Time quickly passed, and a week later, Faris took James to visit his mother. This was also his hometown - Kanchanaburi - a peaceful mountainous region in western Thailand, about 240km from Bangkok. Faris had tried many times to persuade his mother to move to Bangkok so he could take better care of her, but she couldn't bear to leave the place she'd called home her entire life.

Despite staying up late for practice the night before, James made sure to arrive on time this morning. However, his sleepy eyes didn't escape Faris's notice. He smiled a hint of fondness in his expression and gently suggested that the younger one catch some sleep in the car. But strangely, James felt a flutter of nervousness, as if he were meeting his real parent-in-law.

Throughout the journey, he kept asking about Faris's mother: What did she like to eat? Were there any things to be mindful of? Was she strict? Was the gift he prepared thoughtful enough?...

Actually, Faris had told him not to prepare anything, but James had secretly chosen a ceramic vase as a gift for her. He remembered Faris once mentioning that his mother loved gardening and didn't want to leave Kanchanaburi because of its fresh air. The vase he chose was made of exquisite white porcelain, and he carefully selected an embossed white elephant pattern, symbolizing good fortune for the recipient. A Phuang Malai floral garland was attached to the rim, as a gesture of respect according to Thai culture. James hoped this small gift would please her.

Noticing James' nervousness over this "performance," Faris couldn't resist teasing him:

"Haha... you really want to be my mother's 'daughter-in-law'?"

"Hey! Don't tease me! Normally, I even read the entire script thoroughly to play a role well!" - James said, his anxious expression contrasting with Faris's relaxed driving - "And aren't you going to give me any hints?"

"You don't need any. You'll get used to it. I think she'll adore you. Trust me."

"What do you mean 'get used to it'..." - James muttered under his breath.

Finally, the car turned onto the road leading to Faris' home. The atmosphere here was truly serene and soothing, with lush greenery forming a natural fence around the property. Behind the trees stood a grand estate, yet its architecture was infused with elements of traditional Thai houses, blending classic and contemporary styles in a way that exuded both refinement and nostalgia.

As the car rolled to a stop in the front yard, James caught sight of a woman standing at the entrance—Faris' mother, he assumed. Despite being over 60, she looked remarkably youthful, barely past 50 at first glance. Her hair was neatly tied up, and her gentle face was adorned with a welcoming smile. In that moment, James immediately understood where Faris had inherited his looks from.

Hurriedly, James got out of the car and respectfully greeted her, handing her the gift he had prepared. She even scolded Faris for letting him bring a gift. She couldn't take her eyes off this little one, making him feel a little shy.

"Why did you let him bring a gift?"

"Come on, let's go inside for some water. Was the trip tiring, dear?" - She turned to James and nicely asked.

"Mom, I was the one driving!" - Faris was secretly pleased with how his mother treated James.

"I'm not asking you. Now, go take his luggage to the room, Faris!"

"Which room, Mae?" - Faris asked.

"Your room, of course! What kind of question is that?" - She glared at her son.

Realizing his mother's intent, Faris quickly picked up James' bags and disappeared upstairs in a flash. Meanwhile, James stood frozen, still processing what had just happened.

"Um... P'Faris's room?"

"Yes, didn't Faris say you two are living together?"

"W-W-What???"

"There's no need to hide it from me.  I understand. I'm very modern, little James, don't be shy." - She patted James's shoulder and pulled him into the house.

Standing just behind the doorway, Faris couldn't help but admire his mother. She had hit the mark perfectly within seconds of James stepping inside. Meanwhile, the younger one was still shocked— thinking that Faris's mother had invited him to stay overnight, staying over just meant... sleeping. But it seemed Faris' mother didn't see it that way...

—

By lunchtime, the table was set with an array of delicious dishes, some of which his mother had prepared herself. Even though it was just the three of them, the atmosphere was warm and intimate. It was clear that she had taken an instant liking to James and wanted to spend more time getting to know him better.

Faris sat opposite them, quietly observing their interaction. He unexpectedly discovered something he had never noticed before: James and his mother had surprisingly similar eyes. Bright, warm, and full of kindness. No wonder... from the very first time he met this boy, he hadn't been able to look away.

"James is just too adorable. I should scold Faris for not bringing you home sooner!" - She said, putting some seafood glass noodle salad into James' bowl.

James accepted it politely, his voice carrying a hint of guilt - "It's my fault... I've been too busy with work."

