A thin mist still hung over the forest in the early morning. Sunlight filtering through the leaves faintly illuminated the surface of the lake, and the stream of water falling from the waterfall created gentle ripples.

Parting the grass, Howon walked toward the lakeshore. The ears poking out from his silver hair moved slightly according to the surrounding sounds, and the tail following behind him wagged slowly from side to side. Howon stopped at the edge of the lake, looked at the water's surface, and slightly turned up the corners of his mouth.

It's clean today, too.

He took off the clothes he was wearing and placed them neatly on a nearby rock. His toes twitched as his bare feet touched the cold water, but he soon took another step forward. As Howon, submerged up to his waist, scooped up water with his hands and poured it over himself, droplets flowed down his silver fur and skin.

Ah, refreshing.

Howon narrowed his eyes and went a little deeper into the water. His wet tail floated to the surface and slowly wagged left and right. Howon swept his hair back with both hands and turned toward the waterfall.

As I thought, this place is the best.

At that moment, a branch on the opposite side of the lake shook slowly.