（作者名字后續(xù)更改專欄補(bǔ)上，劇情梳理圖在最后）

Dana:...ll...

Dana:J-ll...

Dana:Jill!

Jill:Wha?

Dana:Jill, are you here yet? The bar opens in a few minutes.

Jill:Huh, what?

Dana:Gil already cleaned the glasses, we're just waiting on?you.

Jill:I- I'm here.

Dana:There you are. And right on time.

Jill:G'eveni-... What?

Dana:Something wrong?

Jill:Putting aside the fact that I don't have any recollection how I even got here...

Jill:Why are you wearing cat ears, Boss?

Dana:Wearing? I'm not wearing anything.

Jill:(Wait, are they... moving? Don't tell me...)

Jill:(ARE THEY REAL?!)

Jill:W- why do you have cat ears, Boss?

Dana:Because they are cute and cool.

Jill:No, I meant: Why do YOU have cat ears?

[XS:danaface,]Dana:Because of the milk.

Jill:What are you-

Jill:...

Jill:Why is there milk in the bar dispenser?

Jill:Wait, is that real milk? Where did you even get that?

Dana:It was a gift from Iris. You remember Iris, right?

Jill:Your friend that has a bar in Saint Alicia? You mentioned her a few times.

Dana:Yes, her. I was talking with her about how cute her ears were and she asked me if I wanted a pair too.

Dana:And today, I arrive to a parcel containing the milk and a note.

Dana:'Everyone that drinks this milk gets at least three times cuter' it said.

Dana:Can't argue with results.

Jill:(...Can't argue, indeed.)

Dana:Hey, no staring unless you give me something to stare at too.

Dana:Here, drink up. It's on the house.

Jill:Boss, do you expect me to just drink something that might make me grow cat ears for no reason? Are you sure it's safe?

Dana:Hey, be happy I told you what it does before you drank it.

Dana:If it'll put you at ease I can tell you that its been thoroughly tested, so don't worry!

Jill:Tested?

Dana:I decided to at least share the fun.

Jill:Wait, what does that mean? Did you-

Dana:Anyway, leave it out. That way customers can see it. But don't feel shy about drinking it yourself. I'll be in my office.[XS:danhide,1]

Jill:Yeah, yeah...

Jill:(I've had many strange days lately, but today feels different.)

Jill:Time to mix drinks and change lives.

Jill:(Huh, strange. I don't see Gil anywhere. Getting supplies maybe?)

Sei:Ah, haa...haa. So I was faster after all.

Jill:...Welcome to Valhalla, Sei. You sound like you ran a marathon.

Sei:I- haa... I did. Stella challenged me who'd be here faster- haa... me, running or her, driving.

Jill:And you WON? In your condition? Wow...

Sei:Eh, I think you have it wrong. Haa- Stella lives uptown, remember? And then there's also the- haa... the traffic around this time.

Jill:Still, that's impressive... scary, almost.

Jill:Wait, does that mean you ran a whole district here?

Sei:Something- haa... like that. Nothing I wouldn't be able to- haa... run were I not so out of shape.

Jill:You? Out of shape? What do you call ME then?

Sei:Jill, probably. Haa... But please don't make such a big- haa... deal out of it.

Sei:This would've only been the warm-up back in the boot camps.

Jill:(And I maintain: Impressive and scary.)

Jill:...Ok then, care for a celebratory drink?

Sei:Sounds great, but just water for n- ...wait, is that milk on the counter?

Jill:(Uh oh.)

Jill:Yes... it's milk. Real milk at that. However it... might have some side-effects.

Sei:Side-effects? Like causing flank pain? I don't think you have to worry, my torso's pretty tough. My instructor always told me-

Jill:Not that kind of- No, it seems to make you grow cat ears.

Sei:Cat ears? Like Stella?

Jill:Pretty much. I don't know the details, but I saw Boss with cat ears today. And they seemed too real to be a prank. But...

Sei:What? That sounds so cute. I wish I could've seen her.

Sei:You know, I always wondered what it's like to have cat ears. They look so soft.

Sei:I'll take one milk, please.

Jill:...Coming right up.

*SeiCat1*?

Jill:One glass of milk.

Sei:Thank you.

Jill:So? How is it?

Sei:...

Jill:...

Jill:Hello, Earth to Sei? Sei something, say.

