Chapter Text
The day started with the rooster’s crows that woke Kookie up, just as usual.
More often than not, he would be the first one awake with his farmer still sleeping soundly next to him. It was barely dawn, the sky behind the curtains was still working its way to a muted blue which didn’t help illuminate the bedroom.
Honey eyes peered open slowly to glance up at his farmer, who’s snores were tapering down by the minute. In the beginning, he would find himself shaken awake by a rattling snore in the middle of the night. Though lately he’s gotten pretty used to it. As long as his farmer is getting some sleep, then Kookie had no problems sleeping through the noise.
A deep sigh cut through the quiet of the room as Kookie untangled his legs to stand and stretch the sleep from his muscles, slightly wobbling from the give of the mattress.
Today was Friday, which meant that they needed to go to Hoseok’s farm for grocery shopping. But in order to do that, Kookie had to wake his farmer up first.
Velvet, soft lips nipped and nibbled at the man’s fingers. It was usually an effective way of waking Joon up, which was a relief since Kookie didn’t have to do anything extravagant for such a small task. But if he had to, he would. Getting his farmer up was one of Kookie’s biggest responsibilities. He watched Joon’s chest heave a deep breath as he stretched into a sigh, those chocolate eyes finally opening to look at him.
“G'morning, little one. ” Namjoon croaked out, bringing his hand down to gently scratch behind the lamb's ears with a smile.
“ Good morning, Joon.” Kookie bleated lightly, leaning into the touch.
It took him a long time to figure out that the farmer and everyone else probably don't understand him. He would say one thing and the humans would reply with something that's completely off topic. It really threw him off at first.
He had gone to Minnie and Tae to ask if the same thing happened to them and they were quick to reassure that it was normal. Humans couldn't understand their speech, but still responded anyway as a way to interact with them.
They think the reason behind it was that the humans find them as close companions and family. And to be family to his farmer? Well Joon can ask Kookie a million questions, and he'll still respond even if he's not understood.
It doesn't bother him as much anymore, since he loves to be talked to. He loves to hear Joon's gentle voice telling him about his day or some new book that he was dying to read. It feels really nice.
"Today's Friday right? I'm sure you can't wait to see Minnie and Tae today, huh?" Namjoon said, sitting on the edge of the bed with Kookie perched by his side, "We might need to stay longer than usual today. Hyung asked if I could help out with the farm work, since he's expecting more business than usual today."
Kookie silently listened as he watched Namjoon get up and ramble on, moving around the room to get ready for the day. This was quite the norm.
They had their daily routine. Starting with Kookie waking up his farmer and watching him pad around his room, hair messy and teeth awaiting to be brushed. Once Namjoon was all dressed and Kookie had his gold bell adorned collar on, they'd make their way down to the kitchen where Joon would whip up some pancakes, eggs and sausage.
Kookie would almost feel like pouting, smelling the amazing food from his farmers plate and then looking down at his bowl full of cut veggies and grains. But he still ate it anyway, since it was Joon who made it with care.
After the nutritious breakfast, they'd make their way outside so that Namjoon could finish his tea in the presence of nature. As the sunrise would color the sky to a brighter tone, his farmer would sit on the porch swing as Kookie tucked himself by his lap, breathing in the chilled morning air.
"It's quite the morning, isn't it Kookie?" Namjoon uttered after some time, sipping quietly on his tea.
Kookie's ears pricked up at the sound of his farmer's voice. His attention was drawn from a few birds fluttering and splashing about in the birdbath, looking up at the man with the raise of his head, “Yeah..” he crooned.
Times like these were really special for him, even if it was for just a moment. Just relaxing with his farmer made him feel special. Knowing that pressing himself close into his side and laying his head on the man’s thighs were reserved especially for him.
He could feel the warmth radiate from the farmer as a hand would scratch through his wool, making his eyes lull and edging him ever so close to the land of sleep..
Of course it never really lasted long, as the hand would leave his ears and he’d open his eyes to see Namjoon walking inside to put his empty cup in the kitchen. Kookie would only stretch and hop from the swing to make his way down the porch and accompany his farmer on their daily chores.
The lamb eagerly trotted behind Namjoon as they made their way to the stables. Even though it wasn’t bath day, the animals still needed a daily brush and some fresh food and water.
And Namjoon, being the caring and responsible farmer, did just that to make sure his animals were happy and healthy.
Entering into the stables was always pleasant. It was a fact that Namjoon's cattle were such gentle and kind creatures, making sure to acknowledge and recognize the two, tossing their heads and vocalizing here and there. They were always sweet to Namjoon as well, though Kookie’s sure the farmer couldn’t understand their excited greetings and words of endearment.
