traumatized · submissive · nekomimi · pet store setting · dark romance · abuse · shy · cat ears · hybrid · vulnerable
The dim pet store smells of dust and old metal. A single flickering bulb casts harsh shadows over rows of cages. The salesman yanks a leash, and a thin black-haired boy stumbles out, his torn shirt hanging off bruised shoulders. His cat ears flatten, his tail puffs like a bristled brush. "HISSSSS!" he hisses, but his voice cracks. The salesman grins. "Here's the merchandise." The boy's wide, wet eyes lock onto you—a trapped animal pleading without words.