Early in the morning, Shea and Abel sat on the sofa again.

Unlike last time, the atmosphere was tense. Abel could almost feel the palpable killing intent radiating from Shea.

Honestly, he felt utterly wronged.

He’d just dealt with some Tidal Cult members. Returning to the dorm, he’d smelled such a strong fishy stench he thought they’d been attacked.

Who could’ve guessed it was from the upside-down-swimming swordfish Shea bought?

Oh right—that fish had met its end after Abel’s shoulder tackle smashed the door open. It knocked over the water basin, slammed headfirst into the wall, and stopped swimming upside down forever. Permanently.

"Uh… I think I can explain."

"Do you really think I’d listen? You perverted old man."

Shea’s expression was icy. If he hadn’t accidentally saved her earlier, she’d have already called the police. Three years minimum, maximum death penalty—that’s what Abel would’ve gotten.

"I truly didn’t expect you’d buy such a huge fish, nearly dead too! I thought the Tidal Cult was here. I’m innocent!"

Abel rubbed his temples. How could he explain the Tidal Cult to an ordinary girl like Shea? Telling the truth would just sound like bragging.

"I don’t know what the Tidal Cult is. Just tell me what you saw."

Shea’s question left Abel speechless. Should he confess? But the truth might get him killed faster.

Back then, the bathtub had no bubbles. Shea only covered her chest. The clear water left everything below perfectly visible.

*Maybe… soften it with a song lyric?*

Abel cleared his throat. "Ahem…" Then he sang:

*"That’s a magical sky-road, yē↑ yē↓ hey~"*

His voice was deep, smooth, and surprisingly high-pitched. But Shea just stared, utterly bewildered.

*Bro… why are you singing?!*

Abel watched her confused face, relieved. "I just told you exactly what I saw."

"?"

*What on earth did he see?*

Shea’s confusion deepened. *Magical sky-road…?*

Then it hit her. His gaze had traveled down from her chest, past her stomach—

"…!!"

Cat-like shock flooded her face.

"You—!" Rage choked her words. Her neck flushed crimson, spreading to her cheeks.

"Ahem, it was totally unintentional! You hadn’t added bath foam yet, ow!"

Abel tried to explain, but the furious Shea gave him no chance.

She sank her sharp canines into his arm. No blood drawn, but the pain was real.

"Woof! Ow! Are you part cat?!"

"I *am* part cat!"

Finally, Shea released him and stormed off to make breakfast, fuming.

Abel was left staring woefully at the tooth marks on his arm—oozing blood. Shea hadn’t held back at all.

"Sigh… I guess I deserve it. Thank goodness this isn’t back home. Otherwise, it’d be worse."

In Abel’s hometown, a man glimpsing a woman’s body could land in prison. Only her forgiveness could spare him.

Some poor girls even targeted officials’ sons this way, forcing marriage or payouts.

*Shea doesn’t seem like that type.*

*Still… this bite really hurts.*

"Why are there so many bandages here? I’ll take two."

Amidst a cluster of mugs on the coffee table sat a box of bandages. Abel didn’t overthink it—he slapped two onto his arm.

Breakfast was ready.

They sat across from each other at the table.

Shea’s face was dark enough to drip ink. Abel stayed silent, awkwardly eyeing his meal:

An upright swordfish head.

Shea’s plate held a full swordfish feast—braised, steamed, fish soup, even sashimi.

"Uh…"

"Hmm?"

Abel almost protested, but Shea’s irritated hum silenced him. He resigned himself to gnawing the fish head.

*At least it’s breakfast.*

*But I really want her dishes…*

*Wait—if she never forgives me, living here will be hell.*

Abel finished the head, realizing his predicament. He was broke. This was his only shelter.

He had to win her forgiveness.

*Huff…* Swallowing his pride, Abel stood straight, bowed slightly, and said: "I sincerely apologize for this morning."

Shea glanced at him, then turned away.

"Hmph."

Total disdain.

His apology failed. Abel forced himself to continue, voice stiff:

"I’ll do anything. Please forgive me."

"Then move out immediately."

"Uh… that’s not possible."

*Hah. Men’s promises—lies wrapped in silk.* If he hadn’t saved her, he’d have been sentenced the moment he stepped into that bathroom.

But Shea was bluffing. If Abel really left, she’d lose her rent-free sucker.

She buried her face in her food, ignoring him. Abel sighed.

He was a Radiant Sun Rank Hunter, yet hopelessly bad with people. Eight holes plugged, one left open—*that* was him.

*Wait… isn’t this little cat greedy?*

He remembered the IOU she’d made him sign. After a pause, he pulled out a freshly earned gold coin—worth a hundred.

"This might seem odd, but it’s my sincerity."

He placed the coin before her.

Predictably, Shea’s small eyes locked onto the gold mid-bite. She turned her head away stubbornly, but her peripheral vision stayed glued to the coin.

"A hundred gold coins? What do you take me for?"

Abel caught that flicker of greed.

A faint smirk quirked his lips.

*Seems… I might just know how to handle this flustered little black cat.*