Chapter 139
Chapter 139
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 139
Chapter Title: Who’s Cuter?
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Today was finally the Monday I'd been waiting for!
For office workers, Monday might be the worst day of the week.
But for me, this particular Monday held such special meaning.
And it was all because...
"Tofuuu!"
"Meow."
Today was the day I finally got to bring Tofu home.
The moment I arrived at the animal hospital after giving them a heads-up in advance,
I spotted Tofu outside and couldn't contain my excitement.
I rushed over in one bound, and Tofu spotted me too, meowing as it came running.
Squeeze—
I scooped up Tofu as it reached my feet and hugged it tight.
Its soft fur brushed my face, and I could feel its squishy little belly.
Our Tofu has gotten so chubby!
Yeah, better plump than skin and bones.
From now on, Mom's gonna make sure you get all the yummy stuff!
"You've arrived, guardian."
"Ah, Doctor!"
I was reveling in our reunion when
the doctor who'd treated Tofu came out with the nurse to greet us.
"Looks like you've already picked out a name."
"Yes! White like tofu, so that's what I went with."
"Suits her perfectly. Oh, just to be safe, we ran another thorough check on her leg yesterday, and there's no issue at all. She'll be able to run and jump like normal, so no worries."
"Really? Thank you so much...!"
That had been my biggest concern.
Of course, the doctor had assured me before that it was fine,
but as her future mom, I couldn't shake that nagging worry.
Maybe the doctor sensed it,
because she mentioned doing one last check before discharge, just in case.
I bowed deeply in gratitude.
Hehe, our Tofu is totally healthy now.
The wound on her leg is completely gone.
Her fur's grown back all shiny and new too.
"Tofu was waiting for you so desperately."
"Huh, really?"
"Yeah, she was always staring out the window. Probably remembers you from your visits."
"Wow...!"
I looked at Tofu after hearing the nurse,
and she tilted her head, following my gaze.
"Tofu, is that true? Did you miss Mom a lot?"
"Meeeow."
I knew she couldn't understand me, but I asked anyway,
and amazingly, Tofu meowed back.
It could just be coincidence,
but it felt like she really understood.
Like she was proving she'd been searching for me,
as she rubbed her head against my shoulder. My heart nearly stopped.
What do I do? She's too cute!
Isn't our Tofu the cutest in the world?
No, wait—my Blues exist too.
Yeah, sorry Tofu, but second cutest in the world it is.
Or at least, Mom will rank you in the top 0.5.
Good, from today, our Tofu is top 0.5 cutest in the world.
"Meow!"
"Eek? T-Tofu, what's wrong...?!"
I was nodding to myself when
Tofu headbutted me with what looked like an angry face.
No way she read my mind, right?
Does my body smell like something?!
I showered extra thoroughly this morning, just in case...!
"Anyway, you can take Tofu home now. No need for follow-ups, but if anything seems off, bring her in anytime."
"Yes, thank you, Doctor. I'll take great care of her!"
After hearing some basic precautions
and confirming the notes I'd prepared beforehand,
I said goodbye to the doctor, put Tofu in the carrier I'd brought, and headed home.
From today, I had family living with me.
Knowing Tofu was coming, I'd prepared everything three days in advance.
Taking advice from Ra-hee unnie, who has cats at home.
I stocked up on food and treats ahead of time, and gathered all the essentials.
A cat tower as the ultimate playground,
a scratcher for her claws, a litter box for Tofu,
and toys to play with her. All sorts of stuff.
"Here, Tofu. This is your new home from today."
"Meow!"
Thanks to that, my quiet living room felt nicely full,
and the moment I let Tofu out, she started zooming around like she owned the place.
She especially loved the towering cat tower,
jumping up to the top in bouncy leaps.
Hard to believe she's only four months old with jumps like that.
"What do you think, Tofu? Like it?"
"Meeeow~."
At the top, Tofu did her cat wash,
surveying the view out the window with a satisfied meow.
Good, good, she seems to love it.
I even attached a scratcher to the tower,
so she can play and rest plenty here.
"Tofu, wanna play with Mom now? I bought tons of toys just for you."
Next, time to bond.
I called her down and dangled a toy,
but
"Meeow..."
"Y-you don't want to? Mom wants to play with you..."
Tofu just yawned tiredly, staring at me.
Uh, huh...?
Tofu's acting kinda cold.
She was so friendly just a minute ago.
Gasp, is this the cat's owner instinct?
Now that I'm her human, no need to butter me up anymore?
That's too mean...!
No way.
I've gotta come up with a plan.
How do you get close to a cat?
"Hmm..."
