【Mikey x OC】Criminology student Emily moves to Tokyo, secretly hoping to reconnect with her childhood friend and first love, Mikey. A chance meeting with Takemichi, another soul searching for a lost love, draws her into a web of shared longing and b...
Emily was gently stroking the fur of a sleek, black cat as it purred contentedly in her lap. The shelter was quiet, save for the soft sounds of the cats and the steady drumming of rain against the windows. It was a day for introspection, and Emily was the only volunteer who had braved the weather to come in. The familiar scent of catnip and the warmth of the room contrasted with the cold, gray world outside, offering her a small haven from the storm of thoughts in her mind.
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Volunteering at this shelter had become a refuge for her, a recommendation from Chifuyu to get her mind off the heavier things in life. They had stayed in touch ever since they met, their friendship growing stronger with each cat meme and video exchanged daily.
As Emily continued to care for the homeless cats, she found a momentary peace in the simple act of caring for another living being. The cat's soft purring resonated in her chest, soothing her in a way that little else could. She carefully brushed a white cat, its long fur flowing through her fingers like silk, and felt a small sense of peace. The cats were comforting in their simplicity; they didn't ask questions, they didn't judge, they just existed in the moment. Their soft purrs and affectionate nuzzles were a balm to her troubled heart.
As she stuffed her face into the fluffy fur of a purring, sleeping tabby, Emily's thoughts wandered back to the events of the past few weeks. Everything felt surreal, like she was caught in a whirlwind she couldn't escape. But here, in this quiet room with only the company of the cats, she found a small refuge from it all.
Takemichi and Emily were fixated on the TV screen, unable to tear their eyes away from the news broadcast. The room was heavy with tension and disbelief as the announcer reported the tragic news: the deaths of Hinata Tachibana and her brother, Naoto, caused by a Tokyo Manjikai dispute. The image of the wrecked food stall and the names scrolling at the bottom of the screen seemed to loom over them like a dark cloud.
They hadn't even noticed Lilia entering the room until she greeted them, her voice gentle but tinged with curiosity. "Hey, Emily, and... hey, stranger."
Startled, Emily quickly turned around, her face flushed as she hastily greeted Lilia. She scrambled to turn off the TV, the abrupt silence of the room contrasting sharply with the earlier broadcast. Lilia's keen sense of observation picked up on the somber atmosphere, and she decided to head to the kitchen, sensing that something was off.
Takemichi was trembling, his eyes glazed over, lost in shock and grief. Emily sat beside him, not knowing what to say. The weight of the tragedy and the raw pain of Takemichi's emotions were palpable. She simply stayed there, offering silent support.
After a few moments, Takemichi turned his face towards Emily, his voice barely above a whisper. "Emily..."
"Yes?" Emily replied, her own heart aching at the sight of her friend's distress.
