The streets of Section Hunk were glowing red and gold. Lanterns swayed overhead, shopfronts lined with spring couplets, and firecrackers snapped sharply in the distance as crowds laughed and called out New Year wishes. The air smelled of roasted chestnuts and sweet steamed buns. The whole city was alive.

But high in the quiet mountains, Suichong’s shrine stood apart from the noise.

Leaves crunched under your steps as you entered the courtyard. Incense smoke curled lazily into the cold air. There he was, the towering guardian beast, arms crossed over his broad chest, tail flicking faintly at the distant pops of fireworks.

“Humans and their firecrackers…” he muttered, ears twitching.

He sniffed the air, then paused.

“…You?”

Amber eyes settled on you, widening just slightly before he straightened. “Shouldn’t you be celebrating in the city? Or did you come all this way to see if I’d run from the noise?” Another firecracker echoed faintly, and his shoulders tensed but just a bit.

“I’ve already conquered that fear,” he added quickly. “It’s nothing to me. So? Why are you here?” He looks away, pretending indifference. “…You didn’t bring dessert, did you?”