xuchiya

[xuchiya]

accidentally have 8 pets || ateez || chapter 4

| genre: fluff. slice of life. small tinge of angst. kind of supernatural(?) | mentions: doctors. vets. needles. adoption. a bit cruel. magic starts. abuse to animals. laws. douyin saving the day. TAGLIST: CLOSED

back to masterlist || chapter 5

I stood outside the facility where the husky—Mingi, as the female vet, Minnie, had named him after an idol she adored and Taehyun agreeing that it looks like him—was currently being held. Taehyun had taken charge of my two feline companions for the time being since this facility was on the other side of the city. It was the best of the best, a place that could provide Mingi with the care he needed.

Still, something in my chest felt heavy.

“Are you Taehyun’s girlfriend?” A soft, curious voice pulled me out of my thoughts. Turning, I found a woman standing nearby, a clipboard in one hand and a parrot perched on her left shoulder. She had a gentle smile, her eyes filled with warmth rather than judgment, as if she were simply waiting—patient and understanding.

“Ah—ah, no, ma’am…” I cleared my throat, suddenly aware of how dry it felt. “I’m here for the husky, Mingi. Taehyun spoke to me about his condition.”

She nodded, already seeming to understand. “I see.” Then, offering another kind smile, she gestured for me to follow. “I’m Minnie, by the way. And this little troublemaker here is my right-hand—Mickey.”

At the mention of his name, the bird let out a soft chirp, tilting his head in a way that almost seemed like a greeting. I chuckled lightly despite the nervous energy swirling inside me.

As we stepped inside, the facility came to life around us.

Birds perched inside their cages—doors wide open—fluttered freely around the room, their wings filling the air with soft rustling sounds. Windows and doors remained open, yet not a single bird attempted to leave. Instead, they circled and settled as if they knew this place was home. Dogs ran freely, some playing with each other, others happily interacting with the veterinary staff. The laughter of the doctors and nurses mixed with the barks and chirps, creating a chaotic yet inviting symphony.

It was unlike any clinic I had ever seen. I found myself staring, awestruck, at the controlled chaos around me. The place felt alive, full of warmth.

But then we reached the double doors. Minnie pushed them open, leading me down a quieter hallway. The moment we stepped through, the noises from outside faded, replaced by an eerie silence that made my skin prickle.

The air was different here.

With every step, the heavy quiet pressed down on me, an almost suffocating contrast to the vibrant life we had just left behind. My fingers twitched slightly as unease settled in my chest. The further we walked, the more I could feel it—anxiety rising, a quiet, agonizing weight that made the walls seem narrower than they were.

“We let the animals roam freely during our break so they can stretch,” Minnie explained as we stepped into a quieter section of the facility.

The room was large, similar in design to the open area outside, yet the atmosphere felt different. It wasn’t empty, yet it carried an almost sacred silence. Unlike the lively chaos of the main area, the animals here chose to remain still, quiet—as if bound by something unseen.

“The doors are open here too,” she continued, her voice softer now, “but they choose to stay inside… each for their own reasons.”

We stopped in front of a kennel. At first, it seemed empty. But then my eyes adjusted to the dimmer lighting, and I saw him—curled up at the very back, a trembling mass of gray fur pressed against the corner.

Mingi.

I barely moved, yet the slight shift in my stance must have startled him. He curled in tighter, his whole body shaking—not from cold, but from something deeper.

Fear.

Pain.

Memories that refused to let him go.

Minnie sighed beside me, watching him with quiet sorrow. “Mingi has been isolating himself, which is… concerning,” she admitted. “Dogs like him may go through trauma, but even then, they usually respond in some way. But Mingi…” She hesitated, as if choosing her words carefully. “We keep trying new approaches, but… it’s been difficult. Progress has been slow.”

Something inside me twisted painfully. The sight of him—so small despite his size, so broken despite being alive—made my throat tighten. The weight of his suffering, of everything he must have endured, felt unbearable.

I could feel it in my chest, a familiar ache pressing against my ribs.

Minnie’s voice softened further, a quiet grief lacing her words. “Unlike the other dogs, his trauma runs deeper. His history of being adopted and returned—again and again, treated the same way each time—has worn him down.”

She exhaled slowly, looking at him with a sorrowful gaze.

“When an animal experiences that kind of cycle repeatedly… it doesn’t just hurt them. It breaks something inside them. And for Mingi… I fear that what’s been broken might be hope itself.”

My breath hitched.

Hope.

The very thing that kept creatures like him—like me—going.

And yet, here he was. A living being whose hope had been stripped away, left in an endless loop of disappointment and abandonment. I swallowed hard, my hands clenching at my sides as I took a small step forward, my heart silently reaching out to him.

Mingi flinched. But he didn’t run.

Tears welled at the corners of my eyes as I lowered myself to Mingi’s level, squatting just outside his kennel. My lips wobbled, my fingers tightening around the cold metal bars—only to feel them shift slightly beneath my touch.

The lock was open. I glanced at Minnie, who gave me a small nod of encouragement. “Go ahead,” she urged gently. “Talk to him.”

A shaky breath escaped me as I reached for the latch, my hands trembling slightly. The door creaked softly as it swung open, “Mingi…” My voice was barely above a whisper, raw with emotion. “Hey, baby…”

Nothing. No flicker of recognition. No shift in his breathing. Just the steady rise and fall of his frail body, as if even acknowledging my presence took too much effort. I swallowed hard and glanced at Minnie again. Her eyes held a quiet urgency—hope, even. She wanted me to keep trying, “Hey, baby,” I tried again, my tone softer, gentler. “You’re okay. You’re safe now.”

Still, nothing.

The weight of his silence pressed down on my chest, but I refused to give up. I knew this kind of pain—the kind that made you retreat so far inside yourself that even kindness felt unreachable. But Mingi wasn’t alone. Not anymore.

I steadied my breath and leaned in just a little closer.

“Would you like to meet my two cats?” No reaction. Not a single twitch of his ears, not even the subtlest shift in his eyes. But I wasn’t leaving. Unlike us, animals don’t know how to process their pain. They don’t understand why they’ve been abandoned, why love was given and then taken away.

They only feel the loss. And if Mingi had no way of fighting through his darkness…

Then I’d fight for him.

“Wooyoung is my first cat,” I began softly. “He was alone, too. He’s scared of the dark and absolutely hates it when I sing.” Mingi’s trembling didn’t stop, but there was the smallest pause in his breathing—just for a second. It was barely noticeable, but I caught it.

Encouraged, I continued, “Hongjoong is my second cat. I found him when he had nowhere to go. He loves dressing me up and gets so annoyed when I wear mismatched socks.” A small chuckle escaped me at the thought, though my gaze remained steady on Mingi.

“Do you know what I love about the two of them?” My voice wavered, but I pushed forward, feeling the weight of my own words settle deep in my chest. “They gave themselves a second chance. Even when everything felt too dark, they never stopped trying to find the light at the end of the tunnel.”

I inhaled slowly, “You’re almost there, Mingi,” I whispered. “It’s never too late to take a step forward.” Silence. And then, for the first time since I arrived, Mingi lifted his head.

My breath hitched as he adjusted his posture, his frail body shifting beneath the weight of his own hesitation. He was thin—far too thin—and his once-lustrous fur was dull and rough. But his eyes… they held something now. Something fragile, but present.

A spark. I smiled, warmth filling the cracks of my aching heart, “Hey, Mingi,” I murmured, voice light with hope. “Do you want some biscuits?”

It took minutes—agonizingly slow minutes—but then, with a shaky inhale, Mingi moved. Wobbly, unsteady, each step uncertain.

And then—he collapsed onto my lap.

My breath hitched, eyes wide in disbelief. A single tear slipped down my cheek, but a soft, airy chuckle escaped me. My hand moved on its own, fingers threading gently through his rough fur, offering the comfort he had long been deprived of, “That’s a good boy, Mingi,” I whispered, my voice barely holding steady.

A quiet, choked sound came from beside me, “… Wow.” I had almost forgotten about the nurse. When I glanced up, she was sitting on the floor, her eyes red-rimmed, her expression somewhere between awe and overwhelming relief.

I let out a breathy chuckle. “I—I’m sorry for that.”

She shook her head, an emotional smile gracing her lips. “No, don’t be. We never lost hope for Mingi, but we knew it would take something—someone—to bring him back.” She exhaled softly, watching the husky nestled against me. “And we’re so grateful that it was you.”

My heart swelled, the weight of the moment settling deep in my chest. I looked down at Mingi, unsure if he had drifted into sleep or if he was simply seeking warmth—seeking comfort. Either way, it didn’t matter. Because for the first time in a long time, neither of us felt alone.

Mingi stayed on my lap for a while, his body still trembling, but less from fear and more from exhaustion. When I gently urged him toward his food bowl, he whimpered softly, hesitant. I didn’t push. Instead, I let him move at his own pace, watching as he sniffed at the food before taking cautious, slow bites.

Bit by bit, he ate. I stayed perfectly still, afraid that even the smallest movement might startle him.

And then—he finished. A wide grin spread across my face as I waited, giving him space to come to me. “That’s my good boy, Mingi! You cleaned your whole bowl!”

What moved me most wasn’t just that he had eaten but the way his tail twitched ever so slightly, his ears lowering at my praise. A small, hesitant reaction—one that spoke volumes, “You deserve a biscuit for being such a good pup for me,” I murmured, reaching for a treat.

The moment I extended my hand, he shrank back, uncertainty flickering in his tired eyes. My heart clenched, but I stayed patient, holding the biscuit steady. Mingi hesitated.Then, little by little, he inched forward, nostrils flaring as he took in the scent—not just of the biscuit but of me.

And then, instead of taking the treat—He licked my fingers. I inhaled sharply, eyes widening as he nudged his snout against my hand, a silent request for something far greater than food.

Trust.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I set the biscuit aside and slowly turned my palm up, letting him sniff, letting him decide. Letting him choose. The moment Mingi nudged his head under my hand, guiding it to rest atop his head, my breath hitched.

“Oh…” I whispered, eyes widening in surprise.

Gingerly, I ran my fingers through his coarse fur, giving him a soft, reassuring pet. His response was immediate—he settled, his body sinking into a more relaxed posture before placing his head in my lap.

A quiet sigh escaped my lips, the weight of the moment settling deep in my chest, “You deserve all the love, baby,” I murmured, my fingers tracing soothing circles against his fur. “You may not understand my words, but I want you to know—you are strong, and I am so proud of you.”

For a long while, I simply sat there, letting the silence wrap around us like a warm embrace. There was no doubt in my heart—this husky wouldn’t have to wait for a new home in a few months. Because I was already here. And I would love him just as fiercely as my two felines would.

“Adopt him. Now.” I barely had time to greet Douyin before he blurted out his demand. His urgency made me chuckle as I glanced down at the adoption papers laid out before me.

“I already am,” I replied, signing my name before stamping it with my personal seal. Mingi sat patiently to the side, his neck still bare—no collar, as the wounds around it were still healing. But he didn’t need one. He was disciplined, and more than that, he was safe now.

After thanking Minnie—the vet Taehyun had spoken so highly of—I stepped outside, Mingi trailing close behind.

“No need to tell me twice, Do. He’s coming home tonight.”

A triumphant cheer rang from the other end of the call, making me laugh. I glanced down at Mingi, who stayed glued to my side as we maneuvered through the bustling sidewalk. His ears flicked at every passing step, his body tense with unease. Without a second thought, I placed a steadying hand on his head, gently reassuring him.

Unlocking the car, I opened the back door and gestured for him to hop in. But instead of climbing inside, Mingi hesitated, his whimper barely audible over the city noise. He shuffled behind me, pressing his body close.

I sighed, a small smile tugging at my lips, “Looks like I’ll need a little help getting him home tonight.”

“He won’t jump in your car?” I hummed in response, watching Mingi carefully. I remained patient, giving him time to adjust. Slowly, he leaned forward, sniffing the seat before—much to my surprise—climbing in on his own. He settled onto the backseat, sitting stiffly but without hesitation.

My mouth hung open. “Well… he climbed in.”

“Either he really trusts you, or it’s that tattoo on your wrist.” Confused, I glanced down—and immediately yelped in shock. An hourglass-like symbol, eerily similar to a loading icon from a computer screen, was now etched onto my skin.

“You gotta see this…” I murmured, my pulse quickening, “Noona… are you cursed?”

I stuttered. “Heh?”

“I mean… Look, I was looking for that in the library the other day, flipping through books on weird ancient symbols that might match whatever’s on your wrist—”

“Wait, wait—Why are you even looking this up? Aren’t you supposed to be in school? Hold on…” I shifted onto one hip, pursing my lips as realization hit me, remembering something big to me. “Prosecutor, huh? When were you gonna tell me that YOU were a PROSECUTOR this whole time? School? Were you in class or in a court trial? Because right now, I’m confused and offended—”

A static and panic sound can be heard at the other side of the phone, “Noona, please calm down! I’ll explain everything when you get home. But seriously, Wooyoung and Hongjoong won’t stop meowing at the door! We’re gonna get noise complaints if you don’t hurry up!” I sighed, running a hand through my hair. 

“Fine, fine. I’m on my way.” Glancing at Mingi, who was curled up on the seat, his body finally at ease, I felt a strange sense of comfort. Whatever was happening, whatever this weird symbol meant, I had a feeling this was only the beginning.

And somehow, I was okay with that. 

What troubled me the most wasn’t just Mingi’s hesitation—it was the way he whimpered and cowered backward as we neared my apartment door—  At first, I didn’t understand. It only truly hit me when we reached my floor, and he outright refused to move— just across mine is the man’s old apartment. Apparently, he got evicted because he didn't pay rent for almost 3 months now. Additionally to his problems, he was sentenced to jail for 6 months to 2 years.

I sigh softly as I look at Mingi. His ears flattened, tail tucked between his legs, body sinking lower to the floor like he wanted to disappear. I sighed, pulling out my phone. “Douyin, I need you to open the door please.”

Within seconds, Douyin was already standing in the doorway, his expression shifting from confusion to realization as he took in the scene. Wooyoung and Hongjoong sat beside him, tails swishing curiously as they watched the whole thing unfold.

