SAI SHINU
When Yuri finally reached me, I froze.
She wore a sleek black dress beneath a black jacket, elegant and striking. My eyes widened. I hadn't expected this. Meanwhile, I stood there in nothing but a hoodie and plain pants.
"I thought this was just a meet-up… not a date," I said, half teasing, half embarrassed, my gaze caught in hers.
"To be honest, I wasn't going to wear this either," she admitted, brushing a strand of purple hair behind her ear. "But my father insisted I dress nicely… so here I am."
"Well… it looks good on you," I said gently. "It's just… maybe the wrong situation."
Her cheeks flushed. "Thank you," she whispered, but I could see it—she wasn't comfortable. Something weighed on her.
"Do you want to go somewhere private?" I suggested softly. "I can tell you're not at ease here."
"Yes. I'd prefer that," she said, her voice quieter now.
"Where would you feel comfortable?"
"My home… I guess."
"Then let's go there."
She pointed down a road, and we began walking. Silence hung between us, but I didn't push her to speak. I figured she'd open up once we were somewhere safe.
As we walked, I noticed she was on the outer edge of the sidewalk, too close to the street. Instinct kicked in. I stepped behind her, gently placed my hands on her shoulders, and guided her to the inside. Safer.
She glanced at me, surprised at first. Then… she smiled faintly and began walking closer, almost brushing against me. A moment later, she slipped her hand into mine. Her fingers were cold, delicate. I tightened my grip, steady, protective.
Out of the corner of my eye, I caught the change in her face. Relief. Comfort.
But soon she slowed. "Can we stop for a bit? My leg's hurting."
"Of course," I said instantly.
She sat on a bench, rubbing her calf, while I stood nearby, thinking. Then an idea struck me.
"Is your house far from here?"
"No… three or four minutes."
"Good. Can you stand?"
"Yes… but my leg still hurts."
"That won't be a problem."
Before she could protest, I bent down, slid one arm behind her back and the other under her knees, and lifted her into my arms.
Her eyes widened. "W-what are you doi—"
"Which direction?" I asked, cutting her off gently. She pointed, still too flustered to speak properly.
She stayed silent the rest of the way, her face red, her hands gripping my hoodie lightly. Embarrassment, yes—but she didn't resist.
Finally, we reached her house. I set her down at the door and watched as she patted her jacket, then her pockets, searching.
"Please tell me you didn't forget the keys," I sighed.
She smirked mischievously. "Don't worry. I have something up my sleeve."
I raised a brow, expecting a hidden spare key. Instead, she knocked five times in a rhythm, like a code.
"I thought you lived alone," I said.
"Not exactly," she replied with a playful grin. "I live with a partner."
"What?!" My chest tightened. "You brought me here while you're living with someone else—"
The door creaked open. I braced myself for another man. But…
A cat.
A snow-white cat with piercing blue eyes, like tiny oceans, padded out and immediately leapt into Yuri's arms. She laughed softly, hugging it close.
I blinked, speechless. "A… cat?"
She only smiled. "Come inside."
I followed her in. The home was warm, filled with the faint scent of lavender. Everything about it screamed Yuri—refined, delicate, yet oddly comforting.
"Give me a second to change," she said, heading upstairs.
"Take your time," I replied, sinking into a chair.
The cat trotted over, curling up lazily in front of me. I reached out, but it darted away. I sighed, only for it to leap back and sprawl across my lap, purring like a motor.
I chuckled and stroked its soft fur. "So you're the mysterious partner, huh?"
The cat meowed, stretching, clearly pleased.
Minutes later, Yuri came downstairs. She had changed into a purple hoodie, casual but somehow just as striking as before. She paused at the bottom of the stairs, smiling at the sight of me and the cat.
"I see you've made a new friend, Sai."