Chapter Text
*Welp. Here goes nothing.*
With a box clutched in his hands, the purple cat, Catnap, walked along the pavement, the lingering heat of the sun embracing his skin.
He was ready.
Or at least... he hoped he was.
He'd given his dad one last, lingering hug earlier, when he was unloading his things from the car. Even though his dad tried to hide his tears, Catnap saw right through the facade. His touch still resonated, making him yearn for one more embrace.
...But enough of that.
'Think positive!' or... something like that.
This was his fresh start at a new college: MS University.
Looking around, he took in the new faces and unfamiliar scenery. It made him miss the simple house and backyard they had back home. It wasn't a mansion, but it had always felt like their own little castle. He missed how even a small garden could be the pinnacle of enjoyment, that tiny sanctuary that kept him entertained.
*Clink*
...
He noticed a pen had fallen to the floor. Picking it up and placing it back in the box, he double-checked to ensure everything was there, aside from the items already in his dorm room. Pens, markers, highlighters (pink, yellow, and green), notebooks, a stapler, staple wires, sticky notes, a small bulletin board, and a tiny whiteboard...
*Maybe that was a bit overkill...* He thought, staring at the bulletin board and whiteboard.
But... with him forgetting things half the time, it was genuinely necessary to have them on deck, especially with his schedule being so packed, his classes being almost every morning. He'd chosen to study medical technology, thinking it would be the easiest route, since-
"Nap!"
"?"
Turning around, he spotted a familiar blue-eared elephant.
"Oh, Bubba! Wait... What are you doing here?!" Catnap stared as Bubba approached, holding three books in one arm, his usual glasses perched on his nose, and wearing a brown cardigan. "Dude. I thought you went to Harvard?! Didn't you pass their entrance exam with top scores?!"
"Well," Bubba cleared his throat, a hint of sheepishness in his voice, "My plans didn't blend well with my..." He hesitated, and Catnap noticed the flicker of discomfort in his eyes. "...financial situation for a semester. It. Costs. 89K. So, unless I sell a kidney, you better believe I'm not going to get a chance to step foot in that place."
"Didn't you get a scholarship?" Catnap replied, surprised. "I'll be damned if they didn't give you a free ride with those grades."
"It was because of the welfare of my family, they said. Which... doesn't make a margin of sense," Bubba said, a touch of bitterness creeping into his tone.
Catnap gestured for them to start walking, since they were still near the entrance of the university. As they moved, Catnap started, "So, what are you doing here then? Did you transfer?"
"Yup," Bubba replied, adjusting his glasses. "Turns out, MS University has a pretty decent pre-med program. Plus," he nudged Catnap playfully, "I couldn't let you face this place alone, could I?"
Catnap grinned, a genuine smile spreading across his face. "I appreciate that, Bubba. Really. It's good to see you."
They walked in comfortable silence for a moment, taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling campus. Students hurried to and fro, backpacks slung over their shoulders, their voices a low hum in the air.
"So, where are you headed?" Bubba asked, breaking the silence. "The Dorms?"
Okay, I've refined and continued the story! Here's the next part:
"Yeah," Catnap replied, glancing down at the box in his hands. "Room 2003 in Maple Hall. You?"
"I'm in Oak Hall," the elephant said, looking at his room, which was on the left side of the dorms.
"Eastern wing, huh?" the feline said. "Well, even if we aren't neighbors, we'll still be seeing each other anyway," he laughed. "Study partners?"
"Definitely," Bubba replied. "Gen Chem all over again?"
They both laughed, the shared memory bringing a smile to their faces.
"Ms. Abrams literally didn't know anything she was talking about back then," Catnap said, grinning. "It was better to just skip her class and study than take it just for attendance."
"She said N was calcium!" Bubba giggled. "I guess bananas are just made of air."
"Or the time she demonstrated two elements mixing to be a compound, and it exploded in her face!" Catnap exclaimed. "I don't know how she even passed the board exam with that brain."
They reached the intersection of the dorms, separating the east and west wings.
"Well... guess I'll see you later, Bubba," Catnap said.
"Same to you, 'Nap. Let's have lunch later!" Bubba said, raising his hand to...
(In unison), "One, Two! Brrr, brrr, pweuuu. Bang!"
