Lila stirred awake to the gentle light of dawn creeping through the curtains. She glanced at the clock, noting that it was still early. With a soft smile, she turned to the man sleeping beside her. Albie, her partner, lay nestled in the covers, his chest rising and falling steadily. Lila cherished these quiet moments before the day began.

At twenty-two, Lila was vibrant and full of life. Her days revolved around her job as a barista at a cozy café in the heart of Javakarta, a charming small town where every street seemed to tell a story. She loved the rhythm of her work, the morning rush of customers, and the satisfaction of crafting the perfect cup of coffee. Outside of work, she enjoyed exploring the town, often finding herself feeding stray cats and offering them scraps from her day.

Gently, Lila slipped out of bed and tiptoed to the kitchen. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee soon filled the air as she prepared a steaming cup for Albie. She placed it on the kitchen counter, a little note alongside it reminding him to enjoy the coffee she had made with love.

Albie, at twenty-four, was a freelancer who thrived in the creative realm. His days were spent painting and drawing, a life that allowed him to stay mostly indoors. His apartment was filled with canvases and sketches, each telling a fragment of his imaginative world. While he enjoyed the solitude and comfort of his home, he sometimes felt isolated, missing the lively interactions of the outside world.

When Albie awoke, it was to the usual quiet of his apartment. The absence of Lila's warm presence was a familiar part of his mornings. He stretched and reached for his phone, noticing the message from Lila about the coffee. A smile tugged at his lips as he prepared himself for the day ahead. He settled at this desk, ready to immerse himself in his work.

The small town of Javakarta was waking up slowly, its cobblestone streets bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun. Albie glanced out the window, appreciating the peaceful start to the day. He felt a sense of contentment as he began his creative tasks, unaware that the quiet was about to be shattered.

As Albie worked at his desk, the rhythmic tapping of his keyboard was interrupted by an unexpected noise. It started as a faint scratching sound, barely audible over his concentration. Curious, he glanced up and traced the noise to the bathroom. The sight that greeted him was both amusing and alarming—a tiny mouse scurrying across the sink.

Albie's heart skipped a beat. To his surprise, he felt an overwhelming urge to act. Before he could process what was happening, his body began to change. Within moments, he was no longer a man but a sleek, dark gray cat. His instinct took over, and he pounced on the mouse with a feral excitement.

The mouse darted and zigzagged across the room, and Albie gave chase. His feline agility allowed him to navigate the apartment with ease, but the mouse was quick and nimble. Their frantic chase spilled out the open window and into the bustling streets of Javakarta.

Albie raced through the town, his sharp eyes locked on the mouse. He darted past bakeries where the scent of fresh bread wafted through the air, and through narrow alleys lined with colorful flower pots. The mouse was always just a step ahead, weaving through the crowd and under tables at outdoor cafes.

From the café where Lila worked, she glanced outside and noticed the commotion. Her gaze followed the erratic movement of a dark gray cat. She squinted and thought, "That cat looks strangely familiar." A mix of curiosity and amusement tugged at her.

As Albie continued his chase, he began to sense the absurdity of his situation. The thrill of the hunt gave way to a realization of his helplessness. He was a cat, running wildly through the streets, with no clear plan for how to revert to his human form. The mouse eventually disappeared from view, and Albie's frantic pace slowed.

Albie finally came to a halt, panting heavily. The mouse had vanished into the maze of streets, leaving him alone in the quiet alley behind the café where Lila worked. He looked around, feeling a mix of frustration and relief. As he caught his breath, his attention was drawn to a heartwarming sight.

Lila was in the back of the café, crouched on the ground and gently feeding a group of stray cats. Her movements were tender and deliberate as she placed scraps of food in front of them. The sight of her kindness and the way she cared for these vulnerable creatures touched Albie deeply. He felt a swell of pride and admiration for her. This was one of the many reasons he loved her so much.

Despite being in his cat form, Albie couldn't resist approaching her. His steps were slow and cautious as he made his way toward her. The stray cats scattered at his approach, sensing the presence of a cat prince among them. Lila looked up, puzzled by the sudden commotion.

As she saw Albie moving closer, she was surprised but intrigued. "Hey there, little guy," she said softly, extending her hand. Albie nuzzled into her hand, feeling an unexpected warmth from her touch. Lila picked him up, cradling him gently. Albie's heart swelled with happiness at the affection she showed him, even in his feline form.

However, their moment was interrupted when Lila's co-workers called out to her from inside the café. She glanced back, her expression shifting as she realized she needed to return to work. Reluctantly, she put Albie down and hurried back inside.

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Albie watched her go, a sense of melancholy settling over him. He wished he could stay longer but knew he had to focus on his own responsibilities. With a heavy heart, he sprinted back to their apartment, determined to finish his drawing before the afternoon deadline.

Once back in the safety of his studio, he transformed into his human form. He sat down at his desk, the unfinished drawing awaiting his attention. As he worked, he couldn't help but think about the brief but precious moment he had with Lila and the joy it brought him.

