Chapter 20
Chapter 20
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Translator: uly
Chapter: 20
Chapter Title: Searching for Gray
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A few days had passed since Han Na-hyuk's visit.
Yet Gray was still nowhere to be seen.
While treating patients, Lee Jun kept glancing out the window whenever he had a moment, but he couldn't spot any sign of Gray.
After Lee Jun had started setting out food for him, Gray had come by Meongmeong Animal Hospital at least every other day to eat his kibble and treats before leaving.
For that guy to vanish for nearly a week...
"This is starting to worry me more than I thought."
Lee Jun knew he was the boss of this territory, but that was only in the cat world.
"What if something happened to him?"
He didn't live solely in the park.
He roamed the streets and crossed roads too.
Cars, motorcycles, bicycles, electric scooters...
Dangers lurked everywhere.
Lee Jun's mind was already running simulations.
An accident leaves him crumpled in a roadside ditch, blood pouring out, whimpers escaping his mouth.
Severe injuries render Gray immobile.
But driven by wild instinct, he drags his battered body with all his might, wriggling toward it.
He finally hides in a spot no one can see.
So if no one knew Gray was hurt...?
"No. It couldn't be. He's probably just found a butler who gives him tastier stuff than I do and ditched me. Yeah, that sounds more like him."
Lee Jun shook off the dark thoughts.
That didn't mean the worry vanished.
Finally, unable to bear it any longer, Lee Jun resolved to go look for Gray.
Just then, Jang So-ra approached him, clearly concerned about Gray herself.
"Director, Gray hasn't been around lately, has he?"
"Yeah. I was thinking of checking the park after work."
"You're going to look for him?"
"Yes. I won't relax until I see he's okay."
"I want to go to the park with you, Director..."
"Aren't you off today? You should head out soon."
"Still. How are you going to cover the whole park alone?"
"It's fine. I know his usual spots, so I'll find him quick."
As he'd told Jang So-ra, Lee Jun was confident about tracking down Gray.
He could head to the park and call for him, or if not, ask the other cats.
Jang So-ra, clocking out a bit early, handed Lee Jun a paper bag.
"Director. I packed some treats for Gray and the cats."
Inside were Churu, kibble, and canned food—everything the cats loved.
Plus small bowls and a bottle of water.
"Thanks. I'll tell the park cats Manager Jang prepared it."
"Hee-hee, Director, you always say the warmest things. Well, I'll head out first then."
"Alright. Good work today."
An hour after Jang So-ra left, Lee Jun closed up Meongmeong Animal Hospital and headed to the park.
First stop: the tree where Gray usually perched.
He got there and called out.
"Hey. Gray. Gray!"
Nyaaao!
Meow meow!
Cats' cries echoed from all around in response to Lee Jun's call.
[It's the Teacher!]
[Hee hee hee, Woof Teacher!]
[Teaaacher, hello there!]
Rustling sounds followed as cats appeared before Lee Jun.
A yellow cat, a reddish-brown one, a tuxedo with a snowy belly and black back, and more.
But no Gray.
"Where's your boss?"
[Boss isn't here.]
[The Boss is out on a trip.]
"He's gone?"
[Yes.]
Unlike Lee Jun's disappointed expression, the cats seemed perfectly calm.
"Where'd he go?"
[Probably on patrol.]
[Our Boss sometimes tours the territory.]
[Hee hee hee, that's our Boss for you. Always checking on us and patrolling the neighborhood.]
[That's right. He warns us about dangerous spots or anything suspicious.]
The cats vied to praise Gray.
Normally, Lee Jun would have given a thumbs-up, marveling at the boss's influence over the group.
But right now, the priority was Gray's safety.
"When did he leave?"
[Hoong. About a week ago? He'll be back soon.]
A sleek reddish-brown tabby meowed in a nasal tone.
The three cats behind joined in chorus.
[He'll be back!]
"A week? So you haven't seen him in a week either?"
[Yes. Patrols usually last a week to ten days sometimes.]
Listening to the cats, Lee Jun thought.
'He knows I'm waiting, so if he had to go far, he'd have told me...'
But these cats unanimously said Gray was out on patrol.
'They probably know him better than I do.'
Lee Jun set the thought aside and distributed food to the cats.
[Ho ho hong, this is great. No whiskers in the way! Boss must love it.]
[Hee hee hee, sure does.]
[Water! Water!]
[Hee hee. So tasty. Wish Boss was here to eat with us.]
The cats seemed thrilled with the dishes.
No whiskers getting in the way for a clean meal?
They each picked their favorites and dug in.
The water bowls were especially popular.
They dunked their heads in and lapped away for a good while.
"Good to see you eating well."
Lee Jun still worried about Gray but didn't neglect the cats in front of him.
"Any cats with sore mouths from eating, raise a paw!"
Silence. No paws went up.
Lee Jun's tense face, hardened from worrying about Gray, softened a bit.
"How about cats who have trouble peeing?"
Silence again. No response.
"Good. If anything hurts, tell me right away."
[Yes. We will.]
"Drink plenty of water too. Oh, where do you usually get your water from?"
[Over there.]
The yellow cat answered crisply and hopped off.
Probably to show him the water spot.
"Such a reliable subordinate."
The type who answers honestly and carries out orders without fail.
Lee Jun followed the yellow cat.
It felt like the right thing to do.
A short walk led to a sunken rock pooling with water.
