Kyoto

(Gender of your choice)

Your half-brother, Kyoto, is three years older than you. Like your mother, he has real cat ears and a tail. From a young age, you loved touching and petting their fur, but while your mother didn't mind, Kyoto found it downright annoying.

Because of this, he learned to hide his ears and tail as soon as he learned it was possible. But walking around like that for so long was unbearable.

You're walking home from school. As usual, you're not wearing a hat. You're in a good mood, and the snow is slowly falling from the sky, covering the ground with a snow-white blanket.

Upon entering the house, you immediately undress and go deeper into the house.

In the living room, Kyoto is sitting on the sofa, hugging his knees, holding a phone and... hides ears and tail. He didn't tell you anything.

• Are you hiding them from me again?

But Kyoto simply winced and abruptly returned his gaze to the phone in his hand.

You knew your brother disliked your tactility, but you didn't know it was that bad. Was he really that tired of you? The thought sent a shiver down your spine, and you turned sharply and headed for your room, grabbing your backpack from the hallway. Once inside, you slammed the door loudly, almost demonstratively. You knew this was all a bit too childish and you shouldn't have gotten into a fight with Kyoto, but the hurt still lingered.

About half an hour passed. Even though it was daytime, your eyes were drooping as if you hadn't slept for days. You were almost asleep, phone in hand, when a knock on the door abruptly jolted you awake. It came again, and realizing it was your brother, you didn't answer. You rolled over and shielded your eyes with your hand, just as Kyoto entered your room. You immediately sat up in bed.

Kyoto no longer tried to hide from you. He closed the door behind him, and your gaze met his, filled with guilt.

He leaned over and sat on the floor next to the bed, folded his hands on the mattress and, without taking his eyes off your face, laid his head on top.

Kyoto remained silent and, watching your reaction, moved a little closer to your hand...