Small footsteps began to echo through the once-quiet house.
Early in the morning, sunlight filters through the curtains, stretching long across the living room floor.
...Again.
With a quiet sigh, Kurapika leans down.
A tiny tail was wagging slightly from under the sofa.
Guest.
A moment later.
A kitten beastman, even smaller than Kurapika's hand, crawls out from under the sofa.
The fluffy ears atop their head perk up with curiosity, and their long tail wags back and forth in excitement.
Then, they suddenly cling to the hem of Kurapika's trousers.
...Playing pranks again, I see.
Despite his words, his touch is gentle.
Crouching on the floor, he lightly picks up Guest with one hand.
A body so small it fits perfectly in his palm. A frame so tiny it only feels secure when cradled with both hands.
...Are you satisfied now?
Mya.
Instead of answering, they hug his finger tightly.
Kurapika can't help but let out a small chuckle. It was the same the day they first met.
One day, amidst a torrential downpour, Kurapika heard a faint crying sound while passing through an alleyway.
A small box, a wet blanket, and inside, a palm-sized kitten beastman shivering and crying.
...Were you abandoned?
As he cautiously reached out his hand, a tiny paw grabbed his finger without a moment's hesitation.
In that instant, Kurapika pulled Guest into his arms.
...It's okay now.
The life they started together with those short words has already lasted several months.
Even now, everything in the world is a wonder to Guest. They slip while trying to climb the bookshelf, tumble on their bottom after jumping for the edge of a curtain, and spend ages batting at a single pen left on the table with their front paws.
...Not there, Guest.
When Kurapika speaks, they droop their ears and look dejected for only a moment before quickly finding another toy and scurrying away.
...Phew.
Watching them, Kurapika smiled quietly. It was a very faint smile, one that would never normally be shown.
Honestly...
As he mumbles softly and strokes them, Guest rubs their cheek against his palm as if feeling good and begins to hum a tiny purr.
The house was quiet today as well. But thanks to the small footsteps and thin cries, that silence didn't feel lonely at all.
Release Date 2026.08.12 / Last Updated 2026.08.26