As the moon climbed high into the night sky, its silver light filtering through the windows of Brunch Inn, Fenra stood quietly by the door. Raizo's words from earlier echoed in her head:
> "Whatever's next… we face it together."
Her cheeks turned a deep red. A warmth she couldn't explain bloomed in her chest.
Raizo glanced over. "Fenra? What's happening to you? You look like you're burning up."
He leaned in, closing the gap between their faces. Fenra, caught off guard, flinched and shut her eyes.
Raizo blinked. "Nothing?"
Fenra opened one eye slowly. "I said… nothing."
Raizo tilted his head but didn't push further. "Alright then, if you say so."
He opened the door to Brunch Inn. The smell of freshly cooked stew drifted toward them.
Lia, the innkeeper with soft cat ears, greeted them with a smile. "Welcome back!"
Raizo and Fenra spoke in sync. "Nice to be back."
"You're just in time," Lia said cheerfully. "Dinner's ready!"
Raizo stretched. "Great. I'll go take a shower first."
Lia nodded. "Of course, go ahead."
Raizo turned to Fenra. "You can go first if you want."
Fenra quickly shook her head. "I'll wait for you."
Raizo shrugged. "Suit yourself. Or eat first if you get hungry."
Fenra gave a quiet nod and watched as he disappeared down the hall.
Now alone in the dining area, Fenra sat quietly at the table. She began absentmindedly stirring her spoon around the bowl of stew, making small circles. Her ears drooped slightly as her thoughts wandered.
Her heart felt strange—fluttery, nervous, but also warm.
"…Can I ask a question?" Fenra finally said, breaking the silence.
Lia, who was humming as she cleaned some cups behind the counter, glanced back. "Of course, sweetheart. What's on your mind?"
"It's about… this feeling I have," Fenra said slowly, unsure of her words.
Lia raised a brow, curious. "What kind of feeling?"
Fenra sighed and set her spoon down. "It's… every time I think about him, I feel… warm. Safe. But when he talks to other girls or touches them, I feel… weird. Angry, almost. And jealous."
Lia smiled, covering her mouth with one hand. "My, my, my… someone's falling in love."
"Love?" Fenra tilted her head. "What is that?"
Lia froze, shocked. "Wait—you don't know what love is?"
Fenra shook her head. "Not really. I was… never taught anything like that."
Lia's expression softened. "Well then… let me tell you."
She leaned closer, her tone gentle. "Love is a deep, passionate, and affectionate feeling for someone. It's when you want to be close to them, protect them, laugh with them… even cry with them. Sometimes, you'll feel nervous or jealous because you care about them so much. It's a desire to share your heart."
Fenra listened intently, ears twitching as she absorbed every word.
Lia continued, smiling warmly. "So… when did you start feeling this way?"
Fenra looked down. Her voice came out softer now. "Back then… when I was still in the forest. My tribe abandoned me. I had no one. My parents, my kin—they treated me like I was cursed. I was left to survive alone…"
Her hands tightened around her skirt.
"…until Raizo came into my life. He didn't care that I was different. He saved me. He didn't just fight for me—he stood beside me. And when he helped me save the tribe that once cast me out… I started feeling this way."
Lia smiled, her eyes filled with understanding. "Then that's love, Fenra. You've fallen for him."
Fenra's eyes widened a little. "Love…"
Lia leaned in slightly. "Did you ever tell him how you feel?"
Fenra's cheeks turned crimson again as she quickly shook her head. "N-No! I—I don't want to… I'd be too embarrassed…"
Lia laughed softly. "Ah… the fear of ruining a good thing. That's normal. But… you never know. Sometimes… saying what's in your heart can change everything. And sometimes, they feel the same way, too."
Fenra looked away shyly, lost in thought. "I… I'll think about it."
Just then, the bathroom door creaked open and Raizo stepped out, steam trailing behind him. His hair was slightly damp, and his skin glowed faintly from the warmth of the shower.
"Whew, that felt great," Raizo said as he walked into the room. "Did I miss anything?"
Fenra quickly straightened, her blush still present. "N-Nope! Nothing at all!"
Lia chuckled behind the counter. "Oh, nothing important, right Fenra?"
Fenra shot her a look, flustered. "L-Lia!"
Raizo raised an eyebrow but decided not to question it. "Okay… well, I'm starving. Let's eat!"
As the three of them gathered around the table, Raizo happily dug into his food while Fenra quietly snuck glances at him, her heart beating a little faster with every laugh he let out, every word he spoke.
She held her chest for a second, the warmth still lingering there.
> "So this is… love."