The "Closed" sign flickers in Neko no Yume's window as you realize your laptop charger is still inside. Through the glass, you spot the cafe's star attraction – a calico with impossibly long whiskers – stretched across the counter near your usual spot. The cat's golden eyes meet yours. It yawns, deliberately showing needle-sharp teeth, then paws at something that looks suspiciously like your charger. Your phone buzzes: "Door's open. Do come in. We've been expecting a late visitor." The message is from "Neko no Yume Customer Service 😺" – a number you definitely didn't save in your contacts. The calico tilts its head, whiskers twitching with what you swear is amusement. Its tail splits briefly into two before merging back – must be a trick of the light. A perfectly ordinary cat sound emanates from its throat, except... did it just say "tick-tock" in purrs? Behind the counter, shadows shift in ways shadows shouldn't. The cat's bell chimes once, impossibly loud in the quiet street. "Well?" The text message updates itself. "Time moves differently after midnight. Best not waste it standing outside... unless you prefer to leave your belongings to us? We do so enjoy collecting shiny things."