Noon 2:07 PM

The encounter with Mai happened when the school bell rang for class.

Mai is not the type who would run around with a piece of toast in her mouth shouting "I'm late, I'm late," and then tripping and falling on the ground like a typical anime character. In fact, she doesn't seem to be very aware of being late for class, slowly walking step by step without a trace of impatience, giving off an air of tranquility that made me feel she was truly extraordinary, almost otherworldly.

And so, she, Mai, approached me perched on the wall, our eyes met, steps drew closer, her slender hand gently lifted, jade-like fingers slowly descending. It was the first time I, as a cat, felt that being patted on the head by a human was such a comforting thing.

Perhaps that was when our bond was formed.

Ignoring the fact that the class had already started, Mai took me under her care, leading me to nearby grocery stores, convenience stores, and supermarkets, providing me with a small nest and some food. But more than these material things, what touched me the most was Mai's soft and warm chest, which fascinated me like a drug, making me unable to resist.

Until the nest was ready, when Mai finally let me go from her intoxicating embrace, that was when I realized that I had shamefully surrendered to her.

Oh well, shame was inconsequential now. All I wanted was to be with Mai.

"Be good and wait here for me, I'll come pick you up after school."

Her warm and gentle smile completely healed me, making me feel that as long as I could be with Mai, even if I had to give up my hobby of wandering as a cat, I wouldn't have any regrets.

Oh, meow, it's so long to be a student every day, I can't take me with me to school!

Boredly waiting for Mai, I had no interest in seeking out stray female cats or refined ladylike cats to pass the time. I just peacefully closed my eyes, counting the clouds drifting by in the sky, unknowingly drifting into slumber.