Seiji settled onto the park bench, balancing Pipra gently on his lap as he handed her a small sweet pastry and a chilled juice he'd bought along the way. Despite his attempts to set her down, she clung tightly, her small arms still looped around his neck, making him chuckle with a mixture of amusement and warmth. This was new to him—no one had ever held on quite like this, as if letting go was out of the question.
The townspeople passing by glanced with endearing smiles, no doubt assuming the sight was of an older brother doting on his kid sister, or a father carrying his precious daughter. To them, Pipra's delicate frame and youthful face spoke of innocence. But Seiji knew differently. Pipra was a dwarf with a kind heart and a surprisingly bold spirit, and her pointy ears were a subtle marker of her heritage, if anyone took the time to notice.