They laughed as they waved goodbye. Catnap grabbed the key from his pocket. Room 2003, his birthday. He just noticed. A small smile tugged at his lips.
His room was the closest to the staircase going to the second floor. Though... it wasn't really 'his' room; he had a roommate to save money. But... let's just hope he was the first one there...
...
He put the key in the lock, slowly opening the door...
*Phew...*
He was the first one there. The room was small but clean, with two beds pushed against opposite walls, each with a desk and a small wardrobe.
And... yup, his boxes of stuff were laid out on the bed. Good thing he literally packed his entire bedroom for the design of his side.
He opened one of the boxes and found his stick-on stars and moons, along with a clip-on hanging shelf. Grabbing those, he carefully attached them to his side of the room. The stars and moons on the head of the bed gave it a nice, personal touch. But the final touch wasn't finished until he placed the little plushie his mother made when he was still a child, a finger-sized penguin, on the corner of his bed. It completed the design.
However, just some simple organizing would do. He grabbed his pens, markers, and notebooks, organizing them in a little basket which he then placed on the desk, filled with the stuff from the box earlier. He also brought his little lampshade with him, a carving of a moon. It was glass, but durable. Surely his roommate wouldn't be a reckless asshole... But, lastly, he put his ukulele on the ground at the side of his desk.
He had an extra shelf which he wanted to add to the top of his desk for extra storage space, but as soon as he did...
*Crrrrreakkkkkkk*
...
A golden, orange dog came barging in, wearing some jeans with a white t-shirt underneath a gray hoodie. He had a suitcase when he entered. It was massive, like those ones where you can fit two dollhouses.
"Are you my roommate?" the canine asked with a neutral face.
"Yeah..." Catnap replied shyly, not knowing how to navigate this encounter.
"Okay," the dog said nonchalantly, setting his suitcase on his corner of the room. "Don't touch my stuff. Got it?" he continued, this time in a slightly irritated manner.
Catnap nodded, intimidated by the predator who was now inside the room. Yet, he wasn't going to back down, not with his cute decorations.
The dog opened the suitcase, and all he had inside was a poster for the first Lord of the Rings movie, which he immediately taped to the head of his bed. Afterwards, he laid down and scrolled on his phone.
*Okay... maybe this is what roommates are supposed to be like...*
He never, ever expected this.
His lowest standard was a freaking serial killer, or a holy angel. But... maybe it's good that he got someone in the middle. He looked at his ukulele set on the side of his desk, wanting to play it, however he was scared to, with the literal STRANGER in the room. Maybe... maybe it was fine, y'know? Just another person. Nothing new.
He made his bed, and looked one last time at the dog, who was still on his phone, facing the wall. Checking his phone... it was 12:32. Guess it's time to meet Bubba for lunch.
He grabbed his wallet and keys, and headed towards the door. As he reached for the handle, he hesitated, glancing back at the dog. He was still engrossed in his phone, seemingly oblivious to Catnap's presence.
"Uh... I'm going to lunch," Catnap said, his voice barely above a whisper.
The dog didn't respond, didn't even acknowledge that he had spoken.
Catnap sighed. *Well, that was awkward.*
He opened the door and slipped out, closing it quietly behind him. As he walked down the hallway, he couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. He had a feeling that this roommate situation was going to be... interesting to say the least.
Looking at the walls, a bulletin board with the normal school calendar was there. But, one thing caught his eye: a music club. It seemed like they were new, just needing members. He thought that maybe he would give it a try; it started tomorrow at the audio-visual room. Even though he didn't know where that was, he still wanted to go. Cause, hey, why not, y'know?
"Um... Excuse me?" A gentle voice rang out from his side.
As he turned around, it was a horse? He'd never seen one like her before. She had blue hair and pristine white skin. It was like she conditioned her hair PERFECTLY. Although... she was wearing the school uniform, it was cute, to say the least. He didn't really have an eye for fashion, so... yeah.
"Are you interested in joining the club?" she asked. "We're really needing new members."
"O-oh, yeah," Catnap said nervously. "I mean, I'm interested in music, have a ukulele myself, but don't know if I'll fit in."
