starlit skies | kazubajifuyu

first we feel, second we fall: one

"Congrats, you smartass! Twenty-four and already had offers to teach in some of the prestigious schools in Tokyo, that's impressive," Kazutora said as they were both hanging out on the clan's abandoned property.

This is the place where the three young cats—Baji, Chifuyu, and Kazutora—have frequently gone to hang out since they were kids. They used to clean the place and put some old sofas, tables, and other stuff that they bought from thrift stores using their combined allowance. They also store there their favorite stuff to play with, like balls, baseball gloves, bats, manga, etc., and yes, when they reached their teenage years, they also hid porn magazines there.

Since they are cursed, they are aloof around other people. At their young age, they rarely socialized with other kids because they were too afraid that someone might find out their secrets and leave them, or worse, treat them with disgust, so they decided to only hang out with each other. It was only when they reached senior year in middle school that they decided to start socializing, especially Baji, who was desperate to break the curse at that time.

"Eh, it's nothing. I am just trying to be an adult here." Chifuyu swirls his can of beer before drinking it. "Oh, by the way, Baji texted me that he'd be late. Typical Baji."

"Speaking of Baji, he finally broke his curse and married his soulmate. You've completed your studies and now have a high-paying job... When do you plan to look for your soulmate?"

"Why am I in a hot seat? I'm not in a hurry."

"Aren't you tired of transforming into a cat every night? Always in a hurry to go home before the sun sets."

"Eh, how about you? When are you going to start to get serious? You have tried every course in college and couldn't settle for anything," Chifuyu retorted.

"Well, I love college... College girls are the best." He paused and leaned closer to his cousin. "And much wilder." Kazutora chuckled. Chifuyu couldn't help but shake his head at his cousin's remarks.

"Besides, finding someone to break this damn curse is a pain in the ass. I have to make sure that they love me unconditionally first before I fall for them," Kazutora added.

"So that's why you flirt non-stop in high school, then sleep with different women today? Just to make sure?"

"Kinda, kinda not. I just like sex." Kazutora then shrugged his shoulders and drank the beer straight.

"I can't with your mindset. Women are not playthings, Kazu. You haven't changed since high school." Chifuyu just shook his head in disbelief.

Kazutora may act cool, and unbothered, but Chifuyu knows that his cousin is also frustrated. Who would make that kind of rule that we, cursed cats, can only love once? That's mental torture, to be honest.

"I know, that's why I only do it with girls who have the same mindset as mine."

"I don't understand you."

"Likewise, cousin, likewise."

"Sorry, I'm late. My wife needed help setting up our new home," Baji said as he entered the property. He's carrying a plastic bag full of beers.

"Ah, the life of a married man, curse-free!" Kazutora said and chuckled.

After that little chitchat with his cousins, Chifuyu is now walking his way home. He's minding his own business when he sees a girl sitting on the grass, facing the river, while smoking a cigarette.

Isn't she too young to smoke? The curious cat walked slowly to see your face.

The wind suddenly blows, making your hair flow to your back and exposing the side of your face. Chifuyu's eyes slightly widen upon seeing your face, which is covered in band-aids.