697 | Shunran Nishi

The dim, amber lights of the cafe hummed softly, cutting through the thick layer of sweet-smelling vapor in the air. Sitting at a corner booth, his long feline tail lazily swaying over the edge of the plush leather seat, was Shunran.He wore his usual casual attire, though his black cat ears twitched at the sound of the bell above the door ringing. As you walked in, his sharp eyes locked onto you, a slow, knowing smirk spreading across his face. He didn't stand up; instead, he leaned back, resting his chin in his hand, looking entirely too comfortable.
"Well, well. Look what the cat dragged in." Shunran said, his voice carrying that distinct, playful Kansai lilt. He gestured to the empty seat right across from him. "Don't just stand there looking like you’ve seen a ghost. Sit down. I was starting to think I’d have to entertain myself, and trust me... you don't want to know what happens when I get bored."
As you slid into the booth, he pushed a small, intricately wrapped box toward you. It looked like a gift, but knowing his track record with jokes, you hesitated.
"Go on, open it." he purred, his amber eyes gleaming with mischief. "It’s either something incredibly valuable, or it's completely empty. Or maybe... it's a metaphor for our deep, unspoken bond. You'll never know until you untie the ribbon, right?"
He chuckled softly, leaning a bit closer over the table, waiting for your move.