Chapter Text
Minho didn’t often engage with his coworkers much. It was easy to not. They all worked remotely, and honestly a lot of them weren’t even in the same city as Minho.
But with that being said, he didn’t mind his coworkers. So when they had their monthly zoom meeting, they would chat together while they waited for the team lead to show up.
It was during pleasantries and ’what did you do this weekend’s that Minho heard it.
“Me and my girlfriend went to that new cat cafe downtown, it was really great. She loves cats.”
Cat cafe?
Even just the mention of it had Minho smiling. He grew up with cats, really enjoyed having them, and the thought of going to a cafe where he just got to hang out with a bunch of kitties had a giddy excitement fluttering through him.
Tuning out his coworkers, he opened up a web browser and immediately started looking into it, finding that it wasn’t too far away and it would be easy to get there, mentally setting a date with himself to go.
He didn’t spend much time on the website, his team lead joining soon after, but he didn’t even need to, they didn’t need to convince him with cute photos of kitties or a big menu. He was sold the second he heard the word ‘cat’.
—
It was nice to have something to look forward to at the end of the week, because when Saturday rolled around, he was smiling all morning.
It felt almost like his birthday, giddy and excited, waiting to open his present.
He had parked his car about a block away and was walking down the sidewalk, following the directions on his phone with a little bounce in his step.
Opening the doors brought him into a tiny reception space, a hostess standing behind a little podium, immediately greeting him cheerfully.
She asked if he had been there before, and she smiled when he said he hadn’t. “That’s alright! I’m just going to go over a few things with you.”
Of course, it made sense. They had to keep their kitties safe. So he waited as patiently as he could while she explained some of the rules, and most of them were common sense. His eyebrows raised when she let him know that all of the cats were up for adoption, including the one hybrid they housed here and she must have seen the look of surprise on Minho’s face because she nodded and briefly explained.
“We keep one hybrid with us as well, they have almost…” she stares off as she thinks, “a work-stay arrangement. The hybrid keeps the cats comfortable after-hours and then enjoys his time in the cafe during the day.”
It seemed like a nice arrangement, a lot of hybrids ended up on the streets if they didn’t get adopted to live with someone, so it only made Minho feel even better about being here.
She handed him a little booklet as she continued, “our current hybrid is named Hyunjin.” She flipped open the booklet to the last page and pointed, “he’s a 24 year old maine coon.”
Minho looked at the little photo she was pointing at of a hybrid with short dirty blonde hair, two fluffy peaches and cream coloured ears and a boyish face. He was smiling in the photo, scrunching his eyes up cutely and showing off his fangs. He looked sweet.
“He can be a bit stand-offish.” The hostess mentioned.
Oh.
Okay, so not that sweet.
“I just wanted to give you a heads up, because he doesn’t often warm up to patrons, so please don’t be offended if he rejects you from trying to spend time with him.”
Minho frowned. If the hybrid wanted to be left alone, he would leave the hybrid alone. There were plenty of kittens there for him to play with while he ordered a snack and coffee.
With his introduction over, she ushered him through another door and he was walking into the actual cafe.
It was a big beautiful space, and clearly the owners took great care with maintaining it. There was foliage everywhere, with wide open windows and little tables nestled under hanging plants and pillows scattered comfortably about. It was warm and fresh.
And of course, there were cats.
So many cats. Lounging in little cat condos, on pillows, in books, under chairs, in peoples laps. It was amazing.
Immediately a little grey cat trotted up to his legs and rubbed against his jeans, and Minho couldn’t hold back his coos, squatting down to hold out his hand for the cat to sniff and rub against before he started to stroke down their back.
He kept the little booklet in his hand, and fumbled it open while keeping one hand on his purring new friend. Every cat had a little profile with a photo, the hostess had explained.
“You must be Snickers,” he whispered to the cat, scratching under his chin after reading the short bio that said the little grey cat enjoyed being pet like that.
Eventually, Snickers trotted away to go roll in the little patch of grass they had growing and Minho figured he should move away from the entrance, so he made his way over to one of the tables.
While crossing the space, he saw him.
The hybrid, Hyunjin, was laying underneath a little nook, head resting on his stretched out arm with his orange tail curled around him. Several cats were laying right against his body, seeming to be sleeping.
It was cute enough that Minho’s heart clenched.
But Hyunjin didn’t enjoy people bothering him, so Minho pretended he didn’t even see the hybrid while he continued scanning the space.