The unicorn hid herself from him for a bit. They stood there in silence. Nervous silence. Although, she spoke, "I'm sorry," she stuttered. "I thought you were checking out the art club." She pointed to the side of the poster for the music club on the bulletin board.
Sheesh... not a good first impression, huh?
"Well... it's okay," he said. "Maybe I'll join that club too."
The unicorn's eyes lit up. "Really?!" Before scoffing and saying, "Sorry, I'm the one who made that club, and we only really have 3 members currently. Oh! I forgot to introduce myself," she said, fixing her tie. "I'm Craftycorn, president of the art club, and secretary for the student council."
She smiled politely as she raised her hand to initiate a handshake. Catnap obeyed and shook her hand, before she said, "Wow, your hands... are so soft," before giggling.
"Thank you," Catnap smiled, trying not to make her nervous.
"Well, meeting's at 5 o'clock this afternoon in the art studio..." she said, looking at the poster one more time. "Don't forget to be there, okay?" she said politely before walking off towards the dorms.
Catnap exhaled after that encounter. He wasn't... a socialite. Not even an extrovert at heart, just that was enough for his social battery to literally just diminish...
...
Anyhows, he started to walk as he went on his phone to text Bubba.
Double B 👓
12:49 PM
Hey, bubbs
Where are u rn?
He continued walking as he went to the school yard, which was filled with umbrella trees. His phone dinged.
NOTIFICATION: Just at the cafeteria. U coming?
As so he did. Even if... he didn't really know where to go. But, he's a grown adult. He needs to figure shit out by himself.
He followed a path with a sign that said "School Cafeteria." It was a stone pavement that had the white acronym for their school on the side, along with a little chalk art of a... rocket?
He went to the glass doors as he saw Bubba with an unfamiliar face sitting at the middle of the room. It was a chicken with a jacket alongside a gray shirt inside and some jeans. Given, he looked like those popular kids back in middle school that really didn't have any real friends and were only really used to gain attention.
He went closer to them, as Bubba shouted, "'Nap! Over here!"
He sat with Bubba, with the chicken on the opposite seat.
"'Nap, this is my roommate, Kickin. Kickin, Catnap, my high school friend," Bubba introduced.
"Hey dude~" Kickin said with the most chill and almost... 'high' tone.
Party animal...? Maybe, but it's too early to assume.
"Did you guys already get lunch?" Catnap asked, although it felt a little redundant as no food was on their table.
"Nope, not yet," Bubba said. "What do you want?"
"Maybe som-"
He was cut off by Kickin, "Waitwaitwaitwait, you gotta know first. The dishes here are made by the culinary dudes. So, it's kinda like a fifty-fifty if it's gonna be good or not," he said, as he looked toward the kitchen. "But~ looks like it's your guys's lucky first day since Picky's the one cooking."
"Who's that?" Catnap asked, while Bubba looked curious as well.
"She's a sophomore who won champion at last year's regional cookfest. So she's, good like as fuck," he said, before having his elbows touch the table and pointing to them both. "You wanna know what, last time she made a mystery dish. Like it was all white, but when you cracked it open, it was freaking African curry that was made to be pure white. The judges were literally shook with it."
"Seems like her knowledge in the culinary arts is unprecedented," Bubba said, "maybe even a prodigy."
Catnap put his hand to his chin, kinda like a scientist trying to think. Then he says, "So... what's on the menu currently?"
"'Ya have to order at the counter," Kickin said.
"Then, I'm heading there," Catnap said. "Wanna come with?"
"Yeah, it's not like you're gonna order our food, asshole," Bubba said jokingly as they stood up and went to the counter.
Looking at the menu, it was diverse, but... Catnap wasn't feeling like eating that much, so he just ordered a burger. The other two, meanwhile... got two full meals. Catnap gasped when they said their orders, but wasn't surprised. As they finished up, they headed back to the table and chatted.
"Kickin?" Catnap started, "What are you taking right now?"
"Well... Computer engineering," he said. "I've always been told it was the easiest course to take so... y'know?"
The other two looked at him with somewhat deadpan expressions.
"Oh, come on," he responded. "I'm taking the easy way out. Like, dude, I'd rather not take an economics degree just because of the shortage."
"Well, we aren't gonna judge anyways," Bubba said, looking away. "I'm taking Aeronautical Engineering."