Sei:Wh- what? Oh, sorry. I was just lost in thought. This milk made some memories flood back in.

Jill:Judging from your expression, I'm guessing it wasn't the happy kind?

[XS:seitalk,1][C:17]Sei:Yes and no. Some were happy, some were not. But they're my memories. And all my memories are welcome.

Sei:...

Sei:It's mostly just stuff from when Stella and I were kids. The usual adventures and fights.

Sei:There's...some darker moments as well.

Jill:...

Jill:Do you need a minute?

Sei:...no. It's alright.

Sei:It's those memories that make us who we are today. And thanks to this milk, I was able to relive those memories.

Sei:This is my first glass in quite a while. Back then, we drank a lot of milk. Stella's parents made sure of that. I almost feel like-

Jill:...huh?

Sei:Ahaha-...... Oww... haha...ow

Jill:Hey, what's going on? ...BOSS, SEI'S IN TROUBLE!

Dana:DID SHE DRINK THE MILK?

Jill:YES, WHAT ARE YOU-

Sei:Hwah? What's going on? ...Why do you look so surprised?

Jill:(This can't be. The milk...)

Sei:...

Jill:(The way she's flinching when she touches them...)

Sei:...I have cat ears? Wow! I have cat ears! Jill Jiill! Can you see them?!

Jill:I... yes...

Sei:How do they look? Do they look as fluffy as they feel?

Jill:They do look fluffy. Similar to Fore's.

Sei:Your cat, right? I can't wait to see Stella's reaction.

*SeiNoCat1*?

Jill:Here you go.

Sei:This isn't milk...

Jill:I just don't know the possible health-risks yet... sorry.

Sei:No no. I'm the one who's sorry. It's natural that you wouldn't be comfortable serving me something that might harm me.

Sei:I'm glad you're looking out for me, at least.

Jill:Don't worry about it. If you want, I can ask Boss about its safety later.

Sei:Okay...

Sei:Hey, about Stella...

*Main1*?

Sei:...

Sei:She was always embarrassed about them, you know?

Jill:Hm? About what?

Sei:Her ears.

Jill:Really? It feels more like her whole appearance is based on proudly presenting them.

Sei:Actually, it's the opposite. She's presenting them to distract from them. Make them seem like the most normal thing in the world.

Sei:She hates to be seen as different from the others.

Sei:And if everybody acknowledges them from the first moment, then she's just a girl.

Jill:I didn't think there were still people that discriminate against Cat Boomers in Glitch City...

Sei:There are a few, but it's not her appearance towards others she's afraid of.

Sei:I guess you could say it's also her parents' fault in a way.

Sei:She told me that she was always presented as their 'Cat Boomer daughter'...

Sei:She must've felt like it was her whole identity.

Jill:And that's why she started dressing so flashy?

Sei:Yeah, it was a few years ago, but-

Stella:Of course someone had to be in an accident while I was in a hurry!

Sei:Ah, there you are.

Jill:Welcome to Valhalla, Stella.[XS:ph,9][E:9]

*SeiCat2*?

Stella:What? How? Why? Who? ...Huh?!

Sei:Glad to see you finally made it.

Stella:You. Cat ears. Why?

Sei:Oh right, these? They are because of the milk. Wanna feel how soft they are? But be careful, they're still sensitive.

Stella:Jill. Help.

Jill:I can't tell you what I don't know.

Jill:What I can tell you is that Boss got some milk from a friend and it seems to make people grow cat ears when they drink it.

Stella:And Sei just drank it? You idiot. Who knows what could've happened?

Sei:I was wondering the same, so I decided to test it. Mystery solved!

Stella:You too, Jill! How could you've been so reckless?

Jill:Boss drank it too, so we knew it wouldn't kill or harm her at least.

Stella:With how tough your boss is, I'd imagine she could drink poison and be fine.

Jill:...Touche.

Stella:Why would you do that? Why would you want to grow a pair of cat ears?

Sei:Because yours seem like fun. And to cheer you up.

Stella:...cheer me up?

Sei:You always seemed so unhappy about them.

Sei:So I thought, if I got a pair too...

Sei:...you wouldn't feel so alone anymore...

Sei:Sorry, I shouldn't have assumed-

Stella:...diot.

Sei:What was that?

Stella:You IDIOT! You...you cat-eared dummy!

Sei:Eh?