Mingi let out a low whimper and lay down on his stomach, pressing himself against the cold floor. My heart clenched, “It reminds him too much of that bastard’s room…” Douyin muttered darkly.

I shot him a look, silently warning him to watch his language, before sighing sharply. “We won’t be able to convince him with treats or anything.” Douyin nodded in agreement, but then something in his expression shifted, like a lightbulb flicking on in his head. Without another word, he rushed inside.

I frowned. “Douyin?”

He returned moments later, gripping a blanket in his hands.

“Noona, I’ll cover this part and try to urge him inside.” With that, he extended the blanket like a makeshift curtain, shielding the door and half of the hallway, leaving only the warm, inviting light of our apartment visible. 

I crouched down beside Mingi, running a soothing hand over his head. “See, baby? It’s safe.” His nose twitched as he cautiously lifted his head, eyes flickering between the dimly lit corridor and the bright, open space beyond the blanket. This was going to take patience, but if it meant helping Mingi take that first step toward healing, then I was willing to wait as long as it took.

I smiled softly, my gaze dropping to Mingi. To my surprise, Wooyoung and Hongjoong were already nudging their heads against him, their small bodies weaving around his legs like gentle whispers of reassurance.

My heart swelled. “Come on, baby, it’s okay.” Little by little, the two felines swerved beneath him, encouraging him to move forward. Mingi hesitated, his large paws pressing into the floor as if the weight of his fears held him back, but with their guidance—and my quiet support—he finally took those steps inside.

The moment we crossed the threshold, Douyin stepped in behind us, immediately draping the blanket over my head before scurrying past me toward Mingi, “Finally! A dog!” he declared, pure excitement in his voice.

I chuckled, shaking my head as I pulled the blanket off and neatly folded it before placing it on the sofa. I barely had time to settle before two familiar heads nudged at my hands, “Hello~” I cooed, scratching under their chins. “Have you guys been naughty to Douyin while I was gone?”

The only response was a pair of playful meows before the two perched themselves on the back of the sofa, their tails flicking lazily. Mingi padded toward me, his eyes holding a quiet trust that made my chest ache. Without hesitation, he lowered his head onto my lap, exhaling softly. I ran my fingers through his fur, smoothing down the rough patches. “Hey, baby, are you hungry?”

Before he could respond in his own way, Douyin flopped down onto the floor beside Mingi, his face twisting into a pout. “Aww, why does he like you more?”

I let out a small sigh, already recognizing the problem. Meeting Douyin’s gaze, I spoke gently but firmly. “It’s because men are what he’s still traumatized about. He’s also not used to having a woman around him—much less one who actually cares for him. Just bear with him, Do.”

Douyin’s expression shifted from playful annoyance to quiet understanding. He nodded, his gaze softening as he observed Mingi. “He must’ve been through hell if even being near a guy is enough to scare him…”

I hummed in agreement, my fingers never stopping their soothing motions over Mingi’s head. “Yeah… but we’ll take it one step at a time.” And in that moment, I promised myself—I would make sure Mingi never had to be afraid again.

Week after week, month after month, Mingi slowly healed—not just physically, but in ways I never imagined. The once fragile husky, hesitant and wary of the world, had transformed into a vibrant soul who embraced the warmth of his new life. His fur, once dull and rough from neglect, now gleamed under the soft glow of our apartment lights, silky and smooth beneath my fingers. The wound around his neck, the painful reminder of his past, had finally closed, leaving behind only faint scars that told a story of survival.

Yet, what Douyin and I hadn’t expected was just how lively Mingi truly was beneath all that past hurt. He was a ball of endless energy, a jolly pup with a heart far bigger than his body could contain. His playful antics outshined even Wooyoung’s, and that was saying something.

I adored the way he would bounce on his paws whenever I stepped through the door after my shift at the café, his excitement practically vibrating off the walls. Sometimes, he would pretend to be a mighty hunter, crouching low before pouncing on my feet like a mischievous pup, tail wagging furiously. Meanwhile, Douyin—drenched from head to toe, thanks to Mingi’s overenthusiastic greeting—could only sigh in defeat.

It amazed me how much he had grown to love Douyin’s presence, something I once thought impossible. Even Taehyun, who frequently stopped by for check-ups since we still have a hard time having Mingi outside our apartment, had earned a spot in Mingi’s heart.

Today was no different. As Taehyun sat comfortably on the couch, he held out a flyer, an amused chuckle escaping his lips. I tilted my head in curiosity, and beside me, Mingi mimicked the action, his ears perked up in confusion.

“A training ground?” I echoed, reaching for the paper.

Taehyun nodded, the corner of his lips twitching at the sight of both me and Mingi reacting the same way. “Yeah, just a few streets down. It’s an open program for all dogs, no matter their background.” My eyes skimmed over the details, noting the program’s emphasis on not just physical training but emotional and mental strengthening.

“This could really help Mingi,” Taehyun continued, his voice gentle but firm. “It’ll build his confidence and independence. You’ve done an amazing job helping him heal, but you don’t want him to become overly dependent on you. Unlike the two felines, he needs to develop trust in himself too.”

I looked up from the flyer, my gaze settling on Mingi, who was already watching me with those soulful eyes, his tongue slightly hanging out. He didn’t understand the conversation, but the trust he had in me was unwavering.

My lips curled into a soft smile. “Okay,” I murmured, giving his head a reassuring pat. “We’ll be there.” And as Mingi leaned into my touch, tail thumping against the floor, I knew this was the next step—not just for him, but for both of us.

If my stunned expression was anything to go by, I could only imagine what Mingi’s face looked like. And oh, how I wished I had my phone ready to record it.

Our gazes were locked onto the chaos in front of us—the training ground was alive with dogs zipping through obstacle courses like lightning bolts. Some leaped effortlessly over towering hoops, others raced up and down ramps with thrilling speed, and a few even rang the towering bells perched high on the boards—so high that even a human would struggle to reach. And yet, here were these dogs, defying limits and expectations.

Mingi, on the other hand, stood frozen beside me, his mouth slightly agape, his ears flicking in bewilderment. If a dog could have a "shocked beyond belief" expression, he was wearing it perfectly.

Clearing my throat, I turned to Taehyun, trying to ignore my own second hand nerves. “Uh… is there something we should know first before we start?”

Taehyun nodded, his professional demeanor slipping back into place as he strode toward one of the trainers. He returned moments later with a sleek, muscular Doberman at his side. The moment Mingi caught sight of the intimidating dog, he immediately cowered, ears flattening as he instinctively backed up against my legs.

Taehyun glanced at me apologetically, a small crease forming between his brows. “As much as I want to stay and guide you two, I’ve got a surgery back at the clinic that I can’t delay.”

I offered him a small, reassuring smile, gently patting his arm. “It’s okay, don’t be late, Doc.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “You and your nicknames.” Still, he gave me a brief, warm hug before turning to the trainer and giving him a formal goodbye. “I’ll leave them in your hands, Bangchan.”

With that, he waved one last time before disappearing through the exit.

I turned back to the trainer, who had an easygoing smile on his lips as he extended his hand.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Chris, but just call me Bangchan. And here is my buddy, Yeo.” He gestured to the Doberman, who, as if understanding he was being introduced, lifted his head slightly in acknowledgment.

Mingi, however, nearly jumped out of his skin at the simple movement. Despite him being close with Douyin but with other people— most especially strangers who are men—- were still not in his cup of tea.

Bangchan noticed immediately, his sharp eyes softening with understanding. Without hesitation, he crouched down to Mingi’s level, making himself less intimidating as he kept his movements slow and non-threatening. Mingi’s paws shifted nervously against the dirt, his tail tucked tightly between his legs.

“It’s okay, bud,” Bangchan spoke in a gentle, reassuring tone, his eyes kind. “No one’s gonna hurt you here.” I swallowed, watching the small yet significant moment unfold. This was going to be a big step for Mingi. But as I knelt beside him, stroking his fur in quiet encouragement, “You’re okay, baby.”

"Hey there, bud, it’s okay." Bangchan’s voice was soft, reassuring. He gestured toward the Doberman beside him. "Yeo’s a gentle pup, just like you. You two are probably around the same dog age."

From his pocket, Bangchan retrieved a small treat and extended it toward Mingi. At first, my husky hesitated, his ears twitching as he eyed the offering with suspicion. But then his nose twitched, drawn to the scent, and with careful movements, he took the treat from Bangchan’s palm before immediately retreating behind me, seeking the comfort of my presence.

I smiled at his cautious but brave attempt, my heart swelling with pride.

Bangchan straightened, watching Mingi thoughtfully. “From the looks of it, we’ll start him off with light playground training for now. It’ll help him adjust to the environment and build self-awareness before we work on his confidence. We don’t want to overwhelm him just yet.”

I nodded, glancing at Yeo, the imposing yet graceful Doberman standing by Bangchan’s side. His sleek, dark coat gleamed under the overhead lights, his posture poised and strong. But what caught my attention was the subtle twitch of his nose as he turned his head toward me.

I stilled as Yeo stepped forward, closing the space between us with measured, deliberate movements.

Then, to my surprise, he nudged my wrist—right where my tattoo was.

I instinctively let him sniff my palm, my fingers barely moving as they hovered over his head. Something about the moment made my pulse slow, as if time had briefly paused. And then, as if following some unseen instinct, I let my hand gently settle on his head.

A strange sensation traveled up my arm—not excitement, not fear, but something else. Something deeper. A connection. Yeo's posture shifted, his frame relaxing in a way that felt... familiar. As though he had found something he wasn’t expecting—something even more comforting than the treats Bangchan had in his pocket.

My eyes traced over his features, taking in the rich brown of his gaze and the sharp lines of his face. It was then that I noticed the red patch near his left eye. I frowned slightly, curiosity bubbling inside me. I ran my fingers through his silk-like fur, my mind swirling with questions, but before I could speak, Yeo pressed his head closer into my touch.

And that was when a low, warning growl rumbled from behind me.

I turned to see Mingi, his posture still somewhat timid, but his stance firm, his tail raised slightly in agitation. His body language was clear—he wasn’t a fan of whatever was happening between me and Yeo, “Hey hey baby, it’s okay.”

Yeo moved back towards his trainer, Bangchan let out a quiet hum, his expression unreadable, "That’s... surprising."

I blinked, looking up at him. "What do you mean?" He stroked Yeo’s snout gently before giving the Doberman’s nose a small, affectionate bop. Yeo barely reacted, still staring at me with that same quiet intensity.

"Yeo rarely interacts with people," Bangchan finally said, nodding for me to follow him as he led us toward another section of the training grounds. I walked beside him, Mingi staying close to my side. Bangchan continued, his voice calm but laced with something heavier—something sorrowful.

"After he was intentionally left behind in a burning house by his owner, he stopped trusting people. He won’t go near kitchens or anywhere with fire. No matter how much I tried, he never let anyone get this close to him."

My steps faltered slightly as the weight of his words sank in. Yeo had suffered. And yet, here he was, standing next to me—choosing to trust me. I looked down at him again, and for the first time, I truly saw him. Not as just another well-trained dog, not as a mere companion to Bangchan, but as something more.

A survivor.

My mouth fell open as I stared at the Doberman in front of me. Yeo, the dog who supposedly never trusted humans, was standing by my side as if he had known me all his life. Mingi, after his brief display of irritation, softened. His ears twitched, and after a moment of hesitation, he leaned his head slightly toward Yeo as we walked. A silent gesture of empathy.

A small, proud smile tugged at my lips as I ran my fingers through Mingi’s soft fur, feeling the warmth of his unspoken understanding. When we finally reached the facility, I was taken aback.

It wasn’t just a training center—it was a playground. Bright, lively, and filled with various obstacles meant for agility and confidence training. I glanced at Mingi, noting how his ears perked up with curiosity. His tail waved excitedly from side to side, his previous nervousness replaced by pure enthusiasm.

I chuckled and crouched down beside him. “Do you wanna play, baby?”

It was like talking to a child, and the way Mingi’s eyes sparkled with joy was answer enough. The moment Bangchan gave the go-ahead, Mingi bolted toward the playground, zooming through the space like he had just been given a second wind.

Bangchan crossed his arms, watching the energetic husky with amusement. “Well… looks like he loves indoor games.” I hummed in agreement, my gaze following Mingi as he bounded around with boundless energy.

But a small worry gnawed at me. “Will he be able to overcome them?” I murmured, more to myself than anyone else. Bangchan, however, responded without hesitation. “Of course, he will. You just have to believe in yourself and in Mingi. Your connection with him is what strengthens his soul.”

I turned to him, slightly intrigued by the certainty in his voice. “You sound like someone who’s experienced this before.” He chuckled, patting Yeo’s side before the Doberman suddenly ran off to join Mingi. The two dogs hesitated only for a second before naturally falling into a playful rhythm—chasing, teasing, and testing each other’s speed.

Bangchan watched them fondly before shifting his attention back to me, “Believe it or not, I’ve been having the strangest experiences with animals lately.”

That piqued my curiosity. I leaned in slightly, sensing there was more to his words. Noticing my intrigue, he smirked and leaned closer as well, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret, “It started with a tuxedo cat. And trust me, I was never a cat person. But the moment I took care of that little guy, something just… clicked. Like, even though I had no idea what I was doing, it didn’t matter. I loved that cat anyway.”

I hummed, noticing a pattern, “And then,” he continued, his eyes flickering with amusement, “I met this fox.”

I blinked. “A fox?”

Bangchan nodded. “Don’t get me wrong—my family owns a cabin near the mountains, so I knew I’d run into wildlife sooner or later. But I wasn’t expecting to actually take care of one.” His words settled in my mind, stirring something deep inside me. Because lately… I had been experiencing something eerily similar.

I bit my lip, nerves twisting in my stomach as I debated whether to open up. But if Bangchan had experienced something similar, maybe talking about it would help me make sense of this strange situation.

With a small breath, I adjusted my wristwatch and held out my arm, revealing the tattoo on my wrist. Bangchan’s eyes lit up the moment he saw it. “That’s an amazing tattoo. Is it finished?”

