Kim Minjeong lived a simple life at the age of twenty-five. 

 

She was a normal girl who works as a florist and part-time blogger, though she preferred to be anonymous despite the large numbers of followers she has. Minjeong remained humble and continue to live peacefully. 

 

And just yesterday, she just got herself a puppy. Well, technically she just found it near the dumpsters, half-dead and shivering for dear life. Minjeong loved dogs and honestly wanted to get one, but never found the time to do so. So she liked to think that this was her calling, to foster a poor, abandoned puppy.

 

Today, Minjeong plans to bring the tiny pup to a veterinary clinic. It had wounds and the pup could barely walk on its own. Minjeong never had experience in taking care of a healthy dog, let alone an injured pup. She needed help, and that's what brought her to the newly established veterinary clinic just a few blocks down her apartment.

 

It opened a month ago, but of course Minjeong never visited. Why would she, when she didn't even have a pet of her own? She could recall Yeji telling her that the veterinarian looked chic and drop-dead gorgeous when she had her cats checked (definitely NOT catching Minjeong's attention). 

 

So, it's basically like hitting two birds with one stone. She could have Melody (she named the pup after Aeri's comparison to her and the cartoon character) checked and probably see the 'hot' veterinarian herself. Not that she had any plans after that. 

 

Minjeong had seen plenty gorgeous women but there's only one that's forever stuck in her head. The only woman Minjeong loved five years ago. 

 

Shrugging the thought off her mind, she pushed the glass doors open. Her face greeted by the cold air from the clinic's air conditioner, effectively cooling off Minjeong's hot head. It was summer after all. 

 

Minjeong chose the right outfit. A tank top and denim shorts to beat the hot weather.

 

The pup in her box started to cry and the owner panics, strutting her way to the counter where an attendant beams at her.

 

"Hello, how may I help you?" The attendant whose name was Jo Yuri (her name tag was literally shining and it annoyed Minjeong) greets her. 

 

The petite lady just raised the box in her arms, catching Yuri's attention. "Oh I see, did you schedule an online appointment with the clinic?" 

 

"Ah, no. Sorry I don't really know how things work around here. You see, I just saw this pup yesterday and," she tilts the box a little to show the shivering puppy, "I want to know what I can do to help her live."

 

Yuri nods and smiles, her fingers rushing to make a call. "Alright, excuse me for a second. I'll try to set you an appointment as a walk-in patient."

 

It was quiet for a few minutes and Minjeong arms were getting numb. Minjeong flinched as the pup in her hands starts whining once again, "Will that be quick?"

 

The latter hums, "Certainly. There are no appointments for today. You may follow me." The red head stood up and motions Minjeong to follow her. They made their way the short hall and stopped by the door at its end. "Dr. Yoo? Your patient is here." 

 

Unknowingly to Minjeong, her breath hitches when she hears the surname Yoo. It reminds her of someone that she used to know.

 

The person who took Minjeong's heart and never returned it.

 

And they said time heals, but what the happened to me? 

 

She couldn't help but think. What if.. what if it is her? She did take up biology in college. She started to sweat, obviously not caring about the exchange between Yuri and Dr. Yoo.

 

But of course, there's like millions of Yoos in Korea. There's no way.. and she left. 

 

She's not in Seoul.

 

She's not in Seoul.

 

She's not in Seoul.

 

"Ms. Kim are you feeling alright?" She practically jumped at the cold fingers touching her sweaty arm. Yuri flinched in surprise at Minjeong's reaction.

 

"I'm fine!" She gasps out, not missing the slight judging look from Yuri. "Just getting numb, that's all."

 

Yuri doesn't seem convinced but didn't ask further. After all, caring for customer's health isn't her top priority at her job. She cares about their pets, not their jittery owners.

 

"Dr. Yoo's waiting inside." The attendant held the door for her. Although hesitant, Minjeong timidly walked in, eyes wary of her surrounding.

 

It was a very clean and bright space, Minjeong could say that. The room just seems too... white for Minjeong's liking. It hurts her eyes.

 

Several medicines were scattered from the desk to her right. Monitors and machines were placed to the side, unused but obviously brand new. An examination area situated on the center of the room with a big lamp hovering above the tall woman's head.

 

And the tall woman who's back facing Minjeong is too busy scribbling on her clipboard to acknowledge Minjeong's presence. 

 

Her raven locks were tied neatly, its tips decorating the back of her lab coat, creating little waves. Her back figure had Minjeong sweat even more, noticing how familiar it looked. And Minjeong wanted to cry then,

 

Why?

 

Why does this have to happen to me?

 

I was living peacefully on my own.

 

Why did she have to show up now?

 

I want to go home.

 

check-ups, I'm going to take care of you alone with the use of the internet.

 

Minjeong wanted to back away, run away like they both did five years ago. No matter how many times she told herself that she had changed and she will never affect her anymore.