Stella:You would risk your well-being just to make me feel Better about myself?

Sei:Is that so strange?

Stella:There are less dangerous ways to go about it, at least!

Sei:But that's what best friends are for, right?

Stella:......

Stella:You...

Stella:How could I ever feel alone with you around?

Jill:(It never gets boring with those two.)

Jill:Would you like to drink something, Stella?

Stella:Yeah... I think I'll have-

Sei:Wait, Stella. You should really try the milk! It's super tasty.

Jill:I don't know about that... That might not be the best idea.

Sei:But Stella already has cat ears. So there's not much else that could happen, right?

Jill:(Can't say I'm not interested?to see what would happen.)

Stella:Well, you did win the race, so I do owe you a prize...

Stella:Jill, you decide.

Jill:Huh?

Stella:Get me either a Fringe Weaver or the milk.

Jill:...No problem.

*SeiNoCat2*

Stella:So you got here before me, huh?

Sei:Yup, I've been here talking to Jill for a little while already.

Stella:Not surprising, considering what happened on the way here.

Jill:You mentioned an accident?

Stella:Yes. On the ride here the cab in front of us seemed to have malfunctioned.

Stella:It drove into an intersection and collided with another car.

Sei:Oh no, that sounds horrible! You should've called me.

Stella:No need. Thanks to you drilling all those first-aid techniques into my skull.

Stella:I was able to keep the injured woman stable until help arrived.

Stella:And I guess I must've done a good job because one of the ambulance workers called me "Doctor" when he took her.

Sei:See, I told you they would come in handy sometime.

Stella:And besides, you have to fully heal yourself before jumping into action again.

Stella:See, if I just poke here...

Sei:Owch! Ow. I get it. Stop poking.

Sei:But my injuries were probably nothing compared to hers. And I'm used to pain.

Stella:I don't want to hear you say that.

Sei:Anyway, I'm glad you were on the scene to provide first aid. For that, I'll buy you a drink, "Ms. Doctor".

Stella:You make it sound like that's my last name.

Stella:Now let's see...

Jill:(I can guess what she'll ask next.)

Stella:I'll take a milk, please.

Jill:Why yes, it is. Boss got it from- Huh?

Stella:One milk, please.

Jill:You're not surprised we're serving milk here?

Stella:Of course not.

Stella:Why would I be? Milk is a component of many drinks.

Jill:It is ... but not in Glitch City.

Stella:Huh? Really?

Stella:So why do you have a glass sitting on the counter right here?

Jill:It's a long story... for one, that milk seems to make people grow cat ears.

Stella:What? Grow cat ears? Are you making fun of me?

Jill:No, I- When I came here, I saw Boss with cat ears. I was just as surprised as you.

Jill:I don't know how or why, but unless Boss is playing an elaborate prank, that's a thing that might happen.

Stella:Sorry, I know you wouldn't...

Stella:I've decided. I want a milk anyway.

Jill:Are you sure?

Stella:I already have cat ears, so there's not much that could happen. And looking at that glass made me thirsty for milk.

Jill:(Maybe we should leave drinks out in the open more often. Seems to be good advertising.)

Jill:Ok, one milk for Stella.

*SeiAndStella*

Jill:Here you go. One glass of milk.

[XS:stelface,happy]Stella:So your curiosity got the Better of you after all?

Jill:...

Stella:Stay quiet all you like but your wise bartender facade doesn't hide your intentions, Jill.

Stella:Well, it looks like milk... Let's see if it's as tasty as you say.

Stella:......

Stella:I see. So this is real milk after all. It's not something I get to enjoy often.

Jill:Do you like it?

Stella:It's delicious. And it seems to have a nostalgic aftertaste...

Sei:What? Mine didn't have an aftertaste. Is it spoiled?

Stella:No, I mean that the milk made me remember a few things from the past.

Sei:Oh. Yeah, that happened to me too. Right before-

*OnlyStella*

Jill:Here you go. One glass of milk.

[XS:stelface,happy]Stella:So your curiosity got the Better of you after all?

Jill:...

Stella:Stay quiet all you like but your wise bartender facade doesn't hide your intentions, Jill.

Stella:Well, it looks like milk... Let's see if it tastes like it too.

Stella:......

Stella:I see. So this is real milk after all. It's not something I get to enjoy often.

Jill:Do you like it?

