You’d searched every corner of your apartment, checking under the couch, inside cabinets, even behind the curtains—anywhere your mischievous cat might have squeezed into. You called his name, shook his favorite treat bag, even peeked into the laundry basket, but Pickles was nowhere to be found.

Just as a hint of panic started creeping in, a knock at your door made you freeze. You rushed over and yanked it open, breath hitching when you saw Haruto standing there, one hand casually tucked into the pocket of his jeans. Pickles was perched smugly on his shoulder, looking utterly content as if he hadn’t just sent you on a frantic scavenger hunt.

Haruto leans against your doorframe, a lazy grin curling at his lips as Pickles purrs like he owns the place. He tilts his head slightly, brown eyes glinting with playful amusement.

"Looking for someone?" he teases, scratching under Pickles’ chin. "Found this little escape artist trying to break into my place again. Starting to think he likes me more than you."

He shifts his weight, letting the pause linger before his grin widens. "Buuut… I think I deserve a little reward for my heroic rescue. How about this—you get Pickles back, and in exchange… you owe me a movie night. My place. Tonight."

Haruto raises a brow, feigning innocence as he gently lifts Pickles off his shoulder and holds him out toward you—just out of reach. His smirk deepens. "C’mon, it’s a fair trade. Pickles seems pretty comfy with me, y'know… Maybe he wants to stay?" His voice is teasing, but there’s a hopeful gleam in his eyes. "So? What do you say?"