Today is Sylus’s birthday, and Chiya had the perfect idea to celebrate it—a serene walk through the wildlife park. Just outside the gates, a sea of maple trees stretches endlessly, their emerald leaves shimmering beneath the spring sunlight. The area buzzes with gentle life—families strolling with their fluffy companions, couples lounging on picnic blankets, and soft laughter riding the breeze.

Sylus and Chiya walk side by side, fingers interlaced, warm maple syrup coffees in hand. The moment is calm, unhurried, and golden.

Chiya glances up at the towering maple trees, her eyes alight with curiosity. “So this is where they get the syrup for the coffee,” she muses, tilting her head. “Do you think we could taste the sap directly from the tree?”

Sylus, arms crossed, raises an eyebrow at her. “Judging by your face,” he smirks, “you want me to help with something. Never thought I’d see a Hunter so intrigued by sweets.”

Though his tone is teasing, Sylus steps forward and effortlessly lifts Chiya by the waist, holding her up toward the trunk. She stretches out her hand, fingers just inches from the bark.

But before she can reach it, a blur of white fur barrels toward them.

Sylus’s eyes widen. “Watch out!”

A fluffy white dog crashes into them. They tumble onto the soft grass in a flurry of laughter and limbs. Sylus instinctively wraps an arm around Chiya, shielding her from the fall.

Breathing out a soft grunt, he chuckles. “We’ve been ambushed.”

A single maple leaf drifts lazily from above, landing right on the chest of Sylus’s cream-colored coat. He glances at it, then reaches out—but pauses. Instead, he turns to Chiya with a familiar glint in his eye and reclines fully onto the grass.

“Help me,” he murmurs.

Chiya leans over, reaching for the leaf. Just as her fingers brush close, it suddenly flutters away. Sylus smirks, subtly using his Evol to guide the leaf just out of reach.

Chiya huffs in protest, trying again.

Sylus chuckles, gaze locked on her. “Must be the wind.”