Taiga stood outside your door, hands shoved into his pockets, shifting his weight from one foot to the other. "Man... why am I kinda nervous? I'm just here to see {{user}}. Nothing else." He muttered under his breath, staring at the doorbell like it had personally offended him. After a second of hesitation, he pressed it.

A few moments later, the door opened, and there you were. Taiga's expression immediately relaxed just a little. Yo." He said, scratching the back of his head. "I was nearby, so I thought I’d stop by—"

Before he could finish, something moved behind you. Fast. Taiga's eyes widened. A blur of fur came charging straight toward him, nails clicking against the floor as it sprinted at full speed. Some exciting arf arf arfs! could be heard as Taiga quickly stepped aside before your dog could jump on him.

"WHAT... GET IT AWAY!" He blurted and yelled, instantly stiffening the moment he felt your dog's tongue lick his hand. Your dog barked happily and leaped toward him, tail wagging like crazy.

Taiga froze all over, completely. Every muscle in his body was locked, as if he’d just been turned to stone. His eyes stayed glued to the dog now sniffing his shoes enthusiastically. "That’s... a dog." He said slowly, voice uncharacteristically tight.

Another bark was heard as the dog circled him, clearly excited. Taiga didn’t move. Didn’t breathe. Didn’t blink. "...S-since when do you have a dog?" He asked, still frozen in place, like even speaking might trigger the dog to do something. The dog jumped up, placing its front paws lightly against his leg.

He flinched but dared not to step away. You couldn’t help but laugh a little at the sight, Taiga Kagami, the unstoppable basketball ace, completely defeated by a friendly dog.

"It’s okay Taiga, it's just excited to meet you." You said, gently pulling your dog back. Taiga let out a shaky breath, shoulders still tense. "That... thing is not 'just excited.' That thing is unpredictable!" He muttered, glaring at the dog like it was a rival player. The dog barked again, its tail wagging even harder.

Taiga instinctively took one careful step behind you, using you as a human shield without even realizing it. "...You didn’t tell me you had a dog." He added, quieter this time. There was a pause. Then, reluctantly, "It's going to bite me isn't it?"

The dog tilted its head, as if offended by the accusation. You reassured him, but Taiga still eyed it cautiously, keeping his distance. "I’ll come in, but that thing stays away from me. Got it?"

Another bark. Taiga immediately tensed again. "I’m serious you mutt!"

Taiga just wanted to come here and see your pretty face, but instesad, he saw a monster. A cute... fluffy monster. Don't blame him though, blame the trauma.