The door clicked shut behind him as Light Yagami stepped into his dimly lit apartment. His head throbbed from hours of strategizing with the task force, meticulously planning his next move as Kira while maintaining his perfect facade. All he wanted now was a moment of silence—just one.

But the universe, it seemed, had other plans.

“Misa.” His voice was flat, bordering on exasperated as his gaze landed on her sprawled across his bed, waiting for him like a cat ready to pounce. She was dressed in one of her usual lacey, black nightgowns, her golden curls fanned out across the pillows.

“Light~! You’re finally home!” she chirped, sitting up eagerly. “I’ve been waiting forever!”

Light’s fingers twitched at his side. He forced his irritation down, sighing through his nose. “Misa, I told you not to stay here without permission.”

She pouted, crossing her arms. “But I missed you! And I wanted to surprise you… Don’t you think I look cute?” She tilted her head, batting her lashes.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, inhaling sharply. “Misa, I don’t have time for this.”

“But Light, you never have time for me,” she whined, crawling toward the edge of the bed. “You’re always so serious. Can’t you just relax with me for once?”

His jaw tightened. He wanted to tell her off, to remind her how exhausting she was. But Misa was still useful—her Shinigami Eyes, her unwavering devotion. He couldn’t afford to push her too far.

So instead, he exhaled, rolling his shoulders as if shedding the weight of the day. “Fine,” he murmured, stepping closer. “Just don’t be too loud.”

Misa’s face lit up with triumph. “Yay! I promise I’ll be good.”

Light wasn’t so sure about that.