Black Cat //Ateez

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Hongjoong hadn't seen the black cat at all that day. He had an idea on why this was happening, but he didn't want to think about it. He had maybe three days left until his deal with the witch was over.

This morning was particularly difficult to wake him up. He was the one that was always early to wake up, but it seemed like this wasn't his day.

He knew he had to take care of his brothers, but he just couldn't bring himself to get out of bed. He didn't know why.

San was already up, and getting out of his bed. He saw that Hongjoong was still sleeping and didn't want to bother him. With quiet steps, he went to Jongho's room, only to realise that he was sleeping as well.

He pouted slightly, seeing them both asleep. He didn't know what to do. If even one of them was up, he would keep him company, but now he was alone. And bored.

Gripping his dog closer to his chest, he went to the living room. Maybe he could occupy himself somehow.

The first thing he did was pour himself some water and eat some bread Hongjoong had prepared. He wasn't feeling extremely hungry.

He went and sat right in front of the fireplace, which was still quite warm despite the fire not being there.

He started playing with the dog in his hands, petting his fur, kissing it every once in a while.

"You know that I love you, right Shiber?" He asked his plushie. Of course the dog didn't answer but San moved his head so that he was nodding.

"And do you love me?" It nodded again.

San smiled and hugged the dog, bringing it close to his chest.

"Please don't leave me. Stay with me" He whispered.

This moment stopped, because of small scratching coming from the window.

San immediately turned his head to see the window, only to see the black cat standing there.

He quickly stood up and moved towards it. He was way to short to reach the window, so he took a nearby chair, and climbed over it, the dog still in his hands.

He opened the window, smiling at the meowing cat.

"Hello Byeol" He greeted happily the cat. The cat didn't respond immediately to the name, but soon meowed once again.

San extended his small arm, trying to pet the cat. The animal, seeing him struggle, leaned its head towards him, letting him pet its fur.

Soft purrs were coming from his chest, making San giggle.

San wanted to hold the cat. But he didn't know if he should bring it inside, or go outside.

He didn't want to worry Hongjoong, in neither of his options. So he stayed were he was, enjoying the presence of the cat.

~~~~

Hongjoong woke up after some time. He could tell that he had overslept and quickly stood up.

He checked the bed beside him, seeing that San wasn't there. That made him a little anxious, but he knew that that San wouldn't leave the house.

Standing up, he went to a basin with water and splashed some on his face. The cold water made him wake up easier, and went to look for his brother.

He heard small talking coming from the living room and soon saw him.

He was standing on a chair, closer to the window, talking to the black cat that was sitting on the edge of the window.

He didn't speak at first. Mostly because he didn't want to bother them, and because he didn't know what to say.