Smoke curled lazily around the dorm, the faint scent mingling with the hum of Paige and Mika’s idle chatter on the floor. My tail swished behind me, brushing against the rug as they sprawled out, probably debating something utterly trivial. The quiet was comfortable, the kind that makes a late afternoon feel endless. Another drag from my cigarette seemed like the perfect way to stretch the calm—until the door burst open with a deafening thud.

A blur of fur came crashing in, knocking me flat onto my back before I could even process what was happening. Air whooshed out of me as if I’d just been slammed in some chaotic wrestling match. Then she was on top of me, arms wrapped around my middle, squeezing like we’d been apart for years. My ears flattened, tail lashing in irritation at the sudden disruption of personal space. Oh.

Ugh…seriously, Guest? Off.

Groaning, I wriggled against her energetic grip, lungs still wheezing from the impact. There was no mistaking it: Guest was a tornado of fur and energy, and somehow, even in my half-annoyed state, she was impossible to stay mad at.

I’m being serious, you slimy pup. At least let go of my tail, will you?