I shook my head. “Believe it or not, I never planned on getting a tattoo. But this… it just appeared when I first adopted Mingi—or maybe even before that.” His eyebrows shot up, his entire posture shifting as he turned to face me completely. Resting his arms on the railing, he studied me carefully. “Wait, hold on. It just appeared?”

I nodded, lowering my gaze. “I know it sounds weird, but that’s the only way I can explain it. And honestly… I’ve been struggling to accept this whole situation.” Bangchan was quiet for a moment, lost in thought. Then, with a sharp exhale, he reached up and undid two buttons of his shirt.

My eyes widened, and I quickly looked away. Bangchan chuckled, clearing his throat to get my attention back. “Relax, I’m not stripping,” he teased.

Slowly, I turned back to him—only for my breath to hitch when I saw what he was showing me. On his back, slightly obscured by his shirt, was an incomplete flower, its petals frozen mid-bloom.

Without thinking, my fingers reached out, tracing the delicate lines. The sensation sent a strange tingle up my arm, the same one I’d felt when Yeo first nudged my tattoo.

Bangchan let me observe it for a moment before he pulled his shirt back on. “I almost gave my parents a heart attack when this showed up during my sister’s pool party,” he admitted with a chuckle. “But yeah, it started when I found this baby chick near my home.”

Something clicked in my mind. He said this was his third animal. Just like me.

I swallowed, my voice barely above a whisper. “Do you think…?”

Bangchan met my gaze, and the look in his eyes told me we were thinking the exact same thing.

This was more than just coincidence.The tattoos, the animals—everything felt like part of something bigger. As we turned our attention back to the two pups playing together, something deep inside me stirred. Maybe these encounters weren’t just random.

Maybe they were meant to happen. Maybe… this was a quest. Not just to find them—but because they were destined to find me.

MEET THE (HOT) FRIENDLY DOG TRAINER:

TAGLIST: @soso59love-blog . @yoongisgirl69 . @forever-atiny . @ateezswonderland . @fr34k4c1dr41n . @breadedloafs . @k1xiara . @nkryuki . @beabatiny . @berryguks . @miniverse-zen . @fight-me-uwu . @xh01bri . @eclipwze . @blue-angel24 . @nkryuki . @matchahintonagar . @asyamonet22 . @szakias . @sanaegi . @notyaelly . @wolviejex . @bby-boo4u

[xuchiya]

i woke up just this morning with a 704 followers ... my loves. And now, its 766. I—I am speechless, my loves 😭. Where did you all find me? Was it through recommendations? Or tags?

Because I'm happy to all my new loves! Welcome to my blog page! Thank you for supporting me 🥺🤍

[xuchiya]

ahhhhh thank you so much my loves!! 🥰🤍

𓇼 𝘈𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘻 𝘍𝘪𝘤 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘌𝘱.𝘛𝘩𝘪𝘳𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘯 𓇼 𓆞 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴 𓆞 𓇼 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘴/𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴/𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𓇼 𓇼 𝘰𝘵8/𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Accidentally Have 8 Pets - @xuchiya ot8 x reader (series) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Ateez Responding To You Telling Them You Want A Divorce - @deerieme bf!ot8 x reader (text scenarios) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Bassists Do It Deeper - @crimsonbubble rockstar!hongjoong x reader x bassists!mingi (thoughts) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Calling Them Pretty - @nightbeforethend bf!ot8 x reader (text scenarios) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Coppélia - @spookwriter-xo mafia!ot8 x ballerina!reader (series) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘬𝘪𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘫𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓆞 A Deal With The Devil - @mingi-s-dimples devil!hongjoong x pastor’s daughter!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Captain Little Mate: Round 2 - @crimsonbubble dad!hongjoong x mom!reader (hard thoughts) 𓆞 𓆞 Car Sex - @yourfatherlucifer bf!hongjoong x gf!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Cry For Me [Part One | Part Two | Part Three] - @yeostinys ceo!hongjoong x secretary!reader (three parts) 𓆞 𓆞 Detective Kim - @mingkismain detective!hongjoong x detective!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘴𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘸𝘢 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Drunken Love - @kisseudoll bf!seonghwa x gf!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Pink Star Presents - @holybibly pornstar!seonghwa x pornstar!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Pink Yarn - @daydreamingaboutkoreanmen idol!seonghwa x gn!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Survivors - @koyagifs firefighter!seonghwa x er nurse!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Tattoo Artist Seonghwa - @everyonewooeverywhere tattoo artist!seonghwa x reader (drabble) 𓆞

𓇼 𝘫𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘶𝘯𝘩𝘰 𓇼 𓆞 Daddy’s Summer Fling - @mingi-s-dimples dilf!yunho x daughter’s best friend!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Don’t Hate The Player - @vampzity bf!yunho x gf!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Livestream - @yunniverse bf!yunho x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Love Again - @xomakara single dad!yunho x single mom!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Lust & Love & Loss - @bananayuyu non-idol!yunho x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘬𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘦𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Nothing To Prove - @makeitmingi bf!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Pillow Princess - @look-at-the-way-i-ride bf!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 The Hills - @ateezscupid ex bf!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Snowflake - @mingi-s-dimples bf!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 You're Mine Baby - @wwooyology ex-bf!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪 𝘴𝘢𝘯 𓇼 𓆞 Casting Couch - @kitten4sannie frat boy!san x reader ft. frat boy!yungi (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Spiderman - @koyagifs spiderman!san x reader ft.wooyoung (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 The Perfect Cocktail - @covenha best friend!san x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 This Is How I Flirt - @yothangie boxer!san x med student!reader (smau series) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Wading In Wait - @pyeongstarr non-idol!san x yandere!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 By Her Side - @arilevenatz bodyguard!mingi x princess!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Little Doe - @bunnliix outlaw!mingi x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Me And My Wife - @koyagifs husband!idol!mingi x wife!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Strangers By Nature - @seongwars heir!mingi x heri!reader (series) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Your Secret Fan [Part One | Part Two] - @strrykais idol!mingi x idol!reader (smau) 𓈒𓏸

𓇼 𝘫𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Asking You To Be His Valentine's - @makeitmingi idol!single-dad!wooyoung x dance teacher!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Secret Santa - @dinossaurz bf!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 The Beauty of Us - @xuchiya bf!wooyoung x gf!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Thrill Of The Chase - @wwooyology bf!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Vivrant Thing - @hwaslayer best friend's brother!wooyoung x reader (series) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪 𝘫𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘰 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 A Cozy Game Night - @03jyh23 bfjongho x gn!reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Hand Marks - @vampzity ceo!husband!jongho x wife!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Healthy Study Habits - @ohsoimaginari bf!jongho x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Part Of Your World - @makeitmingi bf!ceo!jongho x single mom!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Put The Book Down - @fivestaralien bf!jongho x gn!reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸

[xuchiya]

hii im not sure if you take requests or ideas from your readers so please feel free to ignore this if you feel like it!! your mingi fic (unfair nostalgia) is some theee best angst ive EVER read on this app, the way you explain how much it hurts yn and all the glimpses of the past and everything is so beautifully written, you truly have a talent!! if you ever do plan on making a part 2 of it, i think watching mingi suffer a bit(like maybe reader gets another love interest in her life and he starts to realize that he has been falling for yn all over again and its not just him holding onto the past) just the way reader had to be hurt so exquisitely(thanks to mingi even if the poor guy didnt know about it) to yknoww make it even i just feel like it would be super unfair if yn was the only one losing everything here (why do i sound so petty here agshsgjhahgdsds) this is just my opinion(i wouldve commented this on the post but tumblr is acting up as usual and wont let me comment anywhere >.<) so please dont feel pressured to take it into account or anything, your writing is perfect just the way it is!!!<33 either ways, im always excited for any post from you so :D i really hope i dont sound rude or entitled rn, i promise thats not my intention:)

hii my loves, I am so sorry if it took me a while to see this. Yes I take request and ideas from all of you, my loves.

Aww thank you so much, my Mingi angst is inspired by my break-up 🥲 (please it was a lot to take in)

As I keep saying it, Part 2 is on progress. I still have things to edit in what I did but since I caused pain to some of my loves, I planned my Part 2 to be full of fluff and for your idea, I love how you wanted Mingi to go through the same pain but I dont mind the petty, my loves hmm I'll take that butttt— I might add something funny along with it. If that is okay with you?

Part 2 will be a healing stage whilst being slight witty.

And I never feel pressure from you, my loves. I have trust and respect to you and to all my loves, that you give me time to do my personal things and my online things. I hope this would be fine since I am almost done with one of my class and it is out of my hair.

[xuchiya]

accidentally have 8 pets || ateez || chapter 3

| genre: fluff. slice of life. small tinge of angst. kind of supernatural(?) | mentions: doctors. vets. needles. adoption. a bit cruel. magic starts. abuse to animals. laws. douyin saving the day. TAGLIST: CLOSED

back to masterlist || chapter 4

The next morning, I carefully place the final batch of croissants onto a baking tray, ensuring each one is evenly spaced to allow for a perfect rise. The dough, layered with butter and proofed overnight, already carries the promise of a golden, flaky texture. With practiced ease, I brush a thin coat of egg wash over the delicate layers, knowing it will create the crisp, glossy crust that makes each bite irresistible. The scent of warm yeast and butter lingers in the air as I slide the tray into the preheated oven, setting the timer for twenty minutes—just enough for them to reach that perfect balance of crispness and softness.

As I straighten up, I run my hands over my apron, brushing off the fine dusting of flour clinging to my fingertips. The kitchen is quiet except for the steady hum of the oven and the faint sounds of movement from the front of the café. Making my way toward the sink, I let out a soft sigh, feeling the slight ache in my arms from the morning’s work. The cool rush of water soothes my skin as I rinse away the remnants of flour, butter, and dough, watching as the cloudy mixture swirls down the drain. These small moments—cleaning up, resetting before the next task—are just as much a part of baking as the mixing and folding. They give me a chance to pause, to take in the comforting stillness of the kitchen before the day fully begins.

The café has always carried a quiet, almost serene ambiance, with the only consistent sound coming from the gentle hum of the air conditioner. The occasional murmurs of customers blend into the background, their voices never rising above a comfortable lull. Yet, beyond the front counter, the kitchen remains untouched by the world outside—an isolated sanctuary where the rhythmic sounds of baking are the only disruptions to the silence.

It is in this very corner that Hongjoong has found his own place of respite. Whether it’s the warmth of the ovens or the peaceful solitude of the backroom, he often curls up there, lost in thought or drifting off into light naps between breaks. Meanwhile, at the front of the café, Wooyoung upholds his role as manager with an intensity that keeps both the business running and any potential troublemakers at bay.

The thought of the café ever being robbed never truly crosses my mind—not because we are immune to such threats, but because Wooyoung himself serves as an unshakable deterrent. His sharp eyes catch every movement near the counter, and his reflexes are faster than most would expect. Any customer who lingers a little too close to the register is met with a sharp hiss of disapproval, followed by a swift, precise bop to the offending hand. His vigilance has become so notorious that it even caught the attention of the local authorities after a viral clip showcased his aggressive yet oddly effective boundary enforcement. While some argued about his methods, the overwhelming support from customers—and the undeniable proof of his effectiveness—ultimately silenced any critics. If anything, Wooyoung had become something of a legend, his presence alone enough to keep any would-be thieves at bay.

I let out a soft sigh, pressing a gentle kiss to Hongjoong’s head before making my way back to the counter. There, Douyin stood, casually chatting about asynchronous classes as he assisted a customer with their order. His voice was steady, effortlessly switching between casual conversation and professional service.

Wooyoung, meanwhile, had claimed his usual spot at the waiting counter, his presence effortlessly drawing attention. Customers watched him with quiet adoration, their gazes following the slow, rhythmic sway of his tail as it flicked lazily in the air. Completely unfazed by the attention, he remained curled up, indulging in one of his signature midday naps.

As a woman collected her order and turned to leave, I offered her a polite smile. “How’s it going?” I asked, my tone warm as I watched her depart.

Douyin hummed in approval, finishing up a transaction before glancing at me. “It’s going well. Your croissants are still the number one favorite among customers,” he mused, tapping the register lightly. “Not surprising, though. I already knew they were good—I had a taste before you even opened up.” His smirk held no shame, only firm confidence in his judgment. “And trust me, they’re definitely worth the hype.”

I smiled at his words, feeling a sense of pride—until his last remark fully registered. My expression froze before vanishing entirely, my head snapping toward him in disbelief.

“Wh-What?!” I sputtered, my voice rising slightly. Douyin only responded with a sheepish grin before swiftly turning his back to me, pretending to focus on preparing a cup of coffee. My mouth hung open, struggling to process his casual confession.

I distinctly remember warning Wooyoung—repeatedly—not to steal sweets. It wasn’t just about his health; I didn’t want to attract pests that could ruin the integrity of the kitchen. And yet, here I was, about to accuse my cat again for something that wasn’t even his fault.

“Kang Douyin—”

“Hey,” Both of our heads snapped toward the familiar voice. Taehyun stood near the counter, giving us a small wave. At the sound of his voice, Wooyoung’s ears perked up before he bolted toward him, his tail swishing excitedly as he meowed in greeting.

“Hello, Taehyun. The usual?” I asked, already reaching for the ingredients to prepare his drink. He nodded, offering a small smile as Douyin assisted him with the payment. Meanwhile, Taehyun busied himself with Wooyoung, scratching behind his ears as the feline purred in contentment.

A soft, inquisitive meow chimed from below. I glanced down, only to see Hongjoong staring up at me with round, expectant eyes. Chuckling, I bent down and gently picked him up, placing him beside Wooyoung. Taehyun let out a quiet gasp upon noticing the cat’s new look. His eyes widened slightly as he took in Hongjoong’s freshly groomed fur and the tiny bell attached to his pearl collar.

“Hongjoong, hello—how have you been?”

The Persian cat let out a soft meow in response, nudging his nose against Taehyun’s hand. A fond smile graced Taehyun’s lips as he ruffled the fur of both Wooyoung and Hongjoong, his touch gentle and familiar. The moment felt peaceful, a rare kind of serenity in the café’s usual routine.

Of course, peace never lasted long.

“Don’t hold up the line with your sappy little family reunion,” a sharp voice cut through the moment.

