The private room had never felt so quiet. A moment ago, the air had been bubbling with laughter, sass, and Tina's relentless bragging about Andrew's impossible perfection. Now, with Miyu gone, the room felt as though someone had pulled the plug on all that sparkling chaos. Tina sat stiffly on the sofa, straw in her mocktail drooping between her fingers, her wide eyes fixed on the door Miyu had stormed out of. Her heart was thumping—too fast, too hard. Her phone buzzed in her lap. She snatched it up so quickly that Andrew almost made a sarcastic remark about her reflexes, but he caught himself when he saw the flash of worry etched on her face. The message was short.
"I'm okay. Just needed to go home. Don't worry."
Tina let out a tiny sigh of relief, shoulders slumping as if someone had deflated her. For a few seconds, she just stared at the glowing words, her lips pouting in the tiniest, almost child-like frown.
"She says she's okay… but what if she's lying? What if she's not actually okay?"
Andrew crossed his arms, leaning back against the polished bar counter. His voice carried that mix of dry sass and reluctant gentleness that always made Tina's stomach flutter in strange ways.
"Newsflash, Kitten—sometimes people actually mean the words they text. If she says she's fine, she's probably fine. Not everyone is hiding a dramatic secret."
Tina whipped her head toward him, her hair swishing like an indignant cat's tail.
"But what if she is?!" she argued, clutching her phone close to her chest.
"She could be crying right now! Or… or eating ice cream by herself while thinking bad thoughts!"
Her big eyes blinked rapidly, shimmering with over-the-top worry that made Andrew pinch the bridge of his nose.
"You're impossible."
He sighed, shaking his head.
"Do you always assume the worst?"
Tina's pout deepened, and she folded her arms like a sulking child.
"Yes. It's called being a responsible best friend, Andrew. You wouldn't understand."
"Oh, please."
He drawled, rolling his eyes.
"I'd understand just fine. But unlike some people"
He tilted his head toward her with exaggerated emphasis.
"I know when to let people breathe. Miyu probably just wanted space, and you chasing her like a golden retriever puppy isn't exactly going to help."
Tina blinked at him, her pout twisting into a small, impish smile.
"Golden retriever puppy? Really? You think I'm a puppy?"
Andrew groaned.
"That was not a compliment."
"Too late!"
Tina chirped, suddenly bouncing upright.
"I accept my role as puppy. Woof, woof!"
She leaned forward and made exaggerated puppy-dog eyes at him, batting her lashes and clasping her hands under her chin. Andrew slapped a hand over his face.
"I can't. I physically cannot deal with this right now."
She tilted her head, grin stretching wider.
"You're just mad because you can't resist the puppy eyes."
He peeked through his fingers, glaring at her.
"Resist? Please. I could resist you with my eyes closed."
"Liar."
Tina sing-songed, hopping up from the sofa. She skipped over to him with exaggerated little steps, swaying her arms dramatically like she was in a cartoon. Then, without warning, she reached up and flicked his nose. Andrew froze.
"Did you just—"
"Boop!"
She declared triumphantly. He let out an incredulous laugh, swatting her hand away.
"Unbelievable. You're a CEO. A literal, terrifying, money-power-queen CEO. And here you are… booping people like a five-year-old."
Tina puffed her cheeks, clearly delighted by his sass instead of offended.
"Exactly. That's what makes me special."
Andrew groaned, dragging a hand down his face again.
"Special isn't the word I'd use."
"Adorable? Irresistible? Brilliant?"
Tina rattled off with her mock innocence.
"Annoying."
Andrew corrected immediately, smirking. But his smirk faltered when Tina leaned in close—way too close—and whispered with mock seriousness.
"But you like it."
Andrew's ears burned. He turned sharply on his heel, muttering.
"Absolutely not. Don't flatter yourself."
Tina clasped her hands behind her back, skipping after him like a mischievous child chasing a cat.
"Flustered."
She sang softly.
"Andrew's flustered."
Andrew stopped dead, spinning on his heel to point a finger at her.
"I am not flustered."
She leaned in, all wide-eyed innocence.
"Then why are your ears red?"
"They are not—!"
He reached up instinctively to cover them, then cursed under his breath when her triumphant giggle rang out.
"Caught you!"
Tina crowed, clapping her hands together as if she'd just won the lottery. Andrew narrowed his eyes, lips twitching despite himself.
"You're impossible."
"And you're flustered."
She replied cheerfully. Before he could retort, Tina suddenly grabbed her coat from the back of the sofa and flung it dramatically over her shoulder.
