Days passed slowly.
For most children in the orphanage, time was filled with laughter, games, and carefree moments under the open sky.
But for Leo—
time felt different.
Quieter.
Colder.
Smaller.
He sat by the window again.
Just like every other day.
His knees pulled close to his chest, arms wrapped tightly around them as if trying to hold himself together.
Outside—
children ran across the yard.
Laughing.
Shouting.
Living.
Leo watched them in silence.
His golden eyes followed their movements carefully, almost curiously… as if he was observing a world he wasn't allowed to enter.
"…Looks fun."
The words slipped out before he realized it.
Soft.
Barely a whisper.
The door creaked open.
"Leo, I brought your food."
Neva stepped inside, carrying a tray.
The warm smell of freshly cooked soup filled the room.
Leo turned his head slightly.
"…Neva."
She smiled gently, placing the tray on the small table beside his bed.
"You should eat before it gets cold."
This time—
he didn't refuse.
He walked over quietly and sat down.
His movements were still cautious, but no longer as stiff as before.
Neva watched him in silence as he ate.
Slowly.
Carefully.
"…Neva."
She looked up.
"Yes?"
Leo hesitated.
His fingers tightened around the spoon.
"…Can I go outside?"
The room fell silent.
Neva froze.
Just for a moment.
Outside, laughter echoed faintly through the window.
Leo lowered his gaze.
"…I want to try."
His voice was small.
But honest.
Neva's expression softened… then dimmed slightly.
"…Not yet."
Leo's hand stopped moving.
"Why…?"
Neva looked away.
"…Because I don't want you to get hurt."
The answer came out quietly.
Leo stared at the table.
"…Because I'm different?"
Neva's eyes widened.
She didn't answer immediately.
But that silence—
was already an answer.
Leo smiled faintly.
A small, fragile smile.
"…I see."
Neva stepped closer.
She gently placed her hand on his head.
"You're not wrong for being different."
Leo didn't respond.
"I just… need a little more time."
Time for what—
she didn't say.
But Leo didn't ask.
Because deep down—
he already understood.
Later that afternoon—
the orphanage grew quieter.
Most children were outside.
Playing.
Running.
Living.
Leo returned to his usual place—
by the window.
But this time—
something was different.
There was a girl.
She stood out.
Not because she was louder.
But because she didn't seem to care about anything around her.
She laughed freely.
Ran without hesitation.
And smiled as if the world had never hurt her.
Leo found himself watching her longer than usual.
"…Strange."
Then—
"BANG!"
The door suddenly burst open.
Leo flinched.
A small figure stood at the entrance.
Breathing slightly heavily.
Eyes bright.
"Found you!"
Leo blinked.
"…What?"
The girl stepped inside without hesitation, looking around the room as if she owned the place.
"So this is it…"
She turned toward him.
Their eyes met.
For a moment—
silence.
Then—
"Whoa…"
Her eyes sparkled.
Without warning—
she rushed toward him.
Before Leo could react—
her hand reached out—
and touched his tail.
"Soft!!"
Leo froze.
Then immediately panicked.
"Don't touch it!"
He pulled away quickly.
The girl blinked.
Her expression trembled.
"Huh…?"
Then—
her eyes filled with tears.
"…You're mean…"
Leo panicked.
"I-I didn't mean—"
But it was too late.
Tears started falling.
"I just wanted to see…"
Leo's mind went blank.
He didn't know what to do.
Didn't know how to fix it.
Then—
his tail moved slightly.
Instinctively—
it brushed against her hand.
Ticklish.
The girl paused.
"…eh?"
Then—
she giggled.
"Hehe…"
The tears disappeared just as quickly as they came.
Leo stared.
Confused.
The girl smiled brightly.
"You're funny!"
She sat down beside him without hesitation.
"Hey, what's your name?"
Leo hesitated.
"…Leo."
"Leo?"
She grinned.
"I like it!"
She puffed her chest slightly.
"I'm Maria!"
She extended her hand.
Leo looked at it.
Carefully.
Slowly—
he reached out.
And took it.
Warm.
"…Friends?"
Leo paused.
He had never had one before.
But—
he didn't want to say no.
"…Okay."
Maria's smile widened.
"Yay!"
Then suddenly—
voices echoed from outside.
"Maria! Where are you?!"
She gasped.
"Oh no, I'm playing hide and seek!"
She quickly stood up.
"I have to go!"
She ran toward the door—
then stopped.
Turning back—
"Don't tell anyone I was here, okay?"
Leo nodded.
The door closed.
Silence returned.
But—
it felt different now.
Leo sat still.
His hand moved slightly.
Touching the spot where Maria had held it.
"…Warm."
For the first time—
the room didn't feel as lonely.