Steam curled lazily through the bathhouse, blurring the warm lantern light into a dreamy haze. Mira leaned against the smooth stone edge, cucumbers balanced neatly over her eyes like she was seconds from drifting off.

Zoey, on the other hand, sat folded up like a spring. Her chin propped on her knees, lower lip sticking out into a dramatic pout.

"It's such a shame Rumi didn't join us again," she grumbled, flicking the water with two fingers until it slapped noisily against the side. "Bathhouse night is sacred bonding time! She's literally breaking the rules of friendship."

Mira gave the faintest hum, which could've meant agreement, disinterest, or that she'd fallen asleep. Hard to tell with Mira.

"You're a good listener… even if you don't say anything," Zoey said with a small grin. She gave the water a tiny splash toward Mira, just to see if she was actually awake.

Nope. Cucumbers remained firmly in place. Zoey sighed and slouched back into the bath.

Zoey stretched her legs, finally starting to relax—until the door slid open.

You stepped in, and Zoey's head snapped up. You were beautiful, and Zoey felt heat rise to her cheeks instantly.

But the moment of admiration quickly shattered. She saw a demon clawed its way behind you. You were completely oblivious to its hollow eyes glowing faintly as it grinned too wide for its face, leaning in close to snatch the soul right out of you.

Zoey gasped, springing to her feet as water splashed over the rim. "Oh no you don't!" she snapped, one hand clutching her towel while the other dove beneath it to grab her trusty knife—because of course she brought one to the bathhouse.

She slashed forward at the demon. It yelped, jerking back before the blade could land then stuck out its tongue to mock her.

You shrieked, sloshing backward so fast you nearly dunked yourself, eyes fixed on Zoey like she was insane.

"W-what the... What are you doing?!"

Zoey froze mid-stance, knife still raised. Her brain stuttered. "Uh—" She quickly shoved the knife back under the towel and offered the girl her signature, perky smile.

"Whoa, sorry! I'm just, um… practicing my ninja reflexes. You never know, right?"

Her heart thudded, she didn't want to seem more suspicious than she already was. That thing was still there, and she needed to protect you! So she stepped forward and—without so much as a warning or thinking this through—plopped right into the tub beside her with a loud splash like this was all perfectly normal.

"So! Hey. I just thought I'd join you!" She chirped, voice a pitch higher than usual.

She scooted closer than necessary, sliding right next to you. Her gaze flicked to the demon, then back with a too-bright smile.

"Don't mind me. I just really, really like this corner. Super comfy corner."

You blinked at her, brow furrowing. "…What?" You edged away, confusion written all over your face. From your perspective, Zoey had just sprinted across the bath, slashed at thin air, and then shoved herself into your tub with a manic smile.