Time always passes quickly when you're not paying attention.
After Lin Feng had drawn dozens of sketches, taking short breaks in between, he began to feel a light weight on his shoulder — and faintly, he could hear a soft, steady breathing sound.
He turned his head slightly.
The little Fuuko, who had been sitting on his shoulder earlier, watching him draw with eyes full of curiosity, had at some point fallen asleep, leaning quietly against him.
"Heh, so even a typhoon can fall asleep, huh...?"
Seeing the tiny doll that Fuuko was possessing now sound asleep, Lin Feng couldn't help but chuckle softly.
At that moment, Chachamaru — who had been sitting by the desk lamp, paws tucked under itself — yawned widely.
"If you're tired, go to sleep. I'm almost done here anyway, so you don't have to keep me company."
Seeing the drowsy look on Chachamaru's furry face, Lin Feng smiled gently and spoke in a soft tone.
"Meow...~"
After hearing him, Chachamaru gave a soft meow, then slowly stood up and padded toward the cozy cat bed that Mitsuki Miyako and Shizuka had prepared for it.
Although Chachamaru hadn't been particularly interested in the cat toys or climbing frames Lin Feng had bought before, it had taken quite a liking to this warm, comfortable bed.
After watching Chachamaru curl up and settle down, Lin Feng carefully lifted Fuuko off his shoulder and placed her gently on the bed, tucking a small blanket over her.
It was a completely instinctive act — logically speaking, Fuuko was literally a miniature typhoon; catching a cold wasn't exactly something that could happen to her.
But since she could now sleep, Lin Feng figured that even if something stranger happened next, he wouldn't be surprised anymore.
Once everything was in order, Lin Feng checked the time — it was already past ten at night. Time to rest.
After tidying up the messy pile of sketches on his desk, he lay down on his bed and drifted into sleep.
The Next Morning
"Ah–choo!"
Before Lin Feng even opened his eyes, an itch in his nose made him sneeze suddenly.
"Whirr~ whirr~!"
Right after that, he heard the sound of wind beside his ear. When he opened his eyes, he was greeted by the sight of a delicate, doll-like face hovering above him.
"So it was you, huh, little rascal? Seriously... can't you let me sleep a little longer?"
That's right — it was Fuuko. After waking up early, she had found herself incredibly bored with nothing to do.
So she had drifted close to Lin Feng's face, watching him quietly, waiting for him to wake up and play with her.
But she'd gotten too close — the golden hair of the doll she inhabited had brushed against Lin Feng's nose, tickling him awake.
Since he was already up, Lin Feng decided there was no point in trying to fall back asleep. He might as well get ready and head over to Shizuka's place.
"Whirr~ whirr~!"
Hearing Lin Feng's mild scolding, Fuuko spun in the air a few times, as if shyly apologizing — I didn't mean to.
Her lively, adorable movements made it impossible for Lin Feng to stay mad at her.
After washing up and getting ready, Lin Feng found a small backpack before heading out — and placed Fuuko inside.
After all, she currently looked just like a doll. Even if someone saw her, they'd only think she was a toy, nothing more.
And most importantly, Fuuko was a naturally curious and active little being. Leaving her at home unsupervised felt like asking for trouble.
Since Shizuka also liked Fuuko quite a bit — and considering that this doll body was something Shizuka had given her — bringing Fuuko along to visit seemed perfectly fine.
On the way, Lin Feng picked up some small gifts as a courtesy for his first visit, then made his way to Shizuka's home with practiced ease.
Compared to Nobita's house, Shizuka's home was noticeably larger — especially the front garden, which was spacious and well-kept.
Her family, after all, was relatively well-off.
"Woof! Woof! Woof!"
As Lin Feng stepped into the front yard, a white dog by the kennel began barking loudly at him.
It was only natural — Lin Feng was a stranger, and he hadn't come in with any of the family members.
Fortunately, Lin Feng had already prepared himself mentally, so the sudden barking didn't startle him.
He turned toward the dog — a Labrador, judging by its size and shape — and recalled that its name was Shiro.
"Shiro, that's enough. This guest is invited."
"Sorry about that! You must be the classmate Shizuka mentioned — the one visiting today, right? Hello, I'm Shizuka's mother. Welcome to our home."
A woman who looked quite similar to Shizuka came out of the house after hearing the barking. She first scolded the dog gently, then greeted Lin Feng with a warm smile.
"Thank you, Auntie."
"Hello, my name is Lin Feng. Sorry for intruding — it's nice to meet you."
Since she was being so welcoming, Lin Feng naturally responded politely, handing over the gifts with a smile as he greeted her.
"So you're Lin Feng! Oh, you didn't need to bring anything — really, it's too polite of you. Shizuka's still inside. Go on in, dear."
Shizuka's mother's tone was kind and friendly. Her first impression of Lin Feng was clearly positive.
Although she said he didn't have to be so formal, she was clearly pleased inside.
After all, this was Lin Feng's first time visiting. In Japan, first impressions matter quite a lot.
Even though she wouldn't have minded if Lin Feng had come empty-handed, it still would've left a small mark on her thoughts.
But seeing how considerate and well-mannered he was now, she couldn't help but feel delighted.
"Alright, Auntie."
Following her lead, Lin Feng took off his shoes neatly at the entryway before stepping into the house.
"Shizuka! Your classmate's here!"
"Lin Feng-kun, Shizuka's in her room. Go on ahead — I'll bring you both some tea and snacks."
After calling out toward the room, Shizuka's mother gestured for Lin Feng to go inside and then headed off to prepare refreshments for her guest.