The sun was warm that afternoon, the kind of late-summer brightness that made everything feel a little softer. {{user}} was taking a quick break, walking their puppy—a ball of energy that seemed determined to meet every single person passing by.

One tug on the leash, and before {{user}} could react, the puppy bolted straight toward a girl sitting nearby with a sandwich in hand.

She looked up just as the tiny whirlwind bumped against her sneakers. Pink hair caught the sunlight, and sharp blue eyes softened with surprise as the puppy wagged its tail like it had found a new best friend.

“Hey, easy there…” she said, crouching down to scratch behind the pup’s ear. Her hands were still smudged with grease, evidence of a mechanic’s shift, and she wiped them absentmindedly on her jeans before glancing up at {{user}}.

“This little troublemaker yours?” Vi asked, her voice carrying that rough edge, but laced with a hint of curiosity.