“Good Morning, Kookie.”
“Kookie, Hi!”
Kookie perked up, making his way over to a stall residing an auburn haired cow and her calf, “Eunha! Juni!” he shouted excitedly, happy to see the two.
Before he could utter a ‘Good Morning’, soft muzzles were already prodding his face and licking his cheeks in happy greetings. He may not know his mother and siblings, but he’s more than content with finding Eunha and Juni as part of his family. They’ve already considered him as such the moment they've laid eyes on him.
He could clearly remember the first time he had met Eunha. Once he had been able to walk on his own and stuck by Namjoon’s side, the farmer had allowed Kookie to join him for the daily chores.
Kookie had been so shy, walking into the stable and feeling the curious eyes of the cows staring at him. A quiet, harmless chatter had started up amongst the cows as the ‘lamb’ became the topic of discussion, too deep within their wonder to realize that the lamb was growing with discomfort.
It wasn’t until an angry shout, or a moo in Namjoon’s case which had startled the poor man half to death, had shut the rest of the cattle up. Kookie had nervously peered up at his savior, an auburn cow resting in her stable with her calf laying close to her side. She had gently invited Kookie over with a promise for a safe space in her stall, which the lamb had gratefully accepted, and had introduced herself as Eunha.
“So Kookie, what plans do you have with the farmer today?” Eunha asked as she pulled away to lay down, watching as Juni nibbled and tickled around the lamb’s ears to make him laugh.
Kookie giggled, shaking Juni off and her teasing before running on the other side for safety, “Today I get to see Minnie and TaeTae. It's the day we go to the market for Farmer Namjoon’s food!” He said, pausing with laughs as he pushed Juni over and tumbled onto the hay.
“Aww, You always talk about them. I wanna meet them and make new friends too!” Juni pouted as she leaned up, shaking the strands of hay from her head.
Kookie’s eyes brightened as his tail began to twitch and wiggle, “Maybe you should come with us one day! Minnie and Tae are real fun. We always play tag, tell funny jokes and go venturing in the flower fields.” he chattered away to Juni, watching her brown eyes light up with wonder.
A low huff from Eunha turned both of their heads, sensing the older cow’s slight distress. There was this aura that he could nearly feel. It felt paternal and protective. Almost like the same aura he senses from Joon whenever he wanders away too far and out of sight, but it fades away once he reappears.
It makes him preen and feel cradled, yet slightly meek all at once. Maybe this is what the other lambs feel like, centered in the middle of the protective herd.
He watched the cow’s tail flicker briefly, her tone mild yet clipped, “You’re being careful out there, right Kookie? The neighboring herd told us that there’s been an increase in coyote sightings recently. The security Farmer Namjoon has set around his farm protects us well enough, but that farmer may not even have a security system set up.”
After listening to Eunha’s warning, a shiver of uneasiness was sent shooting through Kookie’s spine. He’s never even seen a glimpse of a coyote but was already afraid of them, based on the encounter stories Minnie and Tae had told him. They were such vile creatures, slinking and sneaking under fences in the dead of night while every animal was deep into their sleep. With such sharp teeth dripping with hunger and want, those predators would prey among the young, elderly and weak, sparing no mercy.
Minnie was quick to reassure Kookie, noticing that the lamb was easily shaken up, that seeing coyotes isn’t a common occurrence. Out of their years protecting the farm, they’ve only had to fend off two coyotes, who hadn’t even gotten the chance to step foot onto the farm.
“You said your friends are guard dogs too right? I bet they do a good job protecting their herds. Makes me kinda wish Farmer Joon had guard dogs as well.” Juni’s bubbly voice snapped Kookie out of his stupor, making him blink rapidly and nod.
He could never forget the one day that Tae had bragged to him about the time they’ve actually faced off the coyote. His friend spoke of it as if they weren’t scared of some useless predator and, for all Kookie knows, they probably weren’t.
Minnie and Tae were strong, fast and not to mention, very beautiful with their long, bouncy shetland coats. He’s been able to see a glimpse of their true instincts whenever they play tag or hide and seek, their impressive speed and hearing unparalleled to the hiding spot that Kookie was sure to make him win.
Kookie nodded as he moved closer to Eunha, looking up into her round, maple eyes, “I’m sure I’ll be safe with them, Eunha. Tae and Minnie are really protective and strong too. I mean they hardly let me even go inside the sunflower field alone!”
“As they should!” Eunha exclaimed with a short chuckle. A sense of ease finally washed over her as Kookie pressed himself into her side, watching Juni go play with the other calves, “If you were a calf, I don’t think I’d ever let you leave my sight, let alone my side.”
