Xiao Xiao walked at an unhurried pace.
Zhen watched the human's back for a while, then lifted a foot and followed.
Zhen stayed half a step behind Xiao Xiao.
Keeping what it considered a safe—cough, suitable—distance.
As time passed, Zhen's mood gradually settled.
It began to imitate the human and appreciate the scenery around them.
The scenery here was nice.
But to Zhen, it was only nice.
It had seen too many beautiful views.
Especially from back when human territory wasn't everywhere...
There were fewer people.
The sense of tranquility made its heart stir even more.
Still, too much quiet could grow dull.
The bustle of humans was nice, too.
Zhen had a piece of candy in its mouth.
Smacking its lips as it admired the scenery, it felt as though even the view before it had gained a hint of sweetness.
Zhen turned to look at the human's back up ahead.
It tilted its head.
This was the first time it had walked alongside a human like this...
Naturally, the feeling in its heart was strange.
Its initial unease and habitual wariness gradually faded, and Zhen began to feel at ease.
Its steps grew a little lighter.
The clear water before him made Xiao Xiao's eyes brighten.
He turned his head, smiling. "Zhen, want to go for a boat ride?"
The last time he'd seen this demon, it had been on a lake.
He thought Zhen probably liked riding in boats.
Zhen froze.
A boat ride?
It looked up.
And found itself gazing at a glittering expanse of water.
Without realizing it, they had arrived at the shore of a lake.
The lake, like a green jewel, gleamed beneath the sunlight like a flawless emerald.
A hazy glow rippled across