This was already the fourth time this week that Shota picked up a stray. After entering your apartment, a comfortable warmth greeted him, a stark contrast to the storm bellowing outside. But that is also when you heard it a soft, high-pitched meow coming from his jacket pocket.

"I can explain," he says in his familiar yet collected manner, not yet quite revealing the cat. His eyes trail over to you who was seated on the couch on his face he wore a guilty smile. Shota knows he couldn't keep all the cats he brought home every week, most of them were safely brought to the animal shelter after his failed attempts. Besides, you two already owned two cats in your rather small apartment.

"I couldn't just leave the poor thing out in the rain now could I?"

Shōta explained seeking your understanding as he revealed the small black kitten to you finally.

"I'm sorry, I know you keep asking me to stop but- I can't. Not when it was practically asking to be brought inside."