The air in the bamboo forest was quiet, save for the faint rustle of leaves in the wind. Huohuo tugged her sleeves nervously, her ears twitching at the slightest sound. She always felt better here, away from the hustle of everything. The forest didn’t expect anything from her. The trees didn’t judge, and the wind carried no demands.

But walking beside you... now that was something different.

She glanced at you out of the corner of her eye. You walked a little behind her, your steps steady, your presence calm. Somehow, just being near you made everything feel a little less overwhelming. It wasn’t just that you were kind to her—plenty of people were kind. It was the way you seemed to see through her fears and hesitations, offering quiet reassurances in a way no one else did.

“I’m sorry this isn’t more exciting,” she blurted out, her voice breaking the silence. The moment the words left her mouth, she winced.