The next day dawned cloudy, shifting toward overcast—just like Favna’s mood.

Last night at home, she’d been cocky and full of herself.

But the moment she stepped outside? Total transformation. Nervously scanning every corner, heart pounding.

“Why isn’t Liko here yet…?”

Favna kept glancing around, waiting with bated breath.

Only five minutes till their meetup—but to her, it felt like an eternity.

Thankfully, Liko didn’t keep her waiting long. The white-haired catgirl waved from afar.

“Hello~” Liko jogged up. “Sorry! Got held up by something.”

“N-no, it’s… it’s fine!”

Flustered nearly speechless, Favna sighed in relief. At least Liko was here. With a companion, she wouldn’t have to fear what that creepy guild master might do… right?

“Say…” Liko tilted her head, studying Favna’s outfit. “Miss Ghost Shadow, why are you still in that black robe? Aren’t you sweltering?”

True enough—Favna remained tightly wrapped in the robe, standing dead center of the square like a suspicious shadow.

“I’m… scared of bumping into people… Mmph~”

Under Liko’s probing gaze, Favna shrank deeper into the fabric.

“But doesn’t this *draw* more attention?”

Favna finally noticed curious stares. Panic flared.

“Is it really that weird?!” Her voice shot up, drawing even more eyes.

Seizing the moment, Liko pressed gently: “Yep. A black-robed figure on a sunny street? Kinda odd. C’mon, Miss Ghost Shadow—let’s swap this robe.”

“B-but…”

Favna hated exposing herself. Shyness aside, she’d tried going out bare-faced before—and somehow always got stared at.

Watching her hesitate, Liko clicked her tongue. *Yep. Full-blown social anxiety.*

“Well~ Just follow me.”

“H-huh?!”

Before Favna could process it, the bewildered girl was dragged into a clothing store.

Amid curious glances, the robed figure and catgirl vanished into a fitting room.

To outsiders? Might’ve looked shady.

But inside the cramped space, Favna visibly relaxed. Even her tone softened.

“Should’ve just met in the fitting room…”

“…”

Liko almost quipped about shady deals—but remembering it was *Favna*, it suddenly made perfect sense.

After a quiet laugh, Favna slipped off the robe.

Liko winced, palm smacking her forehead.

Who’d guess this radiant silver-haired beauty hid a baggy black tee and faded jeans?!

*What kind of clueless guy’s fashion sense is this?!*

“Sooo much better~”

Cool air + robe-free = Favna felt reborn. Oblivious to Liko’s deadpan stare.

“Um… Miss Favna?”

“Eep!”

Jolted from her bubble, Favna shuddered. *Right—I’m not alone!*

Panicked, she lunged for the robe—but Liko was faster.

With a mischievous flick, the catgirl tossed it out. Hand on Favna’s shoulder:

“Since we’re… uh… *meeting* someone for a fight, raggedy clothes are rude. Trust me.”

“Raggedy? But shouldn’t fight clothes be disposable? What if they tear?!”

Favna scratched her head, utterly lost.

“Details later. I’ll pick something.”

Liko vanished.

Ten minutes later—

“I’M NOT WEARING A SKIRT!!!”

“Be a good girl. Off it goes.”

A desperate wail echoed from the fitting room.

*Am I being harassed by a female pervert?!*

Outside, Liko beamed.

Clothes truly transformed her. Swap the faded jeans and dull top? Favna glowed—shy, silver-haired, undeniably cute.

Though she’d nearly curled into a ball in the corner.

“What’s wrong? It’s pretty!”

“I’m not cute… Can’t style hair, pick outfits… Just rot at home smelling like mold… a pathetic paramecium…”

Clearly, this shut-in dragon had fully retreated inward.

“There, there~ You *are* cute.” Liko pulled her up, pointing to the mirror. “Look.”

Slowly, Favna lifted her gaze.

A stranger stared back.

Mesmerized, she reached out—fingertips meeting cold glass. *That’s… me?*

The dress + silver hair erased all gloom. Her reflection? Bright. Fresh. *Pretty.*

“See? You’ve got charm. Believe it.”

Still trembling, Favna shrank behind Liko, fingers twitching toward the missing robe.

No luck.

“Let’s go.”

(The dress? Liko’s compensation. Favna accepted it… reluctantly.)

Two lovely girls strolling the street *should* turn heads.

They did.

But not for beauty.

“Miss Favna! Stop hiding behind me!! Don’t tug my skirt—and *definitely* don’t crawl inside it!”

“No one can see me here…”

Sighing, Liko dragged the socially anxious dragon forward—step by reluctant step—under the town’s amused, curious stares.