"Oh, I forgot, James is an actor, right?"

"Yes, ma'am!"

"What movies have you been in? I'll have to watch them sometime" - She smiled knowingly— because she already knew and had watched his movies, but she wanted to tease him a bit - 'Your co-star is handsome and perfect for Uea, but JamesSu? Can only be perfect for Faris' - She thought.

"Um..." - James hesitated, glancing at Faris for help.

Faris chuckled and changed the subject - "He's also about to debut in a boy group, Mae."

Faris exchanged his bowl with James's because the salad contained celery. Then he scooped some Tom Kha Kai soup into James' bowl and continued - "By the way, Mae, he can't eat celery."

"Oh, I didn't know that. I'll make something different next time, James. Do you have any other allergies?" - Her eyes filled with affection.

James quickly shook his head - "No, ma'am... I'm fine."

Faris, however, immediately listed - "Bean sprouts, celery, fresh milk. And for fruits, he doesn't like dragon fruit or durian."

James gaped at him while his mother chuckled in amusement, secretly praising her son how well he knew him James. About Faris, he simply shrugged, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

James felt a little embarrassed and mumbled - "I'm sorry... I must be a bit troublesome."

Faris casually replied - "Not really, I can take care of you."

As soon as he finished speaking, he saw his mother give him a thumbs up, her eyes filled with praise.

James, once again, widened his eyes in disbelief before kicking Faris under the table - 'Seriously, what is he saying in front of my parents? Who's the better actor here?'

_

After lunch, Mae took James for a walk around the garden. This garden was her pride and joy - every flower bed, and every potted plant was personally tended by her. Even though there were gardeners, she preferred to prune and care for them herself.

"How did you two meet?" - She asked, her eyes full of curiosity.

James paused for a moment and then smiled - "P'Faris is investing in my upcoming project."

"Is that so?" - Slightly surprised - "Why didn't Faris tell me? In terms of work, isn't he your superior? Is he strict? If he is, you can always tell me!"

James chuckled and shook his head - "No, not at all. He's always been very kind to me." - He realized that thinking back, he had never seen Faris lose his temper with him. On the contrary, he had only received good things, and it was always James on the receiving end.

"That's good. But if anything happens, must tell me, alright?" - She said gently - "You know, Faris is very serious when it comes to work. I just worry that he might unintentionally make you feel sad."

They took a few more steps before she spoke again, her voice softer - "I only have him. He built his career from a small starting capital, and I couldn't help him much—I feel guilty about that sometimes. I just hope he'll have someone to take care of him, especially when I'm no longer around."

"Please don't say that..." - James responded - "I believe you are the very reason he's been working so hard all these years." - He reached for her hand and gave it a reassuring pat.

"James, you really are such a good child."

They stopped in front of a chest-high bush. She took out a small pair of scissors to trim the overgrown branches, while James instinctively reached out to catch the trimmings from her hands. She said casually:

"You know, you're the first person Faris has ever brought home."

James looked at her, surprised - "Really? He's never brought anyone home before?"

She laughed - "Never. I was worried he would just bury himself in work, going to work and coming home, with no one to take care of him. But now, I feel a lot more at ease."

Her words were gentle, but James felt an invisible weight of responsibility on his shoulders.

Just then, Faris' voice rang out from the distance - "So this is where you two were! I've been looking everywhere."

He approached, carrying two chilled coconuts, his forehead dotted with sweat—probably from searching for them. James instinctively pulled out a tissue and gently dabbed at his forehead, thinking it was time to "play his part."

His mother, of course, didn't waste any opportunity. Pretending to adjust the plants, she subtly nudged James forward, causing him to lose balance and stumble into Faris' arms. His hands ended up around Faris' neck, his body pressed close as if he had deliberately thrown himself into the man's embrace.

Looking up, he saw Faris raise an eyebrow, asking - "Mae is right here, and yet you're in such a hurry, Ter?"

Flustered, James pushed against Faris' chest to steady himself, scolding him to save face - "What nonsense are you talking about? And wait—there are three of us, but you only brought two coconuts?"

"Well, there are only two people here I care about..."

As soon as he finished speaking, his mother playfully swatted his arm - "Hey! I've never heard you say that to me before, Faris! Now that you're grown, are you no longer my son?"

"Mae, it's not that I'm not your son anymore" - "he said with a teasing smile - "It's just that, from now on, you might have another son."

