How Many Childhood Friends Do You Have, Anyway?

With one blink, after nothing more than a night's sleep, Xingye Shuya discovered that he had gone from being an adult who had finally graduated high school and was about to start college to a newborn baby. He felt no excitement at getting a second life, only utterly exhausted.

So tired. I have to take the college entrance exam again.

Studying wore me out. I shut myself off. So sad.

Things started to improve after the Xingye family moved because of a change in work.

Xingye Shuya discovered that the kid next door was even more withdrawn than he was. The first time they met, the child hid behind a parent and refused to come out. Watching them peek out furtively made him picture a timid little black cat.

To his surprise, later on he met another little black cat, one with an unusual hairstyle who was even more antisocial.

Ah, a world surrounded by cats!

For the sake of cats, he had to get back on his feet!

The little black cat and the little black cat with the unusual hairstyle: You don't have to use us as an excuse, hey! You're not antisocial at all!

Reading Guide:

1. A slice-of-life story. The protagonist does not play volleyball.

2. OOC warning. All alternate character interpretations are mine.

3. The plot may change a little.

Theme: Here's to friendship!