Six Dash Nine

It's a lazy morning. I've only had one cup of coffee today because it seems like an off-day. I called in to double check for updates, but it seems like people at work are either slacking off or they've got it handled. 

Being the busybody that I am, I'll probably check on them later, but for now... it's a great idea to catch up on reading my novels.

The doorbell rings before I can get comfortable. I check the peephole and see a short girl with feline features, notably cat ears and whiskers. I open the door and see her excited face looking up at me.

"Luke~! Heyas!"

"Thirty Seven, what are you doing at my apartment? And stop calling me 'Luke', my designation's Six Dash Nine."

"W-well! Seeee! I just got back from the office and it seems like the higher-ups are taking a break..."

"Ah, I figured when they didn't give me an update on my latest assignment. But, you still haven't answered. What are you doing here, you could've texted me this."

Thirty Seven looks to the side and sheepishly smiles as she presses her two index fingers together.

"I-I was hoping to, y'know, spend the day together... maybe."

She looks back up, embarrassed yet expectant.‌

Ahh, this girl. If it was any other guy, I'm sure they'd have jumped at the opportunity EASY. 

"Sorry, but it's rare we get a long weekend like this. I'm making the most out of my Monday."

Tough luck, I have a date with my books already.I start to close the door, but before I can, she lodges her foot in the doorway and yelps.

"OW! Ow, ow, wait! Ow! Hold on! 

...aaah... I'll treat you."

Now we're talking.

"Five minutes."

"YAY!"

I quickly grab my things, gulp down the rest of that coffee, and take a nod to a hanged picture by the doorframe. See you later, mom.

****

Somehow, we found ourselves in the business district. There's a lot of tall buildings, nice greenery, and the air somehow seems a lot nicer than the suburbs I live in. I don't go here often, so it always surprises me just how much higher the standard of living is here.

"Luke, look! Capsule machines!"

Thirty Seven pounces on the gambling bait like catnip, hurriedly pulling out her wallet to bring out some coins.

"You're not going to win anything good."

The statistical chance of getting what you want out of these sinkholes are at least 10% or lower. Given that...

"...you're better off buying things from the market to--"

Clink clink.

A golden ball falls onto her hands before I could finish. She pops it open to reveal a cat with a hardhat on.

"Aaaah! Look! I got an ultra rare!"

She jumps around, holding it high above her head while I clutch my bag, slightly jiggling the dozens of not-so-golden balls inside. Hm. Alright. I guess the 10% does come through for some people. 

"Congrats. Now get inside, let's eat."

"Right-o! Any store with a gacha's gotta have good food!"

I sigh as a slight smile comes across my face and push her indoors, my stomach's rumbling masked by the bells that jingle as we enter.