My Roommate is a Cat (同居人はひざ、時々、頭のうえ。)

I heard they were on vacation

and got in a bus accident.

Just think, losing both parents at once.

The poor boy. He's an only child, isn't he?

Yeah. Poor Subaru. I hope he's doing all right.

Subaru?

Everything about this stupid world is annoying.

Here you go. The reference materials you wanted.

Thanks, I appreciate it.

You read more books

than anyone else I know, Mikazuki.

I don't know how you find the time.

So, what do you think? Are these what you need

to find the inspiration for your next book?

Who knows. Hope so.

-- --

Listen, reading's great, and all,

but you might find it more stimulating to go outside,

get some fresh air.

You like this place? It's super popular right now.

Busy all the time. Been wanting to come here for a while

and our meeting was the perfect excuse--

Hey, Kawase.

Did you become my editor

just so you could sabotage my productivity?

--Huh? -- This is so good!

This café, it's filled with mind-numbing people.

And the inane chatter is driving me crazy!

I've got to go now. I'll see you soon.

Uh, okay--

Oh. Thanks for bringing me the books.

What have I gotten myself into?

Subaru Mikazuki, acclaimed mystery author.

An eccentric. Not fond of people.

His previous editor was put on leave

for a bad case of gastritis.

He's sensitive. To be handled with care.

I wish I could live on a deserted island

and bury myself in books.

Come to think of it,

my parents were always trying to get me out to see new places.

But... going out means having to interact with people.

Oh, hey. I've read that book before!

Really? Then, what was it about?

It's stupid.

The main character's friend is the bad guy.

-- Why would he--? -- Wait, for real?

Shut your mouth! Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!

Why would someone take the fun away from me?!

I want to find out for myself!

I don't need to have anyone around.

They'd only get in the way.

Mom and Dad,

thankfully, I've managed to pay the bills

just using my imagination.

I hope you know you don't have to worry about me.

That's another reason I'd better come up

with a new story.

Before Kawase gets any more ideas about taking me out.

Something bit me!

Oh, just a cat.

I thought a zombie had leapt out of the grave to attack me!

Hmm...

Now that I've gotten a good look,

its mouth does remind me a little bit of Mom's.

Oh, come on. That's ridiculous. My mind's just messing with me.

I've got an idea

--for my next book! --

From the shadows. From the narrowest alleyway.

From beyond the darkness.

I saw those fiercely glowing eyes,

and I was captivated!

And from then on...

...that little cat's had a thirst for my blood!

Yello, Koguma Publishing,

Kawase speaking.

Hey, I got your email.

A mystery about a cat, huh? That sounds fascinating!

And the cat happens to be a homicidal maniac? I'm sold.

-- --Glad to hear it. Thank you.

So, this is it. The new hit novel

all your fans have been waiting for.

I'm gonna need a draft of the first chapter

by the end of the month. Think you can manage?

Yes. I've outlined the whole plot already.

Talk soon.

It's got the look of murder in its eyes!

There's no doubt in my mind. You're a killer.

Is it signaling to its partner in crime?

Stop that barking, Taro. There's a good boy.

Oh. Subaru's out? No wonder you were barking.

This must be the path to its secret hideout.

With one spark of inspiration, the wings of imagination unfurl!

I can't believe this.

I never dreamed anything could inspire me

as much as reading books.

Who would have thought?

-- Hey, Subaru! --

Hiroto.

Don't you have anything besides fish sausages here?

Criticizing my fridge?

Dammit, Hiroto, you can't just waltz into someone's house

unannounced like you own the place!

And you can't raid their fridge without permission, either!

I mean, come on, your parents live three houses down!

Yeah, about that, you're never even going to believe

what happened to me, Subaru. Check this out.

Some jerk stole my wallet while I was overseas,

and I still managed to make it home.

But then there was a dang fire

on the floor above me or something,

and my entire apartment got totally flooded.

I had no money, I was starving,

and when I went to my parents' place, they weren't home.

I've had a rough couple days, man.

Wait, hold on.

I got you this!

I don't need more crap.

Jeez, dude, sorry. What is that?

--A cat, what else? --Yeah, obviously.

I'm not a moron. But, I mean, why's it here?

I took it in recently.

Wait, you're keeping it?! You, with a cat?

The guy who doesn't care about anything in the world but books?

You okay?

--Will you shut up? --Wow. Dang.

I'm just shocked.

What are you crying about?!

I don't know, I'm just... happy for you...

Uh...

Hey, kitty. I'll bring you a little treat

next time I stop by.

--Be a good kitty for Subaru. --

Will you just get out of here and let me work?!

Ah, good, you picked up. It's Kawase.

Did you get those cat books I sent over?

Yeah. I did. Just now, actually.

I had no idea

there was so much reference material about cats.

I'll be sending you more later.

Oh, fun fact, listen to this. Did you know that cats can--

I don't need any useless cat facts, thanks.

Huh?

That's a pet peeve of mine.

If I want information, I can find it myself.

Oh, right, of course! Sorry about that.

Just try to be more mindful in the future.

Were you just talking to Mikazuki?

Oh, you could tell?

He looks like such a nice kid, but he's got a bite.

Boy's ruthless.

Around here, we call writers like that one "difficult."

But he's a popular author,

so don't do anything that might run him off.

Oh, by the way, you might want to keep a close eye on him

when he's got deadlines coming up.

Huh?

That guy just won't leave me alone.

I want to think for myself here.

This is exactly why I hate people.

A spy!

Ow! Dammit! Why is there cat food on the floor?

-- --What the hell?!

What are you even trying to do in there?

Whoa, this must be a trap! I see what's going on.

It's a snare to throw the target off-guard to finish the job!

This is perfect!

You're pretty cool, you know that?

You don't butt into my business like humans do.

And you stimulate my imagination.

It's fantastic.

This is what I get for saying those words out loud.

I've had about enough of this little stunt.

What the hell, man?

"A tribute to its boss"?

Boss. I got somethin' special for you.

What exactly is it you expect from me?

I'll just ignore it. I've got a deadline coming up.

I don't have time to mess around.

-- --

Oh, come on!

I was told no one would interrupt me!

I told myself lies!

Man. I guess cats are just as annoying as humans.

Nothing good ever comes from letting them in!

Okay. Finish line's in sight.