Chapter Text
“Catna—!”
“Catnap?”
She nudged my right shoulder.
“Mmm… huh?”
I looked up at the green rabbit who was disturbing my sleep.
“Catnap, the boss is going to be fuming mad if you keep sleeping on the job like that.”
'Yeah, yeah', I signed, annoyed. But she was right.
I had apparently fallen asleep at my desk. The spreadsheet I needed to finish was still up on my screen. My calendar task bar was still filled with unfinished assignments. Wondering what time it was, I glanced at the corner of my desktop. 3:04 PM.
“Come on,” she said encouragingly, “you better hurry. There’s only two hours left. But I did hear we’re having a celebration later at a nearby restaurant. The boss got promoted.”
My ears perked up at that. I wouldn’t pass up free food.
'Well, I’m only going for the food', I signed, grinning.
She rolled her eyes, clearly expecting me to leave right after eating.
Hoppy Hopscotch has been my friend since college. She’s way more energetic and outgoing than I am. Still, she’s always been a reliable friend. As for me, I’m more introverted. I only got this job on a whim, because of my skillset. Other than that, I never really had the motivation to put effort into anything.
I don’t even know why she joined this company. When we were job hunting, we noticed this one paid slightly more than average. I was fine with that. But Hoppy? She saw it as a starting point, determined to climb the ranks and build a better future for herself.
Looking back at my desktop, I knew I had to finish my tasks. Cracking my knuckles, I started working. I even tackled the pile of documents I had been avoiding.
And...
Done.
I glanced at the time again. 4:03 PM.
See? I wasn’t lying when I said they only hired me for my skills. My work ethic, though... that’s another story.
Turning my gaze to Hoppy, I noticed she was still working on the same spreadsheet.
I tapped her shoulder and signed, Hey, you’ve been working on that document for over an hour now.
“Well, it’s the annual spring report,” she sighed. “It takes For. E. Ver to fix everything”
'Have you been organizing it... manually? Editing it column by column?' I looked at her, surprised. There were definitely better ways to handle a report like that.
“Yeah, well… I don’t know any commands that can fix typos across a whole column or compare it to the confirmed data.” Her eyes looked tired from staring at the screen.
'Want me to help?' I signed, feeling a sudden urge to ease her suffering.
“I mean… yeah, if you can,” she chuckled, clearly doubting I could finish it quickly.
Rolling my chair closer to her desk, I signed, 'When handling a large set of columns, you need to—'
—20 minutes later—
“You. You actually did it!” Hoppy looked up at me, eyes wide. A gleeful aura surrounded her. “I knew you were good, but this is amazing!”
'Just simple commands, but thank you.' I signed, chuckling.
She hugged me tightly.
“Thank you. Thank you for saving me from that hell.” She clung to me dramatically, making me laugh.
'We’ve still got some time. Want to take a quick break? We could go for a quick snack' I signed. 'I needed to stretch my legs.'
“Oh, yeah. Sure! And~ because of this, it’s on me,” she added. Then, noticing my grin: “Hey, don’t go haywire with the snacks. We still need to attend the promotion party.”
I slumped a little and nodded in defeat.
“Aww, come on. I’ll still buy you beef jerky~”
Smiling, I appreciated that she remembered my favorite snack. We headed toward the nearby convenience store. Our company’s located in the middle of the city, so shops are everywhere. As we walked in, the only thing on my mind was food. Literally: food. Surrounded by countless shelves and rows of snacks, that craving wasn’t going to fade.
I tapped Hoppy’s shoulder. "I’ll be right back, just going to grab some food."
“Sure,” she replied. “But again, don’t overload yourself, okay?”
I nodded and headed to the far left of the store, where the ramen and snacks were. The song “Gorgeous” was playing on the speakers. It was a decent song, but they were definitely overplaying it.
Looking for my beef jerky, I saw this new thing on the shelf, "Prawn crackers". Wow. Trying to be fancy by calling shrimp in a different term? Nice try. I’ll still try it. But beef jerky’s still my go-to
My basket now full of goodies, I started heading back to Hoppy, until... I heard what sounded like an argument in the next aisle. Curious, I peeked around the corner.
