general preferences?"
Adra nudged Freya. "What did that jerk look like?"
Freya thought for a moment. "A human male, taller than me by a head, probably in his twenties. Not as good-looking as me, but he had a lazy charm. His smile was captivating, and his side profile was handsome…"
Adra passed the description along. "Something like that. A little flexibility is fine."
"Understood. Sensitive Mimosa will do its best to fulfill your request."
Yet no matter how many batches of potential companions were brought in, Freya rejected them all. Adra finally threw her hands up in exasperation. "What do you even want, Freya?!"
Freya smiled apologetically. "Thank you for your concern, Adra. But honestly, I'm not interested. How about—"
"How about what?"
"Cash it out?"
"Get lost!" Adra kicked at her playfully. "I went out of my way to treat you, and you're impossible to please!"
Later, back at her apartment, Freya lay sprawled across her desk, scrolling through her favorite show. Yet the happiness on the screen felt shallow, and she found herself closing the video.
Looking up at the Blood Moon glowing over the city, Freya sighed. "I've already used you up," she murmured, her eyes lingering on a certain photo of him. "But I still want to see you."
The night stretched on, but Freya couldn't shake the ache in her chest. Maybe, just maybe… I really miss you.