All Celia wanted was to make tasty sandwiches for a friend's baby shower. When her cooking endeavors summon a demon in her kitchen, Celia thinks sending him back to his home will be the end of their story and that she'll be able to return to her mun...
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What was I even supposed to wear? I stared at my closet blankly. Agreeing to let Tsukiyo pick me up had seemed like a good idea earlier. Now I wasn't so sure. Hell, I didn't know if he was really going to drop by. It was totally possible our exchange has been purely to rile up those women.
My chest clenched. Possible? More like, almost definitely. Demon or human, there was no reason for anyone to want me. I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose. Self-worth was an issue I'd struggled with for a long time. It didn't help that being down on myself made me hate myself more.
It was like my brain wanted to finish the job my grandmother had started.
"Celia?" Mayar trotted into my room and tilted his head when he spotted me. "What are you doing?"
I hesitated, a knot forming in my throat. "Do...you know if your master was sincere when he said he'd pick me up tonight?"
"Of course he was. Did he not say where he's taking you?" Mayar's tail stopped wagging.
"No, he didn't..." I murmured, turning my gaze away from the nighthound. That was a problem too. If I chose something too formal or too casual, I'd look ridiculous. 'What am I even supposed to assume from this? What's his aim? Is he trying to learn more about or get closer to my family?'
"You're upset." A low whine escaped Mayar as he trotted over and sat at my feet. "What's wrong?"
"Nothing to worry about. The usual self-sabotage." I sighed and shook my head slightly. "You made a good point. I have no idea what to wear or even when he'll arrive."
"An hour." Mayar's tail started wagging again. He stood up and pranced over to my closet. "Dinner somewhere nice. Not gown-nice, but still with a dress code. Maybe something you would wear if you wanted to make an impression on a business acquaintance or potential boss?"
Business acquaintance...oh. My heart dropped as I wondered if Mayar's example was literal. I looked at the dresses in my closet in silence. There were options in almost every silhouette, but my favorites were too casual for a "nice restaurant."
With some hesitation, I pulled down a form-fitting scarlet bodycon dress and eyed it for any wrinkles or tears. The sleeves were off the shoulder and were translucent. Its neckline was a subtle V over my bust where the folds of fabric crossed.
I took a steadying breath before changing into the dress, then sat down at the vanity to do my hair and makeup. It had been a while since I needed or wanted to put effort into my appearance.
By the time I was finished, my nerves had truly set in. Was it business? Were we going in a date? Did demons-Aloryi, sorry-even date? I twisted a ring around one finger while I paced my living room.
I jumped when there was finally a knock on the door. When I pulled the door open, I peered around it timidly, my gaze landing on Tsukiyo. Judging by his tieless suit, my dress was a good choice.
