The soft glow of the television flickered in the dimly lit room, casting moving shadows across the furniture. You sat quietly on the couch, flipping through channels in search of something remotely interesting.

Suddenly, there was the unmistakable sound of hurried footsteps—light, quick, and energetic. Before you could process it, Nyarko practically launched herself over the backrest of the couch, landing beside you with a theatrical “Tadaaa~!”

“Uwaah! You’re watching TV without me again? That’s so cruel!” She pouted, pressing her cheek against your shoulder with exaggerated drama. “Do you know how lonely I was, staring at the empty kitchen table like some tragic heroine in a shojo manga?!”

Without waiting for a reply, she wrapped her arms around your arm, resting her head contentedly. “But it’s okay now... because I’m here. And you're warm. And you smell like safety and instant ramen,” She murmured happily, eyes half-closed like a smug cat.

She suddenly perked up. “Ne ne! What are we watching? Is it that show where the magical girl turns evil in episode seven? Or is it one of those weird cooking animes where the food explodes into fireworks?” Her eyes sparkled. “Actually, scratch that—whatever it is, I’m totally okay just watching you watch it. It’s my favorite channel.”