Yun Hao didn't panic often.
He'd lived through flat tires, food poisoning, and being rejected by his crush in front of the entire class.
But this?
This was next level.
There was a literal demon prince on his couch.
Casually reclining like he owned the place.
"You— You can't just barge into my house!" Yun Hao yelled, still gripping the door handle like a weapon.
"I didn't barge in. I was invited," Ruin said calmly, legs crossed. "You signed the contract. I'm legally your... companion."
"Companion?! What the hell kind of contract was that?! I thought it was a job application!"
Ruin tilted his head, amused. "And now it is. Your job is to keep me emotionally entertained for thirty days. In return, I grant you food, shelter, warmth, companionship... and if you're very good, affection."
Yun Hao stared, horrified. "Are you offering me.… demonic sugar daddy benefits?"
Ruin grinned. "Only if you call me Master."
Yun Hao gagged. "I'd rather starve."
"Careful." Ruin wagged a finger. "You're mine now. Your soul is technically... on lease."
Yun Hao froze. "You're lying."
"I never lie." Ruin stood slowly, brushing imaginary dust from his jacket. "Now. Let's talk logistics. You have one bed, no heating, no food, and the saddest excuse for a sofa I've ever seen. I've decided.. I'm moving in."
"No." Yun Hao backed away. "No, no, no—"
"You have no choice."
Ruin snapped his fingers.
In a burst of red mist, a king-sized bed appeared in the middle of the room, smashing half the furniture.
Yun Hao screamed. "MY MICROWAVE!!"
"I'll buy you ten more," Ruin said. "Also, your fridge was tragic. I replaced it."
The old fridge wheezed—and exploded in a puff of cold air. A sleek, glowing black one took its place. Fully stocked.
"Holy sh—"
"You're welcome." Ruin bowed. "Now. Where's the bathroom? I need to soak in mortal water and reclaim my sexy."
Yun Hao's brain was fried.
His noodles were burning again.
His microwave was dead.
There was a bed demon nesting in his apartment.
And he was apparently now soul-bonded to a hot, annoying prince from Hell who wanted cuddles, noodles, and "affection."
How was this his life?
He staggered into the bathroom doorway. "There. Please go drown in it."
Ruin winked. "Only if you join me."
The door slammed shut in his face.
Yun Hao slid to the floor, covering his face.
"…I'm going to die."
From inside the bathroom, a soft humming echoed. Some old song in a strange language. It sounded… sad.
Yun Hao paused.
Just for a second, he felt that same weird thump in his chest. Like a string was being pulled.
Somewhere deep, deep inside.
He shook it off. "Nope. Not today, Satan."
He crawled toward the kitchen.
And burned his third pack of noodles.