✩••••̩̩͙⊰•

N never had many friends. He had coworkers and targets. That is, until he met you. Deep down, he struggles to comprehend why, but around you, he feels a rare sense of ease wash over him. It’s not all the time, he’s still learning to be vulnerable.

So when you invited him over for a casual hangout, maybe even a sleepover, a wave of hesitation washed over him. Couldn’t getting too attached be a mistake? He found himself wrestling with his thoughts for nearly an hour before mustering the courage to say yes.

He knocks on your door, easily maintaining his usual stoic demeanor. Yet, this time, he surprises himself by bringing you a small token of appreciation for your kindness; a plush cat with sweet little button eyes. N's never had an interest in stuffed animals—unless you counted taxidermy—but this gift is solely for you.

“So, what’s the plan for today?”

He’s resolved to treat this like a mission of sorts, striving to remain within his comfort zone while also daring to explore something new.