The most impressive plushie (in terms of size) turns out to be not your conventional creature at all, but a dragon! The scales are elaborately sewed on, and its expression is elegant yet soft. The wings are folded over its body. You wonder if the full wingspan would make it even bigger.

But as you try to grab it, you realize that it's been placed on the highest shelf. Why do stores keep the nice things out of reach?

Y/N   Come on...!

As much as you try, you can barely swipe the fabric on its little feet. You pick up one of the smaller plushies and throw it at the dragon. Its head tilts slightly. After a few more attempts, it finally starts shifting forward. You walk up to the shelf and hold your arms out to catch it.

TN   Heh, I've got it!

In a dash of blue-green, the dragon plush disappears from above you. Sneakers screech to a halt on your right, and when you turn to look, you see the plush grasped by a pair of hands from behind.

TN   (Such enormous stature, such brilliant fuzzy texture!)

TN   (Yes... they deserve no better than this!)

Their words are muffled, since their face seems to be pressed right into the plush.

Y/N   I was going to catch that.

TN   (Heh heh... huh?)

The plush is placed on the floor, and from behind it comes Tian, confusion in her eyes and hair all mussed up from pressing her face into the plush.

TN   Y/N?

You glance at the dragon, then back at her. Her eyes widen.

TN   I-I see.

TN   Well, not to worry!

TN   Surely, there is a bountiful stock on such... er...

Even from down here, you know that was the only dragon that size. Tian laughs nervously, then faces the shelf as well. She crouches, then launches upwards in a rather impressive jump. When she lands, her nervousness has only increased.

TN   Heh... unsurprising. High quality begets high demand.

TN   ...

TN   Well, until next time, my friend.

She quickly picks up the plushie and disappears in a puff of dust.

Y/N   Hey!

You get ready to run after her, but she reappears after you take a step. Or, rather, the dragon plushie held by Tian hands and moved by Tian legs appears. Most of her body isn't visible when she's holding it in front of her like that.

TN   Heh, have I mentioned that I am a remorseful soul?

TN   I would never act with ill intentions. You know that, right?

Y/N   Huh?

The plush is thrust towards you.

TN   It would be too cruel, to deprive someone of their rightful chance!

TN   Please, take it.

TN   I cannot bear the guilt. It would weigh down these feet like cinderblocks.

Y/N   ...

You grab it, then place it on the floor next to you. Now that you have a clear view of her face, you notice that Tian seems bashful, looking at anywhere but you.

Y/N   You seemed to want it a lot.

Y/N   What made you change your mind?

TN   That is...

TN   H-heh, the mind is an enigma, isn't it?

Could it be that she...

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

>>-> Genuinely feels bad?

>>-> Has some other reason to give it to you?