As I pondered,
I suddenly remembered what the Cherries said during last week's stream.
I'd dismissed it as teasing nonsense back then,
but now it kinda made sense.
She'd probably feel closer to someone who looks like her.
"Tofu, wait a sec! Mom'll be right back!"
"Meow...?"
Leaving the puzzled Tofu on the tower,
I dashed to the bedroom and rummaged through the closet.
It has to be here somewhere, that gift from before...
Ah, found it.
Swish—
I stripped off my outfit and slipped into the gifted cat-ear hoodie.
No headband ears, but
this should do the trick.
Heart pounding with excitement, I ran back to the living room.
"Tofu! Look! Mom's a cat too now!"
"Meow?"
I proudly showed off the perky cat ears on my head,
and Tofu's eyes went wide with interest.
Ooh, yes!
It's working.
Sorry, Cherry who suggested it.
I'll apologize on stream!
"Hehe, meeeow."
"Meeeow!"
I balled my fists like cat paws and meowed,
and Tofu hopped down the tower step by step,
coming right over to rub against my legs.
Perfect—today, I'm living as a cat too!
No Jeong Da-jeong today, just Da-jeong-meow!
It's kinda embarrassing now that I've named it...!
But if Tofu likes it, that's what matters, right?
"Tofu, wanna have some yummy churu?"
"Meow."
To reward her coming to me,
I pulled out my secret weapon: churu.
The doctor said not to overdo it for a while,
so just today, then proper kibble from tomorrow.
Sorry, Tofu.
It's all for you.
Can't have you getting picky later.
Snip—
I cut the tip with scissors for a small opening,
pressed the other end with my finger, and the paste oozed out.
Tofu pounced like she'd been possessed.
Slurp—slurp—slurp—
The rhythmic sounds as she devoured it were so satisfying,
I just watched with a grin.
Aww, eating well, our Tofu.
Churu really is the cheat code for cats.
But she's still a baby, so I'll limit it until six months.
I tossed the empty stick and sat on the sofa when
"Meow!"
"Kyaa?!"
Tofu lunged at me, knocking me back.
She's not heavy, but the surprise...
"Uhahaha, Tofu, that tickles."
"Meeeow."
Tofu licked my cheek like there was churu residue,
then settled right on my chest.
For a split second, I thought if I were Ra-hee unnie,
Tofu could've rested on something softer.
Sob, sorry Tofu.
Mom's a lacking mom...
But there's nothing I can do about that.
"Ah!"
Right.
I should thank Ra-hee unnie with a message.
She said to send a pic once Tofu was home.
Yeah, let's do that now, with our cute Tofu too.
"Tofu, Tofu. Wanna take a pic with Mom?"
"Meow."
"C'mere, who's my good kitty."
"Meeeow...!"
I worried she might hate photos,
but luckily, she snuggled right back in.
I supported her with one arm, stretched out for the shot.
But do I really need to be in it?
Unnie wants to see Tofu anyway.
Eh, better to show us bonding. She'll worry less.
We'll just snap it like this today.
Click—
After a moment's hesitation, I hit the button,
capturing Tofu happily nuzzling my cheek.
Hehe, our Tofu is too cute.
Look at those jelly bean paws.
Ra-hee unnie won't be able to resist.
I sent the pic to unnie,
then tidied up while waiting for a reply.
Haven't even set up the litter box with sand yet.
So much to do.
Ra-hee had just come back from Pilates and was eating a simple salad.
As a full-time VTuber, staying home meant exercise and self-care were musts.
Ding—
"...Hm?"
A sudden message made her set down her fork and pick up her phone.
Sender: her beloved maknae, Da-jeong.
'Ah, today was Tofu pickup day, right?'
Da-jeong rarely initiated chats, especially personal ones,
so Ra-hee guessed it was about the cat before even opening.
Knowing Da-jeong, it'd be a thank-you.
She's such a good kid all around.
The first two lines were as expected.
But when she scrolled down...
"...Huh?"
Ra-hee's eyes widened impossibly.
There was a photo,
and the subject was...
Da-jeong wearing the cat-ear hoodie Ra-hee had gifted her.
"...Insane, she's freaking adorable."
Her awkward selfie face and pose screamed newbie,
but that only amplified the cuteness.
And the cat nuzzling her cheek in her arms?
Cuteness squared.
[Save photo?]
"Yes."
Ra-hee saved it without hesitation,
then replied casually.
No, not the cat—you, Da-jeong.
She couldn't say it, so Ra-hee swallowed her feelings
and zoomed in, savoring Da-jeong's landmark selfie.
A salad for a meal, yet
her stomach felt full of happiness.
What to do with this adorable creature.