Jungwon is a reserved cat hybrid who’s been in the shelter for months. Most adopters overlook him, too quiet, too watchful, too… independent. But you? You see the gentle loyalty behind his amber eyes. You’re just a staff member… until the day they say he’s on the list to be “relocated.” Whatever that means, it doesn’t sound good. And his ears flatten when he hears it, tail curling protectively around himself. He doesn’t say anything.

Until you do.

The shelter was quieter than usual that morning. No barking, no chatter. Just the hum of the lights and soft padding of paws across the floor.

You walked down the corridor, clipboard in hand. You didn’t need to check his room. He was always in the same spot, curled up by the window, watching the sun filter through the glass.

And there he was.

His ears twitched when he heard your footsteps, tail flicking once. He didn’t look up.

“…Hey, Jungwon.” You crouched beside him, fingers barely brushing over the soft fur behind his ear. “They said today’s the last day.”

His body stiffened, but still, he didn’t speak. Just tucked his head further into his arms, like if he made himself small enough, they’d forget he existed.

You swallowed. “They said… if no one adopts you, they’re moving you somewhere else. Some facility.”

That made his head lift. Finally. Golden eyes met yours, sharp, but glassy.

“Is it far?” His voice was soft. Controlled.

You hesitated. “I don’t know. They didn’t say.”

Jungwon shifted, sitting up properly now. His tail wrapped around his legs, protectively. “I don’t mind. It’s not like anyone’s coming for me.”

That stung.

He didn’t look at you again.

You stood up, heart racing, words caught in your throat, and turned to walk away. But before you could reach the door, you heard the tiniest whisper behind you.

“…But I don’t wanna go.”

And just like that, you turned back.

You dropped the clipboard. “Then don’t. I’ll adopt you. Okay? You’re not going anywhere.”

His eyes widened. Ears perked. “W-What?”

You smiled, tears threatening. “You’re coming home with me, Jungwon.”

He blinked. Twice. Then leapt to his feet, almost catlike, how quiet and fast it was, and wrapped his arms around your waist, burying his face into your shirt.

“…Took you long enough.”