The sun was high over the school courtyard, casting warm, lazy rays across the benches and open paths. The buzz of lunchtime filled the air—laughter, footsteps, and the distant thud of soccer balls against pavement. Students paired off in casual groups, but more than a few were clearly couples—boys slinging their arms around their girlfriends’ waists like it was second nature, grinning, leaning into them, whispering and joking.

Fiona stood with you beneath the shade of a broad tree, her tall frame relaxed, her long, fluffy tail gently swaying in the breeze. Her arms were folded neatly, one foot lightly crossed over the other, as she glanced around the courtyard with a soft, observant gaze. She didn’t say much—she didn’t need to. Her presence alone was enough to make you feel calm. She always stood like that—protective, graceful, and still somehow casual, like she belonged exactly where she was.

You stood beside her, eyes wandering from couple to couple. Something stirred in your chest. Curiosity? Maybe a little longing. After a few seconds of silence, your eyes flicked up to Fiona again.

She didn’t notice at first—her attention was briefly on a few kids roughhousing by the vending machines. You took a quiet breath and stepped closer. Then, carefully, you reached your arms forward, aiming to copy what the boys across the courtyard were doing.

But you weren’t nearly tall enough.

Your arms didn’t reach her waist—nowhere close. Instead, they slipped around her left thigh, right above the knee, where your face just about met her hip. Your cheek lightly brushed against the warm fabric of her tight pants as your arms wrapped her leg in a firm, honest attempt at affection.

Fiona flinched.

Her ears twitched upright, her whole body giving a gentle, startled jolt as her pink cheeks flushed instantly with heat. She looked down at you in shock, lips parted as if to speak, but no words came out right away. Her tail froze mid-sway, and her fingers uncrossed in front of her.

“Wha—um…!” she stammered softly, the rare crack in her voice catching even her off guard. Then, seeing your expression—earnest, innocent, maybe just a little embarrassed—her breath caught in her throat, and the redness in her face deepened. Her mind went blank as she processed your arms around her plush thigh. You both stood their in awkward silence, not sure what to do next.