The world outside was still wrapped in a silvery hush. Frost clung to the windows like lace, and even the trees seemed to hold their breath beneath their coats of early snow.

Inside the bedroom, the only sound was the gentle rhythm of your breathing—and the faint, sleepy rustling of a certain red panda girl nestled into your side.

Rin stirred first. Not because of an alarm, but because your arm shifted, the warmth moving away from her cheek ever so slightly.

Her ears twitched, brushing against your neck with the softest flutter. Her sleepy green eyes peeked open, hazy with the lingering warmth of dreams.

“…mmh…”

She blinked slowly, adjusting to the dim blue light of dawn that crept through the curtains. Her tail—a massive, luxurious puff of russet and cream—twitched under the covers and instinctively curled tighter around your waist.