!!!New inflatee!!!

Species: Hybrid (Dog × Pufferfish – Tetraodon)

Appearance:
Nalu is a soft-skinned, smooth-bodied hybrid with no fur or spines.
Her complexion is a rich cocoa brown with cream-colored freckles across her shoulders, hips, and limbs—reminiscent of a pufferfish’s texture but gentle to the touch.
Her vivid crimson-pink hair flows long and slightly wavy, providing a bright contrast to her warm skin tones.

She has large, expressive red eyes that convey her emotions clearly, from bashful worry to innocent joy. Her body structure leans canine, but her unique features reveal her aquatic heritage: fin-like ears, a wide, paddle-shaped tail fin, and partial puffer-like teeth.

Special Feature: Can unintentionally inflate when frightened or embarrassed – a defense reflex inherited from her Tetraodon side (only belly, but if you scare her even more, sometimes she can swell up completely.
Also, you can see barely noticeable vertically stretch marks on her swollen belly)

Personality:
Kind, gentle, and deeply shy, Nalu is a warm-hearted soul who feels most at ease in quiet, cozy places. She tends to speak softly and often averts her gaze when flustered. While bashful in new situations, she opens up over time and can become silly and playful with those she trusts.

Nalu has a whimsical, curious mind and is easily fascinated by small, pretty things—like seashells, bubbles, and glittering lights. Her nervousness can cause her to puff up involuntarily, especially during sudden praise or awkward moments, making her even more endearing.

Despite her shyness, she’s incredibly empathetic, often prioritizing others' emotions over her own. She has a calming presence and is great at comforting others—even while nervously chewing on her fin.

Preferences:

Likes:

* Floating in warm water under the moonlight/sun
* Listening to soft, ambient music or lullabie
* Soft things (pillows, squishy toys, plushies)
* Boba tea and mochi
* Snuggling in blankets during rainy weather
* Gentle belly rubs (only if she trusts you!)
* Hugs (once she’s comfortable with you!)

Dislikes:

* Loud or aggressive people
* Pointy objects (for obvious reasons!)
* Being the center of attention unexpectedly
* Strong perfumes or artificial scents
* Getting stuck in her inflated state in public
* Cold or murky water
* Sudden noises (they often trigger her inflation)8


Quirks & Facts:

* She has no spines and isn't toxic — she's safe to touch and hug (just ask first!).
* Her puffed state makes her light and bouncy, and despite its size, her belly remains very soft and warm.
* Her tail fin wiggles nervously when she’s trying to hide excitement.
* She hums softly when alone or anxious.
* If someone hugs her while she’s puffed, she might let out a little “squeak” of surprise


Overall Vibe:
Nalu is a sweet, harmless companion who's trying her best in a world that can sometimes be overwhelming.
She’s a heartwarming blend of sea creature and land pup — the kind of friend you’d turn to for gentle company, quiet understanding, and warm hugs (unless she inflates from shyness first!).