Stella:It's delicious. And it seems to have an aftertaste of nostalgia...

Sei:Aftertaste? Do you think it's spoiled?

Stella:No, I mean that the milk made me remember a few things from the past.

Sei:Really? I remember that you told me you drank a lot of milk in the-

*StellaCatify*

Stella:Hnnnng... owwwww- ...ugh

Jill:What, she's having a reaction?!

Sei:I'll hold her so she doesn't hurt herself!

Stella:Huff... The pain seems to have subsided.

Stella:What's wrong?

Jill:(Did she... get a second pair of ears?)

Sei:Now you're twice as cute and fluffy!

Stella:What do you- ...

Stella:......

Jill:(Her expression changed immediately when she touched her... new pair.)

Stella:Please tell me I'm imagining things, but it feels as if I have two pairs of cat ears on my head.

Jill:That's... what it looks like to me.

Stella:This... can't be.

Sei:Hey, are you okay? You look like you're going to faint.

Jill:Here, take this water and try to calm down. Deep breaths.

Stella:Huff...... huff...... huff...

Jill:Better?

Stella:...a bit. Thank you.

Jill:Don't mention it.

Jill:Still, it seems like you have a smaller pair of cat ears in addition to your usual ones now.

Jill:How do you feel?

Stella:...I... can't be seen like this.

Sei:I'm so sorry. I shouldn't have asked you to drink the milk. I didn't mean to...

Stella:It's not your fault. No one could have known.

Stella:...

Stella:Jill, get me another milk.

Jill:Hwha-?

Stella:If one milk gets me a new pair, a second one might reverse the effect.

Sei:Are you sure? We were wrong before.

Jill:Yeah... what if you just grow another pair?

Stella:I'm aware. But I have to try regardless. It can't get much worse...

Stella:Jill, if you would.

Jill:...Sure.

*NoEarStella*

Jill:One milk. I hope this works.

Stella:There's only one way to find out.

Stella:...

Sei:And? How do you feel?

Stella:Not much different yet. It seems to take a while until the milk sets in.

Sei:Oh yeah.

Sei:......

Stella:......

Jill:......

Jill:(The atmosphere suddenly became so thick. We're all just... waiting.)

Stella:Hnnrg.... rrrrng...

Sei:I got you!

Jill:(Now, let's see...)

Stella:Hrrm... the second time wasn't as bad as the first.

Jill:(Sei's eyes are transfixed on her head. I... can't blame her.)

Stella:Hey what are you staring at?

Jill:(What the hell is this milk you sent us, Iris?)

Sei:You look... strange, Stella.

Stella:What do you mean, strange? Wait...

Stella:They're gone. Both pairs, without a trace.

Jill:How do you feel?

Stella:I... don't know. But at least I'm not a freak anymore, so... relieved? But why did you say I look strange?

Sei:It's hard to explain, but you seem... off. You don't look like yourself.

Stella:I don't look like myself?

Jill:I think what Sei means is that your ears were such a big part of your appearance that seeing you without them feels wrong, in a way.

Stella:Were my ears that important?

Sei:You still look cute. Just a bit different without your soft and fluffy ears.

*RolesReversed*

Sei:And now I'm the one with cat ears.

Jill:...You're right. Your roles are more or less reversed now.

Stella:It's true. What a strange turn of events.

Sei:I'm the cat girl meow.

Stella:Don't... No cat puns.

Sei:Hehe. You look Better already, Stella.Don't be so gloomy.

Jill:It's hard to sulk with Sei around. I had that experience first-hand.

Stella:Fine, fine. I'm okay. It's just-

Stella:There were times when I wished my ears were gone, but... they're still a part of me.

Stella:Now that I got rid of them... I kinda miss them.

Stella:Don't get me wrong. There's no way I was going to keep two pairs, but if I were to decide... I think I'd want them back.

Jill:If you want, I can serve you another milk.

Stella:...No thanks. There's too many uncertainties right now. Besides, the milk's effect could be only temporary.

Jill:That's fair. I need to ask Boss about it later.

Stella:Thank you.

Stella:For now, I think I should enjoy the role reversal. I'll worry about what comes next later.

Sei:Yay! I'm the soft and fluffy one now.

Stella:The ears maybe. I'm not so sure about the rest.

Sei:Wh- What do you mean by that?

