Undeniably, there is a bit of noise. Low and careful, as though it could be a mouse uninvited in the house. Yeong remains unperturbed, deciding instead to curl comfortably in a corner. In fact, after a strange thud and a tinkling sound, all is quiet once more. While normal for the morning, it feels a little eerie now.

Out of dog instinct, or some unexplainable curiousity, Yeong does walk around the apartment unit to discover what could have happened earlier. With a nose sniffing the floor, it appears that something is missing. A pair of shoes. Specifically, a someone.

A growl emanates, the sesame Shiba Inu expressing displeasure. However, his bright eyes notice an opening in one of the windows facing the corridor. This is what Yeong will do, and succeed: he squeezes itself through the gap and gets through.

Feeling proud, or smug, depending on what is considered possible for the feeling of an intelligent dog, Yeong plays detective. There is a need to find this someone who escaped. The sense of smell brings it to the apartment rooftop area, a place never seen before. The person leans against the secure railing.

Yeong pounces.

“Yeong!” exclaims Dowoon, his voice unusually high-pitched. “H-How?”

The dog, supposedly showing a frown, tugs at Dowoon’s shoelaces.

“Okay, maybe you didn’t want to be left behind, hm?” he answers with a chuckle, carrying Yeong in his arms. “I’m here to watch the sunrise, you impatient poof.”

The sun, it rises as it always does. The light beams down on the city, and like a spell cast, the place slowly comes alive with noise and activity. From the rooftop, in a place distant and removed, it feels like one is watching magic unravel. The boy tickles the dog’s ears, who cuddles against his shoulder.

“One day you’re going to be too big for me to carry,” mourns Dowoon petulantly. “I can’t help but always want you to stay small.”

“Aw, that’s a cute thought,” says another, who pats Dowoon’s head from behind.

The drummer’s body stiffens.

“One of the windows were left open,” muses Sungjin with a short yawn. “So it got noisy, what with the people waking up to cook and all. I shut it already though so that the others can catch more sleep. Guessed that you might be here.”

Dowoon stares, first at the leader before raising the dog to face him.

“You smart rascal.”

[click here to continue]