Hearing that, James couldn't help but wonder about the "from now on" Faris had mentioned. What would it be like?

"That's good, it is quite something!" - Mae nodded, satisfied - "Alright, James, come sit with me. Let's take a family picture together."

She pulled out her phone and, instead of asking someone else to take the photo, set it to selfie mode. Holding the phone in front, she saw the two of them looking shy and nervous and decided to give them one last push.

"Come on, just act natural! James, kiss Faris on the cheek!"

"Wait—what?!"

Looking at Faris, he saw him looking expectant.

James bit his lip, flustered - "I... I..."

Faris chuckled, sensing James' embarrassment, and gently ruffled his hair, just like he always did—gentle, natural, fitting perfectly within the warmth of a family moment.

James hadn't expected Faris' mother to be this approachable and kind. He had worried she might be strict—after all, her only son, successful and accomplished, had brought home another man. But perhaps, because she loved Faris deeply, she had naturally extended that warmth to the person he loved.

'Wait—loved? Are you getting too carried away again, James?'

_

Later that afternoon, James was taken to a place Faris and his mother often visited, a park in Kanchanaburi, and the special spot was a 100-year-old Samanea saman tree. The tree is famous in Thailand for its wide canopy that can cover an area of 1,600m². This was also where Faris's family had many memories before his father passed, a place filled with the warm laughter of a small family every weekend.

Today, bringing James here was more than just a casual outing. It was an invitation—an unspoken gesture to welcome him into their world, to introduce him to a piece of their past, their loss, their love.

Faris's mother often came here, and this time, having another member today seemed to stir her emotions. Sitting beneath the sprawling branches, she gently stroked the rough bark of the tree, her eyes filled with memories.

She began to recount all the old stories she had kept inside for years, to the person her son loved, who was quietly listening. She was an incredible woman—resilient and strong, wearing her grief like a second skin, raising Faris alone, being both mother and father to him after a great loss. Two people,  shouldering each other's burdens.

James felt it more than ever now. The man standing a few steps away—his back turned, preparing their meal—carried so much on his shoulders. He had lost so much, yet he had never allowed himself to crumble. Instead, he had built himself into an unshakable wall so that those he loved could lean on him.

James quietly reached out and took her hand, gently patting it, wanting to convey some warmth.

"Everything is better now." - He said softly - "Faris... he's always been responsible. He makes the people around him feel safe."

Faris's mother nodded, her eyes slightly teary. James wiped away the tear that escaped down her cheek and then held her hands tighter, his voice soft but sincere:

"It's okay, from now on, you'll have another son, won't you?"

At that moment, he simply wanted to comfort her. The words slipped out naturally, perhaps even a little idealistic. But if they could bring her peace, then they were worth saying.

She touched James' cheek, her gaze filled with warmth. This boy—so polite, so gentle—his presence lingered like sweetness in the air. The longer she was with him, the more she understood why her son had given up so much to keep him.

Faris stood not far away, preparing some snacks they had brought. The image before him filled him with indescribable emotions.

Was it selfish to want this moment—this picture of the future—to last forever?

(Samanea Saman Tree)

The three of them continued strolling through the park, the atmosphere becoming livelier as the sound of children's laughter echoed from the playground. From afar, James noticed the swings he had always loved. His eager yet hesitant expression didn't escape Faris's notice.

"Do you want to go over there?" - He pointed toward the spot James had been eyeing. James nodded like a child being granted permission to play. How could Faris possibly say no?

"Mae will take a rest here, you two go ahead!" - His mother understood and said.

"We'll be right back!" - James said, unable to hide his smile. No one could bear to disturb him.

Of course, Faris stayed by his side, knowing how clumsy this kid could be —always tripping over nothing, let alone handling something as unpredictable as a swing. As expected, the moment James sat down, he excitedly pushed off with all his strength, trying to go as high as possible. Though slightly afraid of heights, he loved this game—it made him feel completely free.

"Aaah! This is so much fun, Phi! I haven't played on a swing in forever!"

"Aaa, this is so fun, Phi! It's been so long since I've played on a swing!" - Seeing James's excitement, Faris couldn't bring himself to stop him. Still, he stood by, both amused and worried, repeatedly reminding him to slow down.

"Slow down a bit, be careful..."