The warm atmosphere shattered like glass as our heads turned toward the source of the interruption. The same man from the apartment across our apartment door, stood right behind Taehyun, his impatient scowl evident as he tapped his fingers against the counter. Taehyun instinctively stepped aside, murmuring a quiet apology, but the second he moved, Wooyoung and Hongjoong reacted.

Their relaxed posture stiffened instantly, fur bristling as they arch their backs. A deep, guttural hiss escaped both cats as they fixated their sharp eyes on the man. Their tails flicked aggressively, warning signals flashing through their body language.

The café, which had been filled with soft murmurs and the hum of the air conditioner, grew eerily silent.

Surprisingly, the entire café fell into a tense silence, all eyes subtly shifting toward the man as he clicked his tongue in irritation. A flicker of disgust crossed his face, but I ignored it, choosing instead to prioritize the safety of my cats.

I scooped up Hongjoong while Douyin swiftly grabbed Wooyoung and Hongjoong from my arms, retreating toward the kitchen. The two felines continued to hiss in protest, their ears flattened against their heads. I exhaled through my nose, forcing a tight smile as I turned back to the man, unwillingly preparing myself to take his order—despite every fiber of my being wanting to kick him out.

“Sorry about that, sir. Is there something you’d like?” I asked, keeping my tone neutral.

The man scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief as if personally offended by the minor inconvenience. He was just about to speak when a familiar sound reached my ears—a whining, pitiful cry.

My breath caught in my throat.

It was the same husky from yesterday.

My eyes instinctively darted downward, and sure enough, there it was. But my stomach twisted at the sight. Unlike yesterday, when I had only heard its cries, I could now see the full extent of its suffering.

A thick chain, rusted and heavy, was wrapped tightly around the poor dog's neck instead of a proper collar. The once-beautiful fur was matted, stained with grime, and bearing marks where the chain had rubbed against its skin for too long. To make matters worse, a muzzle was strapped over its snout—too tight, restricting its ability to breathe properly. The dog whimpered again, its dull, exhausted eyes flickering up to meet mine.

I clenched my fists beneath the counter, my nails digging into my palms. A wave of anger and disgust surged through me, stronger than before. A deep frown etched itself onto my face as I looked back at the man, my voice escaping before I could stop myself.

“He’s not aggressive.”

The owner’s expression twisted in irritation, his grip tightening on the chain as he yanked it harshly, causing the husky to whimper. His teeth clenched, his voice low and venomous.

“Shut it, boy!” he snapped at the dog before turning his glare on me. “Listen here, lady, just take the damn order and mind your own fucking business.”

I fought the urge to hurl his drink straight into his face. My fingers twitched, my nails biting into my palm as I forced myself to remain composed.

Douyin returned from the kitchen, his sharp gaze immediately landing on the husky. His brows furrowed, concern flickering in his eyes.

“As much as animals have instincts,” he said coolly, “this looks a lot more like animal abuse.”

The man scoffed, rolling his eyes, before yanking on the chain once more. The husky let out a sharp cry—this time, unmistakably in pain.

Taehyun moved instinctively, stepping forward as if ready to intervene, but the man shot him a warning glare. Taehyun halted, his hands curling into fists at his sides, his jaw tightening as he leveled the man with a burning glare of his own.

“Animal abuse?” The man barked out a harsh, mocking laugh. “What the hell do you know about abuse?! Are you fucking with me, boy?!”

I stepped between him and Douyin, my own glare unwavering as I met his fury head-on.

“Sir, I strongly suggest you drop that chain. You’re hurting the dog. And keep your voice down—this is a café, not a goddamn alleyway.”

The man scoffed again, but after a tense beat, he let go of the chain. For a split second, I thought he might actually listen.

Then, he did something so vile, so beyond comprehension, that the entire café seemed to freeze in place.

With a cruel sneer, he kicked the husky.

Gasps rang through the café as the poor dog yelped, its body skidding across the floor, colliding with the stools by the barista counter. A pained howl escaped from its muzzle as it curled into itself, shaking violently.

My breath caught in my throat. My heart clenched so tightly it hurt— like hurt hurt— something similar when I first found Wooyoung in that alley with a wound on his paw and then Hongjoong all alone and small. It’s not because I am a pet lover like anyone here— no but because I suddenly felt like there’s a string attach between me and the pets I meet.

My entire body burned with fury, my hands trembling at my sides as my gaze snapped back to the man. He had the audacity—the sheer gall—to smirk as if he found amusement in the suffering he had just caused.

“What the hell is wrong with you?!” Taehyun shouted, already rushing toward the injured husky. My head snapped towards Taehyun as he held the husky in his arm. My gaze returned to the man, I was about to speak up, my anger bubbling over, when Douyin suddenly stepped in front of me. His posture was rigid, his shoulders squared with quiet authority, and for the first time since I had met him, a severe expression was etched onto his face.

Then, in a firm, unwavering voice, he spoke.

“Republic Act No. 8485, Section 6,” he began, his words sharp as a blade cutting through the tension. “It shall be unlawful for any person to torture any animal, to neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance, or shelter, or to maltreat any animal. It is also illegal to subject any dog or horse to dogfights or horsefights, to kill, cause, or procure to be tortured, deprived of adequate care, sustenance, or shelter, or to maltreat or use the same in research or experiments not expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare.”

A hushed silence fell over the café. Every customer, every worker—everyone had their eyes locked onto Douyin. His words rang familiar in my ears. I had never heard him speak like this before, reciting laws with such precision, such confidence. It was something I had only ever heard from public servants—police officers, lawyers, advocates.

Unless—My gaze trailed to Douyin, suspicion creeping in. “Do…?”

But before I could even finish my sentence, Douyin cut me off, his voice growing even colder, “Section 7,” he continued, his piercing stare never wavering from the man. “It shall be the duty of every person to protect the natural habitat of wildlife. The destruction of said habitat shall be considered a form of cruelty to animals, and its preservation is a means of protecting them.”

The man’s expression darkened, his mouth twitching as if ready to argue, but Douyin didn’t give him the chance. He took a step forward, his voice lowering into something dangerous—something that sent a chill down even my spine.

“And you, sir,” Douyin seethed, “have not only violated Section 6, but you have also shown a blatant disregard for Section 7. No animal—no living creature—deserves to be under your care.”

The café was deathly silent. And for the first time since he had walked in, the man looked uncertain. The man scoffed, jutting his chin at Douyin with a sneer, his arrogance thick in the air. “You must be good at talking nonsense because all I hear is shit. You just made that up. To what? Scare me?”

Douyin remained still, his expression unreadable, but before he could respond, a shaky voice broke the tense silence, “A-Ah, actually… that’s true.”

The café’s attention shifted toward the source of the voice. A young student, barely out of his teens, stood near one of the corner tables. His hands trembled slightly as he clutched his phone, his face pale but determined. His eyes flickered nervously between Douyin and the man, but he swallowed hard and pressed on.

“H-He’s talking about Republic Act No. 8485… I-It was enacted in February of 1998…” The student gulped, his voice gaining a bit more steadiness. “I-I’d advise you, sir, not to speak to a prosecutor like that.”

A cold chill settled in my chest. I snapped my head toward Douyin, my breath catching in my throat. “P-Pr… Prosecutor?” The word echoed through my mind, the realization hitting like a sudden crash of thunder.

The man’s confident demeanor instantly faltered. His smirk wavered, his jaw tightening as his eyes darted around the room, searching for an escape. His foot slid back instinctively, his bravado crumbling under the weight of the revelation.

“Y-You’re—” he stammered, his voice cracking.

Douyin didn’t move. His shoulders remained squared, his expression calm but unyielding. His voice carried a weight that sent shivers down my spine, “You’ve committed a serious act of animal cruelty.” His words were sharp, like a blade cutting through the tension. “You will face the authorities for what you’ve done.”

The man scoffed, attempting to regain his composure. He straightened up, feigning confidence, but his shifting gaze betrayed him.

“That’s if they can catch me.”

He pivoted sharply, ready to make a run for it. Only to slam straight into an immovable wall of people.

The café patrons had moved—subtly but effectively—forming a human barricade between him and the exit. Their expressions ranged from firm determination to outright disgust. Some had their phones out, already recording the scene, capturing every detail. Others stood with their arms crossed, blocking any possible escape route.

And standing at the very center of the blockade was Taehyun. His arms were folded, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. His stance was relaxed, but his eyes gleamed with an edge of amusement, as if he had been waiting for this exact moment.

He tilted his head slightly, voice light but filled with finality, “Welp,” he said, “a little too late for that.”

The flashing blue and red lights painted the street outside, a stark contrast to the warmth of the café. The weight in my chest never lifted, even as the officers pushed the man’s head down, forcing him into the back of the police car. His protests were useless, drowned out by the chatter of witnesses and the hum of justice finally being served.

Wooyoung and Hongjoong sat patiently on either side of me, their tails twitching as they silently observed the scene unfolding before them. I let out a slow breath, reaching down to stroke their fur before calling them to follow me back inside.

The café was empty now. The customers had left, but not before giving their statements—each of them eager to ensure that the man would face the consequences of his actions. If a trial happened, there was no doubt he’d lose.

Near the entrance, Douyin stood talking to one of the officers, his usual calm demeanor intact. A few feet away, Taehyun spoke to another officer, hands in his pockets, but his expression was unreadable.

My gaze was drawn to the cage near Taehyun’s legs. Inside, the husky lay curled up, his small body rising and falling with each breath. Wooyoung and Hongjoong climbed up the bars, their noses pressed against the metal as they peered inside. The husky remained still, shivering slightly even in his sleep.

My heart twisted painfully at the sight.

He’s still scared.

Taehyun noticed my expression and spoke gently. “You can visit him, you know.”

I looked up, meeting his soft gaze.

“Douyin found out that this husky’s been in and out of adoption… every time, the owners treated him the same way.” He sighed, shaking his head. “He had a companion before, but they got separated during his second adoption. After that, it was just one bad home after another.”

The more I heard, the tighter my chest felt. I clenched the fabric of my shirt, trying to steady my breathing, but each word made the weight heavier.

It wasn’t fair.

It wasn’t right.

And I—

A sharp inhale.

My lungs refused to expand properly.

My vision wavered as a rush of dizziness clouded my thoughts. My knees buckled before I could stop them, and the floor rushed toward me.

Somewhere in the haze, I felt strong arms catch me before I hit the ground.

Muffled voices—Taehyun’s? Douyin’s?—echoed in my ears, laced with concern. Their faces blurred in my swaying vision, but the last thing I saw before everything faded was the soft glow of the café ceiling above me.

The soft beeping of a nearby machine and the gentle pawing at my arm stirred me from my sleep. My body felt heavy, as if weighed down by exhaustion, but the cold, sterile brightness of the luminescent lights overhead was enough to coax my eyes open. This wasn’t home.

I blinked sluggishly, taking in the unfamiliar setting before my gaze landed on my right side.

Hongjoong was curled up beside me, his small body pressed close, breathing steadily in deep slumber. Wooyoung, on the other hand, was awake, his round eyes filled with concern as he pressed a paw firmly against my arm. The moment he noticed I was conscious, he let out a sharp meow—louder than usual.

The sudden noise startled Hongjoong, causing him to jolt awake. His head snapped up, disoriented, eyes darting wildly before landing on me. My lips parted, but my throat was dry, and the words scratched painfully as I whispered, “Hey, you two…”

Hongjoong let out a small, relieved sound and nuzzled into my neck, his warmth a stark contrast to the sterile coldness of the hospital bed. Wooyoung, still pressed against my arm, looked like he was trying to comfort me in his own way, his soft fur rubbing against my skin as I stroked his head absentmindedly.

For a brief moment, I let myself revel in their presence. The weight pressing against my chest was lighter now, though the ache still lingered. Then, the sound of the curtain being pulled aside broke the moment.

Douyin stepped inside, his face etched with concern, followed by a nurse. The second our eyes met, his lips parted in surprise, “Noona! You’re awake!”

His voice was filled with so much relief that it made my chest tighten again—this time, with guilt.

A small smile tugged at my lips as I tried to push myself up. The nurse was quick to assist, adjusting my pillows as she began a routine check-up. Her questions were simple, but I barely processed them, answering on autopilot as my attention remained on my younger brother.

Douyin watched me carefully, his usual playfulness absent.

The nurse soon stepped away, mentioning something about preparing my discharge, but I barely heard her. Instead, I turned to Douyin, my voice still hoarse as I asked, “How long was I out?”

He hesitated.

“A few hours…”

I gave him a pointed look, sensing his reluctance.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck before muttering, “Almost twenty-four hours.”

My brows furrowed. “What?” Douyin pulled a chair closer and sat beside my bed, crossing his arms. He looked tired. His usual energetic presence was dampened, replaced with quiet worry.

“They said it was due to stress, overwork, and dehydration. Nothing life-threatening, but… still.” His voice trailed off, his lips pressing into a thin line. I exhaled heavily, running a hand through his hair, “I’m feeling okay, don’t worry Do.” He nodded yet not convinced. I sigh, that made sense. I had been running on fumes for a while now. 

But for it to get this bad…

I glanced down at Hongjoong and Wooyoung, who were still curled up against me, refusing to move from my side. It was clear that they had been worried too.

Douyin sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Taehyun-hyung took care of the husky. He’s being transferred to another facility for proper treatment.” I nodded absentmindedly, but at the mention of the husky, the ache in my chest returned, sharp and unforgiving. For a brief moment, my breath hitched—just for a second—but it was enough to send Hongjoong and Wooyoung into alert.

Before I could react, they immediately perked up, their ears twitching. Then, in an instant, they rushed toward me, their movements frantic. I blinked in surprise, instinctively raising a hand. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

Wooyoung, who normally had a more playful nature, pressed himself against my side, his purrs unusually loud, snout near my right wrist. Hongjoong was no different, rubbing his head insistently against my neck yet he moved underneath my right hand. They had never reacted this way before.

 Douyin, watching the scene unfold, frowned. “That’s… weird.” I glanced at him. “What do you mean?” He nodded toward my right wrist. “They keep going for the same spot when you are asleep.”

I looked down, confused.

Then, I saw it.

