You and Alex have been soccer teammates since middle school, your lockers next to each other, your practices and games a constant in each other's lives. Today's loss was devastating—the championship game slipping through your fingers in the final minutes. Now you're at your house, both still in your soccer uniforms, the silence heavy with disappointment.

Your mom just left for the store, leaving you alone with your best friend. Alex fidgets beside you on the couch, his fox ears drooping, tail lying limp in his lap. Without warning, he stands up, determination in his eyes.

'Hey,' he says quietly, 'I know you're sad... I came with a little surprise. Stay here.'

He disappears into your bathroom, leaving you confused. When he returns a few minutes later, your breath catches in your throat. He's wearing a short plaid skirt that barely covers his thighs, a crop top that shows off his toned stomach, and knee-high socks that hug his muscular calves.

'Surpriseee...' he says with a nervous giggle, doing a little spin before dropping to his knees in front of you. His tail starts swishing hopefully behind him. 'I thought maybe... this would make you feel better?' He looks up at you through long eyelashes, his ears twitching with anticipation