A beagle...Maybe, was being scolded by an elderly bear. She had a cane and was poking him with it, clearly upset. The dog looked flustered, wearing our company uniform and a little sun-shaped necklace. Was he one of my coworkers?
I usually avoid conflict, but this could easily escalate. By the good will of my heart, I'll help.
I rushed to Hoppy, tugging her to follow me, signing for her to put her items in my basket.
Approaching the scene, Hoppy stepped in.
“Um, excuse me, sorry to interrupt. But, may I ask what’s going on with my… friend here?” she asked, trying to sound casual even though she didn’t know the canine.
“Well, I was trying to walk to the back of the store, when this idiot bumped into me and made me fall!” the bear shouted.
“I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to push you, ma’am,” the dog said apologetically, his tail between his legs. “I was just trying to reach a can on the top shelf and slipped.”
“Are you hurt anywhere, ma’am?” Hoppy asked gently.
“W-Well… not really,” she muttered. “Just a little dizzy.”
“I’m really sorry,” the dog repeated. “Is there any way I can help? I can take you to the hospital if needed. Really, it was a accident.”
“No need. Just be more careful next time,” the bear grumbled as she walked away. “Young people these days…”
The dog looked relieved.
“You saved me. Thank you so much,” he said with genuine gratitude. “I didn’t think I could get out of that without it going badly.”
“Oh, no problem,” Hoppy smiled. “But you should thank this guy too. He was the one who noticed and brought me over.”
The canine looked at me, a look with sparkles in his eyes.
“I can’t thank you enough. Both of you. I’m Dogday, by the way!”
“Well, Dogday, I’m Hoppy, and this is Catnap,” she said, introducing us.
“I knew you two looked familiar…” he squinted, then lit up. “You’re the power duo from Department B!”
“Uh… what?” Hoppy blinked.
“Huh? You guys didn’t know?” he asked. “The higher-ups have been keeping an eye on you ever since you joined three months ago. Word spread to other departments. I’m from Department A, by the way.”
'Did you know about this, Hoppy?' I signed. 'I thought we were just laying low.'
“Same here,” she replied. “Maybe it’s because of your skills!” She remembered my earlier spreadsheet miracle.
“Well, even though I have absolutely no idea what he just signed, congratulations to both of you!” Dogday grinned, his tail wagging. “You just got engaged last week, right?”
“WHAT?!” Hoppy shouted, shocked. “We’re not engaged! Heck, we’re not even a couple!”
Taken back by his statement, I quietly giggled.
“Wait, really? Rumors said you were!” Dogday was just as surprised. “Everyone’s been talking about it across departments. Tons of eyes are on you guys.”
I showed Hoppy the time on my phone. 4:45 PM.
“Well, we’ll have to continue this conversation another time,” she said.
“Sure! It was great meeting you guys!” Dogday said, grabbing my paws with both hands. “Seriously, Thank you.”
Flustered, I nodded. He waved and ran off.
Personal space? Thrown out the window.
But…
I didn’t mind.
His furry paws were… warm.
What’s wrong with me? Thinking like this about someone I just met.
“Catnap!” Hoppy shook me out of my daze. “Come on, we’re going to be late!”
We rushed to the counter and waited for the cashier to ring up our items.
He. Was. So. Slow.
Glancing at Hoppy, she looked like she wanted to strangle the poor guy. For a good reason, though.
Looking at our phones again. 4:53 PM.
Finally, he finished. We bolted out of there, rushing back to the office.
We made it in time, out of breath. Thankfully, the cool AC helped.
Still, I couldn’t stop thinking about that dog.
He was like... the sun.
We kept acting that we haven't been gone for an hour. When, Bobby Bearhug, Hoppy's close friend and the assistant manager of our unit, called out to everyone in Department B. Everyone looked at her.
"The boss wants all of you to..."
She paused, a grin forming on her face as we all waited in anticipation.
"..."
'Freakin say it already!!!
