Mandarin Orange, Kotatsu, And A Found Cat

d elation in my heart, I began to search the room.
However, even after searching everywhere, including the wardrobe and behind the furniture, I couldn’t find Mashiro at all.

The only other place I haven’t checked was under the bed.
That’s the only place left.
I knew it was highly likely, but I didn’t want to strain my back, so I put it off.
With my stomach in knots, I dropped to take a peek.

“Nyaaah…”

There was Mashiro, squealing cutely in the darkness.

“What are you doing there, Mashiro?”

I asked her that, but she kept staring at me and didn’t answer.
She didn’t seem to be coming out anytime soon, so I talked to Mashiro while she remained in the same position.

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“Did you sleep well last night?”

Mashiro’s ears perked up when I said that.
I couldn’t help but laugh at her reaction, as if she had just been hit where it hurts.

“Thanks to you, my hips are crying, okay?”

I jokingly said so, and brought my fingertips close to Mashiro’s face and poked her on the tip of her nose with all my might.
Mashiro’s eyes blinked, and let me do as I pleased.

“Goodness, the couch is bemoaning its abandonment by Mashiro right now.”

I got into the mood and smiled at Mashiro, who was unresisting, as I continued to poke and prod her.
Satisfied, I lightly stroke Mashiro’s forehead with my fingertips and then stood up.

“Okay, I’m off to work.
I’ve left you some food.”

After saying that, I left the room and put on my shoes at the entrance.
I checked my watch again and was about to get up when I felt something behind me.

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I wondered and turned around to see Mashiro standing there.

“W-What’s wrong?”

This had never happened to me before, so I was too surprised.
I wondered if Mashiro was opening up to me and seeing me off, but I don’t think we’ve reached that point in our relationship yet.

I waited for a while, but Mashiro just stood there and wouldn’t look at me.
She looked as if she had something to say, but she didn’t make a sound.

The clock already pointed to the exact time of my usual departure.
I didn’t know what Mashiro really wanted to tell me, but I couldn’t afford to be late for work.

“Well, I’d better be off then.”

I turned around and opened the front door regrettably.
As I closed the door, I caught a glimpse of Mashiro’s face, which looked a little sad.