In just a moment, disaster struck. James used too much force, the swing went too high, and he lost control, falling back down too quickly. Panicked, he instinctively jumped off, completely forgetting how high he was. If Faris hadn't been standing right beside him and caught him in time, who knows what would have happened? In an instant, the little one's excitement turned to fear, and now ...he was resting in Faris's arms, embarrassed.

He heard Faris sigh in relief. He didn't dare to look up, only able to hug Faris's neck, burying his head in his shoulder to calm his nerves. Faris's mother, who had been watching from a distance, was startled but quickly took out her phone to capture this adorable moment.

Being buried his face against the man's shoulder, James could hear Faris' relieved sigh. Meanwhile, his arms wrapped around his neck, too ashamed to look up. Faris' mother, who had been startled for a second, quickly recovered—pulling out her phone to capture the adorable moment.

After a while, Faris still held him. James lightly patted his chest, signaling him to put him down, but only heard Faris's voice above him:

"Hmm... still want to play?"

James, too embarrassed to snap back like usual, James simply shook his head, still buried in Faris's neck.

The children playing nearby stopped to stare, their eyes wide. They saw a tall young man being carried by another —it must be some new game!

"Hey, try carrying me like that guy is carrying that guy!" - One boy excitedly told his friend.

And so, a pair of kids tried to carry each other, creating a chaotic scene. On one side, Faris stood tall, carrying James stability, and on the other, two kids struggled to hold each other up, turning the scene into complete chaos. Meanwhile, James only sank deeper into Faris's embrace, his face burning red.

"Put me downnn~" - He whispered, his voice was so small that only Faris could hear. Faris let out a long sigh before finally, reluctantly, setting James down - 'You really know my weakness!'

But before letting go completely, he gently flicked his forehead - "If I hadn't caught you, what would happen? How are you going to repay me?"

"Thank you..." - James mumbled, not knowing how to repay him.

"Alright, I'll let it slide for now, I'll collect later!" - Faris said, sounding like a parent scolding their child. Finally, he took James's hand and walked towards his mother, as if afraid he'd get lost if he let go. James just followed with his head down, having no way to resist.

_

It was quite late when they returned home, and everyone was tired, so they quickly went to their rooms. It was then that James remembered... he was sharing a room with Faris tonight.

'It's just pretend... Two men sleeping in the same room, what's the big deal? I'm just doing a good deed...' - He mumbled, trying to reassure himself. But the closer he got to the bedroom, the slower his steps became. On the way, he even glanced around, hoping to find another place to "hide" for the night. Of course, there was nowhere else.

"James, do you want to shower first?"

Faris's voice snapped him back to reality. Turning around, he saw the man standing by the bedroom door, and James jumped as if caught doing something wrong.

"A-Ah, yes! I'll be quick!" - James stammered before bolting into the bathroom.

While James was busy in the shower, Faris was called out by his mother. As soon as he approached, she handed him two small items. Looking down, his eyes widened—a tube and a small square box. Anyone could tell what they were =)))))

"Mom...what..."

Before he could say another word, the bathroom door suddenly swung open.

When something is suspicious, people become even more flustered. Startled, Faris fumbled, dropping the two items onto the floor, and rolling in front of them.

Mae calmly looked at her son. And James... stared at the two objects, then quickly covered his head with the towel, pretending he saw nothing. But his face betrayed him, frozen in sheer disbelief mixed with a sense of impending danger.

After a moment of internal chaos, James sat on the chair, blow-drying his hair. In the mirror, he saw Faris secretly hiding something behind his back. Who would've thought he'd ever see this side of Faris?

Faris' mother was so understanding and perceptive that it surprised them both. Clearly, she had a plan to speed things up and bring her "daughter-in-law" home as soon as possible.

The atmosphere in the room was strangely awkward.

When it was finally Faris's turn to shower, James found himself imagining all sorts of scenarios straight out of a drama—forgetting a towel, slipping on the floor, accidentally falling into each other... He slapped his cheeks to shake off the ridiculous thoughts. - 'What the hell are you even thinking?'

"James, are you still out there?" - James thought he misheard and listened again - 'Is this really happening???'

"James?" - Faris called again, not hearing a response.

"Y-yes, I'm here. What's wrong?" - James cautiously approached the bathroom door.

"Can you get me the white t-shirt on the first shelf?" - Faris asked.

"Um... sure, let me find it,"

That was what he said, but his heart was screaming—'It's happening! It's happening!'

