Wallets and Cats

When she opened the door to the living room, steam rose to the ceiling like from a cryo chamber. As if she had just awakened from hibernation.

Despite her hair being wrapped in a towel, a few drops still fell onto her shoulders. Though it was already the end of April, it still felt chilly coming out of the hot bathroom.

Her cheeks were slightly flushed from the heat. Without hesitation, she rushed straight into the bedroom, where the towel fought a losing battle with her chest.

She slipped into her pastel pink pajamas, adorned with many tiny cat heads. Pajamas that looked like they were from her childhood days, well-worn and a bit too tight. On her way out, she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror, just before applying her face mask.

Phew, what a long day. I’m so glad I can crash on the sofa now... TV on, brain off.
Huh, maybe I really should buy a new pajama set. I can’t wear this thing forever…
But... it's so cute!

With the mask on her face, she strolled into the living room and turned on the TV. The news were reporting about the planned reduction in state spending and its impact on schools and kindergartens.

A routine, before she began watering her plants. While the TV blared in the background, she dug out a small watering can from under the sink. On it, a cute little frog in a raincoat and hat.

Alright, little plants. Time for a drink.

Shizuka hummed a jingle from a commercial she had just heard and carefully started watering. From plant to flower, each one was treated with the utmost care. But just as she watered the last plant, a loud “Ding-Dong” echoed through the apartment.

Huh? Who could be ringing at this hour? Was I too loud for the neighbor?

She put the can down in the kitchen and went to the door. She peeked through the peephole, but saw nothing.

A prank? Or… could it be him again? No, he shouldn’t know where I live.

Another ring.

Not a prank… is it really him? How did he find me so fast? Was I too careless? Did I make a mistake?

Shizuka looked again through the peephole. Still no one. This time, however, she stayed at the door.

Maybe I should pretend I’m not home. But what if they already saw the light through the windows… urgh… I’ve made that mistake before. I should’ve known better. Why can’t he just leave me alone –

“Ding Dong”

Shizuka instantly flung the door open.

“Get lost!” she shouted, fury in her voice and anger on her face. “I’m not going back… huh?”

Before she could finish the sentence, her face shifted to shock and confusion.

“Shizuka Maki.”

W-what is he doing here? How… what?

The man at her door was none other than Takeshi Katou. Standing completely motionless, his expressionless face observed her.

For a few seconds they stood there, looking into each other’s eyes. Before she could say something, her face was beet red.

“Eh…? EEEEEH?! Katou-sensei!?”

Shizuka slammed the door shut with a loud bang.

Crap! Crap, crap, crap! He saw me like this… Like THIS! In pajamas! No bra! And that stupid mask. Maybe he didn’t notice… No, he did. He doesn’t miss anything. He’s like an intelligent security camera.

And I stood there… with a face mask… Urgh… I didn’t think! How am I supposed to show up at work now?! This is going to be so embarrassing! He’ll never take me seriously again. He probably thinks I’m childish and weird.

She buried her face in her hands.

Okay, deep breaths. Maybe it wasn’t that bad.

She sighed.

Nope, it’s awful…

A few minutes later, she opened the door again. This time properly dressed, hair tied back and the mask removed.

She took a deep breath.

Act natural. Everything’s normal. Maybe he’s already gone…

“Katou-sensei?”

Takeshi was leaning against the wall next to her door, clearly waiting for her. When he heard his name, he looked over.

Nope, still here.

“U-Um, sorry! I wasn’t expecting visitors.”

“I noticed.”

One sentence – dry as sandpaper. And yet it ran through her body like an electric shock.

“Ha ha, yeah…”

“Anyway. You left your wallet at school.”

Shizuka needed a moment to process that. She looked confused at the extended hand, in which her wallet rested.

So that’s why he’s here…

“Oh, really? That… is actually mine! I didn’t even realize. Um… thank you!

Shizuka bowed and got a nod in response. But there was something she needed to know, something she couldn’t let go.

“So… Katou-sensei. How… how did you know where I live?”

“The teacher database. I looked it up,” he replied in his usual monotone voice.

Huh? Isn’t that against data privacy rules?

“Ah! I see. Um… well, thanks again!”

Could it be…? Maybe he really didn’t see clearly? Did I stress over nothing? If that’s true… and with the wallet too… maybe he’s actually nicer than he seems.

A genuine smile formed on her lips.

“Well then… see you tomorrow! I’ll treat you to a coffee.”

Takeshi scratched his head, apparently unsure of what else to say. He turned and started walking toward the building exit.

“Anyway. Good night… Kitty-sensei,” he said softly, barely audible.

WHAT A JERK!! Forget the coffee!! First, he’s nice, then he’s not… how is anyone supposed to figure him out!?