SOTUS: The University Days (and Other Universes)

purrfect match

Arthit walks home from a long day at the office. Saying he's exhausted is an understatement, but he'd rather not put any effort into thinking about what adjective to use to describe his sorry state. As an occasional loner, he's just looking forward to some peace and quiet in his apartment.

As he unlocks his door, he hears a faint meowing sound coming from inside. He frowns, wondering if he left his cat by mistake inside before remembering he doesn't have a cat. He shakes his head as if to reset himself. He is really worse than exhausted.

As he steps inside, he realizes the meowing is indeed from a cat. Congratulating his brain for still functioning and getting that right, he moves towards the little creature. It's a small and charming orange tabby with bright green eyes that looks up at him expectantly.

He has no idea where the cat came from, but he guesses it must belong to one of his neighbors. Further brainwork leads him to remember he has already seen this cat around the building before. It is owned by the occupant of the unit just above his own.

Arthit hesitates for a moment, unsure of what to do. He really wants to throw himself onto his bed at the moment and not move until morning, but he can't just leave the cat there with him. What if it destroys a bunch of the unfinished paperwork on his desk? What if it eats all his food?

Slightly annoyed, he scoops up the cat and makes his way to his neighbor's unit, hoping to return it and finally have some rest.

Upon knocking on the door, he's greeted by a pleasant and surprised face. "Oh, Jeremy!"

"I'm not Jeremy. My name is Arthit," Arthit says, before yawning.

"Ah yes," the neighbor smiles. "Nice to meet you, Arthit. Here, let me take Jeremy from you."

"Oh, so that's Jeremy," Arthit finally realizes. Of course.

The neighbor lightly chuckles. "Yes. Did he wander into your apartment? I'm so sorry."

"It's alright," Arthit lies. It isn't alright, but he doesn't have the energy to argue right now. All that he wants is to collapse into his bed. "Anyway, I'll get going. Thank you."

"Why are you thanking—" the neighbor is about to ask the question, but Arthit has already turned towards the stairs, walking exceptionally sluggishly.

From that day on, the cat seems to make its way to Arthit's apartment more and more often.

"Your cat was in my room again."

"I'm so sorry."

"No worries."

~

"I saw him on my couch when I came home."

"Thank you. I'm so sorry again."

"It's alright."

~

"He's in my apartment again."

"I'm sorry. I will not forget to close the balcony door again."

"Sure."

~

"Here's Jeremy."

"Thanks for bringing him back. Do you want to have some pizza? I ordered a pie, and I don't think I can finish it all."

"No, I'm good. You can give some to Jeremy. I'm sure with the size of his belly, he can eat at least three big slices."

Arthit, initially, was annoyed by the frequent disturbances made by Jeremy, but gradually, he found the cat's company to be somewhat soothing. Sometimes, he even lets the cat stay a little longer before returning him to his owner.