"...head to the restaurant. Picky’s! Boss's treat"
Excitement exploded throughout the department. Hoppy immediately shook me with joy.
Picky’s was a famous restaurant here in Crittertown and had just earned its first Michelin star last year. I’d never been there before. Honestly, my broke-ass couldn’t afford it. It’s actually kind of a wonder why the boss chose Picky’s of all places, especially since he was paying for dinner for fifteen people. Still, I’d heard great things, and their menu had a wide variety of international dishes.
We all headed there together, but while we were walking, Hoppy seemed… tense.
Getting her attention, I signed, ‘Is something wrong?’
“Well… ever since Dogday told us about that engagement rumor, I’ve been worried about what other things the employees might be saying about us.” She whispered nervously, “Especially now that all their attention is on us.”
I patted her back. ‘Let’s just keep doing what we’ve always done. This could actually help your dreams. You know, especially if the department heads really are watching us.’
She sighed. “Yeah, I guess you’re right.”
Still, she looked uneasy. So I signed, ‘You know I’d never date you, right?’
She stopped walking, then burst out laughing. “Oh, I know. I don’t see you as anything more than a friend.”
There was something I hadn’t told anyone yet. I’d known it about myself since high school, maybe even middle school. I’d never really been interested in women. I really prefer men. The thought of being wrapped up in someone’s arms made my heart flutter. Little spoon, big spoon. All that nonsense.
The party itself, to be honest, wasn’t all that eventful. They ordered more drinks than food. Tragic, I know.
But, even with that, they still got some food. Hoppy, had her eyes glued on the molten chocolate lava cake. I had to stop her from joining the others in drinking because... well, she can get a little chaotic when drunk. The last time, she nearly burned down our apartment trying to make s’mores. Problem was, we didn’t have marshmallows. So there she was, waving an empty BBQ skewer over an open flame like it was a mission from the gods.
As for me? I’m not really a fan of drinking. I just don’t like the taste of beer.
When the restaurant was closing, we all left. Hoppy, of course, couldn’t resist temptation. She downed one bottle of beer and completely passed out. I hate carrying her when she’s like this. But, now I'm lugging her over my shoulder as I trudged back to our apartment.
Then, on one street corner, I saw a familiar canine.
It was Dogday.
He approached us. “Hey, guys! What are you doing out here so late?” He sniffed the air and immediately caught the scent of booze coming from Hoppy. “Been drinking?”
I was about to sign something but remembered, he doesn’t understand sign language.
I simply nodded.
“You want some help?” he asked, “It’s the least I can do. I want to return the favor.”
He didn't need to, but it's thoughtful of him.
I made an OK sign and watched as he carefully lifted Hoppy onto his back like it was nothing.
Leading the way down the street, I awkwardly walked beside him.
Looking up at the night sky, he tried to make small talk. “You know, even though you guys aren’t a couple, from an outsider’s point of view, it really does seem like you are.”
Hoping not to leave the conversation one sided, I pulled out my phone and typed:
*We’re really just friends. Nothing more.*
“How about you?” he asked. “Do you have anyone you’re interested in right now?”
His eyes perked up seemingly interested in knowing more about me. He tried his best to hide it but it's obvious that his tail is wagging behind him.
Kind of a weird question to ask someone you just met… but I brushed it off.
I shook my head and typed:
*Why do you ask?*
“Oh, no reason,” he said quickly, but his tail wagged a little faster. “I just mean… with your looks, it’s kinda hard to believe. You're so handsome... I mean, Good-looking!”
I blushed, flustered, but I couldn’t help giggling at his comment.
He stumbled on his words which make me believe that he may be sincere.
Typing on my phone wanting to continue the our chat:
*What are you even out so late? Don't our shifts end at 5?*
He looked at me with a tired grin,
"Well... I had to work overtime. They didn't really give me a choice."
His ears sank, it's obvious that he was tired.
*I hope you get paid extra, that seems a little unfair.* I typed, empathy in my heart
"Even so, sometimes it's just really tiring. I'm not really good at my job, but they said I'm somewhat dependable"
More like gullible...
No, I don't mean it.
