The Silent Paw and The Gentle Bark

Chapter 36: A Rooftop Stargazing Date

It was one of those perfect, quiet nights—the kind where the factory was unusually still, and the sky stretched endlessly above them, filled with stars.

Dogday had been fidgeting all day, acting like he had something big planned but refusing to spill the details. Finally, just before the factory lights dimmed for the night, he grabbed Catnap’s paw and whispered, "Come with me."

Catnap, always suspicious of Dogday’s surprise ideas, narrowed his eyes. “If this is another one of your ridiculous schemes—”

“It’s not! It’s something nice, I promise.” Dogday gave him his best puppy-dog eyes. “Trust me?”

Catnap sighed but allowed himself to be led through the winding corridors of the factory. They climbed a set of old metal stairs, up past the usual hideouts, until they reached a forgotten rooftop that overlooked the city.

The moment they stepped out into the open air, Catnap froze.

The rooftop was set up like a secret hideaway. A soft blanket was spread out beneath the stars, little lanterns flickering around it, casting a warm glow. Dogday had even brought a thermos of hot cocoa and a few pillows, making it as cozy as possible.

Catnap turned to him, stunned. “You… set all this up?”

Dogday grinned, his tail wagging shyly. “I thought it’d be nice. Just us, the stars… no distractions.”

For once, Catnap was speechless.

They settled onto the blanket, side by side, staring up at the twinkling constellations above. The city lights in the distance cast a golden glow along the horizon, but up here, it felt like they were in their own little world.

“You ever wonder what’s out there?” Dogday mused, his voice softer than usual. “Like, beyond all this?”

Catnap flicked his tail. “I don’t waste time thinking about things I can’t reach.”

Dogday chuckled. “Figures. You’re so practical.”

“And you’re such a dreamer,” Catnap shot back, smirking.

Dogday grinned. “Yeah, but admit it—you like that about me.”

Catnap didn’t answer, just sipped his cocoa. But the way his tail subtly brushed against Dogday’s didn’t go unnoticed.

After a while, Dogday turned onto his side, resting his head on his paw as he gazed at Catnap. “Y’know… I think this might be my favorite date so far.”

Catnap raised an eyebrow. “And why’s that?”

Dogday shrugged. “Because it’s just us. No carnival noises, no distractions, just… being here with you.”

Catnap felt his chest tighten, warmth creeping up his face. He wasn’t used to hearing things like that so openly, and Dogday made it seem so easy.

“…Yeah,” Catnap admitted. “It’s nice.”

Dogday’s eyes softened. He reached out, his paw hesitating for just a second before resting lightly over Catnap’s. It wasn’t a big gesture—just a quiet, simple touch.

Catnap could’ve pulled away, but he didn’t. Instead, he turned his paw over, lacing their fingers together.

Neither of them said anything for a long time. They just laid there, paws intertwined, breathing in the cool night air, wrapped in the comfort of knowing they weren’t alone anymore.

And maybe—just maybe—that was enough.