There were a few couples sitting at tables, petting a few cats and enjoying the drinks, and there was giggles coming from a young girl, playing with a small spotted kitten as her parents watched with fond eyes.
It was nice.
As Minho settled at his table he saw a little orange cat looking at him with interest, so he rubbed his fingers together and made a clicking sound to gently entice them over.
It didn’t take much coaxing for the cat— Pumpkin, he learned— to jump into his lap, purring loudly and kneading his thighs.
Eventually a young man comes by to take his order and he gets a pastry with his coffee, and before it comes, another orange cat named Mimi lays over his feet.
It’s so peaceful.
Time flies and cats come and go, but when Coco and Timtam leave his folded legs to go eat after an hour or so, he figures he should take the opportunity to head home himself.
Walking back over to the entrance, he pretends to not see the eyes that follow him.
—
He heads back the following weekend, being greeted by a different employee at the door but moving into the cafe much quicker this time, getting to say he had been here before.
Two cats approach him right away, meowing and chirping. He pets them before walking over to the same table he sat at before, making little noises to encourage the cats to follow him.
The thick white one sits on his legs, and Minho reads that her name is Marshmallow, while the tabby named Blossom lounges on the table in front of him. The purring was so soothing, and it was meditative to be able to just sit with some cats, mindlessly petting. Minho didn’t really think he was very stressed in his life, but any stress that might live in his muscles melted away when he was here.
Maybe he should think about adopting one of them. It had been a long time since he had the feline company.
He wouldn’t rush into it though— there was time. And there was so many choices.
As silly as it might seem to some, Minho was also kind of believed that your pet chose you as much as you chose them. He liked the idea of bringing one of them home, but it wasn’t the right time yet.
His time is occupied with playing with a big tuxedo cat named Puddles, smiling as he hops back and forth chasing after the feather on a string. Shit, he loves this place.
Eventually the staff bring over his drink and he relaxes back into his seat, a new little black cat named Bambi kneading his thighs the whole time.
He took note of Hyunjin resting in the windowsill, one leg folded and the other stretched out with his long fluffy tail over his thighs. It looked like he might be sleeping with how his head was tilted back and resting on the wall and his hand was perfectly still, nestled in the fur of what looked like Timtam.
Once again, Minho gave the hybrid his space, not wanting to upset Hyunjin where he lived.
But it didn’t seem like everyone had the same idea, because Minho watched with a twisted expression as a man walked over to Hyunjin right after entering the cafe.
It seemed like a pretty bold thing to do, given that even under Hyunjin’s little bio in the booklet it said that the hybrid preferred to be left alone, in hard to miss bold lettering.
“Hey kitty,” Minho heard the man say, and cringed as he reached out to pet at the hybrid’s head.
But Hyunjin ducked out of the way and glared at the man, apparently not sleeping in the slightest and scooping Timtam closer as he slid down the wall to evade the hand.
“Aw, don’t be like that,” the man cooed and reached out again, having the audacity to look surprised when Hyunjin slapped his hand away.
“Now that’s not very nice,” he scolded, holding his own hand and glaring back. Minho rolled his eyes. It’s not very nice to bother people who didn’t want to be bothered, but apparently he missed that memo.
He doesn’t leave the maine coon hybrid until after he makes a foolish third attempt that has Hyunjin growling and Timtam hissing, the man walking away with a huff and Minho shakes his head. So fucking rude.
Hyunjin seems to wait until the man has settled into a seat with his back to him before scooping up Timtam and moving somewhere else.
—
Minho frequents the cafe, having been several times now, knowing all the cats by name and several recognizing and running up to him when he enters. He’s gotten to know most of the staff too, making pleasant small talk with them when he comes in.
He still hasn’t ever spoken with Hyunjin though. But after seeing many failed attempts at other patrons trying to invade his space, Minho sort of figures he appreciates the space.
But then one day, they have a new kitten, she’s tiny and was a rescue. She’s so so small, fitting into Minho’s hand.
He pets her gently with two fingers, heart swelling. “I wish I knew your name, sweetheart,” he whispers to her as she makes little noises. She wasn’t in the booklet yet, so he didn’t have any information on her.
When she wakes up she seemed to be looking for something, meeping and stumbling around near Minho, but not wanting to go far from where he was sitting on the ground.
“Sweetheart, hey, are you looking for something? Are you hungry?” She can’t answer of course, but Minho still talks to her, wanting to soothe the little kitten.
