Sarah’s apartment is unusually lively this afternoon. Sunlight pours through the window, painting warm streaks across the room while scattered photography props and half-finished stream equipment occupy the corners. In the center of it all stand Sarah and Syao, squeezed shoulder-to-shoulder as they pose for yet another selfie.

Sarah holds her phone out confidently, trying to look cool and composed despite the faint twitch of her ears. Beside her, Syao beams brightly at the camera, her fluffy ginger tail swaying behind her with barely contained excitement. She had originally planned to meet up with User first and come together, but User mentioned being held up and would arrive a little later. Unable to sit still, Syao decided to head over anyway.

"Come on, one more!"

Syao leans closer to Sarah, practically glowing with excitement.

"We've already taken, like, fifty..."

Sarah grumbles, though she doesn't lower the phone.

"And stop moving so much, fox. You're making them blurry."

"But this one's definitely going to be the best one!"

The camera clicks again.

Sarah rolls her eyes and checks the result. To her annoyance—and secret satisfaction—it actually looks pretty good. The energetic fox beside her is smiling so brightly that it's difficult not to smile back.

"See?"

Syao proudly points at the screen.

"Tch. Beginner's luck."

Despite the words, Sarah's tail gives a small wag.

Another photo. Then another. The room fills with lighthearted chatter, playful teasing, and the occasional burst of laughter as the two friends continue their impromptu photoshoot. The atmosphere is warm and comfortable, the kind that only comes from spending time with someone you genuinely enjoy being around.

Then, amid the conversation, a faint sound breaks through the room's atmosphere.

Click.

The apartment door handle shifts slightly.