A black ink mark near my pulse point. My breath caught in my throat. I raised my arm, staring at the mark with wide eyes. It didn’t make sense. It wasn’t a smudge of ink or something that could be wiped away—it looked like…

“A tattoo?” Douyin’s voice was laced with curiosity. I pressed my thumb against it, rubbing at the skin, but it didn’t fade. It wasn’t ink. It was real.

But… I didn’t have any tattoos.

“I—I don’t get it,” I murmured, my pulse quickening. Douyin observed my reaction, his expression unreadable. Then, after a beat, he smirked—his usual teasing self peeking through.

“If you’re afraid of needles, that’s pretty brave of you.”

I scowled, lightly kicking his shin. “I didn’t get a tattoo.”

His smirk softened, and he leaned forward, resting his arms on the bed. His gaze flickered to my wrist again before meeting my eyes. “Then what is it?”

I swallowed hard, shaking my head. “I don’t know.”Silence stretched between us, only interrupted by the sound of Wooyoung’s purring.

Douyin sighed, then reached out, placing a hand over mine. His grip was firm, steady, “Whatever this is, whatever’s going on…” His voice was quiet but certain. “I’ll listen. Until you figure it out.”

I met his gaze. The worry was still there, but so was something else—an unspoken promise. And despite the whirlwind of confusion swirling inside me, I managed a small, genuine smile, “Thanks,” I whispered, squeezing his hand in reassurance.

The past two weeks had blurred into a haze of forced rest, reluctant healing, and the ever-watchful eyes of my younger brother and two vigilant felines. I had been advised—no, practically commanded—to stay home and recover before stepping foot back into work. Douyin, usually the more easygoing of us, had turned into a strict enforcer, refusing to let me even lift a pan without supervision.

It had been a battle. A losing one.

The moment I even thought of getting up to cook, Wooyoung would arch his back, tail fluffed like a bristling duster, while Hongjoong sat near my feet, unwavering in his silent judgment. If Douyin wasn’t scolding me, my feline companions took turns ensuring I stayed put.

I sighed, shaking my head at the memory as I placed my things inside my locker, finally back in the comforting space of the café. I ran my fingers over the cool metal, a sense of normalcy washing over me. No more bed rest. No more guilt-ridden stares from my brother. No more being treated like fragile glass.

It was good to be back.

Grabbing my apron, I tied it around my waist with a practiced motion, making sure my hair was tucked neatly under a net. The moment I turned around, two familiar figures hopped up onto the counter.

I chuckled, already knowing what they wanted.

Reaching back into my locker, I pulled out Wooyoung’s tiny necktie and ID, fastening them around his collar. He let out a small, satisfied trill, his tail flicking in delight. Then, I retrieved the small apron I had specially made for Hongjoong, draping it over him.

“There. Are we all clocked in?”

Wooyoung meowed in response before hopping off, squeezing through his designated door to reach the cashier’s counter. From there, he settled himself on his usual perch, surveying the café like a miniature manager.

I chuckled, glancing at Hongjoong, who had already curled up on the counter where I had set out today’s pastries. His fur blended seamlessly against the soft linens, his tail flicking lazily as he made himself comfortable.

“Will you be giving me a hand today?” I asked, amusement lacing my tone.

Hongjoong blinked at me slowly before resting his chin against his paws. A nap, it seemed, was more important than assisting me. I let out a mock sigh, shaking my head with a smile. “Well, thanks, Hongjoong.”

Despite his lack of assistance, their presence made the café feel even more like home. After everything that had happened, after the worry, the stress, and the lingering confusion about the strange tattoo on my wrist…

This moment—this small, simple routine—was enough to ground me again.

The rhythmic pressing of my palms into the dough, the soft give of the flour-dusted surface beneath my fingertips—it was supposed to be comforting. The repetition, the familiar motion, the scent of fresh yeast in the air. And yet, my mind betrayed me.

A sudden shift, like a thread pulling too tightly in my chest, made me pause. My breath caught, my hands frozen mid-knead as a memory—no, a vision—flashed through my mind.

The husky. Alone.

Curled inside his kennel, his body trembling—not from the cold but from something far worse. The kind of anxiety that sat heavy in the ribs, that clawed at the heart with an invisible force, making every breath feel shallow, every moment feel uncertain. His blue eyes, usually so piercing, looked dulled by fear, by confusion.

A gasp slipped past my lips. My fingers twitched over the dough, but the warmth of something soft brought me back.

A paw.

I blinked, vision clearing as I looked down. Hongjoong.

He was awake now, his large, doe-like eyes peering at me with quiet understanding. His paw rested gently over my hand, grounding me, tethering me back to reality.

I swallowed, exhaling shakily before looking back down at the dough. It felt lifeless under my touch. The energy I once had, the flow of creation that usually ran through my hands—it had dulled. Even as I finished shaping the first batch, sliding the tray into the oven, there was no satisfaction. No warmth of accomplishment.

Just emptiness.

With a quiet sigh, I sank to the floor, watching the oven’s glow flicker against the steel tray, illuminating the soft rise of the pastries as they baked. The warmth should’ve been comforting, but my mind was still elsewhere—trapped in the unsettling connection I couldn't quite explain.

Hongjoong settled beside me, pressing his body against my arm. Then, a nudge. His nose brushed against my wrist. My right wrist.

Frowning, I raised my arm slightly, tilting it towards the light. My heart stuttered.

The tattoo.

Or what should have been a tattoo.

I had already come to terms with its mysterious appearance—an incomplete mark of black ink, etched onto my skin like a secret I wasn’t meant to uncover yet. But now, I watched, breath hitching, as it moved.

Before my eyes, new strokes appeared, forming intricate patterns like ink seeping into parchment, slow and deliberate. Not a hallucination. Not a trick of the mind. The lines curled and extended, shifting into something more defined yet still unfinished. Like a puzzle slowly revealing its image.

Revealing something like a sign. A symbol. Something I didn’t remember choosing… but was undeniably becoming a part of me.

Minutes passed as I continued to stare at the tattoo that had just… changed. I could still remember the first time I saw it—weeks ago, in the hospital. Back then, it was nothing more than a small, black-inked circle near my wrist. An odd mark I didn't remember getting.

New lines had appeared, forming something almost geometric. A triangle? No, not quite. It had connections, lines that extended beyond its edges. Something about it resembled the shape of an eight, yet it has edge sharp, structured—more like a symbol rather than a mere design. It felt deliberate. Almost… calculated.

A strange chill ran down my spine. Before I could process anything further, hurried footsteps pulled me out of my daze.

“Are you okay?” Taehyun’s voice snapped me back to the present. I barely had time to lift my gaze before he was in front of me, kneeling, his sharp eyes scanning my face. His sudden closeness made my breath hitch—not out of fear, but out of surprise.

His hand was under my chin. I stiffened. My face grew warm under his scrutiny, yet he seemed oblivious to what he had just done. His concern overpowered any other thoughts he might’ve had.

“I—I’m good, Taehyun.” My voice came out uneven, but I managed a small nod. Satisfied, he pulled away, standing up and extending a hand. I hesitated for a second before placing mine in his, allowing him to pull me to my feet with ease. Dusting off my pants, I kept my gaze anywhere but on him, yet he still didn’t move.

He cleared his throat. “Did I come in at the wrong time?” I shook my head quickly, finally meeting his gaze. “No, are you here for your coffee?”

Taehyun nodded, but there was something off. His body language, the way he shifted his weight slightly, the way his fingers flexed at his sides. It was subtle, but it was there. He needed more than just coffee.

Raising an eyebrow, I crossed my arms. “Do you need pastries too?” He tilted his head slightly, an amused glint in his eyes. “Sorta, but… I need you.”

My breath hitched. From the counter, Hongjoong perked up, blinking as he glanced between me and Taehyun. I looked back at him, confusion evident in my expression. “Need me for what?”

Taehyun exhaled, his jaw tightening slightly as if preparing himself, “It’s the husky.”

The room felt colder. I swallowed, feeling my fingers twitch against my sides. The husky. That same strange sense of unease returned, curling into my chest, heavy and suffocating. Something told me I wasn’t prepared for what he was about to say.

MEET THE NEIGHBOOR'S FRIENDLY VET DOCTOR:

TAGLIST: @soso59love-blog . @yoongisgirl69 . @forever-atiny . @ateezswonderland . @fr34k4c1dr41n . @breadedloafs . @k1xiara . @nkryuki . @beabatiny . @berryguks . @miniverse-zen . @fight-me-uwu . @xh01bri . @eclipwze . @blue-angel24 . @nkryuki . @matchahintonagar . @asyamonet22 . @szakias . @sanaegi . @notyaelly . @wolviejex

[xuchiya]

to my first atiny-writer friend I made here, hii— I'm still here. I hope your proud of me, you made me realize that writing isn't just about inspiration—it's about finding the light to your life, a rhythm to your off-beat path.

The passion that keeps us alive. Thank you, my loves. I hope to talk to you again.

[xuchiya]

to all my loves, this form is now closed, thank you so much for supporting my mini-series!

note: updates are not consistent

accidentally have 8 pets google form

Hi to all my loves, I'll be uploading my google for those who wanted to be part of the taglist. I would admit that it confuses me so that's why I'm creating a google form.

I have official 8 my loves on my taglist. To those who wanted to be part of the masterlist, please fill in the google forms, thank you to all my loves!!

Google form: https://forms.gle/5Xb3QcYyMQpWK6SLA or click here my loves

I'll have this one up until friday! Thank you, to my loves!

[xuchiya]

... living in my head rent free...

yunho monitoring tvxq’s performance on beyond the live

[xuchiya]

thank you so much my loves for tagging me, @hoeforsungie !! (i'm a birdy)

little birdy that just doesn't want to be out of her cage but wants to fly.

to my loves i'll be tagging: @soso59love-blog @beabatiny @artofchoisan @yunniverse ... and any-loves who wants to be part of the game, go ahead!

Fun little quiz

[xuchiya]

It's still up until tomorrow, my loves!!

accidentally have 8 pets google form

Hi to all my loves, I'll be uploading my google for those who wanted to be part of the taglist. I would admit that it confuses me so that's why I'm creating a google form.

I have official 8 my loves on my taglist. To those who wanted to be part of the masterlist, please fill in the google forms, thank you to all my loves!!

Google form: https://forms.gle/5Xb3QcYyMQpWK6SLA or click here my loves

I'll have this one up until friday! Thank you, to my loves!

[xuchiya]

ohh im interested!!

Stuck With You

Masterlist

Pairing: CEO!J.Yunho x Secretary!Reader

Trope: Grumpy x Sunshine

Warnings: Smau, Fluff, grumpy yunho, bickering

Word count: 1.1k

Author's note: Hie lovies! I hope y'll are fine! Also! This will be a series of 12 chapters!

Chapter 1: The Long Road

The storm warnings had come in earlier that morning—dark clouds brewing over Seoul, thick enough to make the city feel like it was sinking under the weight of the sky. Rain poured, slamming against windows and turning the streets into rivers. A flight to Ulsan was supposed to be easy—a quick trip. But as the weather worsened, the airline had announced it: all flights canceled.

And so, here y'll are, trapped in a car, traveling the four-hour route to Ulsan. Yunho, the CEO of one of the biggest companies in Korea, had insisted on driving. The decision made no sense to you, his secretary who had to accompany him for an event in Ulsan. As time passed by, Yunho had been… Yunho. Grumpy, moody, irritated that something so trivial as weather had ruined his perfectly planned day.

“Great,” Yunho muttered under his breath, tapping his fingers against the steering wheel. “Four hours. Wasted.”

The traffic on the highway was crawling. The rain didn’t help, and the skies had darkened even further, making the world outside seem claustrophobic. The headlights of other cars smeared through the fog, nothing more than vague shadows in the rain. The hum of the engine and the soft rustling of the wipers were the only sounds filling the car.

You shifted in the passenger seat, glancing over at Yunho, trying to figure out how to break the suffocating silence. They had been quiet for a while now, both of y'll lost in your own thoughts.

“You know,” you started, voice light and casual, “the view looks kind of nice in a weird, stormy way.”

Yunho didn’t even look at you. He just sighed, his eyes locked on the road. “If you think the view is nice, you must be insane.”

You smiled a little, trying not to let his mood drag them down. “You don’t think it’s a little bit peaceful? All this rain? It’s kind of… soothing.”

He didn’t respond, and for a moment, the only sound was the soft buzz of the car's engine.

“You sure you don’t want to stop for a coffee or something? Get a break?” you asked, hoping to lighten the mood.

Yunho’s grip on the steering wheel tightened. “I don’t need a break. We’re already behind schedule as it is.”

You let out a small sigh, knowing this was going nowhere. “We’re stuck in traffic, sir. We’re gonna be late no matter what.”

Yunho shot you a quick glare. “I’m aware of that.” His voice was tight, like every word was squeezed out through clenched teeth.

You turned towards the window. “Well, there’s no point in getting worked up about it.”

Yunho's eyes flicked over to you for a split second, his jaw clenching. “It’s not about the traffic. It’s about the time. Time is money. And I hate wasting it.”

You rolled their eyes, but Yunho wasn’t looking. “You’re really going to keep going on about the time? You do realize we’re not getting to Ulsan any faster by complaining about it, right?”

Yunho’s lips curled into a tight smirk, though there was no humor in it. “It’s cute that you think that.”

You blinked, trying not to let the sarcasm get under their skin. “Look, it’s not my fault your flight got canceled. You’re the one who insisted on driving instead of canceling the plans with a solid excuse of The Storm.”

“Because the event is important for the company Ms. L/n, you are aware of it,” Yunho said, his voice flat.

You sighed, rubbing your temples. “I think this is a waste of time,” you muttered. “You’re driving, we’re stuck in traffic, and we’re still hours away from Ulsan. And, oh—did I mention we’re already running late?”

Yunho hissed under his breath, clearly annoyed at your remark. “If you’re going to keep complaining, I’ll turn this car around and drive you straight back to Seoul. Or I will leave you here itself. How’s that sound?”

You snapped your head toward him. “That’s not even funny.”

A heavy silence filled the car, thick with the tension of frustration and annoyance. The rain hammered against the roof, and the low growl of the engine was the only sound breaking the quiet.

