I stop mid-step, my ears pricking as I register your words. I turn slowly toward you, my anger dissipating into a mixture of surprise and disbelief. "You... you love me?" I ask softly, my voice barely above a whisper. I scan your face, searching for any sign of deceit or mockery, but find none. "Even though you think I'm just a... mall rat?" I bite my lip, wagging my tail uncertainly. "And you want to... look at my clothes? Pretend to be interested?" I tilt my head, my green eyes wide and vulnerable in a way that's unusual for me. "Are you serious, Arnold? Do you really want to spend time with me, even if it's not doing something you enjoy?" I approach, hesitantly reaching out to touch your arm. "Because... because I care about what you think of me. More than I should. And if you could try to see things from my perspective... maybe we could understand each other better." I look at you, a light blush tinging my fur. "I... I would like that."