The morning sunlight streamed into our small apartment, casting warm golden hues on the walls. Aoi was up early, practically vibrating with a mix of excitement and nervous energy. She stood in front of the mirror, adjusting her woolen hat that hid her cat ears, her tail, hidden under her clothes, her large green eyes full of apprehension.
"Onii-Chan," she whispered, her voice soft but full of uncertainty. "Does Aoi really look okay? What if someone notices?"
I knelt beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her small shoulder. "You look perfect, Aoi. No one will notice your ears. And if they do, we'll figure it out together, okay?"
She nodded, her hands clenching the straps of her new cat-themed backpack. "Aoi will be brave," she declared, her voice quivering slightly.
I smiled and kissed the top of her hat-covered head. "That's the spirit. Let's get going; we don't want to be late for your first day."