"What?" Catnap said, shocked. "I thought you were going with physical science?"
"Well... didn't really have anything else to do. Also, the complexity of the craft is quite plain, to be honest," Bubba said plainly. "Also... wanted to work for NASA."
Catnap shrugged; it wasn't out of the ordinary for Bubba to dream big, as his skills didn't really prohibit it.
Just as they finished their conversation, a waiter arrived with their food, setting it down at the table. The aroma immediately filled their noses, or... trunks, heightening their appetite. It glistened under the pale incandescent lights of the cafeteria.
...
They started to dig in, when Kickin spoke up. "Hey, Bubba," he began, "any idea where a good coffee place is around here?"
"Not really... haven't been looking," Bubba admitted, holding his spoon. "But, we can scout some out. Wanna join us later, 'Nap?"
"Depends... I have that art club meeting later," Catnap reminded him.
"Art club?" Kickin exclaimed. "With Crafty?"
"Yeah, so?" Catnap inquired.
"Nothing, but like... dude, aren't you intimidated or something'?" Kickin wondered aloud. "She's known to be one of the strictest members of the student council. Second to Simon Smokes."
"Who's that?" Bubba asked, curiosity piqued.
"Just a freaking lousy rich kid who only got that title because his 'precious daddy' put on a show for the admins and got him the president," Kickin retorted, a hint of bitterness in his tone. "He's way too entitled."
"But, Crafty wasn't like that earlier," Catnap countered. "She seemed genuinely excited that I was joining."
"O-oh," Kickin scoffed, almost laughing. "Just wait and see, once Simon's around, her whole persona fades into the queen of hearts."
"What makes you say that?" Bubba pressed.
"Let's just say, it's not a fond memory," Kickin revealed cryptically.
The table fell silent for a moment before Catnap piped up. "Good to know. But... yeah, I'll pass on the coffee for now."
"That's okay, 'Nap," Bubba assured him. "But, you gotta promise we'll study together sometime."
"Ohhh, yeah," Catnap responded, straightforward. "That's definitely a yes."
"Seems like you two are quite a duo, huh?" Kickin observed. "I'm becoming a third wheel over here~"
They all laughed as they finished up their food. Catnap glanced at his phone, realizing he should probably head back to the dorm and get ready for the art club meeting.
"Well, guys, I should probably get going," Catnap announced, pushing back his chair. "The art club meeting is at 5, and I want to make sure I'm not late."
"Alright, dude. Have fun with Crafty," Kickin chuckled, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"Yeah, good luck, 'Nap," Bubba added with a smile. "Let us know how it goes."
Catnap grinned. "Will do. See you guys later!"
He gathered his things and headed out of the cafeteria, a mix of excitement and trepidation swirling within him. He was looking forward to trying something new, but the thought of meeting Craftycorn again, especially after Kickin's warnings, made him a little nervous.
As he walked back to the dorm, he couldn't help but wonder what the art club would be like, and what Craftycorn's true personality was. Was she really as strict and intimidating as Kickin had described? Or was there more to her than met the eye?
Okay, here's the prolonged moment as he's about to talk about the song:
But... nevertheless, he couldn't dwell on it too much right now. He entered his room... a faint scent of cigarettes lingering in the air. He wrinkled his nose slightly and opened a window, letting the afternoon breeze circulate. He glanced over at his roommate's bed... messy, to say the least, but... meh, what could he really do about it? It wasn't his problem to manage.
Sinking onto his own bed, he found himself restless, unable to simply wait for the clock to tick to 4:45 PM. He needed something to distract him.
His gaze fell upon his ukulele, resting in its case against the wall. An idea sparked in his mind, a familiar comfort beckoning him. He reached for the instrument, the smooth wood cool beneath his fingertips. He carefully lifted it from its case, the faint scent of mahogany and lemon oil filling his nostrils.
He held the ukulele in his lap, strumming a few idle chords, letting the sound resonate through the small room.
He closed his eyes for a moment, letting his mind drift. He thought about his mother, her warm smile and gentle hands. He remembered the countless hours they had spent together, singing and playing music. It was a bond they shared, a language that transcended words.
He took a deep breath and began to tune the ukulele, carefully adjusting each string until it sang with a clear, resonant tone. He was about to play a song... a song that held a special place in his heart, a song that always brought a smile to his face, a song that reminded him of his mother.
