Day 1

Panda strolled down the snack aisle, carefully inspecting a package of matcha-flavored Pocky when he heard a soft voice behind him.

"Oh! You like matcha too?"

Panda's ears perked up, and he turned around, heart already racing. Standing there was a girl about his height, wearing a cozy sweater and glasses, holding a similar box of Pocky.

"Uh—uh, yeah! It's like, my favorite flavor ever," Panda stammered, gripping the box tighter.

She smiled. "Same! Most people don't appreciate the earthy taste, but I think it's really calming."

Panda nodded quickly, trying to play it cool. "Yeah, totally! Earthy flavors are, uh… really deep." He internally cringed but kept smiling.

The girl giggled. "I'm Mina, by the way."

"I-I'm Panda!" He blurted, then instantly regretted how loud he said it.

They talked for a little while, bonding over anime, snacks, and their shared love for cute aesthetics. Panda felt like he was floating until he heard a familiar voice from behind him.

"Yo, Pan-Pan, you ready?"

Panda turned to see Grizz and Ice Bear standing at the end of the aisle, their cart stacked with way too many bags of chips.

"Oh, uh, yeah!" Panda said, glancing nervously at Mina. "Um, these are my brothers!"

Mina waved. "Nice to meet you guys!"

Grizz grinned and elbowed Panda. "Dude, you making friends without us? Proud of ya!"

Ice Bear gave a small nod. "Panda is social butterfly now."

Panda's face turned red. "S-stop…"

Mina laughed. "Well, I won't keep you guys. It was nice talking, Panda! Maybe I'll see you around?"

Panda's heart practically exploded. "Y-yeah! Definitely!"

As Mina walked away, Grizz threw an arm around Panda's shoulders. "Ooooh, someone's got a crush!"

Panda groaned. "Let's just go home…"

Day 2

The morning at the bear cave was peaceful except for Panda dramatically lying on the couch like a heartbroken poet, sighing every few seconds.

Grizz walked in mid-bite of a protein bar. "Oh no. Why do you look like you just got rejected in a K-drama?"

Ice Bear peeked from the kitchen. "Panda is in love. Twice."

Panda groaned. "I'm not in love! I just" He grabbed a pillow and squeezed it. "I just don't know who to think about more!"

Grizz blinked. "Wait. More?" He hopped onto the couch. "Hold up. Did I miss something? I thought you were into that matcha girl...uh, Mina?"

Panda sat up and buried his face in his hands. "That's the problem! I was into Mina! But before I even met her, I—" He hesitated. "I met another girl."

Grizz gasped. "Dude. DUDE. You're telling me you pulled two girls in the same day? Who are you?!"

Ice Bear nodded. "Panda has evolved."

Panda groaned. "No, I haven't! It was an accident! I met Mina in the snack aisle, right? But before that, I ran into this girl named Lyla near the drinks section."

He sighed dreamily. "She was so cool. Like, effortlessly cool. She had that whole 'mysterious but kind' vibe, y'know? And she was drinking a strawberry soda, and I said I liked it too even though I don't really, but I panicked!"

Grizz cackled. "Classic."

Panda continued. "We talked for a little bit, and she actually laughed at my jokes! And then boom! I run into Mina right after! She was cute and bubbly and sweet, and we liked the same snacks, and—" He flopped back onto the couch. "Now my brain won't shut up about both of them!"

Grizz wiped away a fake tear. "My little bro… caught in a love triangle. I'm so proud."

Ice Bear patted Panda's head. "Choose wisely."

Panda groaned. "I don't even know if I'll ever see them again!"

Grizz waved a hand. "Dude, this is a small town. If fate wants you to meet them again, you will."

Panda sighed. Maybe Grizz was right. Maybe

Ice Bear suddenly stood up. "Fire."

Panda blinked. "Wait, what?"

Grizz tilted his head. "Oh yeah! Speaking of fire, did you guys notice it was kinda smoky outside yesterday?"

Panda turned to him, horrified. "YOU SAW SMOKE AND DIDN'T SAY ANYTHING?!"

Grizz shrugged. "I dunno, I thought maybe someone was just having a really aggressive barbecue."

Ice Bear sniffed the air again. "No barbecue. Forest burning."

Panda sat up. "Oh no… oh no no no! What if it's bad?! What if the whole forest is on fire and we didn't do anything?!"

Grizz clapped his hands. "Only one way to find out. Adventure time, boys!"

Panda groaned but followed his brothers outside. The moment they stepped out, the smoky smell was way stronger.

Something was definitely wrong.

But as they started their search, Panda's mind still wouldn't shut up.

Mina… Lyla…

What if I see one of them again?

To be continued...