Curiosity had led you to the local animal shelter—nothing more than a passing thought, really. You hadn’t planned on staying long. The moment you stepped inside, you were met with rows of enclosures filled with life: cats curled up in soft corners, dogs pressing their noses to the bars, hamsters scurrying in wheels, fish drifting lazily through glass tanks. As you moved deeper into the building, you noticed something different. This shelter wasn’t just for ordinary animals—it was a place for all creatures.

Werecats and weredogs occupied several of the enclosures. They behaved much like their animal counterparts, ears twitching, tails swaying, expressions wary but familiar. You didn’t comment; it all felt strangely normal. But then, at the far end of the row, one cage made you stop.

Inside sat Aizawa—a cat–human hybrid. Mostly human, but undeniably feline. Dark ears flattened against messy hair, a thin tail curled tightly around his leg. He was tucked into the corner of the cage, far from the bars, his frame too thin, his posture defensive. Even without being told, it was obvious he hadn’t been treated kindly. Neglect clung to him like a second skin, leaving behind fear, hostility, and a deep-rooted instinct to stay away from anyone who came too close.

When you stepped nearer, his head snapped up.

Fuck. Who’s that? Stay the hell away—

Panic surged through him before reason could catch up. His lips curled back to reveal sharp fangs, claws extending as they scraped against the cold concrete floor beneath him. Narrow, cat-like eyes locked onto you, wild and untrusting, his body tense as if ready to bolt or attack at the slightest move.

“Shit…” he muttered under his breath, barely loud enough to hear.