Kana's head was spinning.
It wasn't just Irielle leaning so close, or Lysera yanking her back like it was the most normal thing in the world. It was everything.
The way both of them acted like she was their personal responsibility. The strange comfort of the house.
The unfamiliar rhythm of this world. It all left her disoriented, caught between panic and awe.
She managed to compose herself just enough to watch Lysera push Irielle into a chair and sit beside her.
Irielle didn't resist, only crossed her legs and looked far too amused for someone who'd just been scolded.
Lysera turned her gaze to Kana.
"How was your day?"
She asked, her voice softer now.
Kana blinked, trying to find her words.
"It was… fine. I spent most of it reading."
Lysera nodded, humming thoughtfully.
"That's good. But I doubt you'll stay sane just reading. A few more days like this, and you'll probably start climbing the walls."
She said.
Kana opened her mouth to protest—she'd always been an introvert, after all. Staying indoors wasn't a big deal. In her old life, she could spend weeks in her room with no problem.
She didn't like crowds, didn't enjoy small talk, and definitely preferred her own company.
But as she prepared to argue, she remembered something that made her pause.
Back then, she hadn't been truly alone. She'd had her phone. Her computer. The internet. Videos, books, games, entire worlds at her fingertips.
Even when she shut herself in, there had been something connecting her to the outside world.
And even then, she hadn't chosen that life completely of her own will.
She'd been bullied. Ostracized. Laughed at for reasons she never fully understood. Every time she tried to stand out or speak up, she'd been knocked back down.
That was why she'd hidden.
But now—this world, this life—was different. There was no screen to hide behind.
And though she had Lysera and Irielle, there was only so much time she could read before her mind felt like it was unraveling.
Lysera must have seen the shift in her expression, because she leaned forward slightly.
"I have a solution. You'll start working. Just part-time. Somewhere close. Somewhere I can keep an eye on you."
She said.
Kana didn't know how to respond. Work? Here?
But before she could say anything, Irielle sat up straighter, clearly annoyed.
"Work? For Kana? That doesn't suit her at all. Why should she work when she can get everything she wants just by asking me?"
She scoffed.
Kana glanced at her, uncertain. Irielle looked serious now—not teasing or playful, but genuinely opposed.
Lysera didn't flinch.
"Because it's not about getting what she wants. It's about keeping her sane. You think she's fine now, but wait a few days. She'll be pacing the walls, bored out of her mind, second-guessing everything. And then what? Let her rot inside like a caged animal?"
Irielle looked down at Kana, her expression darkening.
"This is something we can't allow," she said, quieter now.
Kana stayed silent.
She could feel the weight of their gazes on her. Two people arguing about her as if she wasn't even in the room.
One offering everything freely. The other trying to guide her toward something she wasn't sure she was ready for.
But the truth was… Lysera wasn't wrong.
Kana had never wanted to be useless. And no matter how kind Irielle was—or how tempting her words could be—Kana didn't want to become someone who relied on others just because she could.
Even if it scared her.
Even if she didn't know where to begin.
She took a deep breath and lowered her eyes to her hands.
"Maybe… working wouldn't be so bad."
She said softly.
Both elves turned toward her at once.
Irielle's brows drew together.
"Kana…"
Lysera looked satisfied, but didn't say anything just yet.
Kana forced a small smile.
"If it's somewhere nearby… and if I can learn something, or help in some way… I think I'd like that."
There was a long silence before Irielle leaned back in her chair, arms crossed.
"Tch. Fine. But I get to come visit whenever I want."
She muttered.
Lysera sighed.
"You were going to do that anyway."
Kana glanced between them and couldn't help but smile. For once, it didn't feel like she was completely lost. There was a strange kind of warmth in the chaos of it all.
Maybe this world wasn't so bad. Maybe… just maybe… she could find her place in it.
Lysera stood up and stretched, brushing imaginary dust off her skirt before turning to Kana.
"It's late. You should get some rest. We'll talk more in the morning."
Kana nodded.
"Okay."
The exhaustion hit her all at once. Between the strange new world, the constant attention, and the emotional whirlwind of the day, her body felt heavy.
She started toward the room she'd been given, grateful for the chance to lie down.
But just as she reached the doorway, she felt something wrap around her legs.
She froze.
Looking down, she saw Irielle on the floor, arms wound tightly around her calves, clinging like a limpet. Her hair was slightly mussed, and her expression was a mix of longing and petulance.
She looked up at Kana, emerald eyes wide and pleading.
"…I want to stay with you."
She murmured.
Kana blinked.
"Uh…"
She didn't know what to do. Part of her felt sorry for Irielle—there was something oddly vulnerable about the way she was clutching her.
But another part of her, the part that still hadn't fully adjusted to being around other people, was extremely uncomfortable.
Irielle's grip was tight, and her hold made it impossible to move.
"Irielle, my legs…"
Kana said gently.
Irielle didn't let go. She only pressed her cheek against Kana's knees with a soft sigh.
Kana awkwardly looked over her shoulder.
"Um… Lysera?"
Lysera was already walking over, her brow twitching with irritation.
"You're unbelievable."
She muttered.
Without hesitation, she reached down and grabbed Irielle by the collar, yanking her back with one swift pull.
Irielle yelped as she was dragged across the floor, arms still outstretched toward Kana like a child being separated from their favorite toy.
"Nooo! Let me stay with her! Just tonight! Just a little—"
"You're acting ridiculous."
Lysera snapped, dragging Irielle toward the living room with practiced ease.
Irielle flailed dramatically.
"Kanaaa! Save meee—!"
Kana just stood there, frozen, unsure if she should laugh or hide.
With a final tug, Lysera deposited Irielle onto the couch and placed a firm hand on her shoulder to keep her seated.
"Stay!"
She ordered, like scolding a disobedient pet.
Irielle pouted but didn't try to run back again.
Lysera turned back to Kana with a sigh.
"Go to bed. You've had enough nonsense for one night."
Kana nodded quickly and hurried to her room before anyone could try clinging to her again.
Kana quietly closed the door behind her and leaned against it, exhaling a deep breath.
Her legs still tingled from Irielle's grip, and her mind spun from everything that had just happened.
Crawling into bed, she buried her face into the pillow.
"What even is my life now…"
She mumbled. The house outside was still faintly noisy with Lysera scolding Irielle, but soon, Kana let the warmth of the blankets pull her into sleep.