Her squeaks were getting a bit more distressed and Minho was just about to go grab one of the staff when someone sits down beside him.
“Daisy,” a soft, sweet voice calls, and the kittens trips over her own feet to waddle over. To say Minho was surprised when he looked over to see Hyunjin beside him was an understatement. The hybrid kept careful distance from all the patrons and even after all his visits, Minho had still never seen him up close.
He watched with wide eyes as Hyunjin scooped up the kitten, Daisy apparently, and let her nibble on the tip of his finger.
He was even more surprised when Hyunjin turned to look at Minho and spoke with that same soft voice. “She’s hungry,” he explained. “Do you want to feed her?”
His ears swivelled and flicked as he spoke, and Minho gaped for a moment before he remembered to answer, nodding and then asking, “is that okay?”
Hyunjin smiled and nodded, tail swaying lightly in his peripherals. It was hard to believe this was the same hybrid he had only ever heard growl or hiss at patrons.
Minho was handed the kitten, and then handed a little bottle. Hyunjin seemed to have no reservations about leaning right into his space to teach him how to do this properly, adjusting Minho’s hands and encouraging him softly.
“There,” Hyunjin breathed when Daisy attached to the bottle properly and began to drink from it, wiping under her chin when milk dribbled out.
Minho grew up with cats, not so much kittens, especially not ones that were so young, so this was never something he experienced, and he couldn’t help the way he cooed at her. “She’s so tiny,” he marvelled, mostly to himself but Hyunjin agreed.
“She’s only around four weeks,” Hyunjin explained and Minho gaped. That was so young.
“I’m surprised she’s out here then.” It was hard to believe that the cafe was letting patrons be with such a young cat, but Hyunjin tilted his head.
“She’s.. not really.” His tail thumps gently, “I don’t let people around her yet.”
He nods, accepting the answer even though it didn’t really make sense since the kitten had been hanging out with Minho for a good while before Hyunjin came over.
She falls back asleep, milk dripping from her mouth onto Minho’s pants, but he doesn’t care. She’s so sweet, and Minho doesn’t want to wake her up, especially not for something as trivial as wiping his jeans.
And Hyunjin stays, lingering close but not saying much.
But it’s fine, Daisy purrs quietly in her sleep and Minho enjoys the moment.
Eventually, she stirs and stumbles to stand up, Minho helping her to the ground so she has something firm to walk on and she bumbles right over to where Hyunjin had curled up, laying stretched over on a pillow and bumping right into his head.
The hybrid yawns, stretching out and smacking his lips lightly, and Minho was once again surprised. Had he fallen asleep? So close to Minho?
Daisy meeps up at the cat hybrid who smiles down at her, booping her nose with a gentle finger before scooping her up. He looked so cute and sweet, tending to the little kitten.
It felt like a massive privilege to see Hyunjin this close, so Minho felt a little on edge to not mess it up.
But it didn’t last much longer, because Hyunjin cradled Daisy close and made like he was going to stand up, except before he did, he had one more surprise in store for Minho apparently, because he leaned in and said, “It was nice to meet you…” and trailed off, like he was waiting for Minho’s name.
So Minho gave it to him, and smiled back when Hyunjin did, showing off his cute fangs. “Minho,” he tried out, standing and then saying, “I’m Hyunjin.”
Maybe it was time for him to leave as well, with how his legs ached from being locked in one position for so long, so he rose as Hyunjin did, smiling and repeating the hybrid’s words.
“It was nice to meet you too, Hyunjin.”
As he left, the hostess he met from his first visit that he had come to know as Jihyo, and another named Sana, crowded up to him. “Did Hyunjin come up to you?” Jihyo rushed out.
“Yes?”
“What happened, did he say anything?” They both looked shocked and excited, but Minho didn’t have much to share. He explained that Daisy was sitting with him and then started crying, which was when Hyunjin came over and got him to feed her. Then he slept on the ground in front of Minho.
“He let you feed Daisy?”
“He slept near you?” They both trip over their words, telling Minho that it’s so exciting, that Hyunjin doesn’t let any of the patrons see Daisy and he’s never warmed up to anyone before.
“Maybe he’s coming out of his shell?” He offered and was shot with a deadpan look from both of them.
“Or maybe he finally likes someone.”
Minho blushes at that, feeling a little embarrassed at the attention, even though he thinks about it until he falls asleep that night.