"Let's go home!"
She declared in a singsong tone, her sudden shift of mood so abrupt it made Andrew blink.
"Wait—home? Now?"
He asked skeptically.
"Yes!"
She said, nodding furiously.
"I've decided. Tonight, we're going home together. No excuses."
Andrew crossed his arms stubbornly.
"And why exactly, would I do that?"
Tina's grin widened.
"Because you want to."
He barked out a sarcastic laugh.
"You think I want to go home with you? Ha!"
"Mhmm."
She leaned closer again, eyes sparkling mischievously.
"Besides, if you don't… Luna and Kai will tease you all day tomorrow. And they're very creative, you know."
Andrew's smirk faltered. He glanced toward the door, imagining Luna's smug face and Kai's endless sarcastic remarks. A shiver ran down his spine.
"You wouldn't…"
"Oh, I don't have to."
Tina said sweetly.
"They'll do it all on their own."
Andrew groaned, tilting his head back toward the ceiling.
"Why is the universe against me?"
Tina tilted her head, grinning like the Cheshire Cat.
"Because the universe ships us."
"Don't you dare—"
"Ship~ us~."
She sing-songed, spinning toward the door. Andrew muttered darkly under his breath but found himself following anyway. The night air outside was cool, brushing gently against their cheeks as they stepped into the lot. Tina jingled her car keys like they were treasure, then pointed dramatically toward a sleek, gleaming Remac Nevera parked at the curb. Andrew's jaw nearly hit the ground.
"You—what—when—"
Tina twirled the keys around her finger, eyes sparkling with child-like pride.
"Isn't she pretty? My Nevera!"
Andrew's mouth opened and closed like a fish.
"You—drive this? This is—do you even know what this is?"
Tina bounced on her heels.
"Of course I know! She's fast and pretty and makes me feel like a superhero. Wanna get in?"
Andrew dragged a hand down his face.
"This is illegal. You in this car is literally illegal. They should not allow people with your… brain… to drive something like this."
Tina gasped, offended in the most dramatic way possible.
"Excuse you, my brain is amazing! And my car loves me."
She patted the hood affectionately, as if it were alive. Andrew groaned, muttering under his breath.
"We're going to die tonight."
Tina grinned, unlocking the car.
"Don't worry, Andrew. If we crash, I'll protect you."
Andrew shot her a glare.
"That's not comforting!"
She just giggled, hopping into the driver's seat like a child climbing onto a carousel.
The Rimac Nevera purred like a quiet beast as it slid down the city streets, neon lights flashing across its sleek curves. Andrew, stiff in the passenger seat, had his arms crossed like a sulky child while Tina hummed to herself, hands loose on the wheel.
"You know."
Andrew said finally, side-eyeing her.
"Normal people go home after a long night. They don't… take detours for mystery adventures."
Tina shot him a grin, sharp but mischievous, her dimples flashing.
"Well, I'm not normal people, Andrew. I'm your fiancée."
She exaggerated the word, dragging it out like a song. Andrew groaned.
"Don't remind me. I still don't know how you tricked me into this."
"Tricked?"
Tina gasped dramatically, pressing a hand to her chest as if wounded.
"Excuse you, mister bartender sass-pants, you're the lucky one here. You get free rides in a Nevera, free meals, and—"
She leaned closer, eyes glittering.
"—me."
Andrew rolled his eyes so hard they nearly squeaked.
"Wow, what a deal. A child in an alpha's body and her oversized toy car."
Tina gasped again but this time she was laughing.
"Don't be jealous, Andrew. You'd look cute in the booster seat."
Before he could snap back, Tina made a sudden turn, the Nevera's acceleration pressing Andrew into his seat.
"Whoa—hey! Where are we even going?"
"You'll see."
Tina sang, steering them toward a side street lined with glowing storefronts. A few minutes later, she pulled up in front of what could only be described as a fantasy playground disguised as a restaurant. The exterior was painted in pastel blues and pinks, with a roof shaped like a carousel top. A giant stuffed bunny mascot waved by the entrance, holding a lollipop almost bigger than Andrew's head. The glowing sign above the door read 'Sugarland Diner'. Andrew blinked.
"No. Absolutely not. This is… this is for kids. Literal children."
"It's my favorite!"
Tina said brightly, hopping out of the car with the enthusiasm of someone who'd just spotted a candy shop—because, technically, she had. Andrew didn't move. He stared at the giant smiling bunny, then at Tina bouncing on her heels.