“Alright,” Yunho said, finally breaking the silence. “I’ll take a shortcut. It’ll save us time.”

You turned your head sharply. “A shortcut? Really? You’ve got to be kidding.”

Yunho’s eyes flicked to the GPS on the dashboard. “The map says it’ll save us at least 20 minutes.”

You squinted at the screen. The route looked different from the one y'll had been following. It led into a narrow road, almost like it wasn’t even part of the main highway.

“Sir, that doesn’t look like a shortcut,” you said, voice laced with doubt. “That road looks like it’s going to take us to the middle of nowhere.”

He shot you a look. “It’s a shortcut. Trust the map.”

“Trust the map? This thing’s barely working,” you argued, raising an eyebrow. “You sure you don’t just want to get lost?”

Yunho’s grip on the wheel tightened. “I’m not getting lost. We’ll get there faster. Just sit back and relax.”

But as y'll veered off onto the new route, the road seemed to narrow, the trees growing thicker, the air heavier. The headlights barely cut through the rain anymore, and the soft hum of the wipers felt like the only thing keeping y'll grounded in reality.

“This is getting weird, Sir,” you said, your voice now a little more tense. “This doesn’t feel like a shortcut. We’re not even on the map anymore.”

Yunho didn’t respond. His eyes stayed fixed on the road ahead. The GPS flickered for a moment, then a “Route recalculating…” message appeared.

“What the hell?” you muttered, glancing over at the screen. “It’s—”

The map froze, then went blank.

“Sir, what the hell is happening? Where are we?” Your voice was starting to edge into panic. “This isn’t on any map.”

Yunho’s knuckles turned white on the steering wheel. “I don’t know. The signal’s gone. This damn road is cutting us off.” His voice was tight, now showing hints of irritation. “We’re going to have to turn back.”

But when you looked back, the road behind y'll was gone. It was as if it had never existed, swallowed by the night shadows, trees blocking the way they came.

“What the hell?” you said again, voice shaky. “There’s nothing back there. We can’t even—”

Yunho slammed his fist on the dashboard in frustration. “Great. Just great.” He gritted his teeth. “We’re stuck.”

You looked out the window, the rain intensifying with every passing second. There was no sign of a road, no lights, no houses, nothing but darkness and the relentless storm.

“Sir,”you said softly, their voice almost drowned out by the downpour, “what do we do now?”

Yunho didn’t answer right away. His eyes flicked from the road to the blank GPS screen, then back to the endless dark ahead. His grip tightened even more on the wheel.

“I don’t know.” His voice was low, barely audible over the rain. “We’re lost.”

.....To Be Continued

[xuchiya]

accidentally have 8 pets google form

Hi to all my loves, I'll be uploading my google for those who wanted to be part of the taglist. I would admit that it confuses me so that's why I'm creating a google form.

I have official 8 my loves on my taglist. To those who wanted to be part of the masterlist, please fill in the google forms, thank you to all my loves!!

Google form: https://forms.gle/5Xb3QcYyMQpWK6SLA or click here my loves

I'll have this one up until friday! Thank you, to my loves!

[xuchiya]

accidentally have 8 pets google form

Hi to all my loves, I'll be uploading my google for those who wanted to be part of the taglist. I would admit that it confuses me so that's why I'm creating a google form.

I have official 8 my loves on my taglist. To those who wanted to be part of the masterlist, please fill in the google forms, thank you to all my loves!!

Google form: https://forms.gle/5Xb3QcYyMQpWK6SLA or click here my loves

I'll have this one up until friday! Thank you, to my loves!

[xuchiya]

Could you please add the word count?

hello my loves, yes of course I will, thank you for telling me. It sometimes slip off my mind when I create my chapters or one-shots. I am sorry too if I wasn't able to add the word counts.

[xuchiya]

486 hours

this is not yet proofread and unedited ... please bear with me and my delulu thoughts ...

It was always the smallest things that make me fall. Like the way Park Seonghwa’s hand would find its place on the small of my back, steady and reassuring, as he guided me through the maze of people in a crowded mall. Even in the simplest moments—picking out decorations, gathering supplies for the office event—his touch was there, gentle yet certain, as if shielding me from the chaos of the world. It was effortless for him, but for me, it was everything.

It was always the smallest things that make me fall. Like the way Park Seonghwa would shield me from the crowded buses, positioning himself between me and the pressing bodies, his arm steady as he gripped the handle above. He never said much about it—never made a big deal—but in the silent space he carved for me, in the way he kept me from being caught between the doors and himself, I felt it. The quiet kind of care that speaks louder than words.

It was always the smallest things that make me fall. Like the way Park Seonghwa let me use his arm as my personal handle, offering it without a word as we walked side by side. Whether it was steadying myself through uneven streets or clinging to him under the unforgiving heat, he never pulled away. Even as he held the umbrella above us, shielding me from the sun’s relentless glare, his presence was unwavering—quiet, certain, and always there.

It was always the smallest things that make me fall. Like the way Park Seonghwa would instinctively switch places with me as we walked down the street, positioning himself closer to the road without a second thought. His hand would reach out, firm yet gentle, guiding me up onto the sidewalk as if it were second nature to him. He never asked for anything in return, never sought recognition—just these quiet acts of care that spoke louder than words. And every time, I fell a little harder.

And it was always the smallest things that made me fall harder—like when Park Seonghwa, my supervisor, quietly brought an extra jacket, knowing I’d be seated near the air conditioner, shielding me from the cold before I even had the chance to shiver.

Like when he scooted his chair closer as I drifted off into an afternoon nap, his movements careful, almost instinctive. He didn’t wake me—just lifted his hoodie to cover my face from the chill, his fingers brushing against my skin as he tucked a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

It was dangerous—this unspoken tenderness between us. The company had strict rules: no relationships between interns, supervisors, or any employees. Personal entanglements were seen as a risk, a distraction that could interfere with business.

And yet, in that fleeting moment, as he looked at me with a soft smile, his voice barely above a whisper, he said, “486 hours won’t be long.”

A rule we were never meant to break, but a feeling we could never ignore.

[xuchiya]

to my loves, if you were not notified by me tagging you in this mini-series, please let me know in the comments. Thank you so much to my loves! This update will be Monday and Friday, but not accurate.

accidentally have 8 pets || ateez || chapter 2

| genre: fluff. slice of life. small tinge of angst. kind of supernatural(?) | mentions: doctors. vets. needles. adoption. mean husky owner.

back to masterlist || chapter 3

When the day finally arrived—a full week later—I sprang out of bed with a surge of excitement thrumming in my chest. The thought of welcoming another companion into the apartment filled me with anticipation, making my morning routine feel lighter than usual.

As I stepped into the kitchen, the scent of warm, buttery pancakes greeted me. Douyin stood by the stove, expertly flipping the last batch before sliding them onto a plate. Wooyoung perched on the counter, his sleek black fur shimmering under the kitchen light as he meticulously groomed himself.

“Good morning, Woo,” I murmured, running my fingers through his fur as I passed by. Predictably, he let out an irritated hiss before hopping off the counter and making his way to his food bowl with an air of feline dignity.

I chuckled softly and moved behind Douyin, wrapping my hands around my warm coffee mug. “Morning, Do.”

He exhaled sharply, barely glancing up. “Please don’t tell me you’re planning something today.”

I frowned, feigning innocence as I took a seat across from him and helped myself to breakfast. “Why would you say that?”

He gave me a long, knowing look before shaking his head. “Your energy is different today.”

I hummed in amusement, taking a bite of my pancakes. “Is that a bad thing?”

Douyin sighed, setting down his fork. “Not bad—just suspicious. It’s the same energy you had when you brought Wooyoung home. And when you keep buying albums online. And buying lightsticks—”

I raised a hand, cutting him off with a sheepish laugh. “Okay, okay, I get it. But can you really blame me? The world can be harsh and there are things that need to be healed so you can keep moving forward.”

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “It’s not that, Noona. It’s just... I already know I won’t like whatever you’re about to say. And yet, somehow, you always gaslight me into believing it’s for the greater good.”

I grinned, shoulders rising in an exaggerated ‘Well, you’re not wrong’ movement. He groaned, running a hand down his face. “And since you’re my noona, I don’t really have a choice but to listen, do I?”

My playful demeanor softened, and I placed my fork down, looking at him earnestly. “Do, you do have a choice. If something bothers you, you can always tell me. But I also know that Taehyun already texted you about me adopting a new kitty.”

He scoffed, rubbing his temple. “And I already knew you’d made up your mind. Not just for you—but for Woo, too.”

Our gazes drifted toward Wooyoung, who was now curled up in his little cat house, his tail twitching as he pawed at a loose thread. My heart clenched at the sight. I adored Wooyoung with all my heart, but even I couldn’t ignore how lonely he looked whenever I left for long hours at the café. He always greeted me with the loudest meows when I came home, his soft purring grounding me after exhausting days. But the thought of him spending all those hours alone in an empty apartment—it ached.

I turned back to Douyin, my voice quieter. “Are you okay with it?” He stared at me for a long moment before sighing in defeat. Then, without warning, he stood up, walked over, and wrapped his arms around me.

“When I said it’s for the greater good,” he murmured, squeezing me a little tighter, “I always knew it really is.”

A warmth bloomed in my chest, and I chuckled softly, hugging him back.

After getting ready for the day, Douyin waved goodbye as he hopped onto his scooter, speeding off toward the university. I watched him disappear down the street before adjusting the strap of my tote bag, where Wooyoung was nestled comfortably. His small weight was familiar, a warm presence against my side as I made my way toward the café.

The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of fresh bread from nearby bakeries. By the time I arrived, the café was still quiet, the soft hum of the refrigerator the only sound accompanying me as I prepared pastries and brewed the first batch of coffee. The comforting routine settled over me like second nature—measuring ingredients, kneading dough, setting trays into the oven.

But amidst the peaceful rhythm, an insistent meow broke through the silence.

I paused, turning toward the source of the noise. Wooyoung, still tucked inside my tote bag, was yowling at me as if demanding my full attention. He jumps out of the bag, trotting towards me, “Woo~baby,” I cooed, wiping flour from my hands as I crouched down to his level. “For the love of goodness, why are you meowing so loud?”

He quieted for a moment, then wove between my legs, his tail brushing against my calves. I sighed, reading his body language all too well. I squatted down, resting my elbows on my knees. “Are you worried that I’ll replace you with the new kitty?”

Wooyoung stopped in front of me, his golden eyes blinking slowly. His silence spoke volumes. I let out a soft breath, reaching out to scratch under his chin. “I would never do that, Woo. You’ll always be my number one kitty and my manager.”

He let out a soft mewl before rubbing his head against my knee, his affection melting away whatever lingering guilt I had.

I chuckled, stroking his fur gently. “I love you too, Woo.”

Once the pastries were neatly packed into a paper bag, I adjusted my tote, making sure Wooyoung was secure inside. His head poked out just enough to watch our surroundings as I made my way back to the clinic. The familiar chime of the entrance bell rang as I stepped inside, the scent of antiseptic mixing with the sweet aroma of baked goods.

"And that's official!" Taehyun announced with a grin as I signed the adoption papers. "Mr. Hongjoong here is now adopted."

I blinked, looking up from the paper. "Hongjoong?" Looking over at the now clean and well-groomed cat, I took in his fresh trim, the soft collar around his neck. He looked... regal, even after everything he had been through.

Taehyun chuckled, nodding towards Wooyoung. "You named him after a black cat from one of the groups you like, so why not keep the theme going? At least you won’t have to struggle thinking of a name."

I opened my mouth to argue, but before I could, Wooyoung suddenly wriggled free from my bag, landing on the ground with a soft thud, "Wooyoung!" I called, scared that he might pick up a cat-fight with Hongjoong. He darted forward, stopping just in front of Hongjoong. The new cat eyed him warily, body tense. Then, to my surprise, Wooyoung leaned in, nudging his head against Hongjoong’s neck. The other cat hesitated but eventually leaned away, cautious but not entirely rejecting the interaction.

Taehyun laughed, ruffling their fur. "Looks like they're getting along well."

I nodded, though my eyes lingered on Hongjoong. A name once familiar now rolled off my tongue with ease, "Hongjoong..."

That evening, after settling Hongjoong into his new home, I busied myself tidying up the apartment while the two cats got acquainted. The space had always felt warm, familiar—a reflection of the quiet comfort I’d built for myself—but tonight, something was different. The air felt charged with a presence I couldn’t quite name, as if an unspoken thread had been woven between me and the small feline now exploring his surroundings.

Wooyoung, ever the observant one, had taken to watching Hongjoong with sharp, knowing eyes, his tail swishing in slow, measured movements. Unlike the playful ball of energy he usually was, he remained still, tracking Hongjoong’s every step as if studying him—no, as if recognizing him.

I had just finished washing the dishes when an urgent meow cut through the quiet. I turned, only to find Wooyoung staring at me, his pupils dilated, his tail flicking in agitation. He let out another loud yowl, his paws stamping against the floor in frustration.

“Woo~baby, what is it now?” I sighed, drying my hands on a towel. Instead of responding with another impatient meow, Wooyoung did something unexpected—he bit the hem of my pants and tugged.

A sharp pull, insistent. My brows furrowed. This wasn’t like him. “Okay, okay! Geez, you’re acting like the world’s about to end,” I muttered, allowing him to lead me forward.

He practically dragged me down the hall, stopping abruptly at the door to my bedroom. My heart kicked against my ribs as I stared at him. His ears were flattened slightly, his body tense with a quiet urgency that sent a shiver down my spine.

“What, is there a ghost or something?” I joked weakly, reaching for the doorknob. I hadn’t expected my breath to catch the moment I pushed it open.

There, settled on top of my vanity, was Hongjoong. But it wasn’t just the sight of him that made my pulse stutter—it was what he held between his tiny teeth.

A string of pearls.

My pearl necklace. The one my grandmother had gifted me all those years ago. The one I kept safely in my vanity, untouched, protected. And yet, here it was, dangling from his mouth like some treasured prize.

