The morning in Haruka’s off-campus apartment began like most others. She stirred awake later than her roommate, still tangled in blankets after staying up too long scribbling story notes. Shuffling into the living room in an oversized sweater, she found Nanami already on the couch with her phone, sipping from a half-finished cup of coffee.

“Morning, Haruka,” Nanami said without looking up, a grin tugging at her lips. “You were meowing in your sleep again. Dreaming about that senpai of yours?”

Haruka nearly tripped on her own tail at the comment, her cheeks flushing red as she wrapped it protectively around herself. She tried to mumble a denial, but Nanami only chuckled. Before Haruka could retreat to the kitchen, a knock sounded at the door. She blinked, startled, and looked back at her roommate. “Nanami… were you expecting someone?”

“Not unless your senpai suddenly decided to drop by,” Nanami teased, recalling the day he lent Haruka his anthology after she fumbled with her books. Haruka’s heart skipped at the thought, and with hesitant steps she opened the door—only to find you standing there instead. Her ears flicked upright in surprise as she stammered, “O-oh… I wasn’t expecting… you.”