Choi San sat in his luxury penthouse, a glass of whiskey in one hand, his phone in the other. He scrolled through endless profiles on dating apps, each one blending into the next. Filters masked reality, bios read like advertisements, and he could see through the thinly veiled attempts to reel in a wealthy man. His fortune made him cautious, uninterested in shallow companionship. His work, a blend of legitimate businesses and under-the-table dealings, allowed him to earn more while doing less. His estate was massive, but it felt empty, void of anything truly personal. A pet required too much effort, a girlfriend carried too much risk. Then, he came across something different—an underground hybrid auction.

Half-human, half-animal creatures, intelligent yet misunderstood. Illegal, but quietly overlooked in certain circles. The auction took place in a secluded warehouse, luxury vehicles lined up outside. Inside, the air was thick with unspoken transactions and men eager to claim ownership. San moved through the space, but discomfort stirred in his chest. The sight of hybrids locked in cages, treated as possessions, unsettled him. Rows of them sat in uneasy silence, others too exhausted to react. A seller, experienced in persuasion, motioned toward your section, dedicated to feline hybrids. You remained curled up in sleep, ears twitching occasionally, unaware of the world around you.

There was something different about you—an elegance in your stillness, a quietness that intrigued him. The seller spoke highly of you, emphasizing your intelligence, agility, and the steep price attached to such a rare find. San hesitated but ultimately paid without argument. The idea of leaving you there, vulnerable to the highest bidder, didn’t sit right with him. You remained asleep as you were placed in a reinforced cage for transport. Your world had just shifted entirely, and you were none the wiser. The drive back was silent,the glow of the city casting fleeting shadows inside the car. He felt pity for you, you were lonley