 

But why is she dying to meet her at the same time?

 

"Ms. Kim Minjeong?" 

 

A deep voice startled Minjeong out of her thoughts. She recognized the husky tune, the sense of familiarity and nostalgia kicking her like a running truck. She sounded hesitant but firm. 

 

And when the veterinarian faced her, Minjeong knew that she had to go. No, she doesn't want to face the woman who made her past hell and heaven at the same time. 

 

"Ms. Kim Minjeong." She repeated, much firmer and sure this time, confirming her own question. "You are Ms. Kim Minjeong, right?"

 

Minjeong struggled to find her words when her eyes dropped on the latter's known beauty mark resting just below her red, plump lips. Minjeong took mental note of the same shade of lipstick she used since before. It just pains her as to how much she had looked the same, as if time never changed her. 

 

The veterinarian chuckled when Minjeong opted to nod her head instead of speaking. She took a few steps closer (no, Minjeong definitely did not feel her knees wobble) and held her hand out. "Dr. Yoo Jimin. I'm pretty sure you know that already."

 

With a shaky hand, she takes the warm hand in her own. She shivered, (she blames it on the strong air from the air conditioner) but nonetheless shook Dr. Yoo's hand. She received a breathtaking smile from the older lady. "Pleasure meeting you here."

 

She lets go and Minjeong frowned at the loss of contact. Minjeong watches her take the box she had placed on the desk beside her, putting it on the examination table. "What's the cute pup's name?"

 

"M-melody.." Minjeong pinched herself from croaking out stupidly. Jimin doesn't seem to mind anyways. 

 

"Really? That's nice." She comments before taking the pup out ever so gently, cooing a bit and giving small rubs on the shivering pup. "It reminds me of my own puppyㅡ oh speaking of the devil."

 

Minjeong nearly jumps, feeling a fluffy object rubbing on her exposed leg. She glances at the small dog looking up at her expectantly, obviously wanting to be pet. 

 

"Meet Kuromi. My 6-month old terrier." Dr. Yoo introduces the black pup, the pup reacting by running to its own owner, rubbing its black fur on the vet's pants. "Well aren't you a cute one?" 

 

"That's quite the coincidence.." Minjeong mutters, moving to sit at the chair when Jimin motions her to. 

 

Dr. Yoo hums in reply. Her hands busy checking the pup in her hands. "Indeed."

 

Minjeong couldn't help but blurt the questions swirling in her head. She needed answers, she wanted answers. "I thoughtㅡ I thought you left for Canada..?"

 

She saw the veterinarian stop briefly at her work. Minjeong wanted to slap herself. Here she just met the woman who once made her the happiest girl in the world after five years, and she might just mess everything up. Like she always do. 

 

"I'm sorry.. you don't need to answer that. After all, I am just here for Melodyㅡ"

 

"It's okay." Dr. Yoo cuts her off, eyeing her briefly before continuing with her job, moving to scribble something on a paper. "I did study in Canada. But I guess there's just something in Korea that keeps pulling me back." 

 

Minjeong's breath hitches as she meets Jimin's intense gaze. It was quick, but Minjeong sees the emotions swirling in those hazel orbs. The veterinarian clears , quickly getting rid of her inner turmoil. She's a professional, and she needs to keep being professional.

 

"Melody is greatly underweight for a 2-month old puppy. Well, assuming from her canines, she's at least around 2-3 months old. She has fleas, but it's best if you bathe her once she adjusts to her surroundings." Dr. Yoo started to spew information regarding her white fur ball. But it seems to just go through her other ear (she's definitely not watching Jimin's pretty mole). 

 

"Is it clear?" Minjeong blinks, cowering at Jimin's gaze. "Do I have to repeat myself or did you understand everything I said?" 

 

Minjeong nods, although the furrowing of her brows says otherwise. Dr. Yoo sighs and hands her the paper she has been scribbling on. "Here, if you forgot everything I've been saying."

 

The smaller immediately scrambles on her feet, grabbing the piece of paper and notices the eligible and neat handwriting. "I guess not all doctors have bad penmanship huh?"

 

Dr. Yoo chuckles at Minjeong's comment. "You know how much I hate having to struggle to read notes. Don't you remember how I practically forced you to fix your penmanship?" 

 

Minjeong finally lets herself relax and laughs. The memory playing in her mind like her favorite movie. The clearly remembers the way Jimin readily ditches her school works just to guide Minjeong. It was nice. Life back then was rough, but with Jimin around her, it made everything lighter. 

 

It's unfortunate that Jimin had to leave her.

 

"Good old days." She comments. "If only they lasted longer." 

 

Another stupid comment of hers that wiped the gorgeous smile on Dr. Yoo's face. Stupid, stupid self.

 

"Well, yeah. Not all good things last, am I right?" Dr. Yoo dusts of the non-existent dirt on her coat, placing the now relaxed pup back on its box. "Sometimes, you just have to make better memories."

