The Lion's Crown. (Side Story-1)

(This takes place during the pre-season.)

I am Sefu. King of beasts, ruler of my domain, and arguably the most majestic presence in Cleveland.

Humans think they own this city, but really, they just built it around me. My roar doesn't echo through jungles—it vibrates through penthouses and locker rooms.

The human they call Han Sen? He's my companion, though some might say I'm his. They'd be wrong, of course. I allow him to walk beside me. That's the truth.

It's early morning—before the sun even dares to rise. The city is quiet, but not us. Han wakes up like he has a personal vendetta against sleep. No alarm needed; his mind is louder than any ringtone.

I hear the faint rustle of sheets, the soft thud of his feet hitting the floor. I stay sprawled on my oversized cushion, pretending not to notice. Kings don't rush to greet the day.

But the scent of raw meat changes everything.

Han moves with precision in the kitchen, slicing through thick slabs of beef, adding a touch of liver because he knows that's how I prefer it.

Yes, he prepares my food. The so-called Emperor of Cleveland serves the true royalty before dawn. I watch him with half-lidded eyes, my tail flicking lazily—a silent reminder of my standards.

"Morning, Sefu," Han mutters without looking, focused on my feast. "Judging me already, huh?"

Always, I think, rising with regal grace to inspect his work. I approach, give a cursory sniff, then dig in with the elegance befitting my status.

Han grabs his bland human fuel—oats, eggs, and something green that looks like punishment—and joins me on the floor.

After breakfast, he scratches behind my ear, right where I like it. Finally, the human learns.

"Big day," he says, lacing up his 'Panda' shoes. His fingers pause mid-loop, eyes distant. "Think I should go harder on JR and Tristan? They're coasting since the last title. Like they forgot what got us there."

I stretch, yawning wide, showing off teeth that could settle any argument. Perhaps if you roared at them, they'd understand faster. But humans are stubborn creatures.

Han chuckles softly, as if he heard me. "Tough love it is. Can't let comfort kill the hunger."

Exactly.

Before heading out, Han tosses me a glance. "Hold down the fort, yeah?"

It holds itself because of me, I don't bother to reply. But I nudge his leg as he leaves, a silent acknowledgment of our partnership.

Once the door clicks shut, I make my way to the outdoor terrace—my secondary kingdom. The morning air carries whispers of the city's heartbeat, distant and irrelevant.

Marcus, my loyal underling, appears with fresh water and enrichment toys. He knows his place, offering respectful nods, understanding that he serves greatness.

I tolerate him.

Hours pass. The sun climbs, then dips. When Han returns, he's drenched in sweat, his frustration hanging around him like an invisible cloak.

"They don't get it, Sefu," he mutters, collapsing beside me.

"You can tell someone a hundred times, but if they don't want it bad enough, it's useless. JR's shot's colder than Lake Erie in January, and Tristan's defense looks like he's guarding ghosts."

I nudge his hand, then flop dramatically, sprawling across his lap. Rest, human. Even emperors need downtime.

He laughs, the tension easing from his shoulders. "You're right. Damn, I should put you on the coaching staff."

You couldn't afford me, I think, but I stay right there, a silent guardian of his triumphs and troubles.

Because even emperors need someone who understands without words.

And that's me—Sefu.

King of beasts, ruler of hearts, and the true MVP of Cleveland.

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TL/n: I finally got to write an interaction with Sefu. Original author completely forgot about the poor chap.

So.. what do you think??