After taking a warm shower, Mina stood in front of her mirror with a towel wrapped around her head. Her skin felt fresh, her thoughts still spinning from the early morning encounter with Semi Nishino.
Lumé floated behind her, brushing Mina's damp hair with a soft wooden comb. His small hands were gentle and precise, pulling her hair back smoothly.
"Should I help you dye your hair red today?" Lumé asked with a cheerful grin. "It might suit you—stand out a little."
Mina glanced at him through the mirror and rolled her eyes. "My parents would totally freak out. Especially my dad. He thinks anyone with colored hair is in a gang or something."
Lumé muttered under his breath, "Well, better start practicing how to surprise them… they'll have to get used to it someday."
"What did you say?" Mina raised a brow.
"Nothing!" Lumé said quickly, offering an innocent smile. "Just suggesting!"
Mina narrowed her eyes but let it slide. She watched as Lumé hovered toward her closet.
He opened it—and instantly froze.
"What... in the name of Crimson Clover is this mess?!" he cried, flailing his tiny red arms.
Mina laughed, pulling on a clean T-shirt. "That's my organized chaos. I just wear whatever I see first. No stress."
"This isn't chaos. It's a disaster zone," Lumé muttered, floating into the closet with determination. "You can't become popular with socks hanging from your ceiling fan."
Mina glanced at her watch. "Three hours until afternoon classes… I need food first. We can deal with Mount Wardrobe later."
Lumé looked like he wanted to argue but sighed dramatically. "Fine. Go fill your stomach. Pipí and I will stay back and handle this fashion crisis."
With a playful salute, Mina slipped on her slippers and headed downstairs.
Her house was quiet, filled with soft morning light. Her dad was snoring on the couch, clutching the TV remote like it was a sword. The TV had turned to static, and a faint hum buzzed through the room.
Mina shook her head fondly, grabbed a blanket from the armchair, and draped it gently over him. He stirred but didn't wake. She took the remote from his hand and turned off the TV.
"Sleep tight, warrior," she whispered with a smile.
On the dining table sat a plate of steaming tofu, spicy kimchi, and a bowl of hot rice. Her mom had already left for her nanny job. Mina took a seat, feeling grateful for the quiet.
Just as she picked up her spoon, the front door burst open.
"Minaaaa!" Aria's voice echoed through the house. "Tell me everything!"
Mina panicked and rushed over, whispering fiercely, "Shhh! My dad's sleeping! You'll wake him!"
Aria clamped a hand over her mouth. "Oops. Sorry." She tiptoed across the room like a ninja and sat beside Mina, her voice dropping to a whisper. "Okay, spill. How did you meet Semi Nishino this morning? What did she smell like? What was she wearing? Was she as gorgeous as always?"
Mina giggled as she scooped some tofu onto her spoon. "She wore a track suit—tight and black. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail, swaying when she ran." Mina sighed dreamily, her voice soft and far away. "She looked like a goddess. All shiny and glowing, even without makeup."
Aria raised a brow. "Girl… are you talking to me or daydreaming again?"
"Both," Mina said, grinning.
"Start from the beginning," Aria demanded. "How did you know she was gonna be at the park?"
Mina hesitated. She glanced down at the red ruby ring on her finger.
"My new friend told me," she said slowly.
Aria blinked. "New friend? What new friend? I'm your only friend."
Mina laughed. "Yes, yes, you're my best friend for life. But I mean… someone else I met last night. It's complicated."
"Girl, nothing about your life is complicated. You read manga, talk to your dog, and avoid gym class like it's a plague."
"I'm serious this time." Mina leaned in closer. "After I left the library last night, I ran into this guy. He was being chased by some scary men. We hid in a dumpster together. Gross, I know. But while hiding, I found this ring."
She held up her hand to show Aria the red ruby ring.
Aria gasped. "Where did you get that? It looks expensive."
"I picked it up. I didn't know what it was. Then… things got weird. Like, magical weird. The ring gave me this tiny red creature named Lumé. He's invisible, only I can see him. And he's helping me become popular."
Aria stared at her. Then blinked. Then laughed.
"You okay, Mina? What did you eat last night? Spicy noodles with extra imagination?"
"I'm serious!" Mina said, frowning. "I swear on Crimson Clover."
Aria gasped again. "You never swear on Crimson Clover unless you mean it."
Mina nodded.
"Well, okay then," Aria said slowly. "I still don't believe you, but I'm starving. Got anything to eat?"
"Here." Mina pushed her plate closer. "Help yourself."
They shared the tofu and kimchi, eating and chatting about Semi's beautiful skin, her running form, and how Mina had actually talked to her. After breakfast, they washed the dishes together, giggling and wiping soap bubbles off each other's faces.
"Oh! My phone's dead," Aria said suddenly. "Can I borrow your charger?"
"It's in my room," Mina replied.
Aria skipped up the stairs, humming. "Thanks!"
Mina stayed behind, drying her hands and tidying up the kitchen.
But the moment Aria opened Mina's bedroom door, she froze.
The sight before her was impossible.
Clothes were floating mid-air, folding themselves neatly. A vacuum cleaner buzzed on its own across the carpet. A pair of socks twirled like dancers before tucking themselves into a drawer. A red scarf floated by her face—without anyone holding it.
Aria's mouth opened. No sound came out.
Then—she screamed.
It was loud, sharp, and full of terror.
Downstairs, Mina flinched, soap suds still on her hand.
"Oh no," she whispered. "Lumé!"
She dropped the towel, her heart racing as she ran up the stairs.
Her dad, startled by the scream, sat up groggily on the couch. "What was that? Is someone hurt?"
Mina didn't wait. She reached the top of the stairs to see Aria lying on the floor just inside her room—eyes wide, out cold.
Floating above her was Lumé, arms full of socks, staring down.
"She… saw something," he said sheepishly. "Didn't mean to scare her."
Mina's heart pounded as she dropped to her knees beside Aria. "Aria! Aria, wake up!"
But Aria didn't move.
Mina glanced at the red ring glowing faintly on her finger, she wasn't sure what would happen next.