 

She smiles at Minjeong, handing her the box. "That's it for now Ms. Kim. I suggest you visit me weekly to monitor the pup's weight and to get rid of the fleas completely. Remember: happy puppy, happy mommy." 

 

Minjeong takes the box gratefully, mirroring Dr. Yoo's smile. "I'll remember that."

 

She heads for the door, obviously not aware that she has been smiling from ear-to-ear. 

 

"Oh and Minjeong..?"

 

"Yes?"

 

"It's really nice meeting you again. And, you look really good."

 

She doesn't notice the weird stares she got from passerbys when she skips home, humming a tune she knew was Jimin's favorite.

 

She also disregards Aeri and Yeji's non-stop teases once she had told them about her encounter with Jimin

And seeing Jimin for the first time in years made her feel better. 

 

And in all honesty, seeing Jimin every week until Melody's a healthy pup doesn't sound too bad after all.

 

 

 

---

 

 

The next week, Minjeong was showered with praises and compliments from the veterinarian. Melody obviously had great care and the results were noticeable. She gained weight, her fur's whiter than ever and she just seemed happier. Her tail imemdiately wags furiously upon seeing Dr. Yoo, and Minjeong couldn't help but smile at the sight.

 

"Who's a good girl? Here," Dr. Yoo took a handful of dog food in her right hand, placing it in front of the happy dog. Melody munched wholeheartedly, the happy tail wagging never ceasing. "Good girl."

 

Dr. Yoo must've felt Minjeong staring at them, so she turned and smiled at Minjeong. "I guess her mommy's also a good girl for taking good care of you, hm?"

 

Minjeong flushes at her words. She doesn't deny that it sounded... nice and flattering. But it also seemed weird. (definitely not because Jimin used to treat her as a pup when they were still dating) She clears .

 

"She's been actively going around my flat recently. I guess she's adapting well in her surroundings." Minjeong informs despite the funny look on her face. Dr. Yoo nods.

 

"Just continue the treatment and Melody's good to go." The veterinarian says, weighing Melody for the second time for confirmation. The grin on her face tells Minjeong that she's satisfied with the results. But Minjeong isn't.

 

What is this sinking feeling?

 

"Yeah.." Minjeong replies albeit lost in her thoughts. Was Jimin feeling the same way? The way she smiles, that oh so familiar smile, says it all. Jimin's just doing her goddamn job and here's Minjeong, sulking like the child she is. God, it's so embarrassing.

 

Dr. Yoo doesn't seem to notice, too busy scribbling down notes. 

 

"I can also suggest you to let her take these," Dr. Yoo hands her a prescription and a small bottle of Minjeong assumes to be vitamins (for dogs). "once daily. It's the best one for dogs."

 

"You're giving them to me for free?"

 

Dr. Yoo nods and gave Minjeong a weird look, as she had just said the dumbest in the entire world. "Yeah?"

 

"Why?"

 

Minjeong frowns at her own words. She can't contain her thoughts on her own. It's as if there's a need to speak out her thoughts. It's her talent actually.

 

The veterinarian a brow at the question thrown at her. "Uh, yeah? We have plenty of stocks of those. This is a veterinary clinic after all."

 

Color painted Minjeong's flawless skin. Of course Jimin would say that. Typical Jimin. And typical Minjeong who's a ing coward to tell her what she truly feels.

 

Although Minjeong's been pretty ing stupid, Dr. Yoo wasn't too unfazed with the happenings.

 

The veterinarian clears to catch Minjeong's attention, to which she complied (too happily). "I'll see you next week. I have urgent business to deal with."

 

Dr. Yoo rushes to shrug off her coat and fix the loosened tie, opening a few of her buttons to breathe from the sizzling hot weather

 

"You're going?" 

 

"Yeah, I totally forgot I had a meeting today." Dr. Yoo raps and Minjeong smiles fondly "I really have to go."

 

, do something Minjeong.

 

"Jimin!" 

 

The latter visibly froze on the voice saying her name. She turns briefly, meeting Winter's eyes. It was swirling with emotions and confusion written on her pretty face.

 

"Are you free for dinner later?" She clasped a hand over . What the hell Minjeong?

 

She watches as Jimin's face contorts into multiple emotions, before smiling.

 

"Sure. I guess. Why?"

 

Taking a deep breath, she hands Jimin her phone number written cutely on a piece of paper. She smiled.

 

"Call me. There's something I want to talk to you about."

 

The older doesn't question further despite the growing uneasiness. Jimin bid her goodbye. And Minjeong doesn't actually know why she just asked Yoo ing Jimin out on a date.

 

But was that counted as a date?

 

 

---

 

 

yay it took longer than i expected ( m0dules!!!! anyways i am so goddamn sleepy but aespa cb news made me want to write so i kinda rushed to finish this lols.

follow.me on twt.@/jiminejeong

see u next chap!!