He looked around but couldn't find the shirt. Just then, a corner of the white fabric peeked out from the top shelf. Even someone at 1.8 meters tall, had to stand on tiptoes to reach it. As he was about to grab it, he suddenly felt a cold breath behind him.

Another hand reached for the shirt before he could.

"Here, I was just getting it for you—" James turned his head—and instantly froze.

Faris stood there, dripping wet,  wearing a towel around his waist, his abs exposed right in front of him, at an extremely close distance. James' eyes involuntarily wandered downwards. Did that V-cut have to be so defined? So obvious, forcing people to look?

He grabbed the shirt Faris had brought down, but his eyes were still fixed on the "artwork" in front of him. Like a robot, he slowly opened the shirt and gently draped it over this man's chest, saying:

"Here's your shirt..."

Faris, of course, couldn't pass up this opportunity to tease him. He didn't take the shirt, leaving James awkwardly holding it against his chest.

"Did the dinner suit your taste?"

"...yeah, it suited"

"Was the Samanea Saman tree big?"

"...big..."

"And how was the air?"

"...smelled nice..."

With each question, he moved closer. The more Faris pressed, the closer he leaned in. James had nowhere to retreat, ending up sitting on the shelf inside the wardrobe shelf. From the outside, it looked like the little one was being 'bullied", trapped in the closet with only his legs sticking out. The bully one was about to lean into the closet, have no idea what he did behind that door, and then he was quickly pushed back....pushed into the bathroom again.

James, now completely cornered, ended up sitting inside the wardrobe shelf. From the outside, it looked like he was being mercilessly bullied, curled up in the closet with only his legs sticking out.

With each question, he moved closer, and James had nowhere to retreat, ending up sitting on the shelf inside the wardrobe shelf. From the outside, it looked like he was being bullied, trapped in the closet with only his legs sticking out. The bully one was about to lean into the closet when he was quickly pushed back into the bathroom.

"Do you want more next time?"

"More..." - James instinctively replied, then immediately realized what he had said - "What? Are you going to shower or not?!"

Realizing he had been teased, James turned bright red. He quickly pushed Faris back into the bathroom and slammed the door shut.

-

By the time Faris stepped out dressed neatly, he saw James sound asleep on one side of the bed. Since there was only one bed, it was natural for them to share it.

James had pondered for a while—should he sleep on the sofa instead? But drawing such a clear line... would imply something between them, wouldn't it? What could possibly happen between two men sharing a bed? Why not let things happen naturally?

Seeing James fast asleep, Faris adjusted the air conditioning to a more comfortable temperature, dimmed the nightlight, and quietly lay down on the other side.

Propping his head on his hand as he gazed at James's back. The stillness of the night, blending with the steady rhythm of James's breathing, made Faris think—just once, he wanted to hold this little one tightly, to sleep soundly and peacefully until morning. He wanted to do it, yet he was afraid of disturbing James.

Unconsciously, his left hand reached out towards James as if waiting for something—just one turn, and it would be easy to pull James into his embrace. But the hand remained outstretched, unanswered, suspended between them.

Close to midnight, he still vaguely yearned for something, hoping for an impossible chance... Then, all of a sudden, James slowly turned over.

Not wanting to miss this opportunity, Faris gently placed his hand behind James's nape, lightly pulling him into his arms, and tucking the blanket over them both. The person in his arms, continued to sleep soundly, unaware of how much he was being cherished and tenderly held. Faris gently stroked his hair, inhaling the familiar scent of the shampoo he used. In the familiar bedroom, their breaths mingled in the quiet night.

'This is..... comfortable!'

Just as he hoped, they slept peacefully until morning.

Still holding James tightly in his arms, Faris remained asleep until dawn. Instead of feeling comfortable, however, the man's face twisted into an expression of silent suffering. He took deep breaths, gritting his teeth as he endured each accidental collision with James.

Sleeping next to someone, especially when they're hugging like this, who could resist? His mind was in turmoil, and... because James was cold, he kept moving his legs, and his knees kept bumping into 'something' they shouldn't... which immediately woke James from his sleepy daze.

Faris's eyes twitched.

James, still half-asleep, sensed something was wrong. He froze, thinking - 'Did I just... touch it?'

Still facing away from Faris, he flailed his hands around, scratching his head, rubbing his face—flustered beyond words.

"I... I'll go to the bathroom first!"