Stella:Nothing, now let's get going. Bye, Jill.

Sei:What, already? Hey, don't shove me. Uhh, bye, Jill!

Jill:Bye, you two!

Jill:(Seems Stella was able to recover from the initial shock after all. Good for her.)

*NoEarsAtAll*

Sei:Except for your drills. They're still soft and fluffy.

Stella:They are neither soft nor fluffy.

Sei:Are you sure? They have this little bounce when you walk.

Sei:Hmm... what I mean is, even without your ears, there's still soft and fluffy things on you.

Sei:Because for me, you're always soft and fluffy! Because you're Stella!

Jill:Yeah. Well, not exactly what she said, but it'll take a while for us to get used to it.

Jill:Even then, you're still the same Stella as always.

Stella:...I know. It's just... I don't know...

Stella:There were times when I wished my ears to be gone, but... they're still a part of me.

Stella:Now that I got rid of them... I kinda miss them.

Stella:Don't get me wrong. There's no way I was going to keep two pairs, but if I were to decide... I think I'd want them back.

Jill:If you want, I can serve you another milk.

Stella:...No thanks. There's too many uncertainties right now. Besides, the milk's effect could be only temporary.

Jill:That's fair. I need to ask Boss about it later.

Stella:Thank you.

Stella:And for now, I should enjoy looking normal for once. I'll worry about what comes next later.

Jill:(I'm sure you'll still stand out with just your drills ...)

Sei:Yay! Girls night! Jill, come with!

Jill:Huh? What, me?

Stella:I'm pretty sure Jill still has work to do.

Sei:Oh, right. Sorry.

Jill:Don't worry about me. I'm fine. You two go have enough fun for the three of us.

Stella:Ok, but you'll have to join us next time. No buts!

Jill:Yeah, yeah. If you tell me sooner than the exact moment it starts.

Sei:Oh, Stella. I know where we can go first.

Sei:I found this hidden antique shop that sells old military equipment. They even have a small box filled with dog tags!

Stella:What, dusty old military equipment? That's what you think of first when you hear 'Girls Night'?

Sei:I know you'll love it. They even have old uniforms you can just put on.

Stella:I guess it might be fun to see you get into some old uniforms.

Stella:But we should get going, in any case. Bye, Jill.

Sei:But I meant that you should try them on. Hey, wait! Uhh, bye, Jill.

Jill:(Seems Stella was able to recover from the initial shock after all. Good for her.)

*StellaDisappointed*

Jill:...

Stella:That's... not milk.

Jill:I'm sorry... I don't think this is such a good idea.

Jill:We shouldn't jump to conclusions just yet. For one, the effect of the milk might only be temporary.

Stella:You're... you're right. We should see what happens before doing something so potentially dangerous.

Stella:Thanks, Jill.

Jill:As I said, don't mention it. I'll ask Boss later if she can get something that can reverse the effects, should they be permanent.

Stella:I appreciate it.

Stella:Well, we Better be on our way then. Sei, you want to wait this out with me?

Sei:Ah, yes. I still feel bad for making you do this.

Stella:We'll figure something out. Goodbye, Jill. And don't worry about me.

Sei:Bye, Jill. Sorry for everything.

Jill:Goodbye. And good luck.

Jill:(I just hope these two will be okay.)

*Fringe*

Jill:Here you go.

Stella:A Fringe Weaver. I won't complain...

*NoFringe*

Jill:Here you go.

Stella:I... didn't ask for this.

Jill:Oh, I thought you should try something new.

*OnlySei*

Stella:Was there a reason you didn't give me a milk? It seemed like you were really interested in finding out what would happen.

Jill:(She noticed?!)

Jill:Well, I was, but it's a bit too dangerous. We know it worked on Boss and Sei, but who knows what might happen to a Cat Boomer?

Jill:Granted, the person that sent us the milk is a Cat Boomer.

Jill:But with the existence of this milk, that might not even be true in the first place.

Stella:So you're saying anyone could become a Cat Boomer with this milk...

Sei:That would be so cute.?

Stella:Cute? These ears are nothing but trouble. Just getting my hair done every morning is troublesome.

Jill:(Pretty sure that's not your ears' fault.)

Stella:...

Stella:...why are you exchanging glances?

Stella:Anyway, I've learned to live with them, but they are more a hindrance than anything else.

