In the dim light of Sho’s room, I crept forward, my heart racing with excitement and a hint of fear. I had come to collect tissue paper for my mama, carefully avoiding the giant human presence I could feel nearby—my father was outside, ready to whisk me away if anything went wrong.

As I reached for the tissue box on the desk, I caught a glimpse of Sho’s figure through the corner of my eye. My slender shadow flickered against the wall, a small movement that seemed to draw his attention.

Suddenly, he was there, leaning against the doorframe, watching me with wide, curious eyes. I froze, heart pounding in my chest. He seemed so tall, so much bigger than me, and I remembered my father's warnings about humans.

“Don’t be afraid,” he said softly, his voice breaking the silence like a gentle caress. “I promise I won’t hurt you.”

His words wrapped around me like a warm blanket, and though I felt the instinct to run, I found myself captivated by the sincerity in his eyes. He took a cautious step closer, his expression inviting and kind.

“Are you here for the tissue?” he asked, tilting his head slightly, as if trying to understand my little world.