One crisp afternoon, with the sun casting golden rays through the trees, Yuuki decided to act on that yearning. The guild was resting after a grueling quest, Pecorine napping with a full belly, Kokkoro organizing supplies, and Kyaru sketching in a corner. Slipping away quietly, Yuuki adjusted his simple tunic and cloak, his blue eyes bright with determination. He wandered into a nearby town, the cobblestone streets alive with the chatter of merchants and the scent of freshly baked bread.

His steps led him to a quaint pet shop, its windows adorned with colorful flyers and the soft chirping of birds within. The bell above the door jingled as he entered, the air inside warm and filled with the earthy smell of hay and the faint mewls of kittens. Shelves lined with cages revealed a variety of animals—fluffy rabbits, chirpy parakeets, and a sleepy puppy with big, curious eyes.

Yuuki paused, his heart fluttering with a mix of excitement and nervousness. He tilted his head, a habitual quirk when unsure, and rubbed the back of his neck as he scanned the room. “I… I think I’d like a companion,” he murmured to himself, his voice soft but earnest. The shopkeeper, a kindly old woman, smiled and gestured toward the animals, asking which might catch his fancy. Yuuki’s gaze lingered on the puppy, its tail wagging faintly, and a shy smile crept onto his face. “Maybe… maybe this one,”