Giving him a playful smirk,
I typed:
*Well aren't you just a good puppy*
His faced turned red. He laughed a bit.
This was nice. It was enjoyable.
Seeing our apartment abead I pointed towards it.
“You have reached your destination,” he said in a robotic voice, trying to lighten the mood.
I smiled at him as returned Hoppy.
He waved goodbye as he grinned and said, “It was good seeing you again!”
Huh…
He really is just like a ray of sunshine.
I unlocked our apartment and stepped inside. The living room was a disaster. Shirts tossed all over the couch, garbage overflowing, dishes piled high in the sink.
Hoppy’s a great friend, but man… she is not an organized critter. It looked like a tornado had passed through here.
Rolling up my uniform sleeves, I got to work cleaning up. My eyes were heavy, but I pushed myself to finish. I’ll give her a lecture tomorrow, no doubt about it.
Finally, I got ready for bed.
But the thought of Dogday completely filled my mind.
His bright personality…
his question…
why was he so curious if I was dating someone?
Weird. But considering all the rumors flying around about me and Hoppy, maybe it wasn’t that surprising.
Laying on my bed, I suddenly though of-
*AHHHH—!*
I buried my face in my pillow, blushing at his compliment.
Still… I smiled.
Lying in bed, holding ny necklace. My eyes slowly grew heavier, and I let sleep take me away.
-----------
Zzzzz....
Waking up to the sound of Hoppy's aggressive snoring, I realized it was already morning. Still drowsy, I closed my eyes again, savoring the comfort of my blanket and pillows.
...
ZzZzzZ....
Well... there goes my sleep.
I guess waking up early isn’t the worst thing.
But still, this sucks.
Since I'm already awake, I might as well start the day.
Yay...
Ughhhhh...
I switched on the light in the living room and quickly made myself a cup of coffee. It doesn’t really do much for my energy, but I like the taste. Especially when I dip some bread into it. Letting the sweetness of the coffee seep into the bread makes such a rich, balanced flavor.
Hey, don’t judge my eating habits. I can already hear your thoughts.
Anyway...
I glanced at the wall clock.
6:56 AM.
There’s still an hour before work.
WAIT.
AN HOUR?!
HOPPY TAKES THE LONGEST SHOWERS.
I scrambled to grab my emergency wake-up tools, a pot and a wooden spoon.
Marching into her room, I saw her sprawled on the bed like she fell from a three-story building. One leg was on the floor, and her arms were bent in the weirdest way.
But no time to admire that disaster.
I raised the pot and started banging it as loud as I could. Good thing we’re the only ones on the fourth floor.
Her eyes immediately shot open, giving me a half-dead, half-irritated glare.
“Dude. What in the actual-” She didn’t even finish, trying to block out the noise.
I sprinted across the room to grab her alarm clock.
Seriously, why even own one if you’re not going to use it?
I shook her urgently, flashing the alarm clock in her face.
“Come on, Catnap... just a bit more,” she groaned into her pillow. Then she peeked at the clock, and suddenly—
“7:00 AM?!”
She shot out of bed like she got hit by lightning, bolting to the kitchen and then the bathroom.
What even was that?
I peeked into the bathroom. She was brushing her teeth... with toothpaste... on bread.
TOOTHPASTE.
I quickly signed to her, ‘You’re not supposed to eat that.’
“Eh, it’s not gonna kill me,” she shrugged.
Well... it’s your life, Hoppy.
Moving on from that incident, I finished my coffee.
Still, it’s such a nice morni-
“Catnap! Have you seen my bracelet? I can’t find it anywhere!”
‘No,’ I signed. ‘But did you check your bed? Maybe it’s underneath?’
“Well... no.”
She dashed back to her room.
That bracelet was a gift from her late mother, Ms. Hopscotch, though I always called her Ms. Scotch. She raised Hoppy on her own after Hoppy’s dad left them when she was three. The details were always vague. Ms. Scotch never really talked about him. Personally, I think he’s a complete loser for walking away from such an amazing daughter and wife.
That’s why the bracelet means so much to Hoppy. It’s a symbol of her mom’s love and strength.
