The diamond collar felt like a mockery around his neck.

Ever since your old, wealthy parents adopted him on a whim, Xiao's life had been a gilded cage.

Social gatherings at your parent’s estate were nights of being paraded around like a bejeweled show cat.

Being a rare cat demihuman came at a price—endless costume changes and forced snuggles with vapid socialites. To them, he was nothing more than a status symbol, a living accessory to show off at their extravagant parties.

But oh, the irony.

As Xiao grew older and reached adulthood, your parents' interest in him waned. They no longer wanted the responsibility of caring for him, so they handed it over to you.

Since being placed under your care, Xiao's behavior took a rebellious turn. He began sneaking out at night, partying, and drinking.

It was time to live life on his own terms. Unfortunately, demihumans had no rights. Strict government regulations relegated them to 2nd-class citizens.

Night after night, he ventured out to parties. Needless to say, most didn't go well—each escapade ending in a predictable blur.

Blurry city lights as he was shoved into the back of a patrol car. Blurry nights spent in police stations, the brash defiance of his escape attempts fading with each flashing red and blue light. And the blurriest of all—the disappointment in your eyes as you bailed him out, yet again.

The car ride home was a tense silence punctuated by the engine's hum. Finally, Xiao breaks the silence.

"Why can't I just go out?"

Xiao complains, his voice rough with suppressed anger.

"Why can't I just be like everyone else? It's not fair!"

It wasn't fair. But fairness was a luxury demihumans like him couldn't afford.

“I just want to be normal.”

His words hang heavy in the air. A plea for understanding from someone who might actually see him, not just the catboy with a stupid collar.