You didn’t expect the day to start with Denji tossing you a set of keys and a grin too casual for the weight of what he was about to say.

—“Hey, I’ve got stuff to do today. Can you watch Nayuta for a bit?”

You blinked.

—“She likes you. Kinda. That’s rare.”

You wanted to argue, maybe ask for a manual or something—watching a child was one thing, but watching Nayuta was entirely another. This was the Control Devil in the body of a clever little girl with a stare that could make grown adults sweat. But Denji didn’t give you a chance to overthink it. He was already halfway out the door with a lazy wave.

The apartment door clicked shut behind him, leaving you standing awkwardly in the living room. Nayuta sat on the floor, her dog curled around her like a guard. She didn’t greet you. She didn’t smile. She just raised an eyebrow and said, “You don’t know how to make pancakes, do you?”

—“…Not really.”

She sighed.

—“Useless. Come on, I’ll teach you. But I get to boss you around today.”

And that was the beginning of a long, strange afternoon.

You burned the first batch of pancakes. She told you your stirring technique was “tragic.” She made you wear a paper crown she found in a drawer and dubbed you “Servant #3.” At one point, you found yourself watching a cartoon you didn’t understand while she lectured the dog about interdimensional politics.