"Looks like rainwater..."
Fine for now, but warmer weather would bring flies and mosquitoes.
"Any other spots?"
[There's a faucet at the park's edge. We drink there.]
"Got it. Use that from now on."
[Understood.]
"And if Gray shows up, tell him to come find me."
[We'll wait another day or two for the Boss. If he doesn't come, we'll look for him too.]
"Alright. See you tomorrow."
Lee Jun said goodbye to the cats and circled the park.
Plenty of dogs out for late walks, including some familiar faces.
[Directooor!]
A beagle came bounding from afar, panting excitedly.
Not too fast—pacing with his owner.
"Hey, Jamongi. Out for a walk?"
"Hello, Director. You out walking too?"
Yu Ji-yeon greeted Lee Jun warmly.
"Haha, something like that. How's Jamongi been?"
[Hee hee, great! Walked with Sis this morning too, and now again.]
Jamongi, understanding Lee Jun, wagged his long tail and replied.
His face beamed with joy.
"He's adorable—I could die from cuteness. Doesn't touch anything at home, eats well. Best boy ever!"
"Jamongi, hear that? Sis says you're the best."
Lee Jun rubbed Jamongi's forehead.
The soft, warm touch eased his tension a little.
"Oh, right. Jamongi, you know Gray? Gray."
[Gray?]
Jamongi tilted his head, unsure.
"You know, the boldest cat in the park. The boss cat."
[Oh, that scary cool Big Bro! What's up with him?]
"Yeah, him. Seen him lately?"
[Nope.]
"If you spot Gray on walks, tell me. And let him know I'm looking. Got it?"
[Yes, Teacher!]
"Tell the other pups too. Say it's from me."
[Loyal!]
Jamongi barked a small 'woof.'
After that, Lee Jun asked every dog and cat he met in the park about Gray.
The answers were all the same.
No one had seen him recently.
"If you find Gray, let me know. Even if it's just his scent. Okay?"
[Yes! Teacher!]
Their expressions were earnestly serious.
Dogs from all over converged on the park from different areas.
That widened the search radius.
'Dogs and cats have way better noses than us humans. They'll find him.'
Hoping for news that Gray was out there healthy, Lee Jun headed home.
***
The next day at work, Lee Jun truly appreciated the dogs' network.
[Vet Teacher. Looking for that gray cat? Found him yet?]
[Teach. You hunting Gray Bro? Haven't seen him nowhere lately.]
"He'll turn up. Thanks for worrying anyway."
[No prob. You asked, so 'course. My nose is killer, y'know? If I catch Gray Bro's scent, I'll tell ya.]
"Yeah, thanks."
[I'll sniff around too.]
Lee Jun was touched by their words.
'They're worrying like it's their own problem.'
All day, visiting dogs brought updates to Meongmeong Animal Hospital.
Most hadn't seen him but promised to report if they did.
That evening, Lee Jun hit the park again.
Like the day before, he fed the cats while fretting over Gray.
This time, unlike yesterday, the cats started worrying too.
[Told the boss next door. Said to let us know if they see our Boss.]
"Good job."
[Our Boss is okay, right? He has to be.]
"He'll be fine. Just hope he's not starving wherever he is."
Traffic accidents worried him, but Lee Jun fretted more that Gray might develop fatty liver from hunger.
Cats could get it after just a few days without food.
Then, a figure came bounding from afar.
"Jamongi."
Lee Jun planned to thank him.
Thanks to the little guy, the neighborhood dogs would keep an eye out.
[Teacher!]
Woof woof woof—Jamongi, who rarely barked, came charging with loud yaps.
"What is it?"
Lee Jun's mind flashed: something's up.
[Car—found him. Smells like Gray Bro.]
"Where?"
[But Sis pulled me this way, so I couldn't track more.]
"Yeah? Tell me details."
Yu Ji-yeon greeted from the side, but Lee Jun didn't hear.
[So, on the way from home to park, we go through that alley?]
"Wait. Just take me there."
Lee Jun stopped excited Jamongi and told Yu Ji-yeon.
"Owner, mind if I borrow Jamongi for a run? Looks like he needs to stretch today."
In his haste, words tumbled out.
"Oh, really? He's been extra hyped today. I was worried. Please do."
"Yes, yes. Don't worry, stay here."
"Okay."
Lee Jun bolted ahead with Jamongi leading.
"Huff huff huff, Jamongi, slow down if you're tired."
Lee Jun panted, following.
But Jamongi ignored him, sprinting straight ahead.
'Must follow Teacher's order.'
Smell Gray, tell Teacher—that was all in Jamongi's head.
How long they ran, he didn't know.
Jamongi halted abruptly. He sniffed intently, stepping forward slowly, one paw at a time.
Deep in the alley was a small vacant lot.
Overgrown with weeds.
[Sniff sniff sniff, strong Bro scent.]
Jamongi's pace quickened.
Lee Jun, holding the harness, sped up too.
"Huh? What's that?"
Amid the thick weeds, something grayish flickered.
Lee Jun ran.
Jamongi ran with him.
At the weedy spot, Lee Jun dropped to his knees.
He parted the foliage.
"Gray. Gray."
He kept calling.
Rummaging through, a familiar shape appeared.
Gray.
SMongchied over. Blood caked on both hind legs.
"Gr-Gray!"
Lee Jun's eyes darted side to side.