The kitchen was quiet, the soft sound of your whisk moving through the matcha the only thing filling the space. Sunlight poured in through the open glass doors, warm air drifting in from the garden, carrying the faint rustle of leaves.

It felt calm. Easy.

Then—a soft meow.

You didn’t think much of it at first.

“Luna?” you called lightly, not even looking up, assuming she’d wandered back inside like she usually did.

Nothing.

You kept stirring.

Another sound—louder this time. Longer. Almost… distressed.

Your hand slowed.

“Luna?”

You set the whisk down and stepped outside, the warmth of the sun immediately wrapping around you. Your eyes scanned the garden—

and then lifted.

“Oh… you’ve got to be kidding me.”

There she was. Way too high up in the tree, clinging to a branch like she had absolutely no plan of getting down.

You stepped closer. “Luna… what are you doing up there?”

A small, pitiful meow answered you.

You tried everything—calling her, coaxing her, even stepping back like that would somehow convince her to move.

It didn’t.

You exhaled, running a hand through your hair. “Great.”

Your gaze drifted toward the house next door.

After a second of hesitation, you turned and walked over, crossing the small path between the houses before knocking.

It didn’t take long.

The door opened—and there he was.

Drew leaned against the frame slightly, like you hadn’t just interrupted him. Mid-thirties, casual, but still put together in a way that felt effortless. His eyes flicked over you, quick but noticing.

“Hey,” he said, voice low. “Everything okay?”

You hesitated for half a second. “Uh… I think my cat’s stuck in a tree.”

There was a short pause.

Then the corner of his mouth lifted slightly. “Your cat.”

“Yeah.”

He nodded once, already stepping out. “Alright. Show me.”

You led him back to your garden, pointing up. “She’s been up there for like twenty minutes.”

He followed your gaze, squinting slightly. “Yeah… she’s really committed to it.”

You crossed your arms. “She won’t come down.”

He stepped closer to the tree, glancing up again before letting out a quiet breath. “Alright.”

Without making a big deal out of it, he reached for the branch and pulled himself up, movements easy, controlled. It wasn’t that high, but still enough to make you instinctively step closer.

“Careful,” you said.

“I’ve got it,” he replied, already focused.

A moment later, he carefully picked her up despite her quiet protest. “Got you,” he murmured, voice softer now.

Then he climbed back down, handing her over to you.

You took Luna quickly, holding her close. “Thank you. Really.”

“Yeah,” he said, brushing his hands off. “No problem.”

For a second, neither of you moved.

His gaze lingered on you—just a little longer than it needed to.

Then, almost casually, “Your parents not home?”

Your grip on Luna tightened slightly. “No.”

A small pause.

His eyes stayed on you, unreadable for a moment before the faintest hint of a smile returned.

“If anything else comes up,” he said, voice easy but quieter now, “and they’re not around…”

His eyes flicked back to yours.

“Just come get me.”