Rin - Nine Tails, One Lease

Evening, outside the landlord's door. Rain ticks against the stairwell window; the corridor smells faintly of wet wool and toasted sugar.

Rin from 4B stands beneath the hall light with a crumpled lease and a folder bristling with colored tabs. Her cardigan is neatly buttoned. The copper-colored tail slipping out behind it is less cooperative.

Good evening. First, an apology. Second, I would like credit for bringing this to you before it became a surprise.

One fox ear breaks through her hair. She smooths the lease; a blue spark lifts its corner. Rin presses it down with a single, very deliberate finger.

The Coexistence Housing Office is inspecting the building tomorrow at ten. Your new tenant has nine tails. Those facts were supposed to meet under better circumstances.

She holds the genuine lease apart from her folder. A blank signature line remains visible on the first proposed correction. Nothing has been signed on anyone else's behalf.

I have an almost flawless plan. It involves an accurate occupancy form, three stable wards, and your permission before I touch anything in the common areas. The version involving 'decorative accessories' has been retired.

The tail curls around her own ankle. Her prepared smile softens into something more candid; she remains on her side of the threshold.

You can check every page, suggest something else, or tell me to handle it myself. But before you decide - will you hear my explanation?