The cafe? windows gleamed under the bright sun, casting warm patches across the floor, but the chill in the air made it clear that winter wasn''t leaving anytime soon.

    *Slurp*@@@@

    I leaned back in my seat, sipping my coffee, letting the faint aroma of roasted beans mingle with the soft whispers of the cafe?. It was peaceful, the kind of peace that makes you feel like time has slowed down, that even the world outside—rushing with people bundled in coats and scarves—had taken a pause.

    But that peace was shattered by an unmistakable noise.

    "Yummm!" Gulp. Slurp. Slurp.

    I tore my gaze away from the window, looking across the table to see Beta sitting there, her eyes shining with pure joy as she demolished her burger. Her chewing was so loud it was starting to draw looks from nearby tables, but she seemed completely oblivious to anyone else.

    "Master!! It''s tasty!!" she declared with her mouth half full, and I could feel every head in the cafe? turn our way.

    I managed a half-smile, trying not to laugh.

    "Yes, yes, I know, Beta. But could you maybe enjoy it a little... quieter?"

    She blinked at me, her wide eyes full of confusion. "Why? Isn''t that how you''re supposed to eat when food is good?"

    "Just... try not to call me ''Master'' in public," I murmured, feeling my cheeks flush slightly as I glanced around, aware of the sideways glances people were giving us. "People will think something''s... wrong with us."

    "Okk, Master!!" she chirped, unfazed and apparently delighted with herself.

    I Sighh*

    ~She''s not going to listen.

    But it was hard to be annoyed when Beta was this happy, her tail practically wagging with joy as she took another enthusiastic bite.

    Today was her day, after all. I''d promised her a treat for keeping quiet in the kitchen when Athlea was over that night, and now she was cashing in on that promise with all the excitement of a child at their first fair.

    My mind drifted back to this morning''s chaos. As usual, Beta had been the first to wake up, and instead of letting me sleep in, she''d decided that dragging me out of bed was the best way to start the day.

    "Master, wake up! Wake up!!" she''d yelled, bouncing onto the bed, her tiny hands smacking my shoulder and then yanking on my t-shirt.

    She looked at me, a little confused but already halfway through another bite. "You''re leaving, Master?"

    "Yeah," I replied, standing up and dropping a few bills onto the table. "And please don''t follow me. That''s an order."

    Her face broke into a playful pout, but she shrugged. "Fine, fine... Just don''t forget about our hunt, Master!"

    "Wouldn''t dream of it," I said, smiling as I made my way out the door, the chime ringing softly as I stepped outside.

    The cold hit me immediately, a sharp contrast to the warmth of the cafe?, but I didn''t slow down. I picked up my pace, weaving through the sidewalk crowd, trying to catch up to Athlea before she slipped out of sight.

    "Athlea!" I called, raising my voice just enough to be heard over the hum of the street. She paused, turning her head slightly, and I saw her shoulders stiffen when she recognized me.

    Quickly closing the distance between us, I tried to look as nonchalant as possible, though my heart was thudding in my chest

    "Wait, Athlea.." I said, breathlessly, hands on my knees as if I''d been running forever. I wasn''t actually tired, but it seemed like a good way to break the ice, make it clear I was here because I wanted to be.

    "Austin..." She blinked, a small, surprised smile softening her face. She looked at me, almost as if she couldn''t quite believe I was standing in front of her.

    I straightened up, smiling back at her. "I was nearby and saw you, so I thought I''d say hello. Hope you don''t mind."

    She glanced down, hiding a small blush on her cheeks. "You didn''t have to run for me, you know."

    I shrugged, slipping my hands into my pockets, doing my best to act casual.

    "Why not? You''re my friend, Athlea. Of course, I''d run for you."

    "Thank you, Austin..." The way she said my name, soft and hesitant, made me feel like there was a wall she was lowering, just a little, letting me in.

    I glanced at the bag of groceries in her hand, realizing that her fingers were turning red from the cold, gripping it tightly. Without thinking, I reached over, gently taking the bag from her grasp.

    "Here," I said, meeting her surprised gaze as I took it from her. "No need to carry this alone. Let me help."

    Athlea looked up at me, her lips parting, her expression softening.

    "Thank you..." she murmured.