Chapter 118
Lee Seo-yeon was looking pretty down in the dumps after getting hit by Honey Bread's revenge. Of course, those of us who knew the truth were just chuckling inwardly. Seeing Doyun hyung so busy, he's probably hammering away at his keyboard right now... Things should start taking shape once we head back to school and club activities tomorrow—whether it's the game or those two's relationship.
I tossed out a question now that I'd joined up with Yoo Seol-ah.
"Any vibes from a particular one?"
"...They're all so cute, it's hard to pick."
"Planning to start with just one?"
"Yeah... for now. Cats don't get lonely like people do without another cat around. We can think about more later."
As Yoo Seol-ah said, cats supposedly don't pine for feline friends the way humans do. In fact, another cat might stress them out. Of course, individuals who've grown up together might enjoy company, but that just means more for us to manage.
"Haven't seen this side yet, right?"
"Nope. Let's check it out."
We headed down another aisle with Lee Seo-yeon trudging behind. Sure enough, the cats were roaming freely in the mostly white space. Cats are cute anyway, but kittens? Their eyes take up half their faces—impossible not to melt.
Moving slowly so as not to startle them, one kitten caught my eye: calmly holding its spot. The manager we'd chatted with earlier seemed to be watching these ones too and approached us. Lee Seo-yeon, eyeing the same kitten, spoke first.
"That one's super chill, huh?"
"Yeah, been like that since it arrived. Doesn't seem unhealthy or anything—just doesn't wander much?"
A gorgeous kitten with white and gray fur mixed in.
"Kinda feels like an old soul, you know? Norwegian Forest cats are usually laid-back but social too."
"Mind if we take a closer look?"
"Go ahead. It's had all its shots."
I followed Lee Seo-yeon as she approached carefully, extending her hand from a distance without touching. Divine power naturally flowed out. She quickly reined it in and whispered just loud enough for us.
"Yeah. Perfectly healthy."
She's the only one among us who wields divine power, so I couldn't say for sure, but honestly? Way more trustworthy than any vet. She probably avoids using it like this usually, but since it's a cat, not a person, she made an exception.
Lee Seo-yeon inched closer, but the kitten just lifted its head and stared—no big reaction. Even when she offered her hand, same deal.
"...Feels like it's looking at me pitifully."
With no response, she pulled back, a bit embarrassed. Then Yoo Seol-ah stepped forward.
"Ah, Seol-ah might have better luck."
Lee Seo-yeon's eyes lit up as she made way, and Yoo Seol-ah crouched hesitantly, hand out. The kitten's slightly blue eyes widened, staring at her—then slowly approached.
"Whoooaa..."
Yoo Seol-ah, who freaked out over big cats, looked like she might stop breathing as the kitten neared. It settled by her hand and started rubbing its head against her—gently at first, then more.
"...No idea how she does it. Was she a cat in a past life?"
Seeing the kitten open up to Yoo Seol-ah after ignoring her, Lee Seo-yeon felt a pang of relative deprivation. The manager, watching from afar, came over in amazement.
"Whoa, first time it's approached anyone first. People fawned over it, but it always played it cool."
Yoo Seol-ah stroked it softly, and the kitten purred contentedly.
"Didn't even care much for treats or people. Guess this is what they mean by 'chosen one.'"
Come to think of it, the fur color and vibe reminded me a lot of Yoo Seol-ah. The aloofness before warming up, too.
"I've decided."
Yoo Seol-ah, who'd been petting steadily, spoke up firmly.
"I want this one."
The kitten seemed into her too, and she'd clearly taken a shine to it—match made.
Now for me to win it over. I extended a hand from beside Yoo Seol-ah. The kitten watched briefly, then plopped its front paw right on my palm—thwop.
Kitten power rivals Yoo Seol-ah's, no contest. As I smiled warmly, a sigh drifted over.
"...Why not me..."
Yoo Seol-ah and I were fully smitten; decision made. Soon after, we got the adoption rundown: paperwork, supplies—better come back tomorrow.
"I've got food I feed mine—tons at home. I'll send some over; use that."
"Super premium stuff?"
"Pretty high-end. Gotta feed 'em good, right?"
Lee Seo-yeon, with her two cats, was a goldmine of advice.
"Not pricier than human food, is it?"
"One meal per cat—10,000 won?"
"...For real?"
"Duh, kidding. Guys... don't make me feel bad if you buy that."
After being the rich-girl punching bag, she was veering into self-deprecating comedy.
"It's from a good brand, a bit pricey—one month tops 50,000 won. Litter too, 20-30,000 won monthly."
Including everything, initial setup 200-300,000 won; monthly under 100,000.
"But if they get sick, it's no joke."
"Cats can't get insured like that, right?"
"Yeah. Best to keep 'em from needing the vet."
Even while we listened, ignoring it briefly, the kitten circled us, rumbling happily.
"...But seriously, why only you two?"
"Beats me."
Given what we'd seen, Yoo Seol-ah as cat-god made sense—but me too? Unexpected.
Mulling it over, a solid theory hit.
"Our scents are similar?"
"...Huh, that tracks."
Cats rely on smell over sight. Head-rubbing's for scent-marking. Spending so much time glued to Yoo Seol-ah lately, I'd probably picked up her aroma. Same shampoo, body wash—obvious.
Casual observation, but Yoo Seol-ah bit her lip, face flushing.
"......"
No words, but chewing on it: our scents merging meant that much closeness. Fair reason to blush.
"Alright, expect you tomorrow then. Call if plans change."
"Got it. Take care."
Quick goodbye to the kitten, and we exited. Yoo Seol-ah, fresh from the cafe, was already pondering dinner.
Pure curiosity from me:
"But don't you ever gain weight?"
Intentions pure or not, delivery matters. She pouted, snippy.
"Sure looks like I just eat all day, but I don't overdo it."
"No, not saying you have now—"
She glared, voice rising a tad.
"...You'd know anyway...! If I've gained..."
Loud enough for mild embarrassment on my end. Casual listener might miss it, but her flushed face screamed: you see me naked.
Sharp-as-ever Lee Seo-yeon caught on, smirking payback-style. Yoo Seol-ah realized too late.
"...How'd you know everything...?"
Before more slipped, she clamped Lee Seo-yeon's mouth shut. Then resumed menu deliberations.
Till Lee Seo-yeon was gasping a bit.
"...Mm, shabu-shabu."
"...Could've... thought... without holding..."
"Ah, sorry for real..."
How immersed was she? Acted like it'd slipped her mind entirely.
"You love shabu-shabu. First time we met back here, you picked that too."
...Truth be told, it hadn't crossed my mind right away. But Baek Sion naturally brought up the past. I forced my lips flat, aiming for normal tone.
"That pops up first?"
"Hasn't been that long since we got here. I remember most of what you said."
"...Right."
Face probably gave me away, so I ducked, pretending to check my phone.
...He's totally grinning now. Deep breaths to calm the flutter, then:
"Thought of a good cat name."
"What?"
"Shabu."
"......"
Baek Sion and Lee Seo-yeon blanked briefly, then seemed to like it.
"Yeah, whatever flows best is ideal."
"They say naming after food makes 'em live long."
"...Kinda cute ring to it. But you really love shabu-shabu that much?"
"...Yeah, a ton."
It'd always been a fave. Felt even more so after Baek Sion's offhand comment, though.