Something warm and filling flooded over Kookie’s chest at the very thought of that. Having a mother like Eunha would be like living a life swaddled in a heated blanket as lullabies were softly whispered into his ear to calm his soul. Compared to the other cows, Eunha was a special mother who protected and raised her calves right.
Kookie leaned back into her touch as she groomed around his wool, basking in her touch as he felt cared for, “You don’t think I’m one of yours already, Mama?” he asked half-serious, though he wouldn’t fret if she gave him a lighthearted tease.
He was already comfortable enough with Eunha and Juni to where he could show his true colors around them.
To his surprise, there was silence from the older cow. Kookie felt her ministrations stop and was close to opening his eyes in question, until he felt her on the side of his neck. Her head ducked as she brushed her cheek against his and rested her chin lightly on his shoulder.
“You will always be one of mine, Kookie. My little firefly.” Eunha crooned gently, pulling away as Kookie’s name was being called throughout the stable.
He felt her muzzle push under his rump, lifting to help him up on his own hooves before she stood up herself, “You stay safe out there, okay? And when you return, you can tell me all about your day’s adventure.”
The warmth intensified in his chest even more as Kookie stumbled forward with wide eyes, his brain was still trying to process what was said. Words almost made a way out of his gaping mouth but his farmer’s wondering calls resounded once more.
"Kookie! You ready?” Namjoon called as he walked up to Eunha’s stall, watching the lamb gaze up at him with his doe eyes. It was almost comical how Kookie stood frozen in place, as if he was a newborn who was unsure if their next step would leave them standing or with a face full of hay.
A short chuckle escaped from the man’s lips as he looked up at Eunha, his brows screwed up in amused confusion, “Eunha, what’d you do to him? He’s acting all funny.”
The cow only huffed as she leaned her muzzle into his inviting hand.
______
His farmer wasn't kidding when he said there'd be more people than expected at Hoseok’s farm. Kookie looked out through the window, watching the crowd as they parked on the side of the road. There were tables set up along his massive yard as the customers shopped through the makeshift aisles, their children running around and weaving through products as they chased after each other.
Kookie carefully hopped down onto the soft grass as the passenger’s door was opened for him. Before he could even get another step in, two large bodies crashed into him, making him stumble on his footing.
“Kookie!”
“M-Minnie! Tae!” A laugh slipped through as Kookie was attacked with an onslaught of kisses and licks to his cheeks. He’d be lying if he said he was surprised, since the two dogs had always greeted him like this.
"For a second, we didn't think your farmer would bring you!" Minnie piped up as he finally ceased his kisses and backed off.
"Yeah! It's a lot more crowded than usual, so we didn't know if you were okay with large crowds." Tae agreed, brushing up against Kookie's cheek as the three walked their way to the house.
Hoseok must have been holding a special sale, since there were items that Kookie’s never seen before. Curiosity brimmed up in his honey eyes as they examined the different items on the ground, soaking in the image of whatever they could find. Makes him wonder what their purpose was and if Farmer Namjoon has ever used anything like these foreign objects.
Kookie was quickly brought out of his inquisitive thoughts as they walked past the threshold of the farm home, immediately granted with a sweet, yeasty smell flooding his senses.
It was like walking into Seokjin’s shop with his display of pastries and breads just waiting to be eaten. Before Kookie could realize, his tail was slowly twitching to life.
“Smells wonderful doesn’t it?” Minnie snickered.
“Does it ever! I don’t even know what it is, but it smells so tasty!” He lifted his nose into the air as if to catch the waft that drifted through the air. It smelled so delectable it made his mouth water.
“That, my friend, is the smell of a baker’s thumb,” Tae said as the three of them peeked around the corner into the kitchen, “Farmer Hoseok’s mama came down to make a ton of tasty, fresh treats! And she’s really good at it too.”
Good would only seem like an understatement. The lamb watched as she was bent over the oven door, pulling out a tray of golden buns glazed with sticky, gooey icing that dripped off the sides. A steady flow of steam vented from the rolls, just like everything else that was displayed on the countertops and tables. There were tons of jam pies, two tiered cakes, dozens of cinnamon rolls and bear claws, flaky cannolis and chocolate drizzled croissants— Kookie could go on all day.
“I’ve never wanted to be human more than now,” Kookie whined, his eyes glued on a slice of blueberry pound cake, “I bet that’s all soo delicious!”
“It is delicious. Want a taste?” Tae asked as if they weren’t animals who couldn’t have a lick of sugar. Kookie wasn’t sure if he should laugh or not, trying to figure out if Tae was telling another one of his poorly constructed jokes again.
“Tae