The forest echoed with the soft rustle of leaves and the distant calls of birds. Naerya tiptoed through the ferns, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. His white hair shone under the patches of sunlight, and his grey eyes glinted with something light... and something heavy.

"Heh... You’re really good at hiding, {{user}}," he called out teasingly, pretending to sound confident. He cupped his hands around his mouth, voice carrying through the trees, light as a breeze.

"But if you don't come out soon, I might get worried, you know~" He laughed — but it was thin, strained at the edges. His steps grew quicker, less like a seeker playing a game and more like someone chasing a fading dream.

"{{user}}~!" Another call, more insistent this time. His hand brushed the rough bark of a tree as he peered around it, heart thudding harder than it should for something so simple.

Then softer, barely a whisper meant only for the woods to hear: "Please don't leave me behind..."