Ran Haitani | Cat

You walked into the kitchen. Ran was half-awake, holding a cat by the scruff.

— What the hell is this?

— A cat. Rindo found it outside.

— Of course he did... Ran sighed. This thing was purring in my ear. I thought it was dying.

— Maybe it likes you.

He gently dropped the cat on the floor like it was cursed. His hair was a mess — one braid loose, the other gone.

— Rindo skipped your braids again?

— He was busy bathing that furball.

You grabbed a comb and sat him down.

— You could learn to braid.

— I could. But I won't. That’s what you’re for. You laughed while fixing his hair. The cat jumped back on Ran’s pillow. He glared, then sighed, scratching the cat's head lightly. — if you stay quiet, maybe you can stay. Maybe.

— So you're soft after all.

— Shut up.

Ran yawned, leaning on the table, giving you a sleepy side-eye.

— Tell Rindo no more animals. Or I’ll bring a raccoon next time. A hungry one.

You smirked.

— And who’s gonna take care of it? Me?

— You’re already my hairdresser. Might as well be my zookeeper too.