As the saying goes, "no risk, no reward." I can't just obey because she's smart. Pretending to keep my ears covered, I wait until Chiori Mikami turns away for a second then quietly move my hands.
[Chiori Mikami]...Meow-- meow-- meow--
The light of the setting sun glints on the hair of the girl beside me, shimmering with a gentle gold. She actually mimics a cat's meow, and her soft voice tickles my heart.
[Chiori Mikami]It's me! I've brought you some tasty snacks, so come on out, little ones.
This is the first time I've heard her speak in this sort of tone. If she'd been addressing me, her tone would have been totally different... My wandering thoughts are interrupted by the rustling bushes, which shake for a moment before several "fluffy balls" of different colors pop out.
The multicolored kittens meow, clearly familiar with Chiori Mikami, are hesitant to approach me, the two-legged stranger.
Chiori Mikami opens her bag and takes out some prepared cat food and snacks. As soon as one is open, these cautious - but not THAT cautious - little fluffy balls immediately swarm right up to our feet. Just then, a proffered bag of snacks is thrust into my line of sight, so I remove my hands from my ears and take it.
[Chiori Mikami]...Let's feed them together. They won't be so scared of you then.
[player]Ahaha! Thanks, Chiori.
[Chiori Mikami]I-It's not for you! I can't just let them eat while scared.
[player]Mmhmm, I understand. So what you meant before was coming here to feed these strays? And Riu doesn't know about this?
[Chiori Mikami]I'm not a child! I don't need Riu to do absolutely everything for me!
[player]I know, I know. You do pretty well yourself.
[Chiori Mikami]...Well, naturally.
Chiori Mikami turns her head and intently feeds the kitten, only the tip of her red ears revealing her true feelings. She seems happy to have brought a friend to her secret base.
However, if Chiori Mikami wasn't originally playing in the children's playground, how did she discover these kittens in such a remote place? I decide to keep this question to myself, in order to maintain the peaceful atmosphere.
[Chiori Mikami]Eh?!
[player]Wh-What?
Chiori Mikami's exclamation startles me, and I think she's read my mind again.
[Chiori Mikami]...This isn't right. There's one missing.
[Chiori Mikami]There were five last time I came. But I haven't seen the little orange one since I got here.