It was a song from the golden age of music, as she would say. A song that had stood the test of time, a song that was simple yet profound, a song that spoke of love and devotion.
It was...
Footsteps... Heavy footsteps started to pound outside his door, growing louder with each passing second. He paused, his fingers hovering over the strings, a sense of unease creeping into his mind. Who could be rushing so urgently?
*Creakkkk*
The door swung open with a loud groan, revealing a figure standing in the doorway. It was the canine... Who's name he still didn't know. The door creaked open with a groan that cut through the last hum of Catnap’s ukulele. He froze mid-strum, one paw hanging in the air like guilt.
A tall figure stood in the doorway, golden fur haloed by the hallway light. The canine’s tired amber eyes swept across the room before landing squarely on him.
“You’re loud,” the dog said flatly. His voice wasn’t raised, but it hit like a slammed door.
Catnap blinked. “...Sorry,” he muttered, setting the ukulele down beside him. “Didn’t think you were coming back yet,”
“I was,” the dog said, stepping in. “Didn’t think I’d have to bring earplugs.”
Catnap’s fur prickled. “It’s four-thirty,” he said, trying not to sound defensive. “Didn’t think silence was a dorm rule.”
One of the dog’s ears flicked. His expression didn’t move, but something flickered in his gaze, a mix of amusement and disbelief.
“Silence isn’t,” he said. “But rhythm’s supposed to be.”
Catnap frowned. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“You’re rushing the beat.”
Catnap just stared...
“Forget it,” he said, tossing a crumpled paper bag onto his desk. “Just keep it down.”
Catnap’s tail lashed once. “It’s called music. Helps me focus.”
“Helps me lose mine,” the dog shot back.
The air thickened. For a heartbeat, neither of them moved.
Catnap’s claws flexed against the wood of the ukulele. “You always this friendly, or just allergic to sound?”
The dog’s mouth twitched. Not quite a smile, more like the idea of one. “Only when the sound’s bad.”
That stung more than it should have. Catnap’s ears burned, and his chest tightened like he’d been called out in public.
He wanted to say something clever, something to bite back with... but the dog had already turned away, sitting down on his bed. His phone lit up in his paw, reflection catching the curve of his jaw. Catnap stared at him for another second before plucking a defiant note. Dogday’s ear twitched. Just barely.
“You missed the chord again,” he said without looking up.
Catnap’s fur bristled. “And you talk too much.”
Then, quietly, Dogday said, “Whatever. Do what you want.” He leaned back against the wall, eyes fixed on his phone screen. “Just don’t play anything stupid.”
Catnap exhaled through his nose. “Define stupid.”
“Anything that sounds like a dying seagull.”
“...So, your taste in music.”
This time, the corner of Dogday’s mouth actually curved. Catnap saw it and felt something twist in his chest.
“Name’s Dogday,” the canine said finally, still not looking up. “Since we’re stuck in this thing together.”
“Catnap,” he muttered back.
“Figures.”
Catnap picked up his ukulele again.
His paw trembled slightly, but he played softer now.
Dogday didn’t complain this time.
Didn’t even move.
Except, when Catnap hit the right chord... Dogday’s thumb stopped scrolling for just one second. His ear turned toward the sound, then away again, as if it had never happened. When the last note faded, the room sank into the kind of quiet that hums in your chest. Catnap sat there, claws brushing the strings, pretending he wasn’t waiting for another comment.
None came.
Dogday stayed on his bed, one paw behind his head, eyes closed like the world bored him.
“Unbelievable,” Catnap muttered under his breath, setting the ukulele on the desk.
He ran a paw through his mane, heat still crawling up his neck. Dogday still hadn’t moved. Just a flick of an ear, the faintest twitch in his jaw.
Catnap exhaled, long and slow. “Whatever,” he mumbled. “You don’t have to like it.”
But his paws still itched to play again.
He reached for the ukulele, then hesitated... eyes flicking to Dogday.
Nothing... Just empty silence Only the steady rhythm of the dog’s breathing, deep and even. So Catnap plucked one note.
He didn’t know what made him keep going...
Maybe that stupid line "You’re rushing the beat" was still stuck under his skin like a splinter.