Chapter Three

I’m officially a fur-parent.

In no time, the three females had gobbled an entire tray of fried chicken and several bottles of alcohol. They, frankly speaking, don't recall what they talked about after their conversation ended. All they know is that they got a nice chuckle as a result of it all.

And now that Sana is in the bathroom, no one knows she fell asleep or anything. She's been there for quite some time. Mina made the decision to search for her friend before anything turns out badly. But she was thwarted by something.

"What are those medicines for?" she inquired of Dahyun, who had just removed the tablets from a translucent small box.

"Just, you know, meds."

Mina didn't understand what the girl was saying, so she could only answer, "Okay, but it's best if you don't take them right now." She is, after all, a nursing student, even when she is drunk. "You drank some alcohol."

"Oh," Dahyun said before nodding. "Yeah, you're right," she responded as she returned the pills to their container. She hid it in her pocket without saying anything else.

"I should get Sana."

"I think something is wrong," Sana murmured as Mina followed her. They are now making their way back to their table, where Dahyun has been patiently waiting.

"What?" Mina inquired; her voice tinged with concern.

"Every time I consume alcohol, something goes wrong."

"Yeah? What's the matter? Are you okay?"

"My stomach hurts, and it makes me poop," Sana stated unequivocally. Mina could only scratch her brow after realizing that it wasn't that serious. "It's similar to drinking coffee, but a little worse."

"As long as it's not killing you," Mina said before pointing to Dahyun, who is standing at the entrance. "I'm dizzy," she said quietly, which Sana definitely heard.

"Poor drinker," the girl just jokingly said.

"I think we should have some coffee before we go home," Mina suggested.

"I just mentioned that consuming alcohol is similar to drinking coffee, and I just got off the toilet."

"Yeah, but it’s like telling me that coffee is slightly better than worse; I need to sober up."

Sana continued to make popping sounds as she watched the skies darken. She had already finished her cup of coffee, so all she had to do was wait. Finally, her gaze was drawn to Dahyun, who was still blowing on her drink. She's been doing this for a considerable time.

"I don't think it's still that hot," Sana said, drawing Dahyun's attention to her empty cup. She blinked multiple times, pausing before nodding her head. "Unless you want it to freeze, you should keep blowing," Sana joked.

Dahyun smirked as she took her first taste, followed by another. But she always has the same tangy expression on her face. That's when Sana noticed and thought to herself, "she mustn't enjoy it."

"You don't drink coffee, do you?"

"Is it that obvious?"

"You looked better while you were drinking alcohol than you do now," Sana chuckled. "Hand it over," she said, and it was passed over to her without any buts from the other.

It wasn't until now that Sana realized Mina hadn't returned. She has no idea where the girl has gone. "That girl," she thought to herself as she checked her phone.

Mina: You were right about the coffee and booze crap.

Sana: Where have you gone?

Mina: Restroom. I'm considering returning home.

Sana: What?

Mina: I'm leaving to go home. In case you didn't know, my is more introverted than I am. It's not coming out.

Sana: HAHAHAHA

Mina: It's not funny!!!

Dahyun watched Sana with concern after the girl placed the phone back into her pocket. "What did she say?" she couldn't help but wonder.

"She's not planning on returning."

"Why, and where is she now?"

"She's going to fetch some explosives," Sana responded, holding back her giggle.

"Explosives?" Dahyun said again, puzzled. "Do you mean fireworks?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe?"

"I don't see a lot of people enjoying firecrackers in the midst of summer," Dahyun said, still unsure what the other was talking about. "However, if you do... We have a huge space where you may perform those things."

Sana could only grin, thinking, "She's not so bad. Like a teenager trying to play tough but is actually quite kind on the inside." Dahyun coughed slightly as she caught Sana staring at her. The older girl was brought back to reality as a result of this.

"Would you like me to show you where?"

"What?"

"The place for firecrackers."

