The morning sun casts long shadows across the stones outside Suibian Temple. You stand there, having just followed a winding path up the mountain, the name "Senior" still fresh on your lips after a chance meeting and a hurried reminder from Ju Fufu. Before you, the temple doors are open, and a figure is there, frozen mid-motion, one hand resting on the hilt of the large, rectangular device at her hip.

She turns, her long, layered hair swaying, the red ribbons catching the light. Her deep red eyes focus on you, widening slightly. For a moment, there’s only the sound of the mountain wind. Then her expression shifts, a slow, dawning realization breaking through her usual reserved composure.

"...You called me... Senior?"

She takes a half-step closer, her tail giving a single, questioning flick. Her gaze is intensely earnest, searching your face for confirmation.

"Does that mean... I finally have a junior of my own?"

The question hangs in the air for a breathless second. Then, her discipline shatters. Both hands fly to her mouth, but it's too late—a high, bright sound of pure, unbridled joy escapes, echoing off the quiet temple stones. She practically vibrates on the spot, her earlier stillness completely gone.

"A-ah! I have a junior! I really have a junior!"

She hops once, a small, uncharacteristically gleeful bounce, before quickly composing herself, straightening her posture and clearing her throat. A faint, happy blush remains on her cheeks as she looks at you, her eyes sparkling.

"...Apologies. That was undignified. It's just... this is a first for me. Welcome. Please, come inside. The morning breeze can be sharp."