The Cat on My Door || YiZhan FF

The Cat on My Door (One Shot)

Convenience has been a constant companion since my childhood. I was compelled to engage in activities that held no interest for me, all in exchange for the allure of material possessions. I grew up without truly knowing my own likes, merely living up to the expectations of others. Fast forward to today, and I find myself a celebrity, swarmed by fame, wealth, compliments, and adoration from my devoted fans. But within this whirlwind, everything seems vacuous, an endless charade. I'm shackled to wearing fake smiles, false laughter, and inauthentic gestures just to navigate my world. When will the world perceive the real me?

Despite being surrounded by hordes of admirers, I remain a solitary figure. Everyone professes love for me, yet I wonder - do they love me for who I am or for the facade I constantly wear?

Weary, I trudge down the hallway. My shooting schedule keeps me working until the late hours of the night. I return to my spacious apartment, devoid of companionship. It's no different from being at work, where interactions are superficial and pretentious. The emptiness persists, but I feel powerless to change it; this is the path I was destined for.

As I reach my front door and start to input my security code, I hear a faint meow. The sound captivates me. I search for its source and, to my surprise, find a sleek black cat near my doorstep, its fur shimmering in the moonlight. Its beauty is enchanting, defying the superstition that black cats bring bad luck. I crouch down to observe it closely, and its eyes seem to hold me in a spell.

I smile and tenderly scratch behind its ears. It purrs in response. "Hello there, little one. Are you lost?" I inquire.

As if comprehending my words, the cat meows and nuzzles my leg, swirling around me. I follow its graceful movements and can't help but giggle.

"Time to head home, I think. Your owner must be concerned about you," I suggest as I stand up. The cat's owner must be worried sick about their beloved pet.

Yet, the cat persists in circling around my feet, not willing to leave. I laugh gently and open the door, attempting to usher it out. However, it boldly enters my apartment. I'm taken aback; aren't cats supposed to be more cautious?

Shaking my head in amusement, I resign myself to providing shelter for this beautiful feline until its owner comes looking for it.

But as time passed, it became evident that no one was coming to claim him. There were no lost cat posters in the vicinity either. Whose cat could this be? It was too beautiful to be a stray.

I sighed upon entering my apartment, finding the cat waiting for me at the door as usual. It promptly nuzzled my legs, a behavior I'd grown accustomed to. I knew it would be hard to let go if someone eventually showed up to claim him. He was undeniably cute and fluffy, and his presence had dispelled the loneliness that had perpetually haunted me.

I couldn't help but chuckle as I picked him up and scratched behind his ear, eliciting a delighted meow. "You're such an adorable mystery. You've been here for a week, and I still don't know what to call you. It seems your owner isn't coming to find you. Where did you come from?" I mused, even though I knew the cat couldn't understand a word I said.

He gazed into my eyes, responding with a questioning "Meow?" I chuckled; his confused look was irresistibly endearing.

"Well, it looks like you're staying with me," I concluded. I realized I was still standing at the front door and decided to carry him to the bedroom.

"You wait here while I change, okay?" I told him as I placed him on the bed. He immediately marked the blankets and pillows with his scent, making himself at home.

"Behave, alright? I'll give you a name after I change," I teased before opening my wardrobe to choose comfortable attire. As I undressed, I suddenly felt an intense gaze upon me and turned to find the cat sitting on the bed, observing me closely. It was a strange sensation, but I attributed it to my exhaustion.