just a little bit of hope

chapter 1: the cat

When I found him it was during winter, on a rainy day. He was shivering in a box, soaked with raindrops and trying to cover himself with what he could reach.

I wouldn't have noticed him if my umbrella didn't fly away because of the wind and if I didn't try to chase after it.

The little boy was lucky that I found him. And I think it was good luck for me as well. When I saw him, so little and defenseless in his paperboard, I didn't really question anything. I took him in my arms.

He might have passed out, because he didn't try any defense. I don't really know... in fact, I was too focused about running without tripping to reach my house as fast as possible.

But...

Now that we are in my house all safe and warm and that he is peacefully sleeping on my couch. I'm asking myself how...
how could I have not noticed the cat ears and tail before? And how is that even possible? I reach out for one of his ears and give it a little squish. He stirs a little but doesn't wake up. I pet his head for a bit, It's soft. So cute. He warps his arms and legs around my arm and digs his claws into my skin.

"OW!"

I take away my arm and stumble away from the... kid... cat.

"It hurts! You-"

Oh my.

He is awake. And he stares at me with his dull red eyes. He casually stands up and walk towards me puffing his chest and his cheeks. It's adorable.

I sit on my knees to be at his height.

"How are you feeling little one?"

He continues to stare at me dead in the eyes. It's awkward. He doesn't seem interested in answering.

...

After what feels like an eternity, he turns on his heels and starts running towards my front door.

What the...

"HEY WHAT ARE YOU DOING? COME BACK HERE. YOU CAN'T GO OUTSIDE LIKE THAT!"

I know that my presence is annoying, but I can't let him out right now.

He grabs the key and opens the door lock as quickly as he can. Hopefully, I catch him before he can go out and I lock the door for the second time. He is still a kid so he can't really escape from my grip (even if I still CAN feel the sharp pain of his claws). The raven-haired kid understands it quickly and he stills after 15 seconds of pointless battle. I decide to make him drink some water and eat some cream bread. He eats eagerly and lets me pick him up. He is calmer now.

______________________________________

This time, I go in my room and sit him on my bed. He crawls under the sheets and curls up on himself.

For the first time, he decides to speak. His voice is high pitched. He is so cute.

"Izuru doesn't want to stay here."

Izuru? So, it's his name?

He seems extremely attached to my pillow for someone who wants to leave.