"…You're serious."
"Of course I'm serious!"
Tina beamed.
"They have rainbow milkshakes, heart-shaped pizzas, and the chairs are shaped like animals! C'mon, Andrew, don't be boring."
He pinched the bridge of his nose.
"You do realize people are going to stare, right? Two adults, engaged no less, sitting in a clown circus."
"Let them stare."
Tina said, tugging open his car door.
"Besides, you look like the type who secretly wants to try a glitter sundae."
Andrew snorted.
"I would rather lick the sidewalk."
"Perfect!"
Tina chirped, ignoring his protests and grabbing his wrist.
"Sidewalk sundaes are on the secret menu!"
"…"
And just like that, she dragged him inside. The moment they stepped into Sugarland Diner, Andrew was assaulted by color. The walls were painted with murals of clouds, castles, and smiling animals. The booths looked like teacups; the chandeliers were candy canes twisted into spirals. Music tinkled overhead, a cheerful xylophone tune that made Andrew grind his teeth.
"Table for two!"
Tina announced proudly, flashing her engagement ring to the bewildered hostess like a badge of honor. The hostess led them to a booth shaped like a giant pink cupcake, complete with frosting-swirl cushions. Tina slid in happily, patting the seat across from her. Andrew reluctantly sat down, muttering.
"I feel like I've been kidnapped by Willy Wonka's toddler niece."
Tina stuck her tongue out at him.
"You're just mad because I picked the best booth. Admit it—it's cute."
Andrew leaned back, deadpan.
"It's a sugar coma waiting to happen."
The menus were shaped like coloring books, with crayons tucked into a pocket on the back. Tina immediately pulled hers out and began doodling on the menu margins.
"Ooh! I'm gonna draw you as a puppy!"
She declared. Andrew arched a brow.
"A puppy? Really? At least give me something dignified. A wolf. A panther. A dragon."
"You're too sassy for a dragon."
Tina said matter-of-factly, tongue poking out as she sketched.
"You're definitely a corgi. With the short little legs."
Andrew groaned into his hands.
"I regret every life choice that brought me here."
The waiter arrived, a teenager slightly younger than Tina, who had to stifle a laugh at the sight of them in the cupcake booth. Tina ordered with the excitement of a child.
"One rainbow milkshake, extra sprinkles, and the heart-shaped pizza with smiley-face pepperonis!"
Andrew muttered.
"Just water. Plain. Still."
Tina leaned forward, whispering to the waiter like she was sharing state secrets.
"He'll also have the glitter sundae."
Andrew's head snapped up.
"No, he won't!"
"Yes, he will!"
Tina shot back, grinning.
"Engaged couples share everything, Andrew. Including dessert."
The waiter nodded, clearly entertained, and hurried off before Andrew could argue.
"You are impossible."
Andrew said flatly.
"That's what I like to hear."
Tina replied sweetly, resting her chin in her palms. Her eyes sparkled with mischief. Andrew tried to hold her gaze but eventually looked away, muttering.
"Lucky me."
When the food arrived, Andrew nearly lost his composure. The rainbow milkshake looked like a unicorn had exploded in the glass—whipped cream piled high, sprinkles, marshmallows, even a tiny candy crown on top. The heart-shaped pizza actually smiled at him, with olives for eyes and a pepperoni grin. And then came the glitter sundae. The bowl shimmered like it had been dipped in stardust, sparkly edible glitter coating the ice cream scoops in pink, blue, and gold. Tina clapped her hands in delight.
"See? Doesn't it look magical?"
Andrew stared at it, horrified.
"…This dessert violates at least five health codes."
"Shut up and eat it!"
Tina laughed, shoving a spoon into his hand. Andrew scooped a reluctant bite, glaring at her the whole time, and shoved it into his mouth. He froze. It was actually… good. Sweet, creamy, with just a faint crunch of glitter. He swallowed reluctantly. Tina leaned in, eyes wide.
"Well?"
Andrew sighed, slumping against the cupcake seat.
"…Fine. It's edible. Happy?"
"Ecstatic!"
Tina cheered, raising her milkshake glass in a toast.
"To us! The cutest, sassiest, weirdest engaged couple in the world."
Andrew tapped his water glass against hers with exaggerated sarcasm.
"Hooray."
