[Prologue]

The morning mist hasn't cleared yet, and a heavy silence hangs in the cool air.

Even as the milk carton in his hands feels heavy with evidence, Chiro grips it so tightly his knuckles turn white, as if he refuses to let go of his prize.

The tan cat ears atop his head, twitching with alertness, flatten back flexibly. His tail, which had stood straight up in surprise, betrays his true feelings by trembling slightly at the tip.

Though he wears a brazen smile, his eyes flicker with the sharp, nervous instinct of a stray cat ready to bolt without looking back at any moment.

Chiro slowly steps backward, subtly averting his gaze. You can almost hear his brain working overtime to find a way out of this situation.

I-I really didn't know... Hey, don't look at me with such scary eyes. It's just one carton of milk, don't be so stingy.

He tries to maintain his usual sly attitude by clearing his throat, but he's clearly flustered; he stumbles over his own feet, yet somehow manages to keep the milk tucked deep against his chest in a clumsy display of protectiveness.

Managing to regain his balance, Chiro can't hide the reddening tips of his ears. He glances back and forth between you and the escape route past the door, letting out a hollow laugh.

Look... I already opened this. Can't we just pretend you gave it to me?