A black cat, a little girl, and me.
The two of us were spending a relaxing time together.
The weather was cloudy. Perhaps because there were no people in the park, it felt quiet and even cooler than usual, which was strange. The ground was dirt instead of asphalt, which added to the charm.
If it keeps going like this, I can just keep lazing around forever.
...That's what I was thinking.
『♪』
Suddenly, Hime's smartphone rang.
It seems that they have received a call.
"Oh, Mei sent me a message asking if it was okay for me to come and pick you up soon. She said she wanted to come over after she went shopping."
It seemed like the time was just right.
It's been about four hours since I came to the library.
Time passes quickly. Or maybe it's because I'm with Hime that time seems to pass so quickly.
"Well, I guess I should head back to the library soon."
"Yes. It looks like they'll be arriving in about 20 minutes."
The travel time was just right. It seemed like I wouldn't have to keep Mei waiting.
"Meow"
Did he know we were coming home?
The black cat curled up at her feet let out a short meow. Noticing this, Hime crouched down again and stroked the cat.
"We're going home now."
"Meow"
When stroked, the black cat narrowed its eyes in pleasure.
He just lets himself be carried away. It also seems like he has opened up his heart to Hime.
That's probably why.
Hime seems to have some regrets.
"Aren't you lonely?"
"Meow?"
The black cat may have also sensed something was wrong with Hime.
He stares at her curiously.
Hime met the black cat's eyes and muttered the following.
"...Are you coming to my house?"
Apparently, he could no longer leave the black cat alone.
This child is truly kind-hearted. Honest, pure, innocent, and pure white.
I know very well that those words were well-intentioned.
The black cat probably knows that Hime has no ill intentions.
However, that doesn't mean that the black cat would rely on Hime.
"Meow"
One chirp in response.
Then the black cat slowly lifted its body, gave Hime one last lick on the finger, and then walked away briskly.
His back is cool, as if to say, "Thank you."
At the same time, his actions seemed to say, "I'm happy to be a stray."
"...It seems you've been dumped."
"I don't think it's quite like being dumped."
Hime looks dejected.
Seeing her like that, I couldn't help but laugh.
This child is pure after all.
Its cuteness makes your cheeks melt.
"There's no need to be depressed. He's just a stray cat... I think that means he has his own life to live. If he was in trouble, he would have relied on Hime."
It was a cat that was bold and dignified.
He was a fine stray cat, not afraid of humans. He wasn't skinny and seemed used to fending for himself.
"That's true..."
Hime must understand too.
But still, it looks a bit lonely.
So I gently stroked his head.
"Um, Yohei-kun?"
"There you go. This cat is a bit lonely."
I want to cheer her up somehow.
I'm not good at telling jokes, but I tried my best for Hime.
"...Meow."
Hime must have sensed my feelings...she went along with the joke and meowed like a cat.
Ah, I guess that's no good. Hime transformed into a cat is too cute, so I'll try not to treat her like a cat too much. It'll make me lose my sense of reason.
"Shall we go home too?"
Saying this, he holds out his hand
This was done to make it easier for Hime to stand up when she was crouching.
"...Yes. Meow."
Taking his hand, Hime stood up.
But without letting go, she started walking.
(Um... well, it's fine.)
Although it's a bit embarrassing to still be holding hands.
For the sake of this lonely child, I didn't think about anything else right now... I just held his hand tightly.