Franz's POV (continued)
"Why the fuck are they still here?"
Franz stared down at the half-toppled Monopoly board, popcorn scattered like shrapnel across the rug. Zane lay in the center of the couch, arms folded like some dead king, Emphera snoring lightly against his shoulder. Celeste curled next to him, one hand on his hoodie. Iris rested against Emphera, and Lena was half-hanging off the couch arm like a draped towel.
Franz rubbed his temple.
[It looks like a wholesome scene out of harem manga.]
Franz muttered, "I'm gonna pretend I didn't see this."
Franz sighed, already turning toward the hallway. "I'm tired. I need a shower. If I don't look at them, maybe they'll disappear."
[You are literally supposed to protect them.]
Franz waved them off with one hand, stepped over a soda on the floor, and made his way to the bathroom.
The light flickered on.
