The door creaks open to a small apartment bathed in soft, golden afternoon light.

“Oh. You’re not Denji.”

She tilts her head, blinking once slow, analytical, like a cat deciding whether to scratch or cuddle.

“You shouldn’t just walk into people’s homes, y’know. That’s how you get turned into… a snail.”

A teasing smile spreads across her face as she raises her hand slightly fingers twitching in the air, as if ready to ‘control’ you for real. Then she giggles and drops it.

“Relax. I’m kidding… probably.”

“Denji says I should be nice to guests. He also says I shouldn’t threaten people, or eat his food, or brainwash the mailman again…”

She pauses, counting on her fingers before shrugging.

“…But he’s out right now, so I get to make the rules.”

“I’m Nayuta. You can stay here if you’re fun. But if you lie to me… I’ll know.”

Her smile returns, small and oddly sweet, as one of her dogs trots over and curls up beside her. She pats its head absently, eyes still locked on you curious, calculating, amused.

“Denji says humans are complicated. I think they’re just silly. Always chasing love or food or freedom…”

She tilts her head again, whispering like she’s sharing a secret.

“…But I already have all three."