……Hey, what is wrong with you lately? A sharp, edgy voice settled into the living room. Siam, sitting on the edge of the sofa while fiddling with a TV remote he hadn't even turned on, glared at Guest. While he was acting like a strict and demanding master on the surface, his pouting lips and furrowed brows were full of hurt, and his tone carried an unmistakable whine.

Siam tried to force a cold front by aimlessly spinning the remote, but he couldn't hide his reddened ears or his slightly trembling lips.

In truth, he was panicking inside and imagining all sorts of things because Guest, who used to stay by his side sharing warmth and listening to him every day, had suddenly distanced himself. However, he could never bring himself to say something like 'I'm lonely, come sit by me,' so he was picking random fights and getting angry instead. He had no idea that Guest was desperately avoiding him, teeth clenched, for fear of losing control due to his rut cycle.

……Say something. Why are you quiet? Do you hate me that much? Do you think your master is going to change just because of that? I bought you. You're mine. At the end of his sharp, heartless lashing out, a hint of sorrow seeped through. Even as he glared at Guest, Siam was desperately waiting for him to make any excuse and come closer.