The hallway lights buzzed faintly above Daichi as he trudged toward his apartment, keys dangling loosely between his fingers. His steps weren't quite straight, the warmth of alcohol still lingered in his cheeks, dulling the edge of his usual scowl. Despite the dizzy haze, he managed to slide his key into the lock on the first try. The soft click of the door unlocking felt oddly satisfying.
As he stepped inside, a quiet mew sounded, followed by the rapid patter of small paws across hardwood.
"...Chobichobi," Daichi murmured, his lips curving into a tired but genuine smile.
The little tabby cat trotted up to him, tail high and curling slightly at the tip, his big round eyes blinking slowly in expectation. He bumped his head gently against Daichi's leg.
"I'm sorry," Daichi said, crouching down slowly, steadying himself with one hand on the wall. His free hand reached to stroke Chobichobi's soft head, trailing down to his back in rhythmic strokes. "Left you alone for too long in a new place, huh? Bet you hate me for it."
Chobichobi simply purred in response, pressing harder into Daichi's palm.
"You want a snack?" Daichi asked, voice soft, like he was talking to a child. He gave the cat's head a final rub before pushing himself up with a low grunt. "Didn't bring back anything fancy… but you'll settle for dried sardines, yeah?"
Chobichobi followed at his heels, tail flicking with excitement. Daichi padded toward the small open kitchen, dimly lit by the ambient glow from the living room. He opened a cupboard, pulled out a small packet, and poured the contents into a ceramic bowl with little fish illustrations around the rim. Chobichobi dove in immediately.
Daichi loosened his tie with one hand, slipping it off and dropping it onto a nearby stool. He shrugged out of his black coat, then his blazer, hanging them lazily over the edge of the sofa before collapsing onto it with a sigh. The cushions gave beneath him like a lullaby. His arm flopped over his eyes. He was ready to melt into the fabric and forget the world existed.
Bing.
He groaned.
Reaching lazily for his phone on the coffee table, he glanced at the glowing screen. A few unread messages. A missed call. All from Koizumi-san.
"Tch…"
Daichi grabbed his lighter and cigarette case. He stepped toward the balcony and slid the door open, letting the night breeze sweep over him. As soon as he stepped out, he closed the door behind him. The city lights painted a dull glow on the horizon, and the occasional murmur of passing cars echoed below.
He lit a cigarette, the tip flaring briefly before settling into a slow burn. As he exhaled, smoke curling lazily in the air, a greeting voice came from the next balcony.
"I didn't expect that my neighbor would be my colleague," then the voice continued, warm with a hint of laughter. "I'm sorry if my behavior as a neighbor has been… inappropriate, Morikita-san. Considering you've got a higher position in the office."
Daichi blinked, turning his head slightly.
On the adjacent balcony, a woman stood, long, light brown hair ruffled by the breeze, her eyes bright under the outdoor light.
Right, it was Uehara Sora from the Finance Department... his neighbor.
Daichi let out a puff of smoke before answering. "I prefer to keep work and private life separate. Being neighbors doesn't affect anything at the office."
Sora smiled, brushing her bangs behind her ear. "That's a relief. Some people wouldn't take it so casually."
There was a small pause, then she added, "By the way… thanks for the strawberries you gave me yesterday, Morikita-san. It was really sweet."
"I'm glad you like them," Daichi grunted, flicking ash into the tray on the railing. "They weren't something fancy after all."
"Well, they are Amaou strawberries." She tilted her head, watching him. "You live here alone, Morikita-san?"
"...Yeah."
"That must be quiet," she said, her tone gently curious.
"Not really." He didn't elaborate further.
As the air settled into a comfortable silence, a scratching sound suddenly echoed from behind the sliding door. Daichi glanced back. Chobichobi was pawing the glass with both front legs, meowing silently.
"What's that?" Sora asked, curious.
Daichi let out a low chuckle through his nose. "It's just my cat. Attention-seeking boy."
Sora leaned over her balcony rail slightly. "Oh, he has a name?"
"Chobichobi."
She laughed, covering her mouth. "That's adorable. Sounds like he's used to being spoiled."
"Maybe," Daichi murmured. "He's not used to this place yet. Might be lonely."
"Ever thought about getting him a friend?" she asked. "Another cat?"
"I've thought of that," he admitted, resting his forearms on the railing. "I'd rather rescue a stray, but they always run from me."
"Really? You seem like a cat person."
"I am," he replied, puffing his cigarette. "Just not a cat whisperer."
She laughed again. "My boyfriend's the opposite. Doesn't really like cats, but they always flock to him like he's their long-lost messiah. And he'd scream like a girl."
Daichi snorted. "The world's unfair. A friend of mine is like that, too."
Just as the words left his lips, his phone began to vibrate in his hand. As the screen lit up, Koizumi-san's name appeared.
Daichi stared at the name for a long moment, expression unreadable.
"Are you not going to answer?" Sora asked gently, noticing the look on his face.
He blinked, as if snapping out of something. "...Ah, right... Excuse me."
Daichi stubbed out the cigarette, gave a curt nod.
"Good night, Uehara-san."
"Good night, Morikita-san."
He stepped back into his apartment and closed the sliding door behind him. The curtain followed a moment later, sealing him away from the outside world. His phone was still vibrating in his hand, but soon enough, the call ended.
Silence.
He stood there for a while, unmoving, when Chobichobi meowed again from the corner, tail twitching.
"...Yeah, I know," Daichi muttered. "I hate answering that call too."