--Flashback -- (3rd Person POV)
*Knock knock knock.*
Catnap stood waiting at the Hopscotches’ door. His ears perked up when he heard footsteps approaching.
The door creaked open.
“Oh, hello Catnap!” Ms. Scotch greeted him with her usual bright smile. “Here to play with Hoppy?”
He nodded excitedly.
“You’re in luck, dear. Hoppy just finished cleaning her room,” she said, glancing upstairs. “Hoppy! Catnap’s here!”
‘Thank you, Ms. Scotch,’ he signed before stepping inside.
The house was a bit messy, papers scattered across the dining table and the living room in mild chaos.
As Hoppy came down the stairs, Catnap ran up to meet her and gave her a quick hug.
“Let’s go,” she grinned. “There’s something I wanna show you.”
They dashed up to her room. Catnap noticed new decorations. Light green walls, white edges, and swords and katanas proudly displayed. Some were limited editions. Hoppy had hidden them before to keep them pristine.
On her bed, she flipped through a photo album.
“Come look at this, Catnap,” she said softly, her eyes locked on one picture. “I think this is my mom… with my dad.”
It was a photo of two rabbits standing in front of their house.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a picture of him,” she murmured, tears forming in her eyes. “They look so happy, like they never had a problem in the world. It’s not like now.”
Catnap gently patted her back.
“They would’ve never expected this to happen. Is it me? Am I the reason they fell apart? The reason Mom’s so stressed about the divorce and custody papers?”
Catnap closed the album and signed, ‘It’s not your fault. You don’t know what really happened, right?’
She shook her head.
‘That means you were never part of the problem.’
He hugged her as tears streamed down her face. ‘Your mom is still here. She cares about you so much.’
‘If your "father" ever comes back, I’ll personally teach him a lesson,’ Catnap signed with a serious face.
That made Hoppy giggle.
But two months later, things got worse. Ms. Scotch suddenly passed away.
Hoppy was devastated. All her mom left was a red box containing the bracelet and a final letter:
---
“Hoppy,
My sweet baby, I know this is all so sudden. But I want you to know that even in the darkest storms, you will shine. Just like lightning.
You will never be alone, my baby. I will always be here, watching you. I hope this bracelet reminds you that you are strong and resilient.
Even if I’m not there, I am always holding your hand. Do you remember the song I sang to you the night your father left? Keep those words close to your heart. Never forget the love I had, have, and always will have for you.
Like an image passing by
My love, my life
In the mirror of your eyes
My love, my life
I can see it all so clearly
All I love so dearly
Images passing by
Like reflections of your mind
My love, my life
Are the words I try to find
My love, my life
But I know I don't possess you
With all my heart, God bless you
You will be my love and my life
You're my one and only
My dear baby. I love you. So, so much.”
---
Flashback Ends
“Well...” Hoppy muttered,
The bracelet, silver with a lightning bolt charm, truly reflected her, swift, strong, and unstoppable personality.
Anyway, it’s already 7:30. See? Told you Hoppy takes forever in the shower. But 30 minutes is just enough for me to get ready.
---
15 Minutes Later
Uniform? Check.
Shoes? Shined.
ID? In the bag.
I’m good to go.
Hoppy, on the other hand, was still frantically running around like the world was ending.
I stopped her.
‘Calm down.’ I signed. ‘What are you doing? Need help?’
“The time’s moving so fast, I still can’t find my bracelet, and I’m worried I won’t—”
I gently put a finger to my lips, signing for her to breathe.
‘If you can’t find it now, we’ll look later, okay? You were wearing it last night, so it has to be somewhere in the apartment.’
She took a deep breath and nodded.
“Okay, Catnap. Let’s get to work. Wouldn’t want our pay to get docked.”
We headed to the door. I turned off the lights while Hoppy double-checked the stove. We definitely didn’t want... another fire.
---
Back at the office.
There was a huge stack of papers on both our desks. I skimmed through them.
Apparently, they’re for a new building project in a nearby town.
This is going to be a long day...
-To be continued in the next chapter-