taynew drabbles ﹆

a cat's guide to valentine's day

summary:

New's Valentine's tradition was simple: secure a limited-edition blind box, go home, and call it a day. But this year, Tay—his Hello Kitty plush keyring turned human—was acting strange.

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February 14 was just a regular day for someone like New, except that he always spent it glued to his phone, waiting for the release of limited-edition Valentine's Day keychains and blind boxes.

The week leading up to Valentine's Day, he wasn't scrolling for flowers or chocolates like most people. Instead, his finger hovered anxiously over the refresh button of his favorite online toy shop's page, ready to strike the moment the blind box he'd been eyeing became available.

Tay wandered into the room, towel draped over his head, drying his damp hair and twitching cat ears. He stopped by the bed, tilting his head curiously at New, who was hyper-focused on his screen.

"I want a phone too," Tay said casually, still rubbing his hair dry. "Seems fun."

New glanced up briefly before scooting to the side, making space for Tay on the bed. Tay had taken over his bed long ago, wearing New's clothes like it was the most natural thing in the world. Not that New had much of a choice in this small apartment... unless Tay decided to turn back into his plush form, which seemed increasingly unlikely.

"No," New replied flatly, eyes snapping back to his phone. "You stick with the TV."

Tay plopped down beside him, rolling his eyes. "What's so great about phones anyway? They're practically replacing humans at this point."

"Says the one who just asked for a phone," New shot back without missing a beat.

Tay leaned closer, peering at the screen. "Are you looking for another plush doll to replace me?"

New twisted his head toward Tay, giving him a deadpan look. "Yes. This one probably won't be as annoying as you."

Tay huffed dramatically, crossing his arms. "So grumpy."

"I'm trying to place a pre-order," New said, ignoring the jab. "It's for the Valentine's Day limited-edition drop. Buying one has been my tradition for years, and if you keep distracting me, it's going to sell out."

"Well," Tay started, smirking slyly, "if you gave me a phone, I could help you buy it. You know—two phones, double the chances."

New blinked, looking at Tay like he'd grown a second pair of cat ears. "You won't mind if I give you an old one?"

Tay's eyes lit up instantly, his grin widening. "A phone is a phone, baby. Hand it over."

—

Ever since New handed Tay his old phone, Tay had become obsessed with it—scrolling, tapping, and swiping as if he'd been born in the digital age. His newfound addiction rivaled that of the most screen-glued generation alphas. Unfortunately for New, Tay's incessant questions during the pre-order night had cost him the chance to secure a blind box.

But all hope wasn't lost. The local toy shop was scheduled to stock the limited-edition Valentine's collection on the 14th, and New had already devised a plan: camp outside the store before dawn, ensure he'd be first in line, and walk out victorious with the blind box in hand.

"You know, Tay," New said as he crouched by the door, slipping on his sneakers for work, "if you're gonna stay glued to your phone all day, at least turn off the TV. You can't have both running. Do you know how expensive electricity is?"

Tay, sprawled on the couch with his legs draped over the armrest, paused mid-scroll. "What about background music?"

"You can play music on your phone. Figure it out," New replied, tying his laces.