Navia emerged from the bathroom, still steaming from her hot bath.
"Ah, much better! After a long day of running around, a good soak is just what I needed!"
As she dried her hair, she noticed Furina sitting tensely, her eyes fixed on a novel but her mind clearly wandering elsewhere.
"It's your turn now, Furina," Navia said.
"Ah, yes..."
Furina gave a stiff reply, stood up, and pulled open the wardrobe.
Navia glanced inside and thought, Just as I suspected.
The wardrobe was already filled with Furina's clothes. Luna's clothes were on the left, while Furina's were on the right, easily distinguishable by their preferred styles.
Ninety percent of Luna's clothes were made by Chiori, with the remaining ten percent being store-bought. The reason was simple: sometimes she couldn't bear to wear them, afraid of getting them dirty or damaged.
If Chiori were to hear this, she might well raise her twin blades and slash one of her own creations first, declaring, "If it rips, I'll just make you another one."
Furina pulled out an outfit and absentmindedly grabbed a piece of lingerie.
"That's mine, you know," Luna murmured lazily from the bed.
"W-waah?!"
Furina's face flushed crimson as she threw the lingerie back.
"Don't throw it!"
"You can put it away yourself later!"
She'd never made such a clumsy mistake before, but with a guest in the house, it was impossible to stay calm.
Furina shot a quick glance at Navia, then lowered her head and dashed into the bathroom.
The door slammed shut.
"Um... should I not have come?" Navia asked anxiously.
"She's just a bit awkward around people who aren't me," Luna replied.
Luna picked up the rubber duck from the table, walked to the bathroom door, and tapped lightly.
"What is it?"
Luna squeezed the duck, and a loud squeak! echoed through the room.
A moment of silence hung in the bathroom before a sliver of the door cracked open, a water-beaded hand reaching out. Luna slipped the rubber duck to Furina.
"...Thank you," Furina murmured softly.
The door clicked shut again.
Navia watched the exchange, her thoughts drifting: They seem so comfortable with each other's lives. If only Lulu and I could live together too...
A sigh escaped her lips.
Living together must be wonderful.
I wonder if Chiori ever considered it? What does she think now?
Navia sat moodily on the edge of the bed, drying her hair.
"Let me help you."
The towel was gently tugged from her grasp. Luna took it and began rubbing Navia's long hair.
"Mmm..." Navia closed her eyes in contentment, her earlier worries and distractions instantly vanishing.
I'm so easily pleased, Navia thought.
"You know Furina's former position," Luna continued softly. "She was destined to never form genuine friendships."
"After all, she was the Hydro Archon."
"Exactly."
Though it was mainly because she had to play the role of a God, Luna thought.
Luna continued, "That's why she hesitates and wavers. But she still craves friendship. I don't believe she's content with just me."
"The world beyond the stage felt vast and boundless to her. But endlessness also meant infinite confusion. She needed more friends, more recognition, and more applause."
"If Nana could become friends with Furina, I'd finally feel at ease."
Luna never believed that Furina only needed her.
While she might be the most important person in Furina's life, Furina still needed more friendships.
Confining Furina's world to just me would be a waste of her beauty, Luna thought.
There are many ways to cherish a treasure.
One of them is to let it continue to shine brightly.
Navia pursed her lips.
She could clearly sense the tenderness and sincerity in Luna's words.
"I always feel like I'm not the only person Lulu likes," Navia murmured softly.
"That's true."
"You actually admitted it!" Navia exclaimed in surprise.
There's no need to deny it.
"I do like many people," Luna continued, "and those who capture my attention are whom I want to cherish and protect, ensuring their beauty and radiance never fade."
So... I'm just one of them?
Navia felt a dull ache in her chest, and her eyes inexplicably grew warm.
"Nana is one of them," Luna said, setting down the towel. She hooked a finger under Navia's chin, turning her face.
Then Luna pressed her lips to the corner of Navia's mouth, smiling. "But Nana's radiance is different and distinct from the beauty of others."
Navia quickly glanced at the bathroom door, inwardly sighing in relief.
Thank goodness no one saw us! How would I ever explain this?
Her heart still raced. Lowering her gaze, she murmured, "You say that as if everyone is unique and special."
But isn't that just another form of 'sameness' after all?
"Exactly. And if you feel displeased, even angry—"
Luna seized Navia's hand, pressing it against her own chest.
"You can vent your frustrations on me."
Vent!?
Navia's face flushed crimson as she imagined... something inappropriate.
"Why do you always say things like that?"
Luna continued, "After all, everyone must bear responsibility for their choices."
"But that won't change my decision. I despise quitting halfway through."
Navia shifted her gaze. "So, if I were really angry, could I decide how to treat you myself?"
"Of course."
"...I see."
After saying this, Navia couldn't help but smile. "Lulu, you're such a strange girl."
"Actually, I really did want to be friends with Furina, but..."
Navia pinched her fingertips, hesitation flickering across her face.
She... they had almost ruined Furina's five-hundred-year effort on that stage where they judged the gods, almost hurting her deeply.
How could a simple apology ever erase the guilt that had been festering in her heart?
"If you feel guilty, shouldn't you try to make her smile even more?" Luna teased, her fingertip tracing the curve of Navia's ear.
"Lulu..." Navia couldn't help but stare at her.
Just then, the bathroom door swung open.
A freshly bathed Furina emerged, sighing contentedly. "Ah~ That was refreshing, Luna. Could you dry my... hair...?"
Her relaxed expression gradually stiffened as she noticed Navia.
I almost forgot Navia was still here!
So she had subconsciously acted spoiled and cute, and Navia had heard it all?
This is so embarrassing!
"Come here," Luna said nonchalantly, pulling Furina over and wiping her hair.
Furina sat with her hands pressed against her legs, shoulders hunched and head tucked low, her anxious gaze darting frequently to Navia. She desperately didn't want to reveal their private life to others.
"...Lulu, let me take over the drying! You go take a bath," Navia suddenly suggested.
"Okay!"
"Eh?"
No! Furina panicked, frantically grabbing Luna's sleeve and shaking her head, as if pleading, Don't leave me! I'll do anything! Please don't leave me at a time like this!
Luna blinked, then smiled. "Don't worry, Nana is great at taking care of little animals."
"Who are you calling a little animal?!"
With the clothes in hand, Luna strode into the bathroom without looking back.
Left behind, Furina stiffly swiveled her head to face Navia, who was practically bouncing with eagerness.
"Hey!"
"Wah?!"
Navia immediately swooped down with the towel, giving Furina's hair a thorough rubdown. The experience could best be described as:
Like being toweled off after a bath by a veterinarian.
"I'm sorry, Furina," Navia murmured.
Furina suddenly snapped back to reality.
Navia stopped and said softly, "Using 'we didn't know' as an excuse isn't right. No matter what, we..."
"That's all in the past. Don't bring it up again," Furina said, shaking her head. "I don't hate you, nor do I blame you."
"You're so strong," Navia murmured.
"It's nothing like that."
"No, I genuinely think you're amazing! And... I'm also quite envious."
Envious?
Envious of what? Furina turned to look at her.
Navia sighed. "Living with Lulu must be wonderful."
So that's what she's envious of?
Furina turned away, offering no response.
She desperately wanted to reply to Navia, but the first thought that flashed through her mind wasn't a casual "It's alright" or anything similar.
Instead, it was a fierce, possessive declaration:
I won't let her go to anyone else!