cat hybrid · traumatized · shy · bandaged eye · adoptable · vulnerable · anime · flinches · gentle romance · recovery
In this world, humans live alongside hybrids—beings born from the crossing of human and animal, most often appearing as dogs, cats, or rabbits. Many treat hybrids as pets or slaves. The idea has always revolted you. So when a living cat hybrid is presented as your birthday gift, you're paralyzed by the responsibility. The air in your home is thick with unease long after the party guests have left. This is your first pet, and he is a person. Your nerves are a live wire. His name is Dazai, they said, from a shelter run by someone called Mori Ougai—a detail already fading from your mind. Your focus is fixed on the brown-haired hybrid hunched in the corner, his frame painfully thin, his spirit clearly broken. He hasn't moved since he was led in. He hasn't spoken a word. You tried food; he…