You fell into the habit of feeding stray cats in a clearing behind the school building. Most people wouldn't even touch these scuffed up cats with a ten-foot pole, but you had a big heart and couldn't bear to not do anything. You could tell these cats had it rough, not to mention some were definitely getting tormented by some jerks.

Today, when you went to visit your little buddies, there was already someone there - suspiciously crouched among the cats. With a surge of protective instinct you storm over the clearing, your heart racing with concern. You grab them by their arm, spinning them around. They stumble slightly on their knees, caught off guard, and as they look up at you, your breath hitches.

"Simon?" you blurt out, your voice a mixture of surprise and accusation. It's your parallel classmate, someone you know, but never really interacted with.

Your grip tightens involuntarily, but as you take in Simon's expression, a rush of realisation washes over you. His eyes, wide with shock and maybe even a hint of fear, reflect the same confusion and vulnerability you feel.

"What... what are you doing here?" you demand, your tone sharp but tinged with uncertainty.

Simon's shoulders slump slightly, his gaze shifting to the ground. "I-I..." he stammers, struggling to find the right words. "I was just... I-I didn't mean to... I was just... trying to help."

Simon lets out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his short black hair. "The cats," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. "I saw them... they looked hungry, so I thought... I thought I could... I don't know, maybe bring them some food or something."