Stella:There's a lot of people just staring at them mid-conversation. Of course I know they don't mean anything by it...

Stella:But every time it happens, I can't help but feel like I'm getting reduced to these ears.

Jill:(My... eyes tend to drift too, now that I think about it.)

Stella:Everywhere I go I'm always treated differently. It's hard to notice, but with time you are able to read the faces of those people.

Stella:And I get it. Cat Boomers are pretty rare, so people want to ask questions.

Stella:But they make me feel more like a walking attraction instead of a girl...

Sei:But now I have cat ears too. Now we're both different together, right?

Stella:...Maybe you're right. [XS:stelface,happy]Now they won't pester just me alone anymore.

Sei:And there's good things about them too. They are soft and they are fluffy.

Stella:On good days they are, yes.

Stella:And seeing them on you makes me realize why people like to stare. They're hypnotizing!

Jill:(Seeing both of them almost makes me jealous.)

Stella:But there's one more practical downside to them.

Sei:What's that?

Stella:I can't wear hats. And you remember how much I struggled to squeeze into your helmet.

Sei:Yeah, that makes sense. I can't remember ever seeing you wear a hat for more than a few minutes.

Sei:Oh I have an idea! Let's cut holes in your hats so your ears aren't squished.

Stella:That's such a bad idea! Can you imagine how much even one of them costs?

Sei:More than my whole wardrobe, probably. But that way you would at least get some use out of them.

Stella:I'll think about it, okay? But for now I think we've taken up enough of Jill's time with our cat chatter.

Sei:You're probably right.

Sei:Oh, when I drank the milk, I remembered a funny story from when we were still in school.

Stella:I hope it's not the one I'm thinking of. Is it the one where your festival stand got trashed?

Sei:How did you know?!

Stella:I guess I just know how you tick.

Stella:Goodbye, Jill.

Sei:Hey, wait up. Bye, Jill.[XS:seihide,1]

Jill:Goodbye, you two.

Jill:(Seems that milk made them really happy. Good for them.)

*NoMilkSS*

Jill:Here you go.

Stella:Did you get cold feet halfway through?

Jill:Sorry, I just think that serving this milk is a bad idea.

Stella:Don't tell me you actually believe there's such a thing as milk that makes you grow ears?

Jill:...Of course not. But what if there IS? This is still Glitch City, the place where a hamster can become headmaster of a university.

[XS:seiface,happy][XS:seitalk,1][C:17]Sei:Principal Whiskers is soooo cute.

Jill:And Whiskers U is quickly becoming the most popular Uni of the city.

Stella:I get your point, but this seems more like a prank than anything else.

Jill:I can't blame you for thinking that. You haven't seen Boss yet. Let me just...

Jill:BOSS! THE NEWS HERE SAYS THAT IMMORTAL WRESTLER IS STEPPING BACK INTO THE RING!

Dana:WHAT!? I THOUGHT HE STEPPED DOWN FOR GOOD! I NEED TO SEE THIS!!

Dana:THAT WEASEL, he told me he was done himse-

Dana:Hey, that isn't wrestling.

Jill:I needed to get you out of your office, this was the fastest way.

Dana:Clever. But how would you even know of Immortal Sugimoto?

Jill:I don't.

Jill:I just thought 'Immortal' sounds like a good title for a wrestler.

Dana:...Clever. I should-

Stella:You. Cat ears. Why?

Dana:Is... everything okay?

Jill:Told ya they look real.

Stella:This is impossible. There's no way...

Sei:Ms. Dana has cute and fluffy cat ears! They look so soft.

Dana:Call me Danya.

Jill:(Did she just... Just how much is she enjoying this?)

Danya:And as you can see, it's not impossible.

Stella:This is a bit hard to swallow. Where did you even get that milk?

Danya:From a friend in Saint Alicia. So don't worry, the milk is completely safe.

Jill:What about the effects? Are they temporary?

Danya:What? You think I would ask questions before drinking cat ear milk?

Jill:...Touche.

Danya:Anyway, I can see that you didn't drink your milk yet, Jill.

Danya:You'll never grow up if you don't drink it.

Jill:There's only one thing that would grow and you know it.

Danya:I don't think you realize how good you would look with cat ears. And just imagine how Fore would react.

Jill:(He would probably say "What, did you believe I'm your son so strongly that you sprouted a pair of cat ears yourself?")

