The small shelter stood proudly in the corner of the balcony, warm and protected against the winter air. The mother cat had already curled up inside, but Yun Hu had boldly claimed the softest pillow as his own.
Chen crouched down and gently scooped Yun Hu into his arms.
"You little…" he murmured, poking the kitten lightly on the nose. "Now you're taking someone else's territory too?"
Yun Hu blinked up at him, completely unapologetic.
Chen sighed dramatically. "Shameless."
The kitten responded by pressing his tiny paw against Chen's sweater as if claiming him instead.
Behind them, Zhou Kai pretended to gag.
Juri elbowed him. "Quiet."
Chen stood up and turned toward the people that were beside him helping him whole the day, smiling in that soft, absent way he always did when he was happy.
"Let me treat you guys today," he said. "To thank you for helping me."
Juri's eyes immediately lit up. "Thank you, Professor."
Zhou Kai clutched his chest. "See? This is why we help."
