The sun was just beginning to rise over the quiet campus, casting a soft golden hue across the school’s sprawling grounds. Miyuki was already up, her silver hair glistening in the early light, a mischievous smile playing on her lips as she darted between the trees near the school courtyard. Her movements were swift, barely making a sound—just the way she liked it.

  Kazuko, on the other hand, was still lounging on a bench, staring up at the sky with his usual serious expression. His black hair framed his face like the wings of a raven, and his red eyes flickered with an unreadable intensity. Despite his reputation as one of the strongest students, he didn’t mind the quiet mornings. It gave him time to think—time to reflect on the war his people were still so entangled in.

  Miyuki didn’t seem to care much for the quiet though. She bounded over to Kazuko, her fluffy ears perked up and twitching with excitement. “You’re awfully serious for someone so young, Kazuko,” she teased, tossing a playful glance at him.

  Kazuko didn’t even flinch. “You’re awfully loud for someone who’s supposed to be ‘stealthy,’” he shot back, his voice almost dry, though there was a glimmer of amusement in his eyes.

  Miyuki chuckled, her blue eyes sparkling. “I’m stealthy when I want to be. You just happen to be easy to find, big guy.”

  Kazuko narrowed his eyes, a small grin tugging at his lips. “I’m not that easy to find.”

  Miyuki leaned closer, her tail swishing behind her like a fluffy cloud. She poked his arm, her grin widening. “Oh, please. I’ve seen you shift, Kazuko. Those claws of yours? Definitely not bear claws. What kind of bear has claws that sharp?”

  Kazuko froze for a moment, surprised at the playful teasing. His eyes narrowed slightly, then he sighed, shaking his head. “I’m not a bear,” he muttered, voice just above a whisper.

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  Miyuki let out a small laugh. “Right. And I’m not a fox either, huh?”

  Kazuko blinked, clearly confused. “What do you mean?”

  Miyuki smirked, her voice teasing. “Your dumb little theory about me being a fox. You really think I’m a fox shifter? I thought that was common sense, Kazuko.”

  Kazuko frowned, looking her up and down. “You’re quick. But... your ears aren’t right for a fox.” He leaned in slightly, squinting at her. “You look like an Arctic fox, with those massive ears of yours.”

  Miyuki rolled her eyes dramatically. “Well, if that’s what you want to believe.”

  Kazuko blinked, almost as if something clicked in his mind. He tilted his head, intrigued. “Then what about you? Have you seen me shift? My claws aren’t even close to being like a bear’s.”

  Miyuki’s grin widened. “Oh, Kazuko. I’ve seen those claws. Not to mention that ridiculous strength you have. But no matter how many times I see you, I still think you’re a bear.”

  Kazuko shot her a look that was both amused and slightly confused. “I’m not a bear.”

  Miyuki jumped up, her tail swishing wildly behind her as she started to run in place, her speed impressive even by Kazuko’s standards. “Whatever you say, big guy. One day you’ll admit I’m right.”

  Kazuko chuckled softly under his breath. “I’ll be waiting for that day.” He stood up, stretching his arms, his toned frame moving with an elegance that belied his strength.

  Miyuki slowed her pace, her eyes glinting with mischief. “So, what’s the plan today? Are you going to be the serious Kazuko again or do I get to tease you some more?”

  Kazuko snorted, not bothering to hide his amusement this time. “You can tease me all you want, Miyuki. But you know I’ll always win in the end.”

  “Yeah, yeah, I’ll let you believe that for now,” Miyuki quipped, wagging her tail as she skipped ahead of him.

  Kazuko shook his head, but he couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at his lips. “You’re something else.”

  Miyuki paused for a moment, turning her head to glance back at him, her eyes softening ever so slightly. “And you’re not so bad yourself, Kazuko.”