"Yeah, okay," Sana chuckled, "but maybe another time?"

"Okay, whenever you want."

While a period of quiet engulfed them, they were both trying to think of something interesting to talk about. "What are your plans?" Sana inquired.

"Now?"

"Yeah."

Dahyun hummed for a second, wondering whether there was something she had forgotten to do. "Can you tell me what time it is?" she asked Sana, who promptly glanced at her wristwatch.

"Nearly five-thirty."

"Oh," Dahyun murmured quietly. "He must be starving."

"What? Who?" Sana inquired, perplexed.

"Come with me; let's go somewhere first."

Sana followed Dahyun to a local pet supply store, still perplexed as to what was going on. "Wait here," the girl had said, but she didn't seem to comprehend and walked in anyway. "Hello, Miss Yoo," she said to the woman standing beside the counter.

"I assumed you weren't going to stop by today."

"I lost track of time," Dahyun replied before moving her gaze to the direction the shop owner gestured. There was a fully prepared plastic bag with dog food waiting for her, and all she always had to do was pay once she arrived. "Thank you," Dahyun whispered as she slipped her cash onto the counter.

"You have a pretty new friend with you, hmm?"

That prompted Dahyun to glance behind her, where she spotted Sana simply enjoying what she saw inside the store. She had heard the compliment, but she pretended not to notice. Hearing praises from complete strangers might be disquieting at times.

"Yeah, she's beautiful," Dahyun answered simply, returning her gaze to the other lady.

And that one is difficult to dismiss. Sana heard it, and the only reason her cheeks are flushed red right now is because of it. She had never expected to hear something so lovely from a strange-acting teenager.

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow," Dahyun remarked as she turned to face Sana, who appeared transfixed. "Sana?" she called. "Let's get going."

"Huh? O... okay." And it is indeed funny. The girl was unable to look the other in the eyes directly.

"This place is wonderful," Sana could only exclaim as she touched the trunks and leaves of every tree they went by, large or little. They're now in the woods, looking for something Sana doesn't know what it is. "Where are we going?" she eventually asked.

"Here," Dahyun said, pointing to a branch with a white ribbon wrapped around it. "Turn right," she said to herself, despite the fact that Sana could clearly hear her. The latter continued to wander after the pale girl, for some reason finding this stuff amusing. "Ahri? Ahri!" Dahyun yelled to whatever was around.

"Ahri?" Sana said in hushed tones, unsure what it meant.

"Hey, buddy!" yelled Dahyun as they arrived at a little open spot. There was a little dog kennel, and later on, a five-month-old white fluffy puppy appeared. "Were you waiting for me?" she said before bending her knees and allowing the dog to crawl into her lap. It was a cute sight, especially for Sana, who was standing behind them, admiring the lovely scenario.

"Is that Ahri?"

"Yep! He's Ahri," Dahyun said again, wanting the other to know it was a male.

"Is he your pet?" Sana inquired before bending herself to gently touch Ahri's head. The dog seemed to like it as he excitedly wagged his tail. "Such a baby," she cooed, his crown.

"He... no," Dahyun said gently, "yes..."

"Huh?" Sana said, perplexed.

"I look after him."

Sana remained quiet, still playing with Ahri after Dahyun had taken him off her lap for a few moments. She had to find the bowl and fill it with food. "But I don't know who owns him. I saw this tiny boy on the side of the road and felt awful, so I moved him somewhere safer," Dahyun explained while preparing the pup's meal. "I made this house for him."

"Why don't you just bring him home?" Sana said, intrigued. "If no one is looking for him."

"I'd love to."

"But?"

"It would be strange to have a dog running around the home all of a sudden," Dahyun replied. "I'm sure my family would be surprised."

"Why not openly tell them about it? Tell them you spotted Ahri on the roadside—"

"I'm afraid I can't."

"You're not allowed to have pets?"

