Early in the morning, birds sang as they perched on the trees, pecking at small fruits. A gentle breeze brushed through the window, carrying the sweet fragrance of dawn into the office.
On the couch, Evo began to stir from his exhausting rest. His eyelids twitched before slowly opening. His vision was still blurred; he rubbed his sleepy eyes and stood up, his mind and body screaming with fatigue and pain. It felt like he'd been run over by a herd of oxen.
With some effort, he rose to his feet, one hand clutching his head as he winced and let out a low groan.
– Hic... damn it! My whole body hurts... what the hell happened to me?
He muttered groggily, staring at the unfamiliar place where he'd fallen asleep.
– Where... am I? I remember being at the forge with the old man, finishing my sword and... hic!
He pressed his hand against his forehead. His mind throbbed with sharp pains, like a hangover.
– And after that...? What really happened?
– I can't remember anything after we finished the sword...
He tried to focus, forcing his mind to recall the events of the previous night — but the harder he tried, the worse the headache became.
Just then, a small serpent slithered out from the pocket of his pants and climbed up to his shoulder, rubbing her tiny head against his neck.
– Hm? Kalythra? Where were you?
– I thought you were wrapped around my wrist, like always!
He arched a brow, gently holding her in his hand.
The little serpent looked at him with her golden eyes full of worry. She had witnessed all the horror and suffering he'd endured last night but hid herself when that woman appeared. Her scales tingled with instinct — that woman was dangerous.
So, to avoid being noticed, she hid in his pocket, uncertain how the stranger would react.
Still dazed, Evo looked around the room again… and his eyes froze.
Lying beside him, muttering softly in her sleep, smiling as if having the sweetest dream… was a stunning woman with dark purple hair.
Evo tried to take a deep breath, but his lungs locked.
– W–what the... what is this woman doing here, sleeping practically next to me!?
He whispered in disbelief, realizing the Academy's director was sleeping on the same couch as him.
Moving carefully, he stood and tiptoed closer. He took the blanket he'd used and gently covered her. Freya snuggled deeper into it, a soft smile curling her lips, genuinely comfortable.
Evo stared at her for a few moments and muttered:
– Damn... she's gorgeous.
He sighed and decided to look around the room. It didn't take long for him to figure out where he was.
Near the exit door, a sign read: "Office: Director."
He ran his fingers through his hair, pushing his fringe back.
– Great... how the hell did I end up in the stalker's office?
He turned to look at her again, sleeping like a peaceful child.
– She brought me here?... But why?
He scratched his head, confused.
– Don't tell me she kidnapped me to make me her personal clown...
His mind spiraled into wild theories about the director — that woman who always found new ways to mess with him for her own amusement.
Evo shook his head and sighed. Maybe he'd just ask her when she woke up.
He pulled out his pocket watch — now synchronized with this world's time after being reforged as an artifact.
– Six seventeen in the morning... My classes start at nine. I've got time. I need my morning coffee.
Evo loved coffee and tea — a true British habit — so he wandered into a small kitchen at the back. He found a kettle, filled it with water, and lit the stove.
From afar, on the couch where Freya supposedly slept, one of her eyes cracked open.
Watching Evo prepare coffee, a mischievous smile crept onto her face.
– Hihihihi... – she giggled softly.
– Looks like he doesn't remember a thing from last night. But... should I tell him the truth, or just keep it to myself?
She sighed, pondering.
– Ravisto might tell him everything once he goes back to the shop... If I hide it, Evo might get upset with me. And that, I can't allow.
– Maybe I should ask Ravisto to stay quiet about it... It could be better for him — at least for now. Honestly, I'm torn. Maybe it's best if he figures it out on his own...
Freya wrestled with her doubts while keeping one eye open, watching him prepare the coffee that soon filled the air with a comforting aroma.
She smiled, enjoying it.
– Ahh... what a wonderful smell – she thought, lips curling into a sensual smile.
Evo stayed busy, distracted. He searched the cabinets for breakfast supplies and found only a few things — some biscuits, eggs, and fruits.
– Hm... not much to work with... haa, guess this'll have to do.
He grabbed everything, gathered some plates that clinked softly together, sliced the fruits, and arranged them neatly.
Two cups joined the small table, along with everything he'd prepared.
It was simple — but inviting.
With everything ready, only one question remained.
– Should I wake her up... or wait? – he scratched his head, glancing at her.
After a few seconds of hesitation, he decided:
– Haa... screw it. Let's get this over with.
He ruffled his hair roughly and walked toward her — though she was still pretending to sleep, wrapped in the blanket, a faint smile on her lips.
– She's not gonna kill me, right...? – he muttered under his breath, standing beside her.
– Oh, stalk— I mean, Director Freya, wake up! – he shook her lightly.
– Hmmm... – she murmured, pretending to wake.
– Hmmmmmm! – she stretched lazily.
– Student Eylam, did you sleep well? – she asked with a teasing smile, tilting her head.
She had done it on purpose, just to see his embarrassed reaction.
– Y-yeah... thanks – he stammered awkwardly.
– Aww... come on, get up! I made breakfast. Care to join me?
He muttered the invitation like a grumpy old man, looking toward the window.
Freya's smile deepened — she loved teasing him. She stood up and stretched again; the strap of her nightgown slipped off her shoulder.
Evo coughed abruptly and turned away, walking to the table — but the image burned itself into his brain, refusing to fade.
Of course, all of it was intentional.
Freya walked gracefully to the table and commented:
– Hmm? You made all this? Looks delicious! – she said, sitting across from him.
The two sat in heavy silence, sipping their coffee.
Evo kept staring into his cup, clearly wanting to ask why he was in her office but not knowing how.
– Ahhh... screw it! – he finally muttered, losing patience.
Freya raised a brow as he set his cup down, crossing his arms on the table.
– Director Freya...
– Hm? What is it? – she asked, nibbling on a piece of bread.
– Why did I wake up in your office? And why... were we sleeping on the same couch?
They stared at each other for a long moment — their gazes locked like a silent duel.
Evo's eyes were sharp and determined to know the truth;
Freya's were playful, glimmering with amusement.
She shrugged.
– I kidnapped you... and I'm going to make you my personal jester.
She said it casually, taking a bite of a juicy apple and sipping her coffee.
Evo jumped from his seat, eyes wide.
– I knew it! You stalker!
He shouted, almost at the top of his lungs, confirming his worst suspicions.