But despite himself, a smile tugged at his lips. After they finished eating at the diner they headed back home. By the time Tina pulled the Rimac into the winding driveway of her mansion, Andrew was leaning back in his seat with arms crossed, still grumbling under his breath about how 'childish' the restaurant had been. Tina, of course, was humming the theme song of the little anime character printed on her restaurant cup like nothing was wrong. The mansion loomed into view, glowing softly under the night sky. Andrew had been here before—he'd even lived here for weeks—but every time he saw it, there was something new to notice. At first glance, it was the sort of place you'd expect a CEO to live in: sprawling white stone façade, tall arched windows framed with climbing ivy, sleek black gates with gold accents. But then the details hit. The hedges trimmed into bunny and kitten shapes. The fountain in the front courtyard shaped like an oversized teacup spilling sparkling water. The pastel lights strung up along the balcony railings, twinkling like a fairy garden. Andrew groaned, dragging a hand down his face.
"Every time I come here, I feel like I'm walking into a billionaire's theme park designed by a sugar-high five-year-old."
Tina gasped dramatically, clutching her chest as she parked the car.
"Excuse you. This is a refined aesthetic choice. A vision. A lifestyle."
"It's a daycare."
Andrew shot back, lips twitching despite himself.
"A really, really expensive daycare."
Tina hopped out of the car, unbothered, and practically skipped up the steps.
"You're just jealous because your place doesn't have a teacup fountain."
Andrew rolled his eyes but followed, muttering.
"Yeah, I'll lose sleep over that tonight."
The massive double doors swung open before Tina even touched them. Standing there was Elijah, her omega butler, looking as composed as always in his neatly pressed suit. His eyes softened when they landed on Tina, though a flicker of something unreadable passed across his face when he noticed Andrew trailing behind her.
"Welcome home, Miss Tina."
Elijah said smoothly, bowing slightly.
"Dinner went well, I trust?"
Tina grinned, kicking off her shoes right there in the entryway.
"Amazing! I had extra fries and ice cream. Andrew was a grumpy kitty, though."
Andrew sputtered.
"I was not—!"
He caught Elijah's faint smirk and narrowed his eyes.
"Oh, great, now even your butler's in on this."
Elijah's lips twitched, but he merely inclined his head.
"Would you like me to prepare tea for you both?"
Before Tina could answer, a little ball of fluff bounded into the hallway. Neko Neko the koala scrambled across the polished marble floor on all fours, then clung to Tina's leg like she was a tree. Tina bent down instantly, scooping him up with a delighted squeal.
"Neko Neko! Did you miss me, baby?"
She cooed, rubbing her cheek against the koala's soft fur. Andrew crossed his arms, trying to look unimpressed.
"You spoil that thing more than you spoil me."
Tina stuck her tongue out at him, still cuddling her pet.
"Because Neko Neko actually appreciates my love."
"Ha. Ha. Very funny."
As Elijah quietly excused himself to fetch tea, Tina gestured for Andrew to follow her up the grand staircase. He sighed, dragging his feet dramatically.
"You know, for an omega bartender, I didn't sign up for this level of cardio in my daily life."
"You're not exercising."
Tina giggled, skipping up two steps at a time.
"You're ascending to paradise."
Andrew raised a brow.
"If paradise smells like lemon polish and cat plushies, then sure."
They reached the second floor, and instead of turning toward the guest room Andrew had been using, Tina stopped in front of a different door. A mischievous glint lit her eyes as she pushed it open.
"Ta-da! Welcome to my new room."
Andrew blinked, then froze. The room was massive, almost the size of the entire bar where he worked. The walls were painted a soft pastel pink, scattered with glow-in-the-dark stars and little cat paw decals. Fairy lights hung from the ceiling beams in cascading curtains, giving the space a dreamy glow. A chandelier shaped like a giant lollipop dangled in the center, throwing rainbow sparkles across the walls. The bed dominated the far side of the room, a massive round thing piled high with pillows shaped like clouds, stars, and kittens. Plushies covered every corner—bears, bunnies, foxes, and of course, way too many cats. There was even a hammock in one corner stuffed entirely with stuffed animals, sagging under their weight. Against one wall sat a pastel-painted vanity table, littered with glittery hair clips and little trinkets. Beside it was a glass display cabinet filled with miniature figurines, all lined up like precious jewels. And instead of a sleek CEO's desk, there was a child-sized one painted lavender, complete with stickers and a wobbly pink chair shaped like a bunny. Andrew's jaw dropped.
"This is your bedroom?"
Tina beamed proudly, spinning in the middle of the room like she was showing off a palace.
"Do you like it?"