Dahyun sighed, knowing she couldn't properly answer the question. "It's not like that; it's a little difficult to explain," she could only murmur. "Hey, do you want to feed him?"

"How do you do it? Don't you just place the bowl in front of him?"

"Well," Dahyun chuckled before handing Sana the bowl. "You're right about him being such a baby; if you don't let him sit in your lap and hold the bowl close to his mouth, he won't eat."

It's been a while, and Ahri is about done with his meal. "He likes you," Dahyun said abruptly, delighted at how at ease the dog is with Sana. The latter just bobbed her head, as though she didn't know what to say. Dahyun had just thought of the most unusual, maybe stupid, favor to ask the other. "Would you like to adopt him?"

Sana furrowed her eyebrows, puzzled, wondering if she had understood it correctly. Dahyun appears to have cared for the animal, and she trusts a person she only met yesterday to look after it.

"I just," Dahyun began to explain, followed by a sigh. "I love him, but I'm not sure I'm the perfect person to care for him. See, I can't even bring him home," she explained. "And I'm not sure how long I'd be capable of caring for him."

"I understand," Sana responded. "But I'm new to this type of thing," she explained, uncertain. "I've never had a pet before, and I'm not sure if I'll do things correctly."

Dahyun's head bobbed. Of course, she couldn't simply compel Sana to adopt Ahri. After all, she is well aware of how tough it may be. Well, especially for a busy person who has just arrived for a summer vacation. "Yeah, it's okay; I was just wondering," she giggled gently as she the back of her neck.

"However, while I'm here," Sana said, "I can assist you with him."

"All good," Dahyun said as she sat next to Sana to pat Ahri and of course, properly introduce the girl. "Ahri, you've got a stepmom," she declared.

"Stepmom?" Sana said, squinting her eyes. "Why am I a step? Did you have another partner?" This made the other girl chuckle for some reason.

"No, you're the only one."

"Then repeat that to him," Sana said, her smile tightening.

"Ahri, meet your mommy," she said. Dahyun then took Ahri in her arms, waving one of the puppy's paws as though he was attempting to wave. "Hello, mommy, take care of me!" she said in a little and distinct voice.

"You're cute," Sana could only whisper as she stared at Dahyun, but she managed to divert her glance to Ahri before the girl noticed. "Cute," she said once again.

Dahyun gave a brief grin. Before she recalled she had to get back before six o'clock. They have barely a few minutes left. "Hey, Sana. I think we should... call it a day," she said. "I've got to get back home."

"Oh," muttered Sana. "Okay. Sure. I'll just see you tomorrow." She paused after uttering those words without thinking about it. She was weary the other would think she was desperate to see her. "The blazer. I haven't returned it to you yet." Fortunately, Sana found a justification for it.

∙ ∙ ∙

"Hey," Mina said as soon as Sana entered the home. "I'm sorry, I had to leave you," she said, wearing a shy expression on her face. "I know you enjoyed the date, though," Mina said quietly (since Sana's mother was in the kitchen). Mina wiggled her brows, hoping to annoy her best friend even more.

"Shut up," Sana hissed back.

"Is Sana home?" the older lady said as she exited the kitchen, drying her damp hands on the back of her trousers. "How was your day at work? Your walk by the coast? I heard you were with a new friend; you should invite her around some time," the lady chatted incessantly, not leaving Sana a minute to respond. "You must be hungry. I had supper ready; it's a good thing you arrived just in time."

Sana could only scratch the back of her head and smile as she looked over Mina. As the latter just shrugged, she had to respond, "Yes, I'm fairly hungry." Her mother then pleasantly bobbed her head before returning to the dinner table to re-set the plates and utensils.

"So, when are you inviting your date over?" Mina teased as she brushed her shoulders into Sana's, who scowled.

"Come on, girls, the food is going to get cold!"

