Bozai Inside Bozai

"Oh, isn't that Bozai? I was worried about where he'd run off to. I never thought he'd be here with you."

"Auntie Bo, do you know this capybara?"

"That's right. This capybara is mine."

Auntie Bo took Bozai from Wuling and smoothed down his somewhat ruffled fur.

"My husband and I both love capybaras. We started keeping them many years ago, but coming up with names was too much trouble, so we called all our capybaras Bozai."

"And we named this shop after them, too."

"This little one was born just over a month ago. He gave my husband and me quite a shock when he was born. Here, take a look at his belly."

As she spoke, Auntie Bo lifted Bozai by his two front legs, revealing his somewhat round little belly. Bozai didn't resist, hanging there quietly.

Once the two of them saw the unusual pattern on Bozai's belly, they were both a little surprised.

"Is that... latte art?"

The pattern on Bozai's belly looked just like latte art. No, with the color of his belly fur, it was practically identical.

Wuling couldn't help leaning forward slightly and widening his eyes for a closer look. In all his years, this was the first time he'd seen a capybara with such an unusual belly pattern. Hmm... it seemed this was also his first time seeing a capybara in person.

Beside him, Chisaki leaned closer too, her eyes full of wonder, and couldn't help letting out a soft exclamation.

"Right? Isn't it amazing?"

Auntie Bo settled Bozai back into her arms and gently stroked his back with her fingertips. The little fellow narrowed his eyes in comfort, his short, sturdy limbs dangling loosely.

"We noticed it as soon as he was born. This child came with that pattern on his belly. My husband even joked that he was born to be a living sign for our coffee shop."

Bozai gently nuzzled Auntie Bo's palm. His moist black eyes slowly wandered before he tilted his head and rested his chin on her arm, looking drowsy.

His fluffy, coarse brown fur brushed against her sleeve, a soft, weighty bundle.

"He's just over a month old, so he's still a baby."

Auntie Bo looked down at the little fellow lying quietly in her arms, a hint of laughter in her voice.

"That's exactly what I thought at the time. I wanted to bring him to the shop as a mascot. After all, I'd be watching the front, so there shouldn't have been any problems."

"But after I brought him here, I found out he was a little shy around strangers. He couldn't stay in the front and kept running off to quieter places to rest, so I let him be."

"But you were so close to him just now, and he didn't run away. That means he probably likes you two quite a bit. How about it? Want to give it a try?"

With that, Auntie Bo held Bozai out in front of Chisaki.

Chisaki paused, then hesitated for a moment before carefully reaching out her fingertips, slowly bringing them toward Bozai's soft fur.

The evasiveness and resistance she'd expected never came.

Bozai merely lifted his eyelids lazily. His dark eyes were clear and gentle as he gazed steadily at Chisaki approaching him. His round body stayed right where it was, impossibly well-behaved.

The moment her fingertips touched his fur, she felt its warm, fluffy texture.

The capybara's fur was soft and thick, warm as though it had been basking in the sun. It felt firm and comfortable, nothing like its coarse appearance.

"So soft..."

Chisaki couldn't help lowering her voice as she murmured in amazement, her eyes full of tender delight.

Auntie Bo watched with an especially gentle smile. "Looks like he really has taken a liking to you. Usually, he hides from anyone who comes close, except my husband and me. He's made an exception today."

She gently supported Bozai's round body and passed him into Chisaki's arms.

The little baby was very light. He settled docilely into the girl's arms, drawing his limbs in slightly and lying still.

Bozai nestled closer against Chisaki's chest, then narrowed his eyes contentedly. His little belly bulged slightly, its unique latte-art pattern clear and lovely in the sunlight, especially distinctive.

He gave his short little tail a gentle wag, tilted his head, and rested it in the crook of Chisaki's arm, looking completely relaxed.

"He's so cute..." Chisaki felt completely healed, gently encircling the little capybara with both hands.

"He really is very timid."

Auntie Bo stood to the side and explained softly.

"When there are lots of customers and the shop gets a little noisy, he hides in the storeroom. Today, I guess he slipped out to play while I was busy tidying up the shop."

"Where's the owner? Is the owner here?"

"Looks like a customer's here. I'll get back to work. Sorry for the trouble, but could you put Bozai in the storeroom for me? Turn left as you go in, and it's in the corner at the far end. I made a little bed for him there. Just put him in it, and once you're done, come right back."

"Okay."

After they answered, Auntie Bo hurried away.

The two headed toward the storeroom as Auntie Bo had directed. All the way there, Bozai lay quietly in Chisaki's arms.

The storeroom was cooler than the front of the shop, quiet and shaded, just right for Bozai to rest.

In the end, they found a little bed in the corner on the left side of the storeroom. It looked as though it had been made from a cat bed.

Chisaki tiptoed over to the repurposed cat bed in the corner and slowly bent down.

A thick, light gray plush cushion lined the bed, with soft cotton fabric sewn around the edges. It was fluffy and warm, and a little water bowl and food dish stood nearby. Clearly, Auntie Bo and her husband had put a lot of care into it.

She gently brushed her fingertips over Bozai's soft back and whispered, "We'll leave you here to rest. Be good and go to sleep. Don't run around anymore."

Little Bozai seemed to understand her. He blinked lazily, his round black eyes moving about.

Once Chisaki had settled him in the center of the cushion, he immediately curled up his round body with practiced ease. His belly spread out slightly, quietly revealing its unique latte-art pattern, especially clear and lovely in the warm light.

He nudged the soft cushion a little and settled down in the most comfortable position, his short limbs splayed loosely as he let his guard down completely.

After making sure the little fellow showed no sign of moving around, the two gently straightened up and deliberately softened their footsteps. They slowly backed out of the storeroom, pulling the half-closed door behind them and leaving only a narrow gap for ventilation.

As they walked back into the front of the shop, its lively bustle greeted them at once.

Auntie Bo finished taking an order and turned to see the two returning. She beckoned to them, her expression gentle.

"Is he settled?"

"Mm, he's lying down comfortably. He was very good," Chisaki said with a smile and a nod.

"That's good."

Auntie Bo wiped her hands and walked over to them, her eyes full of warmth. "Thank you both so much for your help today. Without you, I really don't know how long it would've taken me to find him."

She turned toward the dessert display case, her tone cheerful. "I said I'd thank you properly, so don't be shy. Pick whichever desserts you want. Auntie's treating today."

Wuling was just about to decline when Auntie Bo cut him off with a smile. "No refusing. This is a thank-you from Bozai, and a little token of my appreciation too."

Seeing how sincere Auntie Bo was, the two stopped trying to refuse and exchanged a smile.

"Then I'll have a serving of that passion fruit tiramisu."

"I'd like a chocolate cheesecake pudding."

After a little thought, they both quickly made their choices.

"Coming right up. Here you go. There aren't many customers right now, so go eat in the kitchen area first. There's no rush."