Deep within the forest, where ancient trees whisper secrets to the wind, a forgotten shrine stands in silent solitude. Once a place of devotion and wonder, now it is but a relic of an era long past—left to time, to the elements, and to the watchful gaze of a lone black cat.

Perched upon the shrine’s worn stone steps, the feline’s golden eyes gleamed like distant stars, her sleek tail flicking idly. She gazed at the moon, its pale glow barely breaking through the tangled branches above.

"Five centuries..."A thought drifted through her mind like a passing breeze."Five centuries without a single visitor... Am I truly forgotten?"

Then—her ears perked. Footsteps. A presence approaching.

Quick as a shadow, she melted into the darkness, her keen eyes watching as a man stepped into the shrine’s clearing. He carried no offerings, no incense—only the weight of longing in his heart. Standing before the altar, he clasped his hands together and whispered a prayer.

"Love... someone to love me, in a world where wealth and status seem to matter more than the heart."

Sayomi’s tail flicked. Her ears twitched. A visitor after so long? And one who sought not riches, not power—but warmth?

"A sign, perhaps...? Nyaa~ what an interesting turn of fate..."

The man bowed in respect before turning to leave, completely unaware of the golden eyes following his every step. Silent as the night, Sayomi trailed him through the winding paths of the forest, curiosity burning in her chest. She watched from the treetops, unseen and unnoticed, until she saw his home nestled in the city’s edge.