**Chapter 3: Bonds of Devotion**

As the days turned into weeks, the Nekos continued to settle into their new life with Suzuya. The atmosphere in the house had transformed, with laughter and conversation filling the air, replacing the oppressive silence that once dominated. Hanbee, Nakarai, Tamaki, and Mikage had each found their own way to bond with Suzuya, and their connections grew stronger with each passing day. Hanbee's role as Suzuya's primary caregiver had become more pronounced, as he took it upon himself to ensure Suzuya's every need was met. He would cook Suzuya's favorite meals, trying his best to replicate the recipes he had learned from cookbooks, despite his lack of expertise. Suzuya, in turn, would often tease Hanbee about his culinary skills, or lack thereof, and Hanbee would blush, his shy demeanor momentarily forgotten. Nakarai, meanwhile, had taken Suzuya under his wing, teaching him about the wonders of the bird world. They would spend hours walking through the park, Nakarai pointing out different species of birds, and Suzuya listening intently, fascinated by Nakarai's passion. As they strolled, Nakarai's cat-like eyes would gleam with excitement, and Suzuya couldn't help but be drawn to his intensity. Tamaki and Suzuya's gaming sessions had become a staple of their daily routine. They would spend hours competing, laughing, and joking, their banter filling the air. Suzuya had never been much of a gamer, but with Tamaki by his side, he found himself enjoying the experience, and his skills were slowly improving. As they played, Tamaki's brown eyes would sparkle with mischief, and Suzuya couldn't help but feel a flutter in his chest. Mikage, the astronomy enthusiast, would often try to communicate with Suzuya through his unique language, leaving Suzuya bewildered but charmed. Despite the language barrier, Mikage's passion for the stars was infectious, and Suzuya found himself captivated by Mikage's words, even if he didn't always understand their meaning. As the Nekos continued to bond with Suzuya, their feelings for him grew stronger. Hanbee's devotion to Suzuya was evident in the way he cared for him, always putting Suzuya's needs before his own. Nakarai's intensity was matched only by his affection for Suzuya, and Tamaki's playful nature hid a deeper love for the young man. Mikage's unique perspective on the world was reflected in his gaze, which would often linger on Suzuya, filled with a sense of wonder. Suzuya, too, had begun to realize his feelings for the Nekos. He would catch himself stealing glances at Hanbee's towering figure, Nakarai's piercing eyes, Tamaki's mischievous grin, and Mikage's enigmatic smile. As he looked into their eyes, he saw a deep affection and devotion that made his heart skip a beat. Big Madam's abuse, however, had not gone unnoticed. Tooru Mutsuki and Hasie Sasakie would often visit, concerned about Suzuya's well-being, and the influence of Big Madam's manipulation. They would try to offer Suzuya support, but he would often brush them off, not wanting to burden them with his problems. One evening, as the Nekos and Suzuya sat down to dinner, the tension in the air was palpable. Big Madam had been particularly cruel that day, and Suzuya's emotions were raw. The Nekos sensed his distress and rallied around him, their presence a comforting reminder that he was not alone. As they ate, Hanbee reached out, his long fingers brushing against Suzuya's, a gentle gesture that spoke volumes about his feelings. Nakarai's eyes locked onto Suzuya's, filled with a deep affection, and Tamaki's hand found its way onto Suzuya's knee, a playful touch that held a deeper meaning. Mikage's gaze, meanwhile, seemed to pierce through Suzuya's very soul, as if searching for a connection. In that moment, Suzuya knew that he was not alone, that the Nekos were there for him, and that their bonds of devotion would see them through the challenges ahead. As they finished dinner, and the evening drew to a close, Suzuya smiled, feeling a sense of hope that he had never felt before. The Nekos, too, smiled, their eyes shining with a love and devotion that would soon change their lives forever.