He dashed into the bathroom and slammed the door shut, leaving Faris on the bed, chuckling and pitying himself. He needed a shower too!

_

On the way back to Bangkok, James kept thinking about Faris's mother's farewell.

"Mae will miss you, James. Remember to visit often, sweet child!" - She said, gently stroking his hair, her eyes filled with affection.

Then she turned to Faris and reminded him - "And you, make sure James eats properly! He looks a little too thin—do you hear me?"

The more he admired this woman, the more guilty he felt. It wasn't easy for a parent of her generation to accept such a "different" relationship, yet she not only understood but also embraced and loved him. James smiled, but even he wasn't sure why. Was it because of the warmth he received, or because the man driving beside him was so fortunate, and he was fortunate too?

"You're going to pay for staring!" - Faris teased, catching James watching him from the passenger seat.

"Hmph... if I charged like you, I'd be a millionaire!" - James retorted, back to his usual feisty self. <James 1 - Faris 0>

"I don't need you to charge me. Just say yes, and everything I own, including myself, is yours." <Tie 1-1>

"You're getting too into character, aren't you? Haven't we already gone far (from Mae's home) enough?"

"I don't think it's far enough..." - Faris said.

"And what do you consider far enough?"

"Hmm... maybe it's the moment you didn't run away from me this morning?" <Faris 2 - James 1>

"...."

"And when you stayed... to help me."

<1-3, ALL KILL!!!>

"Help? Help with what? I'm sleepy. I'm taking a nap. Wake me when we get there!"

Saying that James pulled his jacket over his head, turning towards the window to pretend to sleep—when in reality, his face was already burning red.

Faris chuckled, reaching over to pull the jacket down slightly and simply draping it over James's shoulders instead.

"Covering your whole head like that will make it hard to breathe. I'd be worried"

"...."

In response, James fake-snored loudly, as if to say—"Leave me alone already!!!"

_

By the time they arrived back in Bangkok, the sky had already gone dark. Faris was helping James carry his belongings upstairs when a sudden downpour hit just as they reached the park in front of the building. Without a second thought, Faris quickly draped his jacket over James and pulled him toward a small shelter nearby.

He handed James a towel, unaware that he himself was drenched. The rain outside grew heavier, the sound of water dripping on the wooden floor creating a soft, resonant sound. The wind blew strongly, mist rising and blurring the surroundings.

The light faded, leaving only the streetlights casting a dim glow over their two small figures.

James saw that Faris's hair was wet, so he reached out to wipe it, focusing on him without noticing that Faris was staring intently at him. When James finally caught Faris's gaze, his hand hesitated for a moment—he could see his own reflection in Faris's eyes.

Without a word, Faris reached out, his warm fingers wrapping gently around James's hand. This time, Faris held on firmly, as if afraid James would pull away like before, then slowly let their hands rest in the space between them.

The only sound was the rain falling on the wooden floor. Neither of them spoke, they didn't need to. They already understood. Their eyes fixed on the rain-soaked sky. Two silhouettes stood side by side, and the only connection between them was their intertwined hands.

No sound but their hearts were restless. Faris said nothing, but the message in his touch was undeniable.

It was warm, but... after a moment of thought, James was the first to pull his hand away, as if he wasn't ready to face himself yet.

His small hand quietly returned to his pocket.

'It was warm, but...'

'Loving me isn't easy... I have too many scars, too many broken pieces. I'm not complete enough to accept something so good from someone else.'

These thoughts echoed in his head. Was he insecure about himself? Was he doubting himself?

.

That night, without knowing exactly why, James posted a single line on X:

"If you really love me, I'll give you my heart."

Faris sent him a goodnight message with two simple emojis: 🫴🏻🤍

—

[Chapter 3 - The Shadow of White]

Everything was just beginning. The little fox gradually sensed the presence of the gray wolf around him, while the gray wolf—once the leader of the pack—now became the companion of a small snow fox, exploring new lands together.

A cold-blooded creature like a wolf, who usually hunts large prey, now patiently searched for small fish by the stream. Perhaps, for someone, even habits could changed.

The little fox—a solitary creature—never thought he needed protection. He was used to living independently, used to facing lurking dangers. Until the gray wolf appeared, he realized... he had been trying so hard to resist all this time...

The accompanying image was backlit, making their faces indistinguishable—only two orange coffee cups sitting on the table were clearly visible.