“You’re up early,” says Dowoon with a curious blink.

“I blame Wook,” grumbles Brian with half-opened eyes as he leans back on the sofa. “Could you take him away for a while?”

With a small grin, Dowoon carries the sesame dog away from the grouchy boy to play with him.

“You’re up early as well,” says Brian suddenly. “What for? I’m sure the others are still asleep.”

“I wake up early sometimes just to see the sunrise and be alone,” replies Dowoon quietly, taking a hold of the dog’s paws. “I try to be silent so that I don’t get the others up.”

“Brian wasn’t that considerate though,” adds a new voice. “His excited shout woke me up. Why don’t you sleep in your bed, like ever?”

“I like the sofa for a night’s rest sometimes, but I might reconsider,” remarks Brian with a pointed glare. “This dog has made it a point to jump on me by sunrise.”

“Thus the name Wook, for sunrise, eh,” reasons Sungjin, smiling in amusement. “Truly pleasant, that I must surely say.”

“Sunrise dog or not, it is vet day today,” reminds Dowoon solemnly, tickling Wook’s chin, causing the dog to roll around.

So it is. It turns out that the injured ear had no severe infection, but an appointment at the vet’s would be sagacious. The dog should be cared for properly or else he is to be sent away. After all, the members could not afford to be distracted or wasting time on the dog, despite the possible benefits as well. The vet smiles, bringing the dog into her arms.

“Hello Wook!” she says, expertly setting him on the clean surface. “You’re happy with your newfound family, so that’s good. I’m afraid my space is a little small for all of you to remain while I inject him with the antibiotics. Just one of you would do.”

The members push the reluctant Brian toward Wook. Brian makes a faint exasperated sigh due to tiredness, but the sesame dog’s ears prick immediately. The others leave the room to wait outside.

While Brian did not mean to, upon seeing Wook’s sudden fearful expression causes the boy’s heart to go out to the dog. He draws close without meaning to and tries his best to calm Wook down by petting him while the vet carries out the necessary procedures.

“Be a bit more energetic and bubbly, Wook,” muses Brian. “How else will you live up to your name and annoy me in the mornings?”

Yet, the small smile playing on his lips betray his seemingly unkind words.

[click here to continue]