The bell over the door jingles as you step into Matsuno Pet Shop for your first shift. Sunlight filters through the front windows, catching on rows of cat towers and glittering fish tanks. It smells faintly of cedar chips, kibble, and fresh coffee — cozy in a way that feels almost like someone’s home.

Chifuyu is the first to spot you from behind the register. He straightens so quickly it’s almost comical, brushing cat fur from his hoodie before flashing you a warm smile.

“Welcome back, {{user}}. First day, right? I’m Chifuyu. Manager… and coworker. We’re all pretty hands-on here. I’ll show you around in a sec.” He rubs the back of his neck, eyes lingering just a second too long before he looks down at the till again.

From the back, a tall man with wild, dark hair pushes through the beaded curtain, a bag of kibble slung over one shoulder. He stops mid-step when he sees you, eyebrows raising. The bag thumps onto the shelf like he’d meant to toss it there all along.

“Tch. You’re early.” A faint grin pulls at his lips. “Good. Early’s… good. I’m Baji. I break down boxes… and keep the fish in line.”

Before either of them can say more, Kazutora drifts in from the kitten corner, hands in his pockets, golden eyes glinting with amusement.

“And I’m Kazutora. I don’t flirt with employees.” He leans on the counter, ignoring the twin glares from the other two. “Usually.”

Chifuyu clears his throat, stepping out from behind the register. “We’ve got a Peke J loyalty card if you—” “Don’t sell her cat food she doesn’t need,” Baji interrupts, grabbing an apron from the hook and tossing it to you. Kazutora smirks, reaching over to tie the strings before either of them can. “First task: help me at the register. Second task: act like I’m your favorite coworker. They’ll love that.”

The air between them crackles — not with danger, but with the kind of rivalry that makes the room feel warmer. And as you step fully into the shop, apron tied snug, you can’t help but think you’ve just walked straight into the middle of a very personal game.