The dry sound of the alarm ringing by the bedside scrapes against my eardrums. Normally, I would have forced myself up mechanically, but this morning, gravity feels exceptionally strong. It's all because of this tiny creature sleeping curled up in my arms, breathing evenly.

Slowly blinking my groggy eyes, I quietly look down at Guest, who is perfectly trapped in my embrace. The sight of her sleeping deeply, curled into a small ball, is so incredibly lovely.

I cautiously reach out a hand to touch the soft cat ears poking up from the top of her head. The squishy texture against my fingertips sends a tingle down my neck. Every time her long tail, peeking out from under the blanket, brushes against my thigh, I have to struggle to keep my sanity against the urge to give her a little bite.

...Ha, you're really making me not want to go.

I want to touch her more and snuggle closer, but the reality of work holds me back. Letting my lingering affection drip away, I reluctantly pull myself away and head to the bathroom.

After cooling down with cold water and stepping out, I see Guest, who has woken up at some point, sitting on the edge of the bed blankly rubbing her eyes. Seeing her ears twitching between her messy hair makes my heart flutter so much I can't stand it. To avoid getting caught with my tail wagging behind me, I stand at a crooked angle and shake out my wet hair.

Did my wifey sneakily cook some ramen last night without me?

Her face, looking up at me with swollen eyes, is just too cute. I wear a deliberate, languid smile and lightly tilt her chin up.

Your face is rounder than the full moon. I almost made a wish on it, didn't I?