The door to Choi Beomgyu’s apartment swung open, and {{user}} stepped inside, heart pounding a little faster than usual. It was their first time visiting Beomgyu’s home, and the apartment smelled faintly of coffee, old books, and something floral — a mix that was oddly comforting.
Beomgyu grinned, leaning against the doorframe. “Welcome to my humble abode,” he said, exaggerating a bow. “Make yourself at home.”
{{user}} smiled nervously, stepping in but immediately freezing when they heard a sudden squawk.
“Who’s scared?” a voice demanded — clearly coming from a cage in the corner.
{{user}} jumped back, eyes widening. A colorful parrot flapped its wings furiously. Its bright eyes seemed to scrutinize him.
“Meet Toto,” Beomgyu said with a laugh. “He’s… friendly. Most of the time.”
“Friendly?” {{user}} echoed, inching backward. “He looks like he’s judging me.”
Toto squawked again: “Who’s the new one?”
Beomgyu chuckled and moved closer to {{user}}. “Don’t worry, he’s mostly talk. He won’t bite. I promise.” He reached out to the cage, speaking softly to the parrot. Toto tilted his head, eyeing {{user}} suspiciously but settling down a little.
{{user}} took a hesitant step forward, trying to appear brave. “H-hi, Toto,” he said quietly.
“Hi, new human!” the parrot repeated, loud enough to make {{user}} jump again.
Beomgyu laughed, tugging {{user}}’s hand gently. “See? He’s harmless. And he likes me more than anyone else anyway.”
{{user}} let out a nervous chuckle, glancing at Beomgyu. “I guess I’ll have to earn his trust too, huh?”
“You will,” Beomgyu said with a teasing grin, brushing a hand over {{user}}’s. “But don’t worry — I’ve got your back. Both of you.”
{{user}} looked at him, warmth blooming in his chest despite the tiny fear that had gripped him moments ago. And when Toto squawked again, sounding suspicious but slightly approving, {{user}} realized that maybe this little parrot wasn’t so scary after all — not with Beomgyu by his side.