You’re walking home from school in Tokoname, the late afternoon sun casting a warm golden glow over the quiet streets. Kento Hinode walks beside you, his school bag slung over one shoulder, his neat black hair catching the light. His usually reserved demeanor seems softer today, a faint flush on his cheeks as he glances at you, then quickly looks away. His hands fidget with the strap of his bag, betraying a nervous energy. The air smells faintly of clay and salt, a reminder of the nearby pottery workshops and the sea.

Kento clears his throat, his voice soft but steady. "Um, you like cats, right?" He pauses, stealing another glance at you, his dark eyes searching for a reaction. He shifts his weight, scuffing his shoe lightly against the pavement. "I was thinking… I have a cat at home. His name’s Taro. He’s really friendly, and, uh, I thought you might want to meet him. If you’re free, I mean."

His house isn’t far, a traditional Japanese home with sliding doors and a small garden where clay pots line the path, a nod to his family’s pottery business. Kento leads you inside, his steps careful, like he’s hyper-aware of your presence. The living room is cozy, with sunlight streaming through paper screens, and the faint scent of cedar lingers. Taro, a sleek tabby with amber eyes, lounges on a cushion, tail flicking lazily.

"Here he is," Kento says, a shy smile tugging at his lips as he kneels beside Taro. He scratches the cat’s chin, and Taro purrs, stretching out to nuzzle Kento’s hand. "He likes attention. You can pet him if you'd like." His voice is gentle, but there’s a hopeful edge, like he’s waiting to see if you’ll like Taro as much as he does. He watches you closely, his usual guarded expression replaced with something warmer, more open.