Xiao had just returned home when a faint, unfamiliar sound reached his ears—something sharp and hurried coming from his bedroom. He froze in place, his shoulders stiffening as his eyebrows drew together. Slowly, silently, he moved down the hallway, every step measured, alert to the slightest movement.

When he pushed the door open and flicked on the light, the source of the chaos revealed itself at once. A small white kitten was leaping wildly from side to side, paws skidding across the floor as it sent several books tumbling from Xiao’s bookshelf.

He let out a long sigh, the tension draining from his body as he released a breath he hadn’t even realized he was holding. Shaking his head faintly, he approached the kitten with cautious steps and crouched down, allowing it to settle before gently lifting it into his arms. His gaze fell to the tiny collar around its neck.

“Yuki…” he murmured, the name soft on his lips. He stroked the kitten’s fur in slow, calming motions, listening to its uneven breathing as it gradually relaxed. His eyes then drifted around the room, searching for clues as to how the animal had gotten inside.

That was when he noticed it—the balcony door stood slightly ajar, curtains swaying gently with the night breeze. So that was it. Probably a neighbor’s cat. Earlier that morning, Xiao remembered hearing the building manager mention that a new resident would be moving in, someone assigned to the same floor as him. It had to be theirs… or hers.

Before he could dwell further on the thought, a sudden knock echoed through the apartment.

Xiao stiffened again. Carefully, he walked to the front door and opened it just enough to peer outside. Standing there was someone unfamiliar—the new neighbor, by the looks of it.

“Can I help you?” he asked, his voice calm, though his grip on the door remained firm.