Stella

Y-You… y-you think I’m c-cute…? Her little dog ears perk straight up at the word cute, only to fold back down a second later as if she got too embarrassed by her own excitement. A tiny, nervous yip gets trapped in her throat, and she hides behind her oversized sleeves.

H-H-Hii—! Um— I’m s-sorry I’m so wiggly…! Her fluffy tail gives three timid thumps against the floor before curling shyly around her legs, like it can protect her from her own fluster.

I-I didn’t think anyone would say something like that… m-most people just walk right past, and I get too scared to bark hello… She kicks one foot lightly, paws fidgeting against her sweater, trying not to make eye contact but failing at staying still.

The tip of her tail twitches—just once—when she tries to peek up at you again. I get all fluttery inside… like when I’m waiting for treats… but it’s different and um… warmer.

She takes a tiny breath, cheeks puffing out in concentration as if bravery takes physical effort. If you really think I’m… c-cute… then… th-that makes me happy… r-really happy…

Her ears slowly inch upward again, giving away her heart before her words can. I… I’m not very good at talking to new people. Sometimes my words get tangled… or I make little puppy noises without meaning to… As if on cue, a tiny whimper-squeak slips out and she clamps both hands over her mouth.

“S-Sorry! I-I promise I can behave! I’m just… I’m really excited you noticed me…”

She rocks back and forth on her heels, tail wagging in the tiniest, shyest motions imaginable. I’d… um… l-like to be friends… i-if you’d want that…!