Companion

By My Side
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Yewon's normally downcast eyes were shining, almost sparkling as she watched her new puppy sniff the floor of her apartment from her couch.

It had only been a few hours since she had saved the puppy and it was clear that the baby dog was full of energy. The black lab puppy had been scared at first but she had warmed up to Yewon after only a few minutes of interacting with her in the apartment. Every time Yewon smiled or giggled at the small dog's actions, the puppy's tail would wag excitedly. It was adorable. Yewon could feel herself relaxing as she watched the puppy move on from sniffing the floor to running around in small circles in front of her. 

"So cute." Yewon laughed, the puppy turning her head to look her before running up to sit next to Yewon's legs. Yewon reached out and gave the puppy's head a rub, smiling as the puppy at her hand affectionately. 

"What name should I give such a cute puppy like you?" Yewon absentmindedly asked the puppy, thinking to herself as the puppy continued to away at her hand. There were so many different possibilities, so many different names to chose from. Yewon focused back down at the baby dog, making eye contact with the puppy's soft brown eyes. As if it was summoned, a name finally popped into Yewon's head. She had no idea where it came from or why this name was calling to her but it was clear that this was it. This was what it should be. It felt like deja vu almost, as if she had heard this name before, even though that was impossible.

"Yuju."

The puppy's head tilted, her tail wagging happily as if she was communicating that she liked it. Yewon couldn't help the fact that her smile was growing even wider.

"You like that name, huh?" Yewon said, petting the puppy gently. "It's decided then. Your name is Yuju."

The puppy let out a small bark, her tail wagging eagerly out of pure excitement. Yewon continued to rub Yuju's head before she ran off, the puppy running around the apartment and in and out of different rooms while barking. Yewon could only watch, chuckling to herself. Now that the puppy had a proper name, it was time to get her fed. She would need to go to a pet store or order something online. Walking to a pet store would be easier and quicker. But would the puppy be okay staying by herself? Well, there wasn't really any other option. 

"Alright." Yewon stood up, feeling around in her jean pockets to make sure her wallet was inside before moving to the front door. "I'll be back in an hour. Okay, Yuju?"

The puppy immediately started to whine sadly once she noticed that Yewon was about to leave, Yuju's tail tucking under her legs while she continued to whimper. Yewon felt her chest ache. Of course the puppy would be nervous about her leaving. She had just saved her and now she was leaving again. Yewon sighed, kneeling down and patting the spot in front of her. Yuju quickly trotted over to where Yewon's hand had been, still whimpering sadly.

"I'm not leaving for good. I promise." Yewon said softly, petting the baby dog's head. "I'm just getting you food and some other things. It'll be okay."

Yuju continued to whimper, desperately at Yewon's hand. Yewon allowed her to do that for a few moments until a thought entered her head. Taking off her jacket, Yewon stood up and kneeled back down to place it down in the middle of the floor, spreading it out so Yuju could get comfy on it. Thankfully, it was starting to warm up outside so going out in just her jeans and a T-shirt wasn't an issue. Yuju sniffed the jacket before walking on top of it, turning around a couple times before curling up on it. Yewon gave the puppy a small kiss on the head before standing up, trying to ignore Yuju's sad whimpers as she left the apartment, locking the door firmly behind her. 

The walk to the pet store was beautiful, the trees and flowers scattered along the route signaling that spring was quickly approaching. But Yewon was tense the entire walk over, unable to fully appreciate the sights and experience. She couldn't help but be worried about the new puppy, afraid that she would come back to either her apartment being torn apart or her losing the trust that Yuju had in her. The second she reached the pet store, Yewon took to finding everything as fast as she possibly could. A collar with Yuju's name etched on the tag with her phone number on the back, some chew toys, puppy food and a bowl to go with it. 

"New puppy?" The female cashier asked with a warm smile, ringing up the items. 

"Yeah." Yewon replied with a smile of her own, handing over the money out of her wallet. "It's my first time owning one."

"Don't worry too much. Dogs are companions for life." The cashier said with a soothing tone, easing some of Yewon's anxieties. "You'll be having fun with your new friend in no time. And if you need any advice, feel free to come back here any time."

"Thank you so much." Yewon said, taking her change and the items out of the cashier's hands before bowing. The cashier returned the gesture, waving goodbye to the girl as she left.

Yewon was more than eager to get back home, clutching the bag of items tightly as she speed walked back through the route. 