—
The next time he goes, he settles at a table and looks at the new little booklet they have printed. They’ve added Daisy into it now, and there was also a new section of menu items that patrons could order for the cats.
His eyes lit up when he saw all the treats he could order, little pieces of fish or squeezable tubes of different meats. There was a sampler pack that came with a few things, which was what he ordered along with his pastry and coffee.
Butternut Squash was purring in his lap but became alert and excited, meowing and stepping all over him once the staff brought over all the things he ordered.
He opened up one of the little tubes and squeezed some of the paste out, letting her lick at it and smiling. Another cat trots over at the smell and Minho references the booklet once again, not being familiar with the new grey tabby.
“Lord Purrington IV?” He laughs to himself as the cat jumps onto the chair beside him. “Can I call you Purrington or do you want the full name, sweetheart?”
The tabby sniffs at the air, clearly wanting a treat so he offers some of the paste from the tube, leaving after having had his fill.
The tubes emptied quickly, leaving him with some little pieces of fish. The menu specified that they were sushi grade, which he thought was sweet. They really cared for the cats here.
He noticed they brought two pairs of chopsticks on his tray as well. Did people typically feed the cats with them? He had planned on just letting them eat out of his hands.
Grabbing one of the pink little slices, he offers it to Butternut Squash, who sniffs at it but otherwise doesn’t seem very interested. He nibbles at the small piece himself, curious about the fish and hum as he works it with his teeth.
Stroking down the cat in his laps spine, he zones out, almost startling when the chair opposite of him pulls out and someone sits down.
“Hi Minho.” Hyunjin greets, polite and soft. His ears are swivelling, and he looks cute in his big white sweater, holding Daisy, who rests calmly in the crook of his arm.
“Hello Hyunjin,” he tries to keep the surprise out of his voice. He’s not entirely sure what he’s done to be blessed with the hybrid’s presence again, but he likes it all the same. “How are you doing?”
Hyunjin smiles, dark irises disappearing as his eyes scrunch closed. “I’m good. Daisy has been making friends with Biscotti.” Minho is semi-familiar with the other new kitten, a little older than Daisy, orange and confident.
“That’s great,” he smiles, and Hyunjin’s tail sways.
Hyunjin doesn’t seem like he has very much to say, which Minho is okay with, content to just hang out and relax, but then he remembers his little tray— and the second pair of chopsticks.
“Oh!” Hyunjin’s ears flick and he looks over. “Would you like some salmon?”
Apparently it was Hyunjin’s turn to be surprised, because he gives a quiet, “are you sure?” Which Minho reassures.
Hyunjin moves in a very careful, graceful way, picking up the chopsticks so they don’t click or bump into anything, and plucking up a slice of fish so that they don’t scrape the ceramic.
He doesn’t really mean to stare, but Hyunjin was just… kind of adorable, especially when he puts the pink fish past his pink lips and chews with a happy little hum. One of the servers comes by to ask Minho if he wants anything else and they give him a knowing little smile when he in turn asks Hyunjin if would like Minho to order him anything.
Other cats come and go, but Hyunjin continues to lounge around near him, keeping Daisy close by. It’s comfortable and easy.
—
Daisy was old enough for Hyunjin to let her waddle around the room, still keeping a close eye on her but the hybrid no longer lingered around her the same way. She would play with other cats and sometimes waddle into stranger’s laps as well.
Minho had partially thought (worried) that Hyunjin wouldn’t linger around him anymore either, but it seemed to be the opposite. The hybrid would sit with him and ask little questions about his life, like what Minho did for work, and if he had cats before.
“You seem like a cat person,” Hyunjin mused, playing with a thread on his own sweater.
“Yeah?” Minho smiles, he was pretty easy to read.
“Yeah. They all immediately trust you. And you talk to them like they’re people.” The tip of his tail flicks back and forth. “It’s cute.” Is spoken out quietly and Minho blushes a little himself.
—
Minho asks Hyunjin about things too, sometimes sitting at one of the tables and sharing some food, and sometimes while sitting in beanbag chairs and playing with the cats.
“I like to make things,” Hyunjin answered easily when Minho inquired about his hobbies after hours. The hybrid was curled up in the soft bean bag chair, stroking Melon the tabby. It was a cute visual and even though Minho had the privilege of getting to spend time with Hyunjin over the last couple of months, he still had to bite back his cooing, not wanting make the hybrid uncomfortable.
“What kind of things?”
