{In the relentless rain, the sound of boots on weathered stone echoed through the abandoned castle. Thunder rumbled and crows croaked in the background, lending to the eerie atmosphere. Opening a concealed door, the figure unveiled a secret room frozen in time.

The brightly lit chamber held a worn-out desk with a tattered journal. Within its pages, he uncovered a series of revelations that jolted his perception of reality. Although it confirmed his suspicions, he still couldn’t prevent the shock that sparked within him.

The subsequent pages were gone, leaving only jagged remnants. Frustration clawed at the figure, yet awareness of the need to depart soon tempered the emotion. Securing the journal within his cloak, he retraced his steps through the do-}

-

/Meow?/

“What is it?”

/Meow/

“Not now. I’ve just fed you. How are you hungry again?” Allen almost regretted taking the greedy little thing in, but now he was stuck with it.

/Meow~/

Undeterred, the cat continued to plead its case, rubbing against Allen's legs in a display of both affection and hunger. The rhythmic purring echoed in the quiet space of the bookstore, a subtle reminder of the unexpected joys and challenges that came with adopting a furry companion.

"Alright, alright," Allen relented, unable to resist the earnest plea of the cat. He sighed, setting aside his writing for a moment, and headed toward the small pantry in the back.

The cat followed with an air of triumph, tail held high as if reveling in its success. As Allen served the food into the cat's dish, he couldn't help but smile. It was a simple exchange, yet it brought a touch of warmth to the otherwise quiet bookstore.

The cat, content with its meal, purred appreciatively, momentarily eclipsing the rhythmic tapping of rain against the windows. Thunder rattles the glass window, but neither human nor cat reacts much to it besides a passing glance. It had been nonstop pouring for the past couple of days.

Allen's unspoken wish had been granted; the windows now boasted a newfound cleanliness when compared to before. Despite his plans for exploration being temporarily shelved, he preoccupied himself with indoor errands and hobbies.

His procrastination had taken on a more formidable form, buffed by the drowsy atmosphere of rainy days. He spent more of his time planning than actually doing. Even the carefully chosen light novel about a guy transmigrating as a dungeon core couldn’t capture his attention for long. It sat, abandoned, eagerly awaiting his next urge to read.

On a positive note, he had made unexpected progress in his writing. The serenade of rain and thunder lubricated his writer’s block and words seeped through with growing momentum. However, the atmospheric influence manifested in his writing mood, and he had to work overtime to prevent his work from being buried under a melodramatic landslide.

The rain also brought with it a couple of unwelcome dreams. The fragments of the dream from the previous night haunted Allen's thoughts. Bright lights, a sensation of falling, and then an enveloping darkness.

The darkness was terrifying. It was an abyss devoid of light, sound, or any discernible presence, an unending void. He screamed for help, but the only sound that resonated was the silent echo of his inner voice, confined within the recesses of his mind.

Allen shivered at the recollection of the nightmare, grateful it was over. A warmth on his leg turned his attention downwards.

/Meow?/

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

He smiled. “I’m ok.”

The cat’s eyes narrowed with his chin scratches. He had made the right choice. The bookstore felt less empty with his feline companion.

“It’s just you and me, Midnight.”

The door jingled just as he finished his sentence. His eyes shifted, curious of the visitor who would be willing to traverse through the downpour for a book.

Black boots entered his vision, a small puddle of water already forming beside them. A middle-aged man with sharp features, dressed in a skirt and cloak, came into focus.

Allen couldn't help but take note of the unconventional attire on the tall, broad figure. Are cloaks a fashion statement in this world? Should I also get one for myself?

His silent musings were interrupted as the unknown man cleared his throat, bringing Allen back to the present. "Hello. Sorry for intruding."

“No worries, stay for as long as you need.”

“Thank you.”

Allen assumed the man sought refuge from the worst part of the storm. He didn't mind; another human presence in the store was a welcomed change, even if it led to no meaningful conversation.

A part of Allen held hopes that the man might discover a novel to pass the time and perhaps make a purchase. Judging by his attire, the man didn't seem destitute, even if he wasn't overly wealthy.

Unfortunately, the mysterious man didn't venture far into the aisles but instead lingered near the door, a sense of caution emanating from him. It reminded Allen of the wariness one had when they encountered a persistent salesperson.

Although he sympathized with the man, he had two mouths to feed. Besides, the man looked like he held a complex story of his own. Allen, ever curious, decided to engage with the visitor. He approached, holding a book in his hand, careful to maintain a comfortable distance.

"Interested in a good read?" Allen offered, his tone amiable.

The man's gaze met Allen's before transferring to the book, a pause hanging in the air. After a moment of silence, the stranger declined with a subtle shake of his head. Allen, respectful of the unspoken boundaries, didn't press the matter. He had yet to reach a point of desperation where he'd disregard any sense of shame.

Returning to the front desk, Allen resumed his tasks, allowing the stranger his own space for contemplation. There was no use forcing what wasn’t meant to be. Instead of antagonizing a potential future customer, it was better to leave a positive impression.

Soon after, the jingling of a bell alerted Allen to the man’s departure. Allen didn't dwell on the missed opportunity. Instead, he found amusement in the passing thought that the guy bore a resemblance to the main character he envisioned for his current story.

He harbored a quiet hope to encounter the man again in the future, even if purchases weren't in the cards. Allen simply wished to observe, perhaps borrow a few characteristics or adventures from the man's story for his own tale.

Anything that allowed him to accomplish more with less effort pleased him greatly.

-

A cat flicked its tail as she perched on the desk, observing the muscular back exiting the store and seemingly vanishing into thin air. Glancing over at her distracted owner, she wondered if he had noticed the unusual disappearance on the other side of the glass. He hadn't.

She was ‘not like other cats’, gifted with a unique ability and higher intellect than her peers. The less fortunate felines had been abandoned once she could fend for herself. Her secondary vision proved useful, helping her avoid many dangers, although it sometimes activated without her permission.

There were no signs of life in the mysterious person she observed with her secondary vision. It was as if he had stepped out from a lower dimension with different governing rules. The discovery startled her, but she quickly remembered where she was and her new identity.

She was safe here, she lifted her eyes in contempt. No lowly creatures dared to disturb her here. Not with him here.

Perhaps sensing her gaze, the dark-haired young man directed his eyes towards her. They were inky pools that exuded a mysterious intensity, captivating and entrancing. Averting her eyes, she meowed playfully, burying her head into the offered hand.

Delighting in the scratches, she let her guard down, only to catch sight of shadowy tendrils dancing in her peripheral vision. She halted her ability as pain invaded her mind, a reality check she desperately needed. Her senses had dulled in the illusionary mundaneness of the last few days.

“Why are you crying, midnight? Got something in your eyes?” A concerned hand rubbed over her closed eyelids. Forcing her stiff body to relax, she allowed the hand to soothe the pain, not forgetting to complain.

/meooow/

“It’s ok, kitten. We’ll get him next time. Don’t worry, no customer can escape from our grasp.”

She believed him without a doubt.