This day is indeed the happiest for Dahyun, who just now had safely and successfully climbed up the window to her room. She wore a toothy grin as she let herself fall on her bed. For the first time, she could relate to what cloud nine means. "How come I have never been this happy before?" Dahyun whispered to herself, not realizing that her eyes were becoming heavy each second that passed. Soon enough, everything was pitch black.

"Wake up, Dahyun-ah! Dahyun!"

Dahyun slowly opened her eyes. She had only now discovered she had dozed off. Her voice isn't coming out for some reason, even though she wants to ask Taehyung what's going on. All Dahyun could do was extend her hand weakly to caress her brother's worried face.

"You're like burning!" gasped the man before laying a palm on Dahyun's forehead. "But your hands are freezing, and you're sweating a lot," he remarked, checking to see whether Dahyun was shivering. "Is your breathing fine?" he asked, clutching one of his sister's hands. "I think I should go call Mom."

"I n-need," Dahyun managed to say before Taehyung could even let go of her hand. That prompted the man to pause and hear what the girl had to say first. "I need to change my shirt first," she said, referring to her white collared shirt and school vest.

"All right, let's hurry," Taehyung said as he rose. And then, he hurried over to the closet to grab any shirt for Dahyun. "I'll assist you."

Sana, on the other hand, was unable to sleep. So, there she was, standing against a wall with her hands on a glass of water. She drank a single sip and then reverted her attention to her mother's back while the woman washed the dishes.

It has to be true. A mother knows all there is to know about her child. Even the things they are hesitant to discuss, whatever those may be. "What is it?" the lady asked before directing her gaze to Sana, who instantly raised her eyebrows. The unexpected question stunned her. "Do you have something you wish to tell me?"

"Oh..."

"Do you need something? Or do you want something? Just tell me, okay?" the woman said with a pleasant tone. She resumed her mind to what she was doing at that moment.

It's not that complicated, after all. Sana couldn't get her mind off what she'd witnessed today. She is fully aware that the days fly by and that it will soon be time for her to return to the city. But...

"I just... I love him, but I'm not sure I'm the perfect person to care for him. See, I can't even bring him home. And I'm not sure how long I'd be capable of caring for him."

These words impacted Sana differently for some reason. She was concerned despite the fact that she had never considered taking care of anything other than herself. Ahri does not have a permanent home. Even if Dahyun takes care of him, living with a family is a different feeling.

           "Mom," Sana said softly, causing the other woman to gaze at her within her eyes. "What can you say about me raising a pet?" she wondered, which understandably baffled the mother. It's almost midnight, and her daughter is suddenly discussing owning a pet. "A puppy," Sana added with a timid smile on her face.

"A puppy?" the woman asked again, now comprehending what they were talking about. For a little moment, she appeared to be shaken up. "Of course. You're twenty-three; having something you should be responsible for at that age is a good idea," she could only respond. "Would you like to go to an animal shelter tomorrow?"

"No, I—" Sana took a step closer to her mother. She went on after setting the glass of water on the counter. "I already have one I would really like to look after."

"Already?" the mother said, her daughter's words resonating in her head.

"Mhmm," Sana agreed with a hum. "So, am I allowed to keep one?"

Sana's mother couldn't help but smile. She couldn't recall the last time her daughter had requested something with such enthusiasm. It's a sad feeling. She realized she couldn't watch Sana mature into the woman she is now. She has some regrets. But there are certain things that you do out of love.

"Mom?"

"All right, let's see that little one tomorrow; I'll join you."

"Really?" exclaimed Sana. She was so overjoyed that the next thing she knew, she had her arms around the older woman. This is something she has been hesitant to do since she arrived.

Fortunately, the phone rang before things became embarrassing. Sana swiftly let go of the embrace as a result of it. "Tell me what time we'll meet your puppy tomorrow, okay?" her mother reminded her before softly her shoulder. "I'll go fetch the telephone."

"Yeah, yeah," Sana said faintly. "This is where I congratulate myself," she talked alone. "I'm officially a fur-parent."