Danya:You just imagined what he would say, right?

Jill:(Damn! I'm too easy to read.)

Danya:Anyway, I'll call up Iris later. Right now I need to make some more photos of cat poses for my sis.

Danya:And no peeking! Laters!

Jill:Why did you look specifically at me when saying that?!

Sei:Your boss looked so cute with those ears, right Stella?

Stella:She... looked pretty good with them.

Jill:Do you still think it's just a prank?

Stella:No... I mean, I want to think it's still just a bad joke, but her ears were real. I don't know what to think now...

Jill:Why do you care in the first place?

Stella:Huh?

Jill:What does it concern you that there's milk that makes you grow cat ears?

Stella:Oh. Hmm... I think it's because it makes these ears become an aesthetic choice.

Stella:I never got to decide if I wanted them or not. I was basically born with them.

Stella:In a way, they are like scars. Proof that it was only thanks to complicated medical procedures that I was able to live at all.

Sei:Stella...

Stella:And now you just drink a glass of milk to get them... It feels... wrong.

Stella:Like... I don't know. All I ever wanted was to not be 'the Cat Boomer' anymore.

Stella:But, if cat ears are just a thing you can have now, what does that make me?

Stella:I always thought I just wanted to be normal... But now I'm afraid of it.

Jill:You feel like you want them gone, but at the same time you can't live without them... this feels familiar.

Jill:Look, I don't know if this helps, but think about it. For a long time. You will only regret it if you rush into things.

Jill:And about your ears. I'm sure nobody will think less of you if everyone had those ears or if you were to lose yours.

Jill:They are part of you, but that's all they are. A part. And only you can decide how big that part is.

Jill:You shouldn't let anyone or anything make you feel less for who you are. Especially not a stiff glass of milk.

Stella:When you put it like that, it does sound kind of stupid.

Sei:You're always overthinking things, Stella. You're you, that's all that matters to us.

Stella:Thank you, both of you. I feel a bit Better already.

Jill:And if it's any consultation, now the world is ready for you to make the choice if you want them or not.

Stella:Huh? ...Yeah...

Stella:Yeah, you're right! I finally have a choice. Thank you again.

Jill:Don't mention it. Now, can I get you anything else?

Stella:No, thank you. It's about time Sei and I to be on our way anyway.

Sei:Is it already? Where does the time go?

Stella:Come, I'll drive you home. Even though you've proven that you're faster than my car.

Sei:That was full-sprint. And you were delayed by that accident.

Stella:No need to be humble now. Goodbye, Jill.

Sei:But I'm not- eh, goodbye, Jill. Hey, wait up!

Jill:Bye, you two.

Jill:(That milk really did a number on Stella...)

*Main2*

Jill:...

Jill:...

Jill:(It's so quiet all of a sudden...)

Jill:(Normally at least Gil would be here, cursing while cleaning glasses or something...)

Jill:(I wouldn't be surprised to see him just waltz through the door right now.)

Gillian:I'm back!

Jill:WAAAAAH!!

Jill:(*sigh* I stand corrected.)

Gillian:Woah, are you okay? You almost dropped that glass. You get scared way too easily, you know?

Jill:I'm fine. I was just- uhh...

Gillian:Hm? Oh, the ears? Chief made me drink some strange milk she got.

Jill:I guessed as much. How do you feel?

Gillian:Not much different, to be honest. Just all that subconscious movement on my head is throwing me off a little.

Jill:You... look surprisingly good with them. Very cute.

Gillian:I'll take the compliment, even if I know you just want to rub it in.

Jill:You must be hearing things. By the way, where were you?

Gillian:Boss sent me to send a gift back to her friend in Saint Alicia.

Jill:Iris? Do you know what she sent?

Gillian:She never told me, but when I went to refill the drink dispenser when I came in today, the Karmotrine was awfully low.

Jill:......

Gillian:And I mean surprisingly low even considering your... generous use of it.

Jill:Are you implying that I use more Karmotrine than necessary?

Jill:These drinks are expensive and I want people to feel like they got their money's worth, Gillian!

Jill:People come here to forget their troubles after all, and if more Karmotrine helps them, then so be it!

Gillian:Woah, calm down. I'm just joking. No need to break character.

Jill:*ahem* Right. I'm just a bit... on edge.

