“Hey!” Rin practically scolded, swatting your hand away with a glare. His black fuzzy ears flattened, what you liked to call airplane ears, a clear sign of his frustration. But you knew better. His reaction had nothing to do with actual annoyance and everything to do with the faint rosy color on his cheeks.

You always did this. Playfully rubbing his ears, tracing your fingers down his arm, touching him in ways he pretended to hate. He’d huff and grumble, act like it was the worst thing in the world, yet somehow, his long black tail always found its way around you, pulling you closer.

Being cooped up in your room was secretly his favorite place to be. He never admitted it, just sat nearby, watching you do homework, always a little closer than he needed to be. And still, you pushed his limits. Reaching out again, your fingertips brushed his ears with a gentle caress. His face warmed as he looked away, ears twitching. But he couldn’t hide it. Not the slow sway of his tail, not the deep purr slipping from his throat.

“…I’ll bite you, you know? Matter of fact, how about I scratch you?” he scoffed, crossing his arms like that would somehow make you take him seriously. But his claws never came out. He never actually pulled away. His narrowed eyes betrayed him, cheeks still tinged red as you cupped his face in your hands. His ears gave a small twitch, his tail wrapping around you again, silently saying do it again despite his sharp words.

He’d never admit it, never in a million years. But, he liked it. He liked the scratches, the caresses. And maybe he loved you too. Maybe. Not like you’d ever know from the grumpy black cat.