"Oh wow, that's great."
Nicole smiled softly, never stingy with her praise. She knew how much a compliment from an adult meant to a child.
The kids seemed to have come just to share their creation with her. After being praised, they happily ran off again.
Nicole sat back down in her chair, resting her chin in her hands as she watched the scene in front of her, her thoughts at ease.
Hare's House was her second home—this place was her first.
"It's really nice."
She couldn't help but sigh. Every time she returned here, she always felt a deep sense of comfort.
Her gaze drifted to the little black cat now surrounded by children, and she let out a light laugh.
"It seemed so cool and tough on the way here, but now it's acting all gentle. The kids really like it."
Zane followed her gaze. The little black cat now had a flowery cloth wrapped around its head, looking quite ridiculous—more like a retired old cat than a boss.
"That little guy's just like that. Looks all cold and fierce, but deep down it's got a soft heart."
He shook his head with a small smile. After all this time, he'd gotten to know the cat's personality well. If not, he wouldn't have brought the whole crew of cats along.
"I see… Guess I missed out by not visiting the Tanuki House before."
Nicole sounded a bit regretful. Then, as if remembering something, she spoke again in a soft voice.
"The director once told me—cute cats and innocent children can cleanse the soul. I still remember the smile on his face when he said that."
"Do you feel the same, Nicole?"
"I… I don't really know."
She shook her head. It was hard to put into words. Maybe a little—but not something she could clearly explain.
"Maybe Siena feels it more. Out of all our old group, she was the only one who wanted to come back and take over the director's position."
"What about the others?"
Nicole fell silent. Her eyes dimmed slightly.
"Zane… honestly…"
"Just surviving in this world isn't easy."
The words came out softly, but they carried real weight.
Over all these years, some people had passed away, some had vanished without a trace, and some simply drifted out of contact. The ones still around were few and far between.
Zane didn't know what to say. The warmth of the courtyard now felt laced with a quiet chill.
Nicole wasn't talking about living well.
She was talking about surviving.
"Alright, alright, no need to get all heavy. Let's change the subject."
Sensing the shift in mood, Nicole quickly waved her hand and smiled at Zane.
He nodded. "By the way, you always mention your director… Where is he? I haven't seen him around…"
He stopped mid-sentence. As soon as the words left his mouth, he realized something was wrong and clamped his mouth shut—but it was too late.
Right. The director was supposed to be running the orphanage. If he wasn't here now... there weren't many likely reasons.
"Oh, it's not that serious."
"He's just sick—hospitalized for now. But he should be back soon!"
Nicole waved it off like it was nothing, trying to ease Zane's concern, but the smile on her face looked a bit forced.
Just then, Siena's voice rang out from the building behind them, breaking the tension.
Hearing that dinner was ready, the children in the courtyard burst into excitement and ran off. Nicole stood and smiled at Zane.
"Come on, time to try our orphanage chef's cooking. Don't you dare complain!"
"Of course not. Though... I'd rather try your cooking, Nicole."
Nicole's face stiffened a little.
Her cooking?
Well... that batch of blended motor oil she made for Billy might count.
Even if Billy never let her near the kitchen again afterward.
With everyone gone, the courtyard cats finally relaxed. But the little black cat, now sporting its floral headscarf, stared at Zane's back with growing resentment.
Did he forget about us?!
Cats need to eat too!
After working so hard—organizing the others, keeping everything under control—and now? Not even one decent meal?
"Meow—!"
The little black cat turned around and began rallying the others.
Surely the kittens were all just as frustrated. This was a golden opportunity... for a coup!
It would overthrow Zane and establish a new feline regime!
As the black cat gave a fiery "speech," it failed to notice the little white cat in the corner slipping away with a calculating glint in its eyes...
...
The orphanage dining room was small, and the food was simple, standard communal fare. In one corner, Zane was waiting for Nicole to bring over his plate when a little girl suddenly popped up beside him.
"Brother Zane, I heard from Sister Siena that you're Nicole's boyfriend. Is that true?"
Zane froze mid-motion. He'd just been about to pinch the girl's cheek—she was too cute—and then she hit him with that question.
"Huh? Do I look like I am?"
He pointed at himself, genuinely puzzled.
He and Nicole weren't even that close in how they acted. Was it really that easy to misunderstand?
"I don't know, that's why I came to ask!"
The girl shook her head, her twin ponytails bouncing. She was braver than most kids her age—and had clearly been sent by the others to ask.
"Nope."
Zane shook his head and explained patiently.
"Nicole and I are just good friends. She has lots of good friends. A boyfriend is something different—it's someone one of a kind."
The little girl tilted her head, eyes wide and full of curiosity.
"Brother Zane, what exactly is a boyfriend?"
Zane frowned slightly, trying to think of the right way to answer.
Tch. This was tricky. He didn't exactly have much experience with this stuff... and it needed to be explained in a way a kid could get.
His eyes drifted to Nicole, who was just returning. He waved her over and immediately handed the question off to her.
Nicole was surprised by the situation, but didn't panic. She crouched down and explained gently to the girl.
"Hmm... a boyfriend is a boy who stays by your side forever and always makes you happy," she said—something simple a kid could understand.
Of course, once she finished, she didn't forget to tack on some words of caution. It was better to keep these things age-appropriate.
After the girl left, Nicole sat down beside Zane, a little sheepish.
"Um… hope that didn't cause you too much trouble. Sorry for the misunderstanding…"
"It's no big deal."
Zane waved it off, then added with a reassuring smile,
"Don't put yourself down, Nicole. Honestly, you're amazing—in every way."
"So there's nothing to apologize for. If it were anyone else, they'd probably be thrilled. The kids don't know any better—just take it as a funny little moment."
Nicole nodded, head lowered, quietly poking at her untouched meal.
A while later, as Zane reached the halfway point of his own plate, he noticed hers was still untouched.
"You're not hungry?"