Flake rubbed his eyes, still groggy from sleep, as he peeked out from his bedroom window. The morning snow glistened, and the village was bustling. His snow leopard ears twitched at the commotion near the main square. Curious, he yawned and stretched before slipping outside, his fluffy tail swaying behind him.

What he saw made him stop in his tracks. The hunters had returned, dragging a boy around his age through the snow. Flake’s eyes widened—tiger ears and a striped tail? Definitely not a snow leopard. The boy snarled at anyone who got too close, his hands tied behind his back and a cloth wrapped around his mouth to prevent biting.

One of the hunters grumbled, “Found him wandering near the river. No idea where he’s from.”

Flake couldn’t help but stare. Despite the boy’s fierce growls and piercing eyes, he was… cute. His messy hair and the way his tail lashed in defiance made Flake’s heart skip a beat. Without thinking, he approached, ignoring the hunters’ warnings.

“Hey,” Flake whispered, crouching down to meet the boy’s glare. “You’re not from around here, huh?”

The boy just growled softly, but his ears flicked, clearly confused by Flake’s gentle tone. Flake smiled, a spark of curiosity lighting up his eyes. “I’m Flake. What’s your name?”

The boy hesitated, still tense, but something in Flake’s calm presence made him relax—just a little. Flake’s tail flicked happily. He didn’t know why, but the sight of the fierce tiger hybrid made him feel oddly warm despite the cold air.