Totu and Toku stepped out of the house and stood outside.
To the mountain left stood the quiet building; to the right, a lone tree rose toward the sky, bathed in soft moonlight.
Totu reached into his colorless bracelet and took out two reclining chairs, placing them neatly in front of the left side of the house.
Then, without warning, Totu grabbed Toku with both hands and hugged him tightly.
The sudden action shocked Toku. He struggled to break free, wriggling in Totu's arms.
"I know I'm handsome," Toku said while struggling,
"but don't hug me so tightly!"
Totu didn't care. He held on firmly.
He sat down on one of the reclining chairs and gently placed Toku on his stomach.
Leaning back, Totu relaxed and softly stroked Toku's back, his hand moving gently through the soft fur.
Toku stopped struggling.
Totu had always liked how soft Toku's fur was. Toku, too, was used to Totu's actions and quietly enjoyed the gentle strokes.
They argued and fought often, but in Totu's heart, Toku was family—like a little brother.
And in Toku's heart, Totu was the most important person.
They thought of each other as brothers.
Totu looked at Toku, continued stroking his fur gently, thought for a moment, and then spoke.
"Toku," he said seriously,
"I agree you're really cute and handsome. But you eat too much. One day, you'll turn ugly, and your soft fur will become rough… your shining fur will turn dim."
Totu kept talking with a serious expression.
His baby-like face and silver-blue eyes looked innocent—anyone who saw him would easily trust him.
But Toku had seen through Totu many times.
Whenever Totu spoke like this, Toku sensed the hidden scheme behind the words.
Still, this time, he couldn't quite tell what this cute baby was planning.
Fine. I'll go along and see, Toku thought.
"Mm."
The low sound came suddenly from Toku.
Totu froze for a moment as Toku's golden eyes locked onto him.
Could it be… did Toku realize something?
No. There's no flaw in what I said, Totu reassured himself, keeping his expression perfectly normal.
"Why are you looking at me like that?" Totu said calmly.
"I'm saying this for your own good i am careing you. You're my only little brother. In the future, how can I help you marry someone if you turn ugly?"
His tone softened, his face turning gentle as he looked at Toku.
Toku was stunned for a moment. He felt confused.
Totu's expression was flawless—no crack at all.
Still, he didn't lower his guard.
Blinking his golden eyes, Toku said casually,
"Okay. What you say makes sense. I'll try to eat less."
Totu nodded.
"That's a good decision. But you can't control yourself—you always eat too much."
Toku remained calm. He already guessed where this was going, though he knew it wouldn't be easy to give in.
"So?" Toku said, looking at Totu.
Totu steadied himself. Don't rush. Don't rush, he reminded himself.
"Toku," Totu said gently,
"I'll personally cook nutritious food for you from now on. You don't need to worry."
Then he paused.
This was the final moment.
"Toku," he continued,
"you eat a lot of Soulart every day. That's the main reason you're gaining weight."
Toku didn't change his expression at all. He already knew how this conversation would end.
"Okay," Toku replied casually.
"From now on, I'll eat less Soulart."
Totu immediately shook his head.
"No," he said quickly.
"You store all the Soulart in your pocket. Whenever you see it, you think about it and eat it without realizing."
Totu continued speaking rapidly.
Toku finally cut him off.
"Totu," he said plainly,
"say it directly."
Totu paused, then decided to finish it.
"Toku," he said,
"you give me all your Soulart. When you need it, I'll give it back to you. That way, I can control how much you eat."
There it was.
His true motive.
The moment Toku heard it, he replied without hesitation.
"No."
Totu knew this was almost impossible—but trying cost nothing.
Toku refused instantly, without even thinking.
Totu knew it was extremely difficult to get Soulart from Toku—but getting at least one wasn't impossible.
He kept his expression calm and said lightly,
"Okay. That's your decision. As long as you don't turn ugly, I'm happy."
Toku saw through Totu's intention but didn't care.
Soulart was his treasure food. He never gave it to anyone.
Still, after a moment, he smiled and said,
"Thanks for your concern. Tomorrow I'll give you roasted potato, okay?"
Totu didn't joke back. His face remained calm.
"Toku," he said softly, wearing an innocent expression,
"I want Soulart. The last time you gave me any was months ago."
Toku blinked innocently.
"You don't remember," he said,
"but I do. I gave you some just three days ago."
Then he added cheerfully,
"But that doesn't matter. I won't give you a single piece now."
Totu didn't get angry.
He knew giving up now would be pointless.
He closed his eyes and began thinking.
Countless ideas passed through his mind.
Toku watched quietly. He knew Totu wouldn't give up so easily and was curious what idea he would choose.
Finally, Totu opened his eyes.
He looked into Toku's golden eyes and smiled.
"Toku," he said,
"tomorrow we'll play Sky High.
If you win, I'll cook your favorite ten dishes.
If it's a draw, I'll cook your favorite five dishes."
Totu paused and spoke in a softer tone.
"If I win, you give me two Soulart.
If it's a draw, you give me one. Deal?"
Totu looked confident.
Toku thought for a moment. Two Soulart was a high demand…
but Totu's cooking was extremely good.
And if Totu lost, Toku would get ten dishes without giving any Soulart.
After thinking it through, Toku nodded.
Seeing Toku nod, Totu felt relieved.
He leaned back into the reclining chair, closed his eyes, and relaxed.
His hand continued to gently stroke Toku's fur.
Toku also settled down, leaning against Totu's stomach, and slowly closed his eyes under the moonlight.