Raylo looked at the innocent-looking Coal Ball at his feet, then lifted his head to look at the proud Moonlight on the bed.
He couldn't quite believe his own judgment. He tentatively pointed at Coal Ball, then at himself, asking with his eyes.
"Moonlight, does this mean… you agree?"
Moonlight lifted her head haughtily, a very faint purr rumbling in her throat.
Then, she turned her head away and pretended to be engrossed in licking her paw, as if the decision just made had nothing to do with her.
Her proud demeanor, which seemed to say, 'I can't be bothered with this little tagalong anymore, so consider yourself lucky,' sent a wave of ecstasy through Raylo.
The immense surprise went to his head, but he didn't rush toward Coal Ball first.
He dashed to the bedside in a single bound and, ignoring Moonlight's "protest," scooped her up and spun around three times.
"Hmph!"
When Moonlight came to her senses, she gave Raylo's chest a light pat, as if scolding him for his rashness.
