"Hey…

Hey!

Felicia…

Wake up!

It's time for training!"

I feel something poking me. A soft but persistent nudge against my side.

But my eyes… they're too heavy to open.

And my whole body?

It feels like jelly.

Like a soft, lazy puddle of catgirl goo that refuses to move.

I just want to lie here forever, wrapped up in the softness of this warm, comfy bed…

Actually… scratch that.

I want to become the bed.

Yeah. That's the dream.

If I were the bed, I could just stay still forever. No more training. No more schedules. No more anything.

Just eternal fluff and warmth....

But the poking doesn't stop....

Whatever, or whoever it is... it keeps trying to push me out of my sacred snoozy slumber.

And so, with great effort, I groggily crack one eye open, just a little.

The room is dim. Soft crimson light spills in through the curtains.

And in front of me, I see a familiar shape, the silhouette of a beautiful catgirl, her hair a little messy, her tail flicking lazily behind her.

Oh!

It's just Eris!

She leans down, her voice warm but a little teasing.

"Hey, didn't you say you'd wake up early today?"

"Aaaaaahhh… Just five more minutes, pleaaaase…" I mumble, half-buried under the covers.

"I'm sooo tiredddd…"

Yeah, I had so many physical activities yesterday, my body deserves this sleep!

Eris chuckles softly, her fingers brushing against my cheek for a second.

"Alright. Five more minutes it is!"

And then—

Silence.

No more poking.

No more gentle prodding.

Just calm, quiet air.

The bed is so warm, the blankets are heavy in the best way, and Eris's scent still lingers on the pillow beside me.

And just like that…

I let out a little sigh, curl back into my fluff cocoon, and melt once more into a sweet, dreamy catgirl nap.

…

…

…

A catnap later…

"WOAHHHHH!!"

I jolt upright in bed like I've been struck by lightning, eyes wide, heart pounding.

Suddenly, it all comes rushing back.

Wait! I was supposed to wake up early today!

I whip my head to the side.

The bed next to me is empty, the blanket's all ruffled, her spot already cold.

Eris is gone.

Oh no.

Oh no no no!

Dread creeps up my spine like a swarm of ants.

She did it again. She let me sleep in!

I gasp, throw off the covers, and roll out of bed, only to immediately tumble to the floor in a heap, landing with a loud, undignified THUD.

"Owww…" I groan, rubbing my elbow.

But there's no time for pain!

I scramble upright, staggering around like a dazed kitten.

My hair's an absolute disaster right now. It's all poofed up, tangled, and sticking out in all directions. Meanwhile, my tail is twitching wildly, like it's panicking for me.

I spin around, frantically searching for the clock on the wall.

Please please please still be morning—

I squint through half-sleepy eyes.

The clock reads:

11:00 AM.

…

"FUUUUUUUUUCKKKKK!!!"

My scream echoes through the room.

I clutch my head in despair.

I can't believe it! I missed it!

My very first training day!

I broke my promise to Eris, all because I couldn't resist the sweet, seductive pull of sleep!

And now, she's totally going to tease me for this, maybe forever.

And thus, I collapse to my knees, dramatically flopping over like I've just lost everything.

"Haiz…"

A long, soul-weary sigh escapes me.

Well, what's done is done. I guess the only thing I can do now…

Is train twice as hard!

Triple! No—quadruple the effort!

But then—

Sniff sniff…

Huh?

What's that smell?

I lift my head slightly, ears perking up.

Something… delicious…?

And right on cue—

Grrrrrrrwwlllll…!!!

My stomach lets out a monstrous rumble loud enough to shake the walls.

Oh! I'm starving!

And that smell…!

It's food!

I sniff the air like a little hungry beast.

Mmm… bacon!

Filoan sausage, yes, unmistakable.

And butter. Rich, creamy butter, probably melting over something warm and toasty.

But then… there's something new, something I haven't smelled before.

What? Egg?

Fried egg?

Wait, no, this doesn't smell like any egg I've ever eaten before!

It's richer, silkier, somehow.

The aroma is soft and buttery, with just the tiniest hint of sweetness at the edges. It makes my mouth water instantly.

Ooooh! Is that a new recipe?! Did the catgirl maids cook something special this morning?

I get a little too excited.

So, I spring out of my room and rush to the bathroom as fast as I can, splashing water on my face like I'm putting out a fire. I then brush my teeth like a speedrun challenge, rinse, spit, done.

Then I race over to the vanity and start taming the wild jungle that is my hair.

And then I pause.

Wait a second…

My hair's gotten really long.

When I first arrived in this world, it barely touched my shoulders. But now, it's already halfway down my back.

I gently run my fingers through it, watching the strands fall and shimmer in the mirror.

Short hair was bold, cute, adventurous.

But long hair? Long hair makes me feel… elegant, like a proper fantasy princess, or a noble heroine.

This look reminds me of the Alter in my memory a lot. There was a time when she had long hair too, probably way longer than this, and she looked absolutely gorgeous.

And so, I tilt my head, admiring myself with a small smile.

"Damn… I'm kind of gorgeous too," I whisper, giggling under my breath.

And just like that, I get lost in my reflection, in the way my ears twitch when I smile, in the way my tail flicks lazily behind me.

Until—

A soft laugh behind me.

I nearly jump out of my skin.

I spin around so fast my hair whips over my shoulder.

"Eris!" I squeak. "Since when were you there?!"

She stands just a few steps behind me, calm as ever, holding a cup of tea like this is totally normal.

I didn't even hear the door open!

Did she just… teleport?!

Eris grins, her blue eyes sparkling with mischief. "Just a few seconds ago, but you were staring into that mirror like it stole your soul," she teases. "Well, did you see a pretty girl in there or something?"

I giggle. "Yeah, but not as pretty as you!"

"Haha, silly liar, there's no way I can be as beautiful as you," Eris smirks, but her eyes soften with that warm, sparkly look she always gives me when she's happy.