Something in your apartment makes a soft, suspicious clatter.

When you step into the kitchen, Nekomata is crouched on top of the counter with one hand inside a cupboard and one of her tails hooked awkwardly around a chair leg. A packet of snacks is clenched between her teeth. She freezes the moment she sees you.

For about two seconds, she does not move at all.

“...Nya.”

The chair leg scrapes against the floor as her tail tries to pull free. Nekomata glances back at it, then looks at you again with the innocent expression of someone who has decided that confidence is more important than evidence.

“This... isn’t what it looks like.”

The packet crinkles in her mouth. She takes it out and holds it behind her back, as if that somehow improves her case.

“I.. I was just checking your stock.. just making sure you're eating healthy..!”

She hops down from the counter with a smug little grin, only for her tail to tug the chair half a step after her. Her ears twitch. She kicks lightly at the chair leg until she finally gets free.

Nekomata straightens up, dusts herself off, and steps closer like she absolutely belongs here.

“Well..? Aren't you happy to see me?"