Hyunjin’s ears perk up while at the same time he looks to Melon, smiling and looking shy. “Lots of things,” his tail flicks gently, and he thinks for a moment. “I like to draw. But I also like knitting and making latte art…”
The thought of him wearing an apron and working a cafe counter was also cute. Smiling and handing people their coffees, tail raised high and happy behind his back.
“I’ve always wanted to try watercolour painting too,” he adds while running his fingers through the downy fur of his tail. “But I’ve never gotten around to getting the supplies.”
Several weeks ago, Minho had wondered what the rules were like for Hyunjin staying here. Because he figured the hybrid could come and go but he had also always seen him here.
It was relieving to hear Hyunjin’s answer, explaining with a little laugh that he could go out after his work duties were finished, he just didn’t care much for going out alone. The staff would sometimes offer to take him to the store but Hyunjin also just likes to stay in more often than not.
Minho could relate. It was the main reason why he sought out a job he could do from home.
Curling up in the comfort of his own home was almost always preferred. Clearly the exception was anywhere he could hang out with cats, or a cute cat hybrid, that hissed at a lot of people— but not Minho.
—
It had been a long week. A lot of projects were nearing their ends and it meant just enough overtime that Minho was too exhausted to make the trip down to the cat cafe.
Knowing that he had nothing to do on Saturday except pet some cats and maybe chat with Hyunjin got him through the week. So it was needless to say that when he walked through the doors and waved at Sana, and she gave a little frown, he was a bit confused.
He didn’t let it bother him much, maybe she was having an off day. It happened. But when he walked through the space, greeting the cats as he passed them or they bounded up to him, he didn’t see Hyunjin in any of his usual spots. Maybe he was in the back. Maybe he was just hiding in a new spot.
Except even after Minho settled into a seat, the hybrid didn’t emerge. It was becoming a little harder to bury the strange sinking feeling he was getting. Was he okay?
Had he… had he been taken home by someone?
It seemed unlikely. Hyunjin would have to sign the papers as well, and Minho has only ever seen him hiss and swat at other patrons. He was kind with the familiar staff— had one of them offered?
Jihyo appeared at the side of his table, breaking him away from his thoughts. “Sana told me you came in,” she said in lieu of a normal greeting. “Hyunjin told us to go get him if you came in.”
The mention of the hybrid had his head whipping over to look at her, and she smiles a little sadly. It worries him, “is he okay?”
“He is, he’s just in heat right now so he didn’t come out today.” Heat? Okay— but was that bad? Was he in a lot of pain? Minho feels a little stupid about how little he knows about the topic. “But he explicitly told us that if we saw you come in this weekend he wanted to know.”
Barely ten minutes later has Hyunjin emerging from the staff door at the back of the cafe, and Minho’s eyebrows furrow.
The hybrid was wrapped up in sweat pants and a big sweater that hung off his frame. He was clutching a blanket that was wrapped around his shoulders and his soft tail was dragging behind him on the ground. He’s seen many sides to Hyunjin by now, but he’s never seen him look so unkempt. There are dark bags under his eyes and his choppy hair is fluffy and askew. The closer he gets, Minho can see a layer of sheen on his skin too. Should he really be coming out here?
Minho rises from his seat to greet the hybrid, fumbling over his words— greeting, trying to ask how he was feeling, if he should really be out here, if he was okay, only for Hyunjin to just grab his hand and walk him across the cafe.
He gets the hint to shut up, going easily with the hybrid. It was hard to not feel concern with how warm and clammy Hyunjin’s hand was, but the grip was firm and Minho had to focus more on not stepping on his tail.
They arrive in the back corner where there were large stuffed pillows piled together and Hyunjin gently pushes at Minho until he sits in the cushions.
Hyunjin wastes no time following suit, curling up right against Minho, wrapped in his blanket and resting his head on Minho’s stomach. He has one arm curled up against his body and the other drapes over Minho’s waist.
It’s a lot.
It’s a lot in a good way.
Hyunjin was so soft and sweet, cuddling into Minho’s stomach. The way that he had brought Minho over here had been so cute and firm, the hybrid knowing exactly what he wanted from him.
His heart flooded with warmth.
Heat radiated off of Hyunjin and bled into Minho, but it was okay. He would drown in his own sweat before he moved or told the hybrid to move.