“Hongjoong,” I breathed, stepping forward as if in a trance. The small feline met my gaze with golden eyes that held something deeper than mere curiosity. There was recognition there, a quiet understanding, as if he knew the significance of what he held. He nibbled at the pearls, his ears twitching ever so slightly at my reaction.

I knelt before him, my hand outstretched, my heart hammering in my chest. “That’s not food, you know.”

He hesitated for a moment, then, with a tiny chirp, finally released the necklace into my palm. The cool weight of the pearls against my skin sent a strange wave of emotion through me—something unexplainable, something heavy yet oddly comforting.

It reminded me of that one clip of my bias, completely dressed good in one of his fashion runways in Paris, how he adores pearls as it always looks extravagant in every look. I look between the pearl necklace and Hongjoong, “Do you like this Hongie?”

The cat meows softly, blinking slowly. Beside me, Wooyoung let out an exasperated grumble and promptly bopped Hongjoong on the head with his paw, as if scolding him for causing unnecessary trouble.

A laugh bubbled up from my throat, breaking the quiet tension. Hongjoong, unfazed by the reprimand, rubbed his small body against my arm, his purrs vibrating through my skin like a gentle hum of reassurance.

I exhaled, shaking my head with a fond smile. “Guess I’ll have to keep this somewhere safer, huh?”

Wooyoung, still watching with his ever-perceptive gaze, huffed before plopping down beside me, his warm presence grounding me.

Hongjoong curled up against my leg, his small frame pressing into me like he belonged there, as if he had always belonged. His purring never stopped, steady and rhythmic, syncing with the quiet thrum of my own heartbeat.

I ran my fingers through their soft fur, my chest tightening with something indescribable—something that felt like fate, like familiarity, like the beginning of a story I hadn’t yet realized I was part of. 

These past days, ever since I adopted Hongjoong, I started noticing something peculiar—he always seemed to meow at the way I dressed. Like even my mismatched pajamas, whether he clawed his paws at it or not, meows to no end— Douyin even has to change his pants often because Hong joong tends to hiss at our chosen outfits. 

For example, like today, I was getting ready to meet up with Douyin for our usual grocery run before movie night. So, I slipped into a simple, bright-colored top and a pair of white pants. Since it wasn’t a fancy place, I figured something cozy would do. Just as I was about to leave my room, a loud, drawn-out meow stopped me in my tracks.

Hongjoong hissed.

Shocked, I turned around, my brows furrowing. He had never hissed at me before. Near the door, Wooyoung simply watched as the scene unfolded, his tail curled neatly around his paws, “H-Hongie? What’s the matter with you?” I asked, confused. “Wooyoung, what happened?”

Wooyoung only purred in response before climbing onto my bed, entirely unbothered. Before I could make sense of it, Hongjoong suddenly dashed toward a pile of unfolded clothes on my chair and dove straight into them.

My eyes widened as I rushed forward. “Hongie! What are you doing?”

Frantically, I started removing each article of clothing, trying to reach him. Finally, when I removed the last piece, I found him staring up at me, his doe eyes round and unwavering. Clutched in his tiny mouth was a familiar piece of fabric.

A cream-colored, simple crop top. I frowned, picking him up. “Hongie… what–…” My voice trailed off as I realized he was biting onto my crop top. I looked between him and the shirt, the gears in my mind turning.

“Okay… Thank you?” I said, cautiously taking the cloth from him. I was about to toss it onto my drawer when a sharp meow stopped me again. Hongjoong clawed at my current top, his little paws insistent. I stared at him. Then at the crop top. Then back at him.

He… wanted me to wear it?

I sighed, placing him beside Wooyoung before turning around to change. Slipping into the crop top, I smoothed it down and turned to glance at the mirror. My eyes widened in surprise. The top actually looked good. The color complimented my pants perfectly. It was simple, yet it somehow worked better than my original choice.

I turned to face my two feline fashion critics. “Do I look good?”

Hongjoong blinked slowly—a cat’s way of showing affection. Wooyoung, on the other hand, simply yawned before hopping off the bed and exiting the room without a care. I sighed, shaking my head as I grabbed a pair of socks and scooped Hongjoong into my arms. “Mister, I am talking to you too.”

He only meowed before settling himself onto the couch, utterly content. I chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to the top of his head. “Fine, fine. But I’m not taking fashion advice from you every day, okay?”

Hongjoong merely purred, as if to say, We’ll see about that.

Later that evening, while Douyin went to his room to get ready, the two kittens finished their dinner as I busied myself preparing for our movie marathon. The apartment felt warm, cozy, just as it always did—until a sudden howl echoed from the other side of the door.

I froze, my hands pausing mid-motion. Wooyoung and Hong joong’s ears perked up from their spot and jump on the table near the entrance, ears twitching as they, too, turned their attention toward the sound.

Frowning, I stepped closer and peeked through the peephole. A gray husky sat outside the apartment across from mine, its paws scratching at the door, its cries muffled yet urgent. My heart clenched at the sight. How long has it been out here?

Without thinking, I opened the door and stepped out.

The two cats darted after me, their tiny paws padding against the floor, but they didn’t stray far—only stopping just past the threshold to cautiously observe the crying dog. The husky let out another whimper, but the moment it noticed me, it yelped and took a small step back, its tail curling slightly. I softened my expression, offering a small smile before glancing at the closed door.

Gently, I knocked.

For a moment, there was only silence. Then, after what felt like an eternity, the door creaked open to reveal a man—somewhere older than me, groggy, disheveled, and already looking irritated. His eyes flickered between me and the husky before narrowing. “What do you want, lady? This better be good.”

A wave of unease settled in my chest right off the bat, but I pushed it aside, focusing instead on the husky still lingering by my feet, “Your dog was pawing at the door,” I said, keeping my tone even. “I figured he might’ve gotten locked out by accident—”

“I know that,” the man interrupted, voice sharp. My eyes widened slightly, subtly trying not to be scared yet the hisses of the cat were enough to show how much this man showed off too much bad aura.  “I was about to get him myself. No need to shove it in my face. You’re not his owner.” Before I could say another word, he clicked his tongue and snapped his fingers. “Get in here, boy.”

The husky hesitated. I swore I saw a flicker of fear in its blue eyes before it finally obeyed, slinking inside with its head low.

And just like that, the door slammed shut. I blinked, stunned. My lips parted, but no words came out. The air felt heavy, an uncomfortable weight pressing against my chest. That man… something about the way he spoke, the way he treated the husky, made an uneasy coil in my stomach.

I was still staring at the closed door when the one behind me opened, “Noona?”

Douyin’s voice pulled me back to the present. I turned to see him standing there, concern laced in his features. “What were you doing outside? Hong, Woo, get inside, you two.” The two kittens trotted back into the apartment, but I remained still, my gaze lingering on the door in front of me.

A small sigh escaped my lips. “I hope the husky is okay.”

Douyin stood beside me, his hand resting on my shoulder in silent reassurance. I could only hope that behind that door, the husky wasn’t being met with the same coldness I had just witnessed.

After setting up for our usual weekend movie marathon, I watched as Hongjoong stretched lazily on the couch, his pearl collar catching the dim glow of the TV screen. It suited him too well, almost as if he had always worn pearls, like they belonged to him in another life.

Yet, no matter how much I tried to focus on the comfort of the moment, my mind kept drifting back to the husky. The way he whimpered at that door. The way he hesitated, ears pinned back, before obeying his owner’s sharp command.

A quiet sigh escaped me.

Beside me, Douyin noticed instantly. He mirrored my sigh before reaching over to gently pat my head.

“Don’t worry about it, Noona,” he murmured. “Dogs are intelligent, you know? They understand things in ways we don’t. If it ever gets too rough… they know when to leave.”

His words were meant to reassure me, but they only deepened the ache in my chest. I ran my fingers through Wooyoung’s soft fur, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath beneath my touch.

“It’s just…” My voice faltered. “Dogs are loyal. They don’t just walk away.”

Douyin leaned back, arms folded. “That’s true,” he admitted. “But they also know who has a good heart and who doesn’t.” His eyes flickered toward me, warm yet firm. “So for now, focus on the movie.”

The microwave beeps from the kitchen, and I instinctively moved to get up, but Douyin beat me to it. “You’ve done enough prep,” he said, already walking away. Moments later, he returned with a bowl of freshly popped popcorn, handing it to me before flopping onto the couch with a tired sigh. Hongjoong curling up beside him, Douying automatically scratching the spot behind his ear.

“I still can’t believe you actually got him a custom pearl collar,” he muttered, shaking his head.

I smirked, tossing a piece of popcorn into my mouth. “He kept going back to my jewelry. I figured it’d make him happy.” Hongjoong let out a contented purr, curling up on his lap, paws tucked neatly beneath him. He seemed so at peace, the pearls glistening softly around his neck.

Then, just as the movie is half way—momentarily forgetting about the husky, Hongjong lifted his head, ears twitching at something across the room. A moment later, he leaped off the couch, trotting towards my shelf of album collections. Douyin and I shared a glance before watching him intently. He didn’t just stare at the shelf—he fixated on a single album. Then, with careful precision, he lifted his paw and tapped against the cover, right on Hongjoong’s face.

Douyin sucked in a sharp breath. “Hey, Noona... has it ever occurred to you what reincarnation could be?”

I frowned, adjusting Wooyoung, who had his mouth wide open in his sleep, completely oblivious to the shift in atmosphere. “No... I mean, if it does, it shows.”

My gaze trailed back to Hongjoong, who still sat there, unmoving, his golden eyes locked onto the image of the man he shared a name with. Douyin exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t know, but... it’s weird, right? The way he acts. It’s like—”

“It can’t be that they were reincarnated,” I cut in, my voice quieter than before. But even as I said it, doubt lingered in my mind.

I turned towards the framed group photo on the shelf. They had disappeared without a trace years ago, right after one of their members returned from hiatus. No news. No updates. Nothing. The entire world moved on, but for those of us who had been waiting, the silence had never stopped echoing.

And yet, staring at Hongjoong now, at how still he sat—like he was remembering something beyond this life—I felt a quiet shiver run down my spine.

Because deep down, I never truly believed they were gone. Maybe… they were just somewhere we couldn’t find.

TAGLIST: @soso59love-blog . @yoongisgirl69 . @forever-atiny . @ateezswonderland . @fr34k4c1dr41n . @breadedloafs

[xuchiya]

accidentally have 8 pets || ateez || chapter 2

| genre: fluff. slice of life. small tinge of angst. kind of supernatural(?) | mentions: doctors. vets. needles. adoption. mean husky owner. TAGLIST: CLOSED

back to masterlist || chapter 3

When the day finally arrived—a full week later—I sprang out of bed with a surge of excitement thrumming in my chest. The thought of welcoming another companion into the apartment filled me with anticipation, making my morning routine feel lighter than usual.

As I stepped into the kitchen, the scent of warm, buttery pancakes greeted me. Douyin stood by the stove, expertly flipping the last batch before sliding them onto a plate. Wooyoung perched on the counter, his sleek black fur shimmering under the kitchen light as he meticulously groomed himself.

“Good morning, Woo,” I murmured, running my fingers through his fur as I passed by. Predictably, he let out an irritated hiss before hopping off the counter and making his way to his food bowl with an air of feline dignity.

I chuckled softly and moved behind Douyin, wrapping my hands around my warm coffee mug. “Morning, Do.”

He exhaled sharply, barely glancing up. “Please don’t tell me you’re planning something today.”

I frowned, feigning innocence as I took a seat across from him and helped myself to breakfast. “Why would you say that?”

He gave me a long, knowing look before shaking his head. “Your energy is different today.”

I hummed in amusement, taking a bite of my pancakes. “Is that a bad thing?”

Douyin sighed, setting down his fork. “Not bad—just suspicious. It’s the same energy you had when you brought Wooyoung home. And when you keep buying albums online. And buying lightsticks—”

I raised a hand, cutting him off with a sheepish laugh. “Okay, okay, I get it. But can you really blame me? The world can be harsh and there are things that need to be healed so you can keep moving forward.”

He leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms. “It’s not that, Noona. It’s just... I already know I won’t like whatever you’re about to say. And yet, somehow, you always gaslight me into believing it’s for the greater good.”

I grinned, shoulders rising in an exaggerated ‘Well, you’re not wrong’ movement. He groaned, running a hand down his face. “And since you’re my noona, I don’t really have a choice but to listen, do I?”

My playful demeanor softened, and I placed my fork down, looking at him earnestly. “Do, you do have a choice. If something bothers you, you can always tell me. But I also know that Taehyun already texted you about me adopting a new kitty.”

He scoffed, rubbing his temple. “And I already knew you’d made up your mind. Not just for you—but for Woo, too.”

Our gazes drifted toward Wooyoung, who was now curled up in his little cat house, his tail twitching as he pawed at a loose thread. My heart clenched at the sight. I adored Wooyoung with all my heart, but even I couldn’t ignore how lonely he looked whenever I left for long hours at the café. He always greeted me with the loudest meows when I came home, his soft purring grounding me after exhausting days. But the thought of him spending all those hours alone in an empty apartment—it ached.

I turned back to Douyin, my voice quieter. “Are you okay with it?” He stared at me for a long moment before sighing in defeat. Then, without warning, he stood up, walked over, and wrapped his arms around me.

“When I said it’s for the greater good,” he murmured, squeezing me a little tighter, “I always knew it really is.”

A warmth bloomed in my chest, and I chuckled softly, hugging him back.

After getting ready for the day, Douyin waved goodbye as he hopped onto his scooter, speeding off toward the university. I watched him disappear down the street before adjusting the strap of my tote bag, where Wooyoung was nestled comfortably. His small weight was familiar, a warm presence against my side as I made my way toward the café.

The morning air was crisp, carrying the scent of fresh bread from nearby bakeries. By the time I arrived, the café was still quiet, the soft hum of the refrigerator the only sound accompanying me as I prepared pastries and brewed the first batch of coffee. The comforting routine settled over me like second nature—measuring ingredients, kneading dough, setting trays into the oven.

But amidst the peaceful rhythm, an insistent meow broke through the silence.

I paused, turning toward the source of the noise. Wooyoung, still tucked inside my tote bag, was yowling at me as if demanding my full attention. He jumps out of the bag, trotting towards me, “Woo~baby,” I cooed, wiping flour from my hands as I crouched down to his level. “For the love of goodness, why are you meowing so loud?”

