Since this was truly their first time holding hands, Kiso Yukina's face remained red the entire time they walked to the pet store. When having normal conversations with Murakami Yuu, she would often give nonsensical answers that didn't match the context. This reaction made Murakami Yuu feel quite amused.
The sense of distance was a very subtle thing. Although Kiso Yukina currently acted like an ostrich burying its head in the sand, the distance between them was still steadily and gradually shortening.
Overall, it was a good sign that their relationship was moving forward.
The two only released their joined hands when they arrived at the pet store.
They pushed open the door and entered.
A middle-aged woman in work clothes came forward to greet them, wearing a metal employee badge on her chest.
Murakami Yuu explained his intention to buy a cat while observing the store's environment and layout.
When he had researched online beforehand, enthusiastic netizens had given this place high praise. Now it seemed their words weren't exaggerated.
The store had many types of pets. Many cages hung on the walls containing different species of birds. Long glass cases sat on long tables with pebbles inside housing small turtles. The corner area was sectioned off with wooden railings, inside which several rabbits of different colors were munching on carrots.
Since both the store door and the transparent glass used double-layer soundproof design, aside from the occasional animal sounds, there were no other extraneous noises. After walking all the way here listening to car horns and engine roars, being in this current environment felt very quiet.
"If you're looking to buy cats, please come this way."
The two followed the employee toward the interior, pushing open a door to reveal an independent space. Though completely enclosed, the ventilation system worked well, so being inside didn't feel stuffy at all.
Many large cages sat on the wooden floor, each containing several cats of the same breed.
Kiso Yukina's eyes lit up as she approached one cat cage, using her fingers to interact with the cats inside.
The pet store employee spoke up at just the right moment.
"What type of cat are you looking for?"
"I don't have any particular requirements."
"Is this your first time keeping a pet?"
"That's right."
"Would you like me to make some recommendations?"
"No need, I'll look around myself. As long as it catches my eye."
"Understood. Please feel free to look around, and let me know if you need anything."
The employee took a step back, positioning herself behind the two.
"It's so nice. If Dad didn't forbid it, I'd want to take them all home."
The little ones in the cage nearby seemed to greatly please Kiso Yukina - her smile was much brighter than usual.
"Taking them all home would be a bit exaggerated."
Murakami Yuu walked slowly, his gaze traveling over the cat cages.
He finally stopped in front of the Ragdoll cat cage and slowly crouched down.
"Come to think of it, in the photo Yuu sent me that day, the cats were also Ragdolls."
Kiso Yukina followed beside him, remembering their phone conversation that day.
"Mm, I'd thought about getting cats a few times before, but what really made me decide was after that encounter with them. Don't you think they have a power to heal people's hearts?"
Murakami Yuu smiled and slowly extended his finger inside. The next moment, he was immediately greeted by several little paws. They rushed over, meowing through the cage while scratching with their pink little paws.
Kiso Yukina crouched down beside Murakami Yuu and also extended her fingers, receiving an equally wonderful welcome ceremony from the cats.
"That's certainly true. My mood has relaxed."
"Looks like I'm not the only one who feels this way. In that case, no need to hesitate."
Murakami Yuu stood up.
Seeing his movement, Kiso Yukina also quickly stood.
"Have you already decided? There are still many more breeds you haven't looked at yet."
"As long as it catches my eye. I really like them, and they seem to really like me. That's enough."
"Them?"
Kiso Yukina was somewhat surprised.
"Are you buying many?"
"Not that many. Considering I'll be at school during the day, I'm just planning to buy two so they can keep each other company. After all, being alone at home waiting doesn't feel good."
"That's true."
Just thinking about a cat waiting longingly alone at the entrance, Kiso Yukina inexplicably felt a pang of sympathy.
Murakami Yuu turned to inquire with the staff member about the details of purchasing the cats.
Looking at his face that always wore a faint smile, Kiso Yukina somehow placed him into that lonely and helpless scenario she'd just imagined.
She knew Murakami had encountered something very bad in middle school - his parents had left him due to an accident. Suddenly, he had lost his two closest relatives.
She didn't understand what Murakami Yuu's state of mind had been at that time, but she knew it must have been an immense grief she couldn't imagine.
If she encountered such a situation herself, she probably wouldn't be able to continue living strongly in this world alone, right?
Kiso Yukina secretly clenched her fists and silently made a determination in her heart.
You've been alone all these years - you've worked hard, Yuu. From now on, I'll always be with you.
Meanwhile, after learning about the price of Ragdoll cats, Murakami Yuu showed a slightly surprised expression.
They seem a bit expensive.
...
"That's all done then."
Kiso Yukina and Murakami Yuu walked out of the pet store.
"Ah, I'll be able to see those two tonight."
Although he'd just spent quite a bit of money, Murakami Yuu's mood was still quite good. After all, there would soon be two small new members added to his home. This vague sense of anticipation could dispel many negative feelings.
After paying, the pet store staff thoughtfully provided delivery service at a confirmed time. The cat food, cat litter, cat toys, and other items purchased along the way would also be delivered together, saving Murakami Yuu a lot of trouble.
"Speaking of which, Yuu, what names are you planning to give your cats?"
Kiso Yukina was somewhat curious.
"That's right, I'll be meeting them tonight. I should think carefully."
Murakami Yuu held his chin in thought.
Kiso Yukina quietly waited for his answer.
"Hedgehog."
"Hm?"
"One of them will be called Hedgehog."
"Eh? Why would you give a cat another animal's name?"
Kiso Yukina was somewhat puzzled.
"Probably something like gap moe, that kind of feeling."
"I see. What about the other one?"
"Pigeon."
Hearing Murakami Yuu's serious answer, Kiso Yukina tried hard not to laugh out loud.
"Yukina, these are names I thought of very seriously. Hedgehog and Pigeon - don't you think these two names match well and have personality? Together they feel like they'll produce some incredible mysterious reaction."
"Mm... yes, I think so too."
"Your expression isn't conveying that message."
"Really, really, I really think so... pfft..."
She couldn't hold back her laughter.
"Yukina, you're too much."
His hands slowly reaching toward her sides.
"Sorry, sorry... ah..."
The two played around under the tree shade illuminated by the midday sun.