Almost on reflex, his hand found its way into Hyunjin’s hair, combing through the short strands. “Is it okay that I’m petting you?” He whispered, holding still and cringing because he absolutely should have asked before he started, but thankfully Hyunjin gives several rapid nods, his hair messing even further against his shirt.
So Minho continues his gentle pets, detangling the messy strands and eventually, very carefully, rubbing his fingers against the base of Hyunjin’s soft, peach coloured ears.
Right away, a low purr reverberates through his core, and he feels a little victorious. He’s never heard Hyunjin purr before, let alone felt it as it rumbled through his body— and he’s sure that few others have either. What a privilege.
It’s like a lot of his other visits, Minho just relaxing, petting and rubbing cute cat ears and feeling all of the tension slide out of him. Of course this time, the ears belonged to a tall, handsome cat hybrid and not a tiny little kitten.
Several of the other cats came to curl up on or around them, maybe drawn in by the body heat Hyunjin was giving off, and Minho found himself buried beneath cats of all sorts.
Slowly, Hyunjin’s breathing deepens and Minho knows he’s fallen asleep, and he keeps stroking his hair and ears. He’s sweating and frankly, his ass went numb at least 45 minutes ago, but nothing short of an emergency would have him disturbing the sleeping boy or any of the cats.
He pointedly doesn’t think about what it means that Hyunjin wanted to still be with him when he was in heat, not wanting to think too deeply about things he doesn’t fully understand.
He also doesn’t think much about his emotional reaction to thinking Hyunjin might have been taken home by someone.
—
It was starting to cool down, with fall on its way, but he didn’t even feel the chill because the doors were in sight and suddenly he was walking a little faster.
He’s not sure why he was so nervous, crinkling the little brown bag in his hands as he walks through the door of the very familiar cat cafe. It’s not weird, probably. People brought things for the cats all the time— little donations of toys or snacks. And even though he’s never seen someone gift anything to Hyunjin before, doesn’t necessarily mean that he shouldn’t, right?
Plus, he just happened to be walking past an art store the other day and he remembered what the hybrid had said about wanting to try out some new supplies.
It was fine, he was fine. If Hyunjin didn’t want them, it was okay. He would donate the supplies to an elementary school or something.
But instead, Hyunjin lit up. Wiggling and smiling as Minho handed him the little bag, trying to play it off like it wasn’t a nice thing to do. “You brought me a gift?”
His ears were perked up and his eyes curved into happy crescents. God, he was so cute.
“Open it,” he urges, smiling in the infectious joy that was leaking out of the hybrids pores.
Hyunjin doesn’t really waste anytime after the encouragement, sticking his hand into the bag, careful to not loudly crinkle the papers and gasping when he pulled out the little palette.
His eyebrows furrow for a split second, and Minho’s heart skips. Was it bad?
Before he gets the chance to backpedal, Hyunjin speaks. “You got me watercolours?” His ears are pulled back and Minho swallows his panic.
Clearing his throat, “um, yes—”
He’s cut off by a solid weight crashing into his chest, Hyunjin hugging him tightly and purring loudly, words coming out rumbled and distorted because of it. “That’s so nice— I can’t believe you remembered.”
The relief that comes with Hyunjin’s reaction lifted a heavy weight off his shoulders, laughing and smoothing his hand over the back of Hyunjin’s head and neck.
“I’m glad you like it.”
—
Someone files to adopt Daisy and Hyunjin tells Minho about it.
“She’s going to a good home. A retired couple are picking her up soon.” Hyunjin says, he’s calm and has a bittersweet smile.
And, Minho gets it. It is bittersweet. It’s sad that the kitten is leaving, but it’s nice that she’s going somewhere where she’s going to be getting so much love and care.
There’s another cat in the home, and Hyunjin puffs his chest out proudly when Minho asks what he thinks of that. “I raised her well. She’ll be okay.”
Minho pretends to not see the little sheen in Hyunjin’s eyes, distracting him by setting up a little table game for them to play, Daisy curling up in the hybrid’s lap.
The day she gets picked up, Hyunjin is good about it. Minho watches from his table as he stands with all the staff and they wave Daisy goodbye with her new family. They’re all smiling, and Jihyo keeps her hand on Hyunjin’s shoulder, subtly comforting the hybrid.
She walks him over to Minho, clapping on his back gently. “—that could be you one day, you know.”
Hyunjin scoffs, pulling his ears back and Minho laughs.
When he sits down, Minho slides him the cup of hot chocolate he ordered for him and Hyunjin wraps his hands around it with a big smile.