He quieted for a moment, then wove between my legs, his tail brushing against my calves. I sighed, reading his body language all too well. I squatted down, resting my elbows on my knees. “Are you worried that I’ll replace you with the new kitty?”

Wooyoung stopped in front of me, his golden eyes blinking slowly. His silence spoke volumes. I let out a soft breath, reaching out to scratch under his chin. “I would never do that, Woo. You’ll always be my number one kitty and my manager.”

He let out a soft mewl before rubbing his head against my knee, his affection melting away whatever lingering guilt I had.

I chuckled, stroking his fur gently. “I love you too, Woo.”

Once the pastries were neatly packed into a paper bag, I adjusted my tote, making sure Wooyoung was secure inside. His head poked out just enough to watch our surroundings as I made my way back to the clinic. The familiar chime of the entrance bell rang as I stepped inside, the scent of antiseptic mixing with the sweet aroma of baked goods.

"And that's official!" Taehyun announced with a grin as I signed the adoption papers. "Mr. Hongjoong here is now adopted."

I blinked, looking up from the paper. "Hongjoong?" Looking over at the now clean and well-groomed cat, I took in his fresh trim, the soft collar around his neck. He looked... regal, even after everything he had been through.

Taehyun chuckled, nodding towards Wooyoung. "You named him after a black cat from one of the groups you like, so why not keep the theme going? At least you won’t have to struggle thinking of a name."

I opened my mouth to argue, but before I could, Wooyoung suddenly wriggled free from my bag, landing on the ground with a soft thud, "Wooyoung!" I called, scared that he might pick up a cat-fight with Hongjoong. He darted forward, stopping just in front of Hongjoong. The new cat eyed him warily, body tense. Then, to my surprise, Wooyoung leaned in, nudging his head against Hongjoong’s neck. The other cat hesitated but eventually leaned away, cautious but not entirely rejecting the interaction.

Taehyun laughed, ruffling their fur. "Looks like they're getting along well."

I nodded, though my eyes lingered on Hongjoong. A name once familiar now rolled off my tongue with ease, "Hongjoong..."

That evening, after settling Hongjoong into his new home, I busied myself tidying up the apartment while the two cats got acquainted. The space had always felt warm, familiar—a reflection of the quiet comfort I’d built for myself—but tonight, something was different. The air felt charged with a presence I couldn’t quite name, as if an unspoken thread had been woven between me and the small feline now exploring his surroundings.

Wooyoung, ever the observant one, had taken to watching Hongjoong with sharp, knowing eyes, his tail swishing in slow, measured movements. Unlike the playful ball of energy he usually was, he remained still, tracking Hongjoong’s every step as if studying him—no, as if recognizing him.

I had just finished washing the dishes when an urgent meow cut through the quiet. I turned, only to find Wooyoung staring at me, his pupils dilated, his tail flicking in agitation. He let out another loud yowl, his paws stamping against the floor in frustration.

“Woo~baby, what is it now?” I sighed, drying my hands on a towel. Instead of responding with another impatient meow, Wooyoung did something unexpected—he bit the hem of my pants and tugged.

A sharp pull, insistent. My brows furrowed. This wasn’t like him. “Okay, okay! Geez, you’re acting like the world’s about to end,” I muttered, allowing him to lead me forward.

He practically dragged me down the hall, stopping abruptly at the door to my bedroom. My heart kicked against my ribs as I stared at him. His ears were flattened slightly, his body tense with a quiet urgency that sent a shiver down my spine.

“What, is there a ghost or something?” I joked weakly, reaching for the doorknob. I hadn’t expected my breath to catch the moment I pushed it open.

There, settled on top of my vanity, was Hongjoong. But it wasn’t just the sight of him that made my pulse stutter—it was what he held between his tiny teeth.

A string of pearls.

My pearl necklace. The one my grandmother had gifted me all those years ago. The one I kept safely in my vanity, untouched, protected. And yet, here it was, dangling from his mouth like some treasured prize.

“Hongjoong,” I breathed, stepping forward as if in a trance. The small feline met my gaze with golden eyes that held something deeper than mere curiosity. There was recognition there, a quiet understanding, as if he knew the significance of what he held. He nibbled at the pearls, his ears twitching ever so slightly at my reaction.

I knelt before him, my hand outstretched, my heart hammering in my chest. “That’s not food, you know.”

He hesitated for a moment, then, with a tiny chirp, finally released the necklace into my palm. The cool weight of the pearls against my skin sent a strange wave of emotion through me—something unexplainable, something heavy yet oddly comforting.

It reminded me of that one clip of my bias, completely dressed good in one of his fashion runways in Paris, how he adores pearls as it always looks extravagant in every look. I look between the pearl necklace and Hongjoong, “Do you like this Hongie?”

The cat meows softly, blinking slowly. Beside me, Wooyoung let out an exasperated grumble and promptly bopped Hongjoong on the head with his paw, as if scolding him for causing unnecessary trouble.

A laugh bubbled up from my throat, breaking the quiet tension. Hongjoong, unfazed by the reprimand, rubbed his small body against my arm, his purrs vibrating through my skin like a gentle hum of reassurance.

I exhaled, shaking my head with a fond smile. “Guess I’ll have to keep this somewhere safer, huh?”

Wooyoung, still watching with his ever-perceptive gaze, huffed before plopping down beside me, his warm presence grounding me.

Hongjoong curled up against my leg, his small frame pressing into me like he belonged there, as if he had always belonged. His purring never stopped, steady and rhythmic, syncing with the quiet thrum of my own heartbeat.

I ran my fingers through their soft fur, my chest tightening with something indescribable—something that felt like fate, like familiarity, like the beginning of a story I hadn’t yet realized I was part of. 

These past days, ever since I adopted Hongjoong, I started noticing something peculiar—he always seemed to meow at the way I dressed. Like even my mismatched pajamas, whether he clawed his paws at it or not, meows to no end— Douyin even has to change his pants often because Hong joong tends to hiss at our chosen outfits. 

For example, like today, I was getting ready to meet up with Douyin for our usual grocery run before movie night. So, I slipped into a simple, bright-colored top and a pair of white pants. Since it wasn’t a fancy place, I figured something cozy would do. Just as I was about to leave my room, a loud, drawn-out meow stopped me in my tracks.

Hongjoong hissed.

Shocked, I turned around, my brows furrowing. He had never hissed at me before. Near the door, Wooyoung simply watched as the scene unfolded, his tail curled neatly around his paws, “H-Hongie? What’s the matter with you?” I asked, confused. “Wooyoung, what happened?”

Wooyoung only purred in response before climbing onto my bed, entirely unbothered. Before I could make sense of it, Hongjoong suddenly dashed toward a pile of unfolded clothes on my chair and dove straight into them.

My eyes widened as I rushed forward. “Hongie! What are you doing?”

Frantically, I started removing each article of clothing, trying to reach him. Finally, when I removed the last piece, I found him staring up at me, his doe eyes round and unwavering. Clutched in his tiny mouth was a familiar piece of fabric.

A cream-colored, simple crop top. I frowned, picking him up. “Hongie… what–…” My voice trailed off as I realized he was biting onto my crop top. I looked between him and the shirt, the gears in my mind turning.

“Okay… Thank you?” I said, cautiously taking the cloth from him. I was about to toss it onto my drawer when a sharp meow stopped me again. Hongjoong clawed at my current top, his little paws insistent. I stared at him. Then at the crop top. Then back at him.

He… wanted me to wear it?

I sighed, placing him beside Wooyoung before turning around to change. Slipping into the crop top, I smoothed it down and turned to glance at the mirror. My eyes widened in surprise. The top actually looked good. The color complimented my pants perfectly. It was simple, yet it somehow worked better than my original choice.

I turned to face my two feline fashion critics. “Do I look good?”

Hongjoong blinked slowly—a cat’s way of showing affection. Wooyoung, on the other hand, simply yawned before hopping off the bed and exiting the room without a care. I sighed, shaking my head as I grabbed a pair of socks and scooped Hongjoong into my arms. “Mister, I am talking to you too.”

He only meowed before settling himself onto the couch, utterly content. I chuckled, pressing a quick kiss to the top of his head. “Fine, fine. But I’m not taking fashion advice from you every day, okay?”

Hongjoong merely purred, as if to say, We’ll see about that.

Later that evening, while Douyin went to his room to get ready, the two kittens finished their dinner as I busied myself preparing for our movie marathon. The apartment felt warm, cozy, just as it always did—until a sudden howl echoed from the other side of the door.

I froze, my hands pausing mid-motion. Wooyoung and Hong joong’s ears perked up from their spot and jump on the table near the entrance, ears twitching as they, too, turned their attention toward the sound.

Frowning, I stepped closer and peeked through the peephole. A gray husky sat outside the apartment across from mine, its paws scratching at the door, its cries muffled yet urgent. My heart clenched at the sight. How long has it been out here?

Without thinking, I opened the door and stepped out.

The two cats darted after me, their tiny paws padding against the floor, but they didn’t stray far—only stopping just past the threshold to cautiously observe the crying dog. The husky let out another whimper, but the moment it noticed me, it yelped and took a small step back, its tail curling slightly. I softened my expression, offering a small smile before glancing at the closed door.

Gently, I knocked.

For a moment, there was only silence. Then, after what felt like an eternity, the door creaked open to reveal a man—somewhere older than me, groggy, disheveled, and already looking irritated. His eyes flickered between me and the husky before narrowing. “What do you want, lady? This better be good.”

A wave of unease settled in my chest right off the bat, but I pushed it aside, focusing instead on the husky still lingering by my feet, “Your dog was pawing at the door,” I said, keeping my tone even. “I figured he might’ve gotten locked out by accident—”

“I know that,” the man interrupted, voice sharp. My eyes widened slightly, subtly trying not to be scared yet the hisses of the cat were enough to show how much this man showed off too much bad aura.  “I was about to get him myself. No need to shove it in my face. You’re not his owner.” Before I could say another word, he clicked his tongue and snapped his fingers. “Get in here, boy.”

The husky hesitated. I swore I saw a flicker of fear in its blue eyes before it finally obeyed, slinking inside with its head low.

And just like that, the door slammed shut. I blinked, stunned. My lips parted, but no words came out. The air felt heavy, an uncomfortable weight pressing against my chest. That man… something about the way he spoke, the way he treated the husky, made an uneasy coil in my stomach.

I was still staring at the closed door when the one behind me opened, “Noona?”

Douyin’s voice pulled me back to the present. I turned to see him standing there, concern laced in his features. “What were you doing outside? Hong, Woo, get inside, you two.” The two kittens trotted back into the apartment, but I remained still, my gaze lingering on the door in front of me.

A small sigh escaped my lips. “I hope the husky is okay.”

Douyin stood beside me, his hand resting on my shoulder in silent reassurance. I could only hope that behind that door, the husky wasn’t being met with the same coldness I had just witnessed.

After setting up for our usual weekend movie marathon, I watched as Hongjoong stretched lazily on the couch, his pearl collar catching the dim glow of the TV screen. It suited him too well, almost as if he had always worn pearls, like they belonged to him in another life.

Yet, no matter how much I tried to focus on the comfort of the moment, my mind kept drifting back to the husky. The way he whimpered at that door. The way he hesitated, ears pinned back, before obeying his owner’s sharp command.

A quiet sigh escaped me.

Beside me, Douyin noticed instantly. He mirrored my sigh before reaching over to gently pat my head.

“Don’t worry about it, Noona,” he murmured. “Dogs are intelligent, you know? They understand things in ways we don’t. If it ever gets too rough… they know when to leave.”

His words were meant to reassure me, but they only deepened the ache in my chest. I ran my fingers through Wooyoung’s soft fur, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breath beneath my touch.

“It’s just…” My voice faltered. “Dogs are loyal. They don’t just walk away.”

Douyin leaned back, arms folded. “That’s true,” he admitted. “But they also know who has a good heart and who doesn’t.” His eyes flickered toward me, warm yet firm. “So for now, focus on the movie.”

The microwave beeps from the kitchen, and I instinctively moved to get up, but Douyin beat me to it. “You’ve done enough prep,” he said, already walking away. Moments later, he returned with a bowl of freshly popped popcorn, handing it to me before flopping onto the couch with a tired sigh. Hongjoong curling up beside him, Douying automatically scratching the spot behind his ear.

“I still can’t believe you actually got him a custom pearl collar,” he muttered, shaking his head.

I smirked, tossing a piece of popcorn into my mouth. “He kept going back to my jewelry. I figured it’d make him happy.” Hongjoong let out a contented purr, curling up on his lap, paws tucked neatly beneath him. He seemed so at peace, the pearls glistening softly around his neck.

Then, just as the movie is half way—momentarily forgetting about the husky, Hongjong lifted his head, ears twitching at something across the room. A moment later, he leaped off the couch, trotting towards my shelf of album collections. Douyin and I shared a glance before watching him intently. He didn’t just stare at the shelf—he fixated on a single album. Then, with careful precision, he lifted his paw and tapped against the cover, right on Hongjoong’s face.

Douyin sucked in a sharp breath. “Hey, Noona... has it ever occurred to you what reincarnation could be?”

I frowned, adjusting Wooyoung, who had his mouth wide open in his sleep, completely oblivious to the shift in atmosphere. “No... I mean, if it does, it shows.”

My gaze trailed back to Hongjoong, who still sat there, unmoving, his golden eyes locked onto the image of the man he shared a name with. Douyin exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. “I don’t know, but... it’s weird, right? The way he acts. It’s like—”

“It can’t be that they were reincarnated,” I cut in, my voice quieter than before. But even as I said it, doubt lingered in my mind.

I turned towards the framed group photo on the shelf. They had disappeared without a trace years ago, right after one of their members returned from hiatus. No news. No updates. Nothing. The entire world moved on, but for those of us who had been waiting, the silence had never stopped echoing.

And yet, staring at Hongjoong now, at how still he sat—like he was remembering something beyond this life—I felt a quiet shiver run down my spine.

Because deep down, I never truly believed they were gone. Maybe… they were just somewhere we couldn’t find.

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