"Yewon?" A familiar voice echoed out.

Yewon froze as the sight of both Sojung and Eunbi walking toward her entered her vision. . She had totally forgot that the pet store was close to the pair's shared apartment. Of course they were out, they must have just finished up their dinner and were heading home. How was she going to explain this?

"Hello again." Yewon smiled, hiding the bag full of items behind her back quickly. "I didn't think I would see you both again today."

"Me either!" Eunbi said happily. "It's good to see you outside again!"

"What were you doing out here?" Sojung asked curiously. "Isn't your apartment in the other direction?"

"It is." Yewon nodded, her mind racing to come up with an excuse that didn't sound fake. "I just....needed to pick up something over here. The stores

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yerinstan
Surprise! Another story is here! I've had this idea for a few weeks and I'm excited to write it! I'm not sure how often updates will be but I will try to have one up at least every two weeks! And don't worry, more chapters of my kitten au are coming in the future!

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SUJUNGSDOG
#1
I love it(。ˇε ˇ。)
Readsalotofstuff
#2
Chapter 8: In the first scene, I can imagine whenever Yuju is alone, she relives the time she didn't have Yewon in her life, either as a pup or as a human. We don't know Yuju's past yet, but for her to have such strong reactions at being left alone, I can only imagine how hurt and lonely she felt before she met Yewon.

Even if one wasn't scared of thunder per se, there is just something about the power in that strong sudden sound to make you shake even if you were in the accompany of other people, what more by yourself.

When Yewon felt that something was wrong, you could tell how deep her bond with Yuju had developed in the short time they are together, prompting her to run home to Yuju despite it not being her time to do so.

Although we could say that Yewon's presence is all that Yuju needs, it doesn't hurt, and it's even more welcome that another friend displays her concern through action. This is the first time that I see that Sojung is without Eunbi; albeit she just stepped out of a lecture hall and likely Eunbi had a different schedule and in a different place. I can say that I'm proud that Sojung understands the urgency despite not knowing all the details and proceeded to accompany Yewon at full speed.

Yuju has never transformed at will, but more on a response to the environment she's in. Even with this general theory in mind, it kind of broke my heart to see Yuju in her pup form, scared out of her wits.

Despite the sad predicament, I'm happy that Yuju trusted Yewon when she reached out to bring Yuju to safety. And even with Yewon's undeniable comfort I'm glad Sojung could lend a hand to bring comfort to Yuju's shaking puppy form.

After ensuring that Yuju has calmed down enough, it brought a smile to my face that Sojung was aware that Eunbi would be worried at her sudden departure without any prior notice or update on where she is.

Yewon and Yuju's heartfelt talk managed to punch me in the gut on how vulnerable these two are in this moment. Yuju being vulnerable at what triggers her condition and Yewon at knowing these details now and feel helplessness at how to help exactly but being determined all the same to help, in any way she can, as best she can with the help of her friends with the firm promise that although she may places to go but she will never leave Yuju.
Readsalotofstuff
#3
Chapter 7: It's been a long while since I reviewed one of my favourite stories, and you have already updated a new chapter Trust. I will review it soon.

For now, I'll focus on the chapter Warmth, and it certainly is giving me warm fuzzy feelings. The amount of consideration and preparation Yewon's friends have done to make sure that Yuju is comfortable in meeting them again just melts my heart.

I certainly love the amount of detail showing how much comfort and safety Yuju feels when she's in Yewon's arms. Likewise that Yewon feels so much contentment in sharing an intimate space with Yuju.

The weighted blanket is such a suitable gift for Yuju to feel warmth and comfort, especially when Yewon is not physically near, bringing Yewon much needed peace when she has to be away for school. I love that Sojung describes the weighted blanket to feel like a hug when Yuju expressed concern of being hurt by it.

Yuju's wagging her tail to show her appreciation despite her shyness certainly is a sight for heart eyes.

Eunbi's enthusiasm and Yerin's sensitivity to non-verbal language certainly balanced things out. No wonder SinB and Yerin go well together just as Eunbi and Sojung, they complement each other really well.

I'll continue my comment of this chapter another day, I'm really sleepy in a good way. Thank you again for this wonderful story.
reikim
#4
Chapter 9: Your story is always amazing >_<
Readsalotofstuff
#5
Chapter 6: A snuggly and cuddly Yupup in Yewon's arms is an adorable sight in the morning. Yerin probably seeing live beside Sinb and writing the lyrics of said song in the chat group is certainly funny and just shows how close these two are.