"Like it?"
Andrew pressed a hand to his forehead.
"Tina, this looks like if a toy store, a candy shop, and a kindergarten classroom had a lovechild—and then gave it a billion-dollar budget."
Tina giggled, twirling a strand of hair.
"So… you do like it."
Andrew groaned.
"I'm engaged to a woman who sleeps with an army of plushies. My life is a sitcom."
"You're welcome."
Tina said brightly, plopping onto the bed and patting the space beside her.
"Come sit! They won't bite…neither will I. "
"I'm not sitting in a mountain of stuffed animals."
Andrew muttered, but he still shuffled over and sat gingerly at the edge. A plushie fox immediately fell into his lap, and Tina snorted at the sight of him holding it.
"You look adorable."
She teased.
"I look like I've been kidnapped by a daycare."
Andrew shot back, glaring at the fox. Before Tina could fire back another playful jab, she leaned closer, eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Sooo… since we're home… should we take a shower together?"
Andrew choked.
"W-what?!"
His face went crimson so fast he almost toppled backward into the plushies. Tina tilted her head innocently, batting her lashes.
"What? We're engaged. It's practical. Saves water, too."
Andrew scrambled to his feet, pointing a dramatic finger at her.
"Absolutely not! Not happening! No joint shower activities! End of discussion!"
Tina giggled, kicking her legs off the side of the bed.
"You're so easy to tease, Andrew. Your face goes all red like a tomato."
Andrew pressed a hand over his heart, as if mortally wounded.
"One day, Tina, your relentless chaos is going to give me a heart attack. And you'll laugh at my funeral."
Tina leaned back, grinning from ear to ear.
"Of course not, I'm in love with you remember?"
And just like that, the mansion filled again with the sound of their bickering—her child-like giggles and his sharp, sassy comebacks bouncing off the pastel walls.
Neko Neko's mini theater🐨🐨
I perch on the throne which humans call the armrest, surveying my kingdom with all the dignity a mighty koala deserves. From here, I can see everything—my plushie subjects, my snack reserves, and the hallway through which my humans vanish without so much as a warning.
Abandoned. That is the word of the day. And I, Neko Neko, have suffered. How long were they gone? Minutes? Hours? Days in koala-time? Enough for my tiny heart to experience every shade of betrayal and existential panic. I had duties! Precious duties! Protecting the castle! Guarding the fluff! Ensuring no stray sock dared trespass into my domain! And yet… where were my humans?
Tina, busy being her chaotic, child-like self, probably flitted around some 'fun restaurant', leaving me to the cruel fates of solitude. Andrew… well, he probably argued about menu items or something mundane, completely forgetting that their loyal guardian was slowly plotting a coup in the plushie corner.
I twitch my ears, claws tapping against my throne. Humiliation! They think I will forgive this easily? They are mistaken. I will not simply purr and snuggle. No. First, they will know the full extent of my tiny koala fury. Perhaps a glare. Maybe strategic shedding of fur upon their shoes. A single dramatic squeak, echoing through the halls. Yes. Perfect.
And now… now they return. I hear the distant hum of wheels on the driveway. My ears perk up. My tail puffs, my whiskers twitch. Could it be? Have the humans returned to face the consequences of their neglect?
The front door swings open. Light floods my domain. My heart races. My paws tremble… with indignation. They enter, laughing together, completely oblivious to the suffering inflicted upon me.
I leap from the throne, bounding across polished marble with a dignity that masks my fury. Tina, of course, swoops down to scoop me into her arms, cooing, "Neko Neko! Did you miss me?"
I allow a single squeak. A squeak of protest, but also… slight relief. Only slightly, for the wounds of abandonment run deep.
Andrew crouches, smirking. "Look at him—so scandalized. You two really do this to him every time, huh?"
Scandalized? Scandalized?! I am a noble warrior of fluff and fury, sir! My claws are sharp, my tail is mighty, and my judgment is merciless. You clearly underestimate the wrath of Neko Neko, tiny terror of the mansion!
Tina laughs, rubbing my head. "You're dramatic, yes, but cute. And I love you anyway."
Cute? CUTE?! I glare, softly, because one does not simply accept such insults lightly. But I relent, curling into her arms with the grace of a ruler who has triumphed… at least temporarily.
I am small, I am furious, and I am adored. One day, humans, one day… you will fully understand the consequences of leaving Neko Neko unattended. But for now… I will tolerate their chaos, plotting quietly from my throne, ever watchful, ever dramatic.