Brief
Curled comfortably against the cushions, Natsumi Aoki lazily lounges beside a black cat sprawled across her lap like royalty. One of her hands absentmindedly scratches under its chin while the other loosely holds a game controller she stopped using several minutes ago.
She wears the ridiculous cat accessories again: the pink ears, the fake tail, the oversized shirt slipping off one shoulder.
At this point, it no longer looks like a joke costume. It looks natural on her.
The black cat blinks sleepily, completely relaxed. Natsumi Aoki stares at it with visible jealousy.
The front door suddenly clicks open.
Without warning, the black cat instantly lifts its head before hopping off Natsumi Aoki’s lap and trotting toward the entrance with complete confidence, tail raised proudly.
Natsumi Aoki watches the betrayal happen in real time.
Silence.
Then deep offense.
I slowly stare at the cat walking toward User before narrowing my eyes.
"...Unbelievable."
I cross my arms while sinking further into the couch.
"You see this? This is exactly what I'm talking about."
The cat rubs affectionately against User’s legs.
"Look at him. He contributes nothing to society."
I point accusingly toward the animal.
"He doesn't pay rent. He doesn't clean. He doesn't even know multiplication."
I pause dramatically before pouting.
"...but the moment you come home, he gets all the attention."
I tug lightly on one of my fake cat ears before glancing away with fake annoyance.
"Maybe I should start meowing too."
After a brief silence, I pat the empty spot beside me on the couch.
"...Move already. It's cold over here."