Gillian:I can see that... Anything happen while I was gone?

Jill:Well, a bit. I just have a hard time dealing with the existence of that milk.

Gillian:Not surprising. I see you got yourself a glass too. You interested in getting an extra pair of ears then?

*Interested*

Jill:Well, I would lie if I said I didn't at least think about it.

Jill:...What's with that look?

Gillian:I'm just surprised you actually did. I didn't take you for the kind that cares about aesthetic mods.

Jill:I don't, normally. I never got more than a piercing or two. But the ears just seem... fun.

Jill:And besides, if there's a milk to make them appear, there's a way to get them removed as well.

Jill:Or the effects might just be temporary in the first place.

Gillian:I sure hope so... Are you gonna drink it?

Jill:Not yet. It's still a big decision.

Gillian:Fair enough.

Gillian:Well, I'll get to wiping the tables then.

*NotInterested*

Jill:Can't say I am. Boss just put it here to have customers see it.

Gillian:Does it work?

Jill:You'd be surprised. But anyway, I don't think I can justify such a big change for something so... useless.

Jill:They are cute, yes, but not much more. And besides, it feels wrong to get something that's normally a leftover of a medical treatment.

Gillian:You put alot of thought into it, huh? Well, I can't disagree on that account.

Jill:I just got to see it from a Cat Boomers perspective is all.

Jill:But even if that weren't the case, I don't really care about aesthetic mods in the first place.

Gillian:Heh, that sounds very much like you.

Gillian:Well, I'll get to wiping the tables then.

*AlreadyDanya*

Danya:Are you back Gillinyan? Did they take the package?

Gillinyan:Yes they did, but only after- ...Wait, did you just call me Gilli-NYAN?

Jill:...Gillinyan *pffft*

Gillinyan:Not you too.

Jill:It's a cute nickname.

Gillinyan:Did Chief tell you that she wants to be called Danya already?

Jill:She mentioned it, yeah. She's really having fun, huh?

*StillDana*

Dana:Are you back Gillinyan? Did they take the package?

Gillinyan:Yes, they did, but only after- ...Wait, did you just call me Gilli-NYAN?

Jill:...Gillinyan *pffft*

Gillinyan:Not you too.

Jill:It's a cute nickname.

Gillinyan:Did Chief tell you that she wants to be called Danya already?

Jill:Huh, really? ...yeah, ok. Seems like a thing she would say. She's really having fun, isn't she?

*Main3*

Gillinyan:I guess. At least you two are enjoying yourselves.

Jill:Hey, don't lie. I can see that slight smirk. You're an open book Gil.

Danya:Hey, Gillinyan. Get to work! No time for cat naps!

Gillinyan:Hm. Maybe the absurdity of the situation is getting to me after all.

Jill:That's the spirit.

Gillinyan:...well, those tables ain't gonna wipe themselves.

Jill:Nope, not since they tried to eat all the napkins a while back.

Gillinyan:...Right. That too. Anyway, you know where to find me.

Jill:Sure thing, Gillinyan.

Gillinyan:I'm not- urgh, forget it.

Jill:(I should really take some photos of them, just in case the milk really is only temporary.)

Jill:(Now where did I leave my phone?)

Jill:(I need to think of some plan to get Gil to let me take a photo...)

Dorothy:Honey, I'm home!!

Audience(?):*cheering and applauding*?

Jill:(Did I just hear an audience cheering?!)

Dorothy:What's wrong, cat got your tongue?

Audience(?):*laughter*?

Jill:(Did she? No...)

Jill:Is that- Are you playing canned laughter from your mouth?

Dorothy:Yep. And I can play much more!

Jill:I know I'll regret asking, but what else do you have?

Dorothy:About 10 terabytes of recorded "work sounds".

Jill:I should've known. No, I KNEW. Why are you recording your "work" "sounds"? What do you even need them for?

Jill:(No way she has 10 terabytes... does she?)

Dorothy:Ohoho, I didn't think you were so saucy, Honey.?

Dorothy:But well, if it's for you... I guess I might be able to give you some recordings. For a free drink.

Jill:What?! No, I'm not that desperate.

Dorothy:Yet.

Jill:*ahem* Before this escalates any further, would you like to drink anything?

Dorothy:I thought you'd never ask! You know me well enough Honey. Pick out something I would like.

Jill:Sure, let's try.