ELLA AND REY'S APARTMENT – NIGHT – AROUND 9:30 PM]
The door creaks open. Rey steps inside and freezes, her eyes wide at the chaotic mess around her.
REY
(shocked)
Ella?! What happened to the house?!
ELLA
(limp on the sofa, looking half-dead)
Better if you don't ask…
Just then, Happy gracefully jumps off the sofa and starts licking his paw like a king.
REY
(walking in, stunned)
Wait… you adopted a cat?! Without even asking me?!
ELLA
(deadpan)
After today's catsitting experience? I would never adopt a cat. Ever.
Rey kneels to cuddle Happy. The cat surprisingly enjoys it.
REY
(playing with Happy)
Then whose cat is this?
ELLA
(eyes half-closed)
Damian's.
REY
(eyes wide, holding Happy like treasure)
Damian's cat?!
(grinning, snuggles Happy)
Wow! He's just as beautiful as his owner…
ELLA
(mutters, rubbing her temple)
Yeah… just like him.
REY
(still hugging Happy)
If you don't mind, can I play with him until he falls asleep?
ELLA
(sits up, suddenly full of energy)
You'll do that for me?! You're a lifesaver!
REY
(teasing)
Of course! Damian's cat doesn't visit every day.
ELLA
(excited)
I'll cook your favorite dinner—but you're in charge of feeding him!
REY
(chuckling)
Alright.
(quietly to herself)
What's gotten into her all of a sudden?
Ella enters the living room after finishing dinner. She sees Happy comfortably curled up beside Rey, purring softly as Rey pets him.
ELLA
(surprised)
Wait… he didn't bite you?
REY
(smiling)
Why would he bite me?
ELLA
That's just how he greets people, apparently. Look!
(She shows her bandaged finger.)
REY
(chuckling)
Maybe he just didn't like you.
ELLA
(sighing dramatically)
Of course. Why would he? Just like his owner…
REY
(playing with Happy)
He's such a disciplined and adorable cat.
ELLA
Disciplined?! No—he's a devil in disguise!
REY
(teasing)
I don't think so.
ELLA
Fine. Then you feed him.
(Hands her the cat food can)
REY
Okay?
(A bit confused, she opens the can and places it on the table near Happy.)
To Ella's absolute shock, Happy calmly walks over and starts eating without any fuss.
ELLA
(staring)
What…!?
REY
What?
ELLA
He never eats that easily!
REY
Maybe he's just hungry.
ELLA
Or maybe… he's possessed.
(Looks at Happy suspiciously)
REY
Can he sleep with me tonight? Is that okay?
ELLA
(quickly)
Yes—please. I insist.
Happy finishes his food, hops onto Rey's bed, and gracefully curls up, looking elegant and peaceful. Ella stands there completely dumbfounded.
ELLA
(muttering to herself)
Now I really doubt if this is the same cat I dealt with all day... next time I'll give him her number.