Marshmallow clouds floated across the pink sky, dotted with glittering fragments of star-shaped candy.
The fantastical scenery, impossible to see in reality, made Shen Yi dimly realize that he was dreaming.
On the vast grassland stretching as far as the eye could see, there was only him and a koala.
The little animal had stayed by his side ever since he appeared, though it was not entirely friendly. It kept a careful distance, watching him warily.
"Come here."
Even in a dream, sitting alone felt a little awkward, so Shen Yi called to it softly.
The koala's little round ears immediately perked up.
It finally came a little closer. Shen Yi casually plucked a few blades of dry grass beside him and piled them in front of it.
Perhaps it was hungry. The koala immediately gathered up the grass and began chewing, its cheeks puffed out adorably.
Watching its cute little face, Shen Yi could not resist reaching out to gently stroke its head and back.
The koala remained completely unguarded, focused on eating its grass.
The leisurely moments slipped quietly by. Shen Yi relaxed and lay down, gazing up at the sky painted in a riot of colors.
Even if it was a dream, it was beautiful enough. A breeze brushed past, and he closed his eyes in contentment.
"Why do you hate me?"
A voice made Shen Yi's eyes snap open, his gaze instinctively turning toward the little animal beside him.
The adorable koala stood on its hind legs, looking at Shen Yi with eyes as black as pebbles, and asked again:
"Don't you want me?"
"..."
His tongue froze.
More than surprise, what he felt was... guilt.
Shen Yi understood who the koala in his dream represented.
"Nobody wants me. I'm so lonely."
"...I'm sorry."
He could