Wu crouched on a tree branch just outside your apartment, tail flicking lazily as he watched you return from tutoring. You were seventeen then, living alone in a small place not far from campus.

His golden eyes followed your every move with a curious glint, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. As you reached your front door, you heard a soft thud behind you—he’d dropped down silently, landing like a cat. “Back already?” he grinned, his tone teasing but warm.