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

They were in a bus accident while on vacation, I heard.

Imagine, losing both parents...

Their son is an only child, right?

Yes.

I hope Subaru-kun is all right...

Subaru...

My Roommate is a Cat

An Encounter with the Unknown

This world is full of annoyances.

Here you go. The reference materials you asked for.

Thank you.

Tricks of the Courtroom Trade Use These Tricks to Win Any Trial.

You sure do read a lot of books, Mikazuki-kun.

So, do you think you'll be able to come up with an idea for your next book?

No, not yet.

Well, reading is great,

but you might find some new stimulation by going outside.

You know, this place is really popular right now.

I decided a while back that our next meeting should be here—

Kawase-san...

Did you become my editor just so you could get in my way?

Huh?

This is so good!

Really? And then what?

Bringing me to a place with so many people...

Excuse me!

I can't think with all this noise!

So I'll be going. Excuse me.

O-Okay...

Thank you for the books.

He's more than I bargained for...

Mikazuki Subaru, mystery author.

Eccentric and not fond of people.

His previous editor was transferred last month due to gastritis.

Ohbayashi Flower Shop

Handle with extreme care.

I wish I could just live on a deserted island and bury myself in books.

Mikazuki Family Grave

Come to think of it, my parents always wanted to take me places, too.

But going out means seeing people.

Hey, I've read that book!

Really? What's it about?

Well, it turns out the protagonist's friend...

Stop!

For real?!

Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!

Yeah! I didn't even realize he had been around then!

Don't take the fun of imagining what happens away from me!

I don't want anyone interfering with me anymore.

Mom, Dad...

Thankfully, I'm able to eat and get by on my own imagination.

So don't worry about me.

That's another reason I need to come up with a new story.

Before Kawase-san does anything else...

I got a bite!

Oh, it's a cat.

I thought it jumped out of the grave...

Its mouth reminds me a little of Mom's...

Oh, come on. That's just ridiculous.

I've got my new book idea!

From the shadows...

From the smallest opening...

From beyond the darkness...

The moment I saw those keenly glowing eyes, I was captivated!

And now...

There's a cat after my life.

Hello, this is Kawase of Koguma Publishing.

I saw your email.

A mystery about a cat, huh? It sounds interesting!

And the cat is after someone's life, even!

I see. Thanks.

So this will be the new book everyone's been waiting for.

I'll need the first chapter by the end of this month. Is that all right?

Yes.

I have the full plot laid out already.

Bye, then.

Those are murderous waves!

You're definitely a killer.

Is it signaling a partner?

Stop that, Taro. Be quiet.

Oh, is that Subaru-kun? What is he up to?

The path to its secret hideout!

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

I never dreamed I'd find anything besides books that inspired me so much.

Who would have thought?

Hey, Subaru!

Hiroto...

Are fish sausages all you have here?

That aside...

Damn it, Hiroto!

Don't just waltz into someone's house without permission!

And don't raid my fridge without permission!

Your parents live just three houses down!

Yeah, about that... Just listen to this, Subaru.

My wallet was stolen overseas, and even after I somehow made it home,

there was a fire or something on the floor above mine,

and my entire apartment was drenched.

I had no money, I was starving,

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

I've had it rough, man.

Oh, right...

I got you a souvenir!

I really don't need that.

Anyway, Subaru... what is that?

Huh? It's a cat.

Uh, yeah, I can tell it's a cat.

I took it in not long ago.

You're keeping it?!

You? The guy who doesn't care about anything but books?

Keeping a cat?!

Shut up.

Really? You, of all people?

Why are you crying?!

I don't know, I'm just... so happy.

Hey, kitty, I'll bring you a little something next time.

Be good for Subaru, okay?

Just go home already!

Kitty Life

Kitty Life

For the kitty! From Hiroto

Incoming Call

Kawase Atsushi-san

Koguma Publishing

Ah, hello, this is Kawase.

Did you get the cat books I sent?

My Cat's Favorite Spot

Yeah, just now.

There really are a lot of reference materials about cats.

I'll send some more later.

Oh, by the way, did you know that cats—

I don't need any useless information.

Cats Are Wonderful

Huh?

I hate it when people cut my imagination short like that.

O-Oh, of course!

I'm sorry.

Please just be more careful in the future.

Was that Mikazuki-san?

He looks like a sweet kid, but he's got some bite.

He's merciless.

He may be hard to handle, but he's a popular author.

Don't do anything to make him mad so he runs off to another publisher.

Oh, by the way,

you'll want to keep an eye on him when his deadlines are close.

I just can't get a break from him.

I want to think for myself here.

This is why I hate people.

A spy!

Ow!

Cat food?

What the?!

What are you even trying to do?

It must be a trap!

A trap to throw the target off guard and finish him off!

This is great for my book!

You're pretty cool.

You don't butt into my business like people do,