The mansion was unusually quiet for a Friday evening. Outside, the city hummed faintly, lights flickering through the tall windows, but inside, Tina and Andrew shared a rare pocket of stillness. Neko Neko, ever vigilant, had claimed the spot between them on the couch, his round ears twitching at every faint creak of the house. Normally, Tina would be bouncing around, humming some random tune, and Andrew would be half-asleep or scolding her for making a mess. Tonight, though… she was silent. Barely humming a soft, disconnected note as her gaze lingered on the skyline beyond the glass panes. Andrew watched her from across the couch, the mug of half-drunk tea in his hands forgotten. Her posture was slightly hunched, knees tucked under her, hands clasped loosely on her lap. The childlike energy she usually radiated seemed dimmed, shadowed by something heavier he couldn't quite name.
"Hey."
He finally said, breaking the silence, voice softer than his usual sassy drawl.