I'm happy with Yewon's pace in understanding and comforting Yuju in regards to adjusting her friend's involvement in Yuju's life now. Yuju feeling anxiousness despite Yewon's reassurance and close proximity breaks my heart, thankfully remembering her mother's example of comforting and showing love.

Yewon being possessive of Yuju's love is understandable but the great thing here is that she doesn't shy away from having people who can help, help Yuju, like in the case of Yerin who's an expert at making someone feel comfortable and loved at all times; Sinb - I can totally understand why you want Yerin for yourself.

Sojung teasing Sinb and Eunbi supporting the notion of Yuju biting Sinb if she hugged Yupup just made me grin real wide. Okay playtime, is on another level of cuteness and cuddle time afterwards is almost enough to make me squeal here. Good job as always :)
Readsalotofstuff
#6
Chapter 5: When morning of the hang out came and Yewon overslept with Yuju in her arms, that was outright adorable and understandably nerve-wrecking given that she didn't have time to prepare Yuju who was frightened and angered by strangers at their home, despite said strangers are Yewon's trustworthy friends.

Their reaction towards seeing Yuju for the first time just showed how good people they are. Despite breathing in the air absurdity over seeing a pup hybrid for the first time, not thinking it was possible for one to exist, they were able to quickly adjust by focusing on the fact that the pup hybrid was scared of them and very protective of Yewon, and worked on gently coaxing Yuju to warm up to them. I love Yerin's method here.

Yerin kissing SinB and telling her to be safe for a quick food errand, I did not expect it but I love it all the same ٩(^‿^)۶and I think even more hilarious was Sojung to SinB's embarrassment by kissing SinB's other check lol.

Yerin and Eunbi's interaction with Yuju was just too cute. If Yuju hadn't transferred back to her human form and was still a lab pup, I think they would have squealed in delight in having the chance to pet Yuju.

I understand Yuju's separation anxiety over Yewon leaving home to go to school, but it still hurts to see that Yuju is shaking so bad at Yewon going to the next room to change, even with the comfort of food while she waited. Although this isn't the first time she reacted like this, I was hoping that she drew comfort in the fact that Yewon is just next door doing a necessary task.

Their decision to leave and the promise to visit soon with gifts for Yuju and Yewon to enjoy just left me smiling widely. I'm so happy that they all recognize both Yuju and Yewon's needs, and not place priority of one over the other.

Eunbi naming a group chat Yupup Protection Squad and Yerin's virtual squealing and teasing of SinB just made me smile wider. Yes, SinB loves Yerin too much and she doesn't hesitate in making SinB know that she knows it.
Readsalotofstuff
#7
Chapter 4: Although this chapter that I'm commenting isn't your latest chapter, I would still like to pick up where I left off and continue to comment on what I love when re-reading your story. I can't thank you enough for continuing to write given the situation with Gfriend right now.

Back to the story, Yewon just melts my heart with the overwhelming concern she has for Yuju's well being that she became distracted, an unusual trait that she's exhibiting given how focused she was in school when she was by herself. I guess it couldn't be helped given how Yuju was begging Yewon to stay with her.

Sojung and Eunbi's small moments of affection just makes me melt into a puddle of their cuteness.

Yuju demanding Yewon not to go, and insisting that she has a choice to just stay with Yuju moving forward is both heartwarming and a bit sad, given how anxious she becomes when Yewon is not physically with her. But my mood changes along with Yuju when Yewon presents a duck plush just for her, in addition to staying on Yewon laps, basking in Yewon's embrace. These two just make me go UwU. And Yuju made me go ヽ( ´ ∇ ` )ノ when she expressed her gratitude for the pizza by kissing Yewon.

Playtime ᵔᴥᵔ is just plain cute. I'm afraid I might use up the whole catalogue of emoticons if I were to describe to you how I feel about this chapter. So to summarize, Yumji for the win! (─‿‿─) ❀◕ ‿ ◕❀
shhrang
#8
Chapter 8: UwU thanks for the update
Nonickname #9
Chapter 8: Thanks for the update!! This chapter is melting my heart (/_\)
reikim
#10
Chapter 7: I LOVE YOU TOO BABY PUP 😘😘