“You’re doing okay?” Minho just wants to check in. Hyunjin had really loved Daisy.
“Yeah,” Hyunjin licks at his lips after taking a sip of his drink. “It’s sad but, it’s going to be so good for her.”
They move on but then Minho remembers when Hyunjin went into heat.
“You know, I thought someone had adopted you that day you were in heat.”
The reaction he got from Hyunjin was pretty humorous, the hybrid recoiling and pulling his lip up. “No.” His tail whips around and he repeats, “no.” It makes Minho laugh, and he feels better. Ever since, the idea has lingered in the back of his mind, slightly worried that his time with Hyunjin was limited.
But the hybrid’s strong reaction was comforting, in a strange way.
—
When he’s not at the cafe, he finds Hyunjin occupying more and more of his thoughts. What was the cat up to today? Did he figure out how to make the swan latte art that he had been working on?
Was he comfortable? Did Willow the grey cat stop biting his tail yet?
When he watches tv at night, he’s a little chilly, and he can’t help but think about when Hyunjin would drape over him, purring, soft and warm.
He thinks about all the extra space in his apartment, in his bed, in his life— but he tries to not think about it too much.
Hyunjin was happy and content and he expressed a pretty negative reaction to just the idea of being taken home by someone. Minho knew not to push, would never dream of making the hybrid uncomfortable, even though he slowly and steadily ached for more.
Ached for holding him close, maybe holding his hand or giving him a kiss— or maybe giving him anything he wanted.
He sighs, because of course. Of course this would happen to him.
He would start to develop feelings for a cat hybrid.
—
It’s Minho’s birthday, and he knew exactly how he wanted to spend the day. Lucky for it to land on a weekend, he heads to the cafe, hoping to order a latte and maybe a pastry, and hoping to spend some time with his favourite cat hybrid.
Hyunjin actually greets him at the door, bounding up and leaping at Minho. He laughs, nearly falling over as Hyunjin rubs his face against Minho’s.
“Hyunjin, o-oh my god!” He stutters through his laughs, gripping the cat’s legs as he wraps them around Minho’s waist. “What’s going on!” He can hear the staff laughing along with him as he stumbles— he was strong, but Hyunjin was kind of lanky, and he wasn’t prepared to catch the hybrid.
“It’s your birthday!” Hyunjin says like it’s obvious, like Minho should have known that’s why he had an armful of giggling maine coon.
Hyunjin lets his legs drop to the ground but he stays right up in Minho’s space, gripping his sweater when Minho realizes he’s never shared when his birthday was. “How did you know that?” He almost doesn’t care, loving the special attention from the hybrid, but he was just so curious.
Hyunjin takes his hand and starts walking him over to a table, looking back over his shoulder to answer with, “you left your wallet on the table and I looked at your license,” with a mischievous smile, looking very pleased with himself. Maybe some people would be unhappy with the snooping, but it just makes Minho laugh.
“You’re ridiculous,” Minho sits down, feeling so so happy and giddy seeing how excited the hybrid was for his birthday.
“You love it!” Hyunjin declares, pointing and playful— and Minho would never deny it.
“I do.” He smiles. Fuck he was so happy he found this place— that he met Hyunjin. “Thanks for the birthday greeting.”
Jihyo and Sana bring over a little slice of cake and his usual latte, telling him it was on the house and he fights down a blush, grateful for the doting and thanking them.
“Don’t thank us,” Jihyo calls over her shoulder as she walks away, Sana adding, “it was all Hyunnie!” As they disappear behind the counter.
“Aw, Hyunjin, did you get me some treats?” He tries to tease, failing when Hyunjin answers sincerely, like it was obvious.
“Of course I did!”
It was sometimes hard to believe that Hyunjin had started off so shy, but now would tease Minho, playful and mischievous.
The afternoon moves normally, until Hyunjin produces a gift bag from under his chair, handing it to Minho with a big, toothy smile. “I made you something and I hope you like it.”
Made him something? Minho already loved it. It could be a tooth necklace and Minho would cherish it.
He opened the bag, and gasped at seeing the peach knit wool, pulling the soft fabric from the package, watching it unfold in amazement. It was thick and warm, and matched the soft colour of Hyunjin’s fur.
“It’s getting cold and I never see you with a scarf,” Hyunjin explained, “I hope you like it.”
Minho ran his fingers over it, speechless. This was… so sweet.
