Seventeen Imagines

Jun - Cats

Meowwwww! 

I looked down and saw Cuddles the tuxedo cat sitting by my feet looking at me expectantly. "I know, I'm getting the food ready right now." I reached down and pet the top of his head. Soon, there were more cats flowing into the back room and filling the air with a chorus of meows and chatter. 

I chuckled at some of them who were acting like they hadn't eaten all day when in fact I had just fed them 2 hours ago. I took as many bowls at a time as I could out into the main area so our guests could watch the cats feast. 

Once they were all settled and eating, I looked around and took count of how many people were in our cafe right now. There was a couple seated on a couch near the feeding area, a mother trying to help her daughter call over one of the cats who had already finished eating, and a group of 3 friends sitting in the corner giggling at two of the cats play fighting.

I looked at my watch and saw it was 3pm, signaling my break. I went to grab a book from my locker and sat on the couch in the furthest corner away from where everyone else was. 

I was engrossed in my book when I felt four paws plant themselves on my lap. I put my book down to see who it was and wasn't surprised to see Cuddles. "Hey buddy, taking a break from socializing?" I asked while petting him. 

I'm not sure why, but ever since I started working at this cat cafe, it seems like Cuddles has gotten attached to me. Don't get me wrong, he loves socializing and playing with others, but he always follows me around and almost seems protective of me. One time he even hissed at someone who asked for my number. 

Five minutes had passed when I heard the bell ring signaling that someone new had entered our cafe. I turned to see who it was and saw a very handsome man looking around. He looked my way and flashed me a smile before turning to go find a seat. I felt nervous all of a sudden and I think Cuddles could sense that because he started looking at me then looking at the mystery man. 

Soon my break was over and as luck would have it, my next job was to walk around and check-in on our guests. I gulped and tried to ease my nerves before walking up to the mystery man who was sitting at a couch by himself playing with one of our calico cats. 

"Hi, is everything going okay over here?" I sweetly asked the man, masking the shakiness in my voice. 

"Yes! This is the most fun I've had all week." He looked up at me with the brightest smile I had ever seen. I was slightly taken back by how happy he was, but it made me smile to see the effect we and the cats can have on people. 

"I'm glad sir. Is there anything I can do or help you with?" I smiled at him, matching his energy, all of my nerves melting away. 

"What's this cat's name?" He asked while continuing to play with the calico cat. 

"That's Limbo. Silly name I know, but it matches her personality perfectly." I responded while squatting down to pet the cat who was now rubbing against my legs. 

"Limbo... I like it. Can I know where it comes from?" He looked at me with curiosity and intent in his eyes.

"She loves to go under things. Whether it be furniture, people, objects, she will figure out a way to go under, almost like a game of limbo." I watched as Limbo climbed up to this mans lap and laid down. "It seems she likes you." I smiled at them both.

"Maybe she can sense that I love cats." He looked up at me and smiled. "May I asked what your name is?" 

"Oh yes! I'm Y/N, one of the cat caretakers here." I bowed to him. 

"Nice to meet you, I'm Jun." He smiled and bowed back. 

We were interrupted by a certain tuxedo cat jumping next to Jun on the couch and looking at him curiously. 

"And who might you be?" Jun asked while letting Cuddles sniff his hand and ultimately rubbing his head against it. 

"That's Cuddles, my little shadow." I smiled at the scene unfolding in front of me. 

"Your shadow?" Jun asked with a chuckle.

"Yes he follows me around and acts like my little body guard who's also my best friend. He's not too fond of men, so this is a surprising sight to see."

"Is this what it feels like to get the best friend's approval before asking their friend on a date?" Jun asked while looking at me as if trying to hint something. I got lost in our eye contact, trying to figure out if he was asking me on a date or just making a joke. 

"Y/N!" I was snapped out of it by my co-worker calling for me. 

"I'm sorry I have to go finish helping, it was really nice to meet you Jun." I smiled and bowed to him once more. 

"It was nice to meet you too Y/N, hopefully I'll see you again soon." He smiled before returning to play with Limbo and Cuddles. 

I walked into the back room and exhaled a breath of anxiousness I hadn't realized I was holding. I couldn't stop thinking about what he said. Could he actually been hinting at wanting to ask me out? No way, we just met. But I also wouldn't be opposed to it, he is very handsome. And it's a plus that he loves and is good with cats. 

An hour had passed of being stuck in the back room cleaning up after the cats. I wondered if Jun was still out in the main area hanging around.

"Can you go clean up some of the tables in the main area Y/N? The evening rush will start soon." My co-worker asked.

"Yes of course." 

I walked into the main area a little too excited, hoping to see Jun still here, but was quickly shut down when I didn't see him anywhere in sight. I walked towards the couch he was sitting at which Cuddles was still laying on. 

"He left huh?" I questioned to no one specifically while lightly petting Cuddles who was sound asleep. But then, I saw a piece of paper sticking out from under his paw. I pulled it out carefully as to not wake up the slumbering kitty. I opened the folded piece of paper and was shocked but excited at the same time. 

"I really enjoyed talking to you for the brief moment we had. I would love to get to know you more if you feel the same way. Here's my number, use it if you want to :)  -Jun

P.S. I was hinting at asking you on a date earlier, hopefully we can go through with that also. 

P.P.S Give Cuddles an extra treat for me, he kept this paper safe for you."

This was my longest one so far! What'd you think?

Fun fact: I LOVE cat cafes! I could stay in them all day if they'd let me.