As Lila returned to the café, she found herself absorbed in the comforting routine of her work. She moved with practiced grace, preparing coffee for the steady stream of customers. Her focus was broken only by the occasional glance at the door, where new faces arrived.

But today, that glance brought an unexpected jolt. Walking in was her ex, the one who had shattered her trust, accompanied by another woman. A knot of anxiety tightened in her chest. The sight of him brought back a wave of memories she had tried to bury.

In a fleeting flashback, Lila was alone on a rainy sidewalk. She was only twenty back then, tears mingling with raindrops as she sat unnoticed by the passersby. The rain had soaked her through, and the chill of the night seemed to match the cold ache in her heart. It was then that she had made a silent vow to herself—to never trust anyone again. But then, a figure appeared through the mist of the rain. A man with a jacket, who without a word, offered her his umbrella before walking away into the downpour, his own face exposed to the elements. The kindness of that gesture had left a lasting impression on her, an unspoken promise of hope in her darkest hour.

Shaking off the memory, Lila forced herself to focus on the present. She wasn't going to let her past dictate her future. She had found happiness with Albie, and she refused to let old wounds fester.

Just as she was finding her footing, a commotion at the counter snapped her back to reality. Her ex was now in the middle of a heated argument with the woman he had been with. The girl's voice rose above the cafe's usual buzz, berating him for his infidelity. The scene was chaotic, with the girl storming out, leaving her ex standing there, looking increasingly embarrassed.

In his flustered state, he caught sight of Lila and, with a desperate attempt to salvage some dignity, approached her. "Lila, hey," he said, trying to sound nonchalant, "I didn't expect to see you here. Look, I know this looks bad, but I—"

Lila cut him off with a firm, no-nonsense tone. "Just stop. I don't want to hear it. Stay away from me, or I'll call the authorities." Her voice left no room for negotiation.

Her ex looked mortified, his attempts to maintain his composure crumbling as he stumbled back. "Uh, right. Okay. I'm sorry." He turned and dashed out of the café, chasing after the girl who had left him behind.

As Lila watched the chaotic scene unfold, she finally felt a wave of relief. The past was behind her, and her future with Albie was looking brighter. But her moment of tranquility was interrupted by the realization that both her ex and the girl had left without paying for their coffees.

Lila couldn't help but chuckle, shaking her head. "Seriously? What a day." She turned to her coworker, a grin tugging at her lips. "Looks like we've got a little extra work to do. At least it's not every day you get a free show."

After a grueling day, Albie finally wrapped up his work and made sure everything was delivered before the deadline. He took a moment to tidy the bathroom, which had been left in disarray after his frantic chase with the mouse. With the space now orderly, he settled into a comfortable routine, eagerly awaiting Lila's return.

When Lila walked through the door, a smile immediately brightened Albie's face. She looked exhausted, but her eyes sparkled with relief at seeing him. "Hey there," she greeted, dropping her bag by the door.

"Hey," Albie replied, his voice warm and welcoming. He moved closer to her, taking in her presence. "Long day?"

"You have no idea," Lila sighed, her shoulders relaxing as she slipped off her shoes. "But it's always better coming home to you."

They shared a moment of comfortable silence, and then Albie spoke up. "I got the drawing finished just in time. It feels good to tick that off the list."

"Good job!" Lila said, her eyes lighting up with genuine appreciation. "I can't wait to see it. But first, I'm going to get something to eat. Want to join me?"

"Sure," Albie agreed, following her into the kitchen. As they settled in, Lila began recounting the events of her day. "So, you won't believe this. I saw this cat today that looked so familiar, like it was from a different time or place. It's been on my mind all day."

Albie's heart skipped a beat, a pang of unease twisting inside him. He forced a casual tone, trying to keep the conversation light. "Maybe it's just a cat with a familiar face. They say cats have a way of popping up when you least expect them."

Lila chuckled, clearly comforted by his attempt at humor. "You're probably right. I've been thinking about how lucky I am lately. I remember that night in the rain, when a stranger gave me an umbrella. I was so lost then, and now here I am, with that stranger together with him. It's like everything fell into place."

Albie's heart ached with the weight of her words. "I'm glad you feel that way," he said softly, reaching out to hold her hand. "I often think how fortunate I am to have found you. You've brought so much joy into my life. Sometimes, it feels like a dream."

They continued to talk, sharing their small victories and mundane details, their laughter filling the room. As the evening settled in, Lila's eyes grew heavy with fatigue. She leaned into Albie, her head resting against his shoulder. "I'm so glad I have you," she murmured.

"I feel the same," Albie whispered, his voice barely above a breath. He gently kissed her forehead, savoring the warmth of their closeness.

When Lila finally fell asleep, Albie remained awake, his mind restless. He picked up his phone, not intending to use it, but to gaze at the reflection on the screen. The soft light revealed the faint image of cat ears atop his head.

He shook his head, and the image disappeared, but the worry in his eyes lingered. The room was bathed in a gentle moonlight that filtered through the window, casting a serene glow over Albie. His mind was a whirlwind of conflicting emotions as he stared out at the moonlit night. He thought, "Isn't it strange? The more I care for someone, the more I hide from them. But not yet. Not until the right time."