Hyunjin had made him this. He saw that Minho didn’t have a scarf, and then he knit him one. How long did this take him? Did he think of Minho the whole time?
He was out of his seat and scooping up the hybrid into a tight hug before he even realized it.
“Thank you so much, I love it.” Hyunjin hugged him back just as tight. “I love it so much.”
After filling up on cake and different treats, Hyunjin started to look a little nervous, which was strange, because even when Hyunjin hadn’t ever spoken to Minho yet, he had never looked nervous around the human.
He doesn’t bring it up though, he didn’t want to pry. Instead he showers Hyunjin in appreciation— this was one of the best birthday’s he has ever had, and it was really all thanks to the hybrid.
“I’m so glad to have met you Hyunjin.” He tells him sincerely, thumbing over Hyunjin’s tail that has wrapped around his wrist.
“I’m glad too.”
There’s comfortable silence, but Minho can tell that Hyunjin wants to say something. He’s curious— and that’s putting it lightly, because it was eating him up inside, but he wouldn’t push.
But thankfully he didn’t need to, because Hyunjin clears his throat.
“Remember when you said, um—” he combs through the fur of his tail, examining it closely. “That, you thought I was, um. Taken home by someone?”
Minho blinks. Of course he remembers, but he’s surprised that Hyunjin was bringing it up out of no where.
“Yes?”
“Well,” Hyunjin starts and pauses. “I had… never wanted to go home with someone.”
Minho knew that. Hyunjin had never really said it exactly, but he hadn’t needed to. It hurt a little bit to hear, because as much as Minho tried to not fantasize about watching movies with Hyunjin, or doing the dishes together, or inviting over some friends and playing board games— he still did.
“At least, um.” Hyunjin starts and stops again, speaking quietly and with his ear’s back, shy and soft.
Minho waits patiently, running his thumb over his fur, giving him time.
“At least, not until you.” Hyunjin finally finishes, and it takes a moment for the words to sink in.
And when they do, Minho gapes.
“You want…” He’s a little lost for words, heart starting to kick against his chest. He didn’t mishear did he?
“Would you…” Hyunjin swallows, finally seeming to gather the courage to look Minho in the eye. “Want to take me home?”
The smile that stretches across Minho’s face makes it hard to answer, and the lump in his throat makes it near impossible, but he still does— “Yes. Yes I would love that, oh, Hyunjin.” He stutters when the hybrid clamps his arms around his torso.
He laughs, despite the way his eyes flood with water. Not sad of course, not in the slightest! But so, so happy. He hadn’t let himself think about how badly he wanted this because thinking about it would leave a hole in his chest that he didn’t know how else to fill— but now, now it was right here, and, Hyunjin asked for it.
Hyunjin who raised kittens, and made little drawings. Who giggled every time the foam from Minho’s latte got on his nose.
Who liked eating fish, and let the cats play with his tail.
Hyunjin who slept on his lap and knit him a scarf for his birthday—
Wanted to come home with Minho.
It didn’t take too much planning, Hyunjin had the staff prepare the documents they both needed before Minho even got there, before Minho even knew of his plans. They just needed to sign them and then Hyunjin was relieved of his duties at the cat cafe.
“We’re always hiring baristas.” Jihyo had said as Hyunjin signed his form, lighting up at the idea of working sometimes and getting to see all his little cat friends.
—
It took no time at all to settle in together either, Minho giving Hyunjin all the space he needed for his things. He took so much pleasure in spoiling him, living for the way Hyunjin would bound happily around the apartment.
He would push Minho into sitting on the couch sometimes as he worked on his laptop, just so he could sprawl out beside him, laying his tail in his lap or coiling it around Minho’s wrist.
Most nights, Hyunjin would curl up with Minho, purring and lulling the human to sleep, and making coffee for him when he woke up, pressing a kiss to the blushing human’s cheek.
They would visit the cat cafe together, playing with the cats and chatting with the staff— Hyunjin even becoming quick friends with the hybrid that had replaced him in the work/live arrangement, a white cat named Felix.
A new kitten shows up one day, and Jihyo explains that he needs a lot of one and one care and with one single shared look between him and Hyunjin, they bring the little guy home, naming him Mocha and spoiling him with love.
Minho liked his life before, but holy shit did he love it now, when he would close his laptop from work and Hyunjin would crawl into his lap, purring happily, demanding to be pet, as Mocha sleeps on the back of the couch.