The night was deep, and the moonlight at eleven shone especially bright—its pale glow spilling over Nicole's face, making her look almost ghostly.
"Anby and Sol still haven't come back?"
Nicole sat on the sofa, her beautiful face shadowed with clouds of irritation.
Even Billy, who had gone out for part-time work, had already returned. He'd said he'd help again tomorrow. But Anby and Sol, who had only gone out to "see a movie," were still nowhere to be found. Nicole felt a wave of frustration rise—her head suddenly felt very green, the same green as Anby's clothes.
"Maybe they got some sort of emergency commission?"
Nekomata, sitting at her side, kneaded Nicole's pale thighs with her small paws as she offered the suggestion.
"Then why didn't they tell me first? I'm the leader of the Cunning Hares! I'm Sol's girlfriend!"
Nicole's tone trembled between worry and anger.
Earlier, she hadn't been too concerned—after all, Sol was her man, and Anby was like her sister. It was normal for a brother-in-law to take his sister-in-law out for fun. There was no reason for suspicion.
But now, it was past eleven, and they still hadn't come home. Something about it just didn't feel right.
"Maybe it was a sudden situation," Nekomata said, patting Nicole's shoulder comfortingly. "They probably didn't have time to message. But Nicole, why are you so worked up about it tonight?"
"They're spending the night out together—of course I'm worried! And look at this…"
Nicole handed her phone to Nekomata.
Nekomata read aloud: "The CEO of Chic Apparel embezzles company funds and runs away with his sister-in-law!? …Hot comment: As expected, brother-in-law always loves the little sister-in-law the most."
"Nicole, don't let that nonsense get to you. Sol isn't like that." Nekomata thumped her chest, confidently promising, "His Bangboo is still at home, and Sol's a decent guy. He'd never make a move on Anby."
"I'll try to believe that," Nicole sighed, her voice deflating, energy draining from her.
But something struck her as odd. Nekomata—who usually loved gossip—was suddenly defending Sol like her life depended on it.
"Nekomata, why are you suddenly on Sol's side today?"
Nekomata froze for a moment before forcing a natural smile. "Me? Never! What could he possibly use to bribe me? I've always been your loyal subordinate, Nicole!"
"Mm." Nicole yawned, her suspicion fading. "Alright then, let's just call it a night."
"Good night, Boss Nicole."
Nekomata raised her small paw to wave as Nicole disappeared into her room.
Then, looking up at the moon outside the window, she sighed softly.
Yeah… what could Sol possibly use to buy me off?
Nothing—except for that irresistible big cat toy.
Not that she would've surrendered just for that—but Sol also happened to have her art photos in his possession.
I'm sorry, Boss Nicole… I've already become Sol-shaped… meow…
Nekomata quietly tiptoed into Sol's room and slipped under the covers beside Baal, who was scrolling through her phone.
…
Morning came quickly.
Inside the temporary base of the Black Panther Organization, Sol stretched and woke up with a groan.
"Mm… so… what's going on here?"
Anby was clinging to his arm, her soft, slightly round cheeks perfectly peaceful in sleep.
That wasn't strange.
What was strange—was Jane Doe.
The woman who had fallen asleep at the far edge of the bed last night was now curled up beside him inside the blanket.
Jane's furry gray ears twitched slightly as she slowly opened her sleepy blue eyes.
And the moment she looked up, she froze.
"Wow…" she whispered, smiling faintly. "Looks like I slept a little too well."
"Shh—don't wake her up."
Jane placed a finger gently against Sol's lips.
"?"
Sol blinked in confusion but obediently nodded.
With feline grace, Jane rolled off the bed, landing on the floor without a sound. She smoothed out the wrinkles in her clothes from sleep, then leaned down close to Sol's ear, her voice a low whisper, soft and teasing.
"I'll go now. Let's pretend nothing happened. After all—you wouldn't want your little lover to know, would you?"
The warm breath brushing his ear made Sol's expression stiffen slightly.
Why does this feel like I just got threatened by a mob boss who slept with me for free?
"Oh—and don't slip up during the operation later."
Jane winked at him playfully and walked out of the room.
Sol stared after her, sighing quietly. "As expected of a criminal behavior expert… she's way too good at this."
Shaking his head, he turned and gently brushed a stray lock of hair from Anby's face.
…
Outside, Jane stretched lazily, her whole body feeling refreshed.
It had been ages since she'd slept so peacefully. That profound sense of safety—it was like being back in her mother's womb, wrapped in the most primal freedom and warmth.
"Sleeping next to a high-concentration ether bomb… tsk, you've outdone yourself this time, Jane."
She chuckled softly at her own recklessness.
But on second thought, maybe only next to someone like Sol—a walking bomb—could she ever truly rest like that.
"Still… there's one downside. Knowing how long Sol's specialty is… I can't shake the feeling I might get silenced someday."
A faint blush colored her face, and she muttered to herself.
Tch. Shameless. You're an old lady, and you're drooling over a young wolf now?
…Two and a half hours later…
Anby's eyelashes fluttered as she slowly woke up, her gaze meeting Sol's face beside her.
When she blinked, his reflection lingered in her eyes.
"How did you sleep?" Sol asked with a soft smile.
"Very comfortably. I felt… safe."
Her voice was calm but sincere.
Sol tilted his head slightly. "Do I have something in my eye?"
Anby reached out, gently pressing down his raised hand. "Your eyes are full of me. It looks good."
"…"
Sol's heart skipped a beat. Oh no. This feels… bad.
For a brief second, guilt flashed through him. He felt too greedy, too selfish, too rotten.
But sincerity, when real, was always fatal.
Sol cupped her cheeks, looking into the reflection of himself in her eyes, and said quietly, "You're beautiful too—like my angel."
"Oh…"
Anby's face flushed crimson as she quickly turned away.
Even though this was a temporary base of a criminal organization, she suddenly felt as if cherry blossoms were blooming all around her.
It was an illusion—but one she didn't want to wake up from.
If only… time could stop at this moment.