A cold wind swept through the snowy forest, its howling whispers weaving through the towering trees as Akira and the fox girl, now in her human form, walked side by side along the frost-covered path.
Yue moved gracefully, her white kimono reflecting the silvery glow of the moon, its golden-orange patterns shimmering as they swayed with the breeze. Her two fluffy white tails gently swished behind her, a subtle display of purity and elegance. Every so often, her golden eyes glanced toward Akira, curiosity and quiet admiration glimmering within them.
"You… really are from another world, aren't you?" Yue asked, her clear voice tinged with a hint of hesitation.
Akira nodded, letting out a soft sigh. "Yeah, I'm from a world that's nothing like this one. Everything here… it feels surreal, like stepping into an RPG or something."
Yue smiled faintly, gazing up at the starlit sky. "Your world sounds fun." She paused briefly before adding, "But it seems like you're still not used to this place."
"Who could be, after just a few hours?" Akira replied with a small chuckle, though there was a seriousness in his tone. "I don't even know what's out there… or what I'm supposed to do next."
Yue fell silent for a moment, then turned to him with a rare earnestness in her gaze. "But you saved me… You did something no one else dared to do. That makes you a good person."
Her words caught Akira off guard. He glanced at the girl walking beside him, her bright eyes filled with sincerity that was impossible to ignore.
"I just did what felt right," he said quietly. "That's all there is to it."
They continued walking in silence, the only sounds being the crunch of snow beneath their feet and the gentle rustle of wind through the trees. Then Yue suddenly stopped in her tracks, causing Akira to pause and look back at her.
"Yue?" he called, his voice laced with curiosity.
She turned toward him, her expression hesitant as if she were wrestling with an important decision. Her golden eyes met his, shimmering with a vulnerability she rarely showed.
"Akira…" she said softly, her voice almost trembling.
"What is it?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.
Yue took a deep breath, her tone shifting into something unusually serious. "I… have a favor to ask, but I'm not sure if you'll agree."
Akira tilted his head, surprised. "Go ahead. If I can help, I will."
Yue hesitated for a moment longer, gripping the edge of her sleeve tightly before finally speaking, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Can I… call you 'big brother'?"
Her words stunned Akira into silence. He stared at her, trying to process what she had just said. "Big brother?"
Yue nodded, her expression unwavering. "I've never had a brother before… I've always been alone. No one to protect me, no one to stand by me. But now… you saved me. You made me feel like I'm not alone anymore."
She continued, her voice soft but full of emotion. "You make me feel safe. You're like the big brother I've always imagined having."
Akira stood there, watching her quietly. Emotions he couldn't quite name swirled inside him—surprise, uncertainty, and a warmth that seemed to seep into the deepest corners of his heart.
"Are you sure?" he asked gently. "I'm not perfect. I'm not even sure I can take care of myself properly."
Yue gave him a small smile, her golden eyes brimming with confidence. "I don't need you to be perfect. I just want to call you big brother… because you make me feel like I have someone I can count on."
Her words struck a chord deep within Akira. He recalled moments from his childhood, watching friends who had siblings—laughing, playing, even bickering. He had envied them, wishing he had someone who would always stand by him. He remembered promising himself that if he ever had a younger sibling, he'd protect and care for them no matter what.
Now, out of nowhere, that dream seemed to be standing right in front of him. This girl—Yue—wasn't asking out of nostalgia or fantasy. She was asking because she truly trusted him.
Akira let out a soft laugh, shaking his head lightly. "If that's what you want, I don't see why not."
"Really?" Yue's eyes lit up instantly, her face breaking into a radiant smile. Without warning, she threw herself at him, wrapping her arms around his arm. "Big brother! I'm so happy!"
"Hey, hey, take it easy!" Akira said with a laugh, awkwardly trying to free his arm, though he couldn't stop the warmth spreading in his chest.
As they continued their journey, their footsteps accompanied by laughter and light-hearted conversation, the cold, desolate forest seemed to take on a new warmth. A bond was forming, unshaken by the icy winds or the unknown dangers ahead.
That evening, they found refuge in a small wooden cabin. Sitting near the crackling fire, Yue curled up by the hearth, her golden eyes reflecting the flickering flames.
"Big brother…" she said softly, a small smile playing on her lips. "I'm glad you're here with me."
Akira glanced at her and returned the smile. He didn't say anything, but the feeling in his heart was undeniable.
This journey would no longer be one he walked alone.