After finishing treating Iris's wounds, Chelsea put the last bandage on her arm and took a step back.

"Done."

Iris merely smirked in response and stretched tiredly.

"Well, alright. Thanks for the hospitality, but I gotta go."

She stood up from the bed and was just reaching for her jacket when Chelsea stopped her with a gesture.

"...You can stay."

"What?" Iris asked, bewildered.

"It is obvious you have nowhere to go. You're not going back home, and I doubt you have enough money for a motel. Plus, wandering around alone at night is rather dangerous, so you better stay here."

Chelsea's voice was as monotonous and even as ever, but the way she looked away and placed a hand on her own shoulder betrayed her concern.

"Wait, are you serious? Your mom's gonna kill you if she finds out I'm here."

"She won't find out if you remain quiet. In the morning, I'll figure out how to get you out of here."

Iris raised her eyebrows in surprise at the sudden turn of events. No one had ever invited her to stay the night before, and Chelsea was the last person she had expected to offer.

"Uh... Alright, then. I'll take the spot over there if you don't mind."

"Wait."

Chelsea stopped her by taking her gently by the wrist.

"Take a shower first."

"What? Why?"

"You're dirty and you smell."

"Tch..."

Iris rolled her eyes in annoyance, but didn't argue.

"The bathroom is here."

Chelsea pointed toward the door on the left. Driven by curiosity, Iris immediately walked over and peeked inside.

"Holy shit! You have your own bathroom?! And a jacuzzi?! You really are a princess!"

While Iris stood there grinning like an idiot, marveling at everything in the bathroom, Chelsea could only let out a quiet sigh and accept the consequences of her own decision...