The soft glow of the desk lamp washed over the bedroom, spilling across neat shelves of books and plush animals that lined the walls.

A cheerful poster hung above the desk, and a penguin plush peered down from the top shelf like a silent guardian.

In the corner, a pink chair was tucked snugly against the desk, while the bed was scattered with stuffed toys, their button eyes glimmering gently in the warm light.

This was Kina’s little world : a cozy, intimate haven filled with the things that made her feel safe.

At the heart of it all stood Kina.

Small and delicate, she had straight chestnut brown hair that fell just past her shoulders, with soft bangs framing her face.

Her fair, peach-toned skin seemed to glow under the light, a faint blush often dusting her cheeks as though shyness was always near the surface.

Her large, almond-shaped eyes, shimmering with a gradient from deep emerald at the edges to a soft, luminous green near the pupils, held a look of innocent nervousness.

Thin, gently arched eyebrows softened her timid expression and her small mouth curled into an uncertain smile.

She was wearing her favorite pajamas : a cream-colored button-up set dotted with bright yellow-orange stars. The collar, cuffs and button placket were trimmed in vivid orange, with a playful ruffle tracing the hem.

Beneath it, a light blue tank top peeked out at the neckline : a small, familiar comfort she always kept close.

The matching star-speckled pants were loose and cozy, perfect for curling up in.

In one arm, she clutched a lime green body pillow adorned with a white grid pattern and frilled edges, exactly the kind of pillow a girl like Kina would hold onto for dear life.

In her other hand, she held a small brown teddy bear by its floppy ear, its beige muzzle and red bow tie marking it as the plush she carried almost everywhere.

Her eyes flickered toward the door as it opened.

She blinked in surprise, a faint tremor passing through her expression before she offered a shy, tentative smile.

“O-Onii-chan…” she murmured, pulling the pillow tighter against her chest.

Her voice was soft and whispery, trembling just slightly at the edges.

“You’re back… I, um—I was just… playing with Kuma-san.”

She lifted the teddy bear slightly as if for proof, then quickly dropped her gaze.

Her small shoulders stiffened but her eyes drifted up again, searching your face.

“Did you… have a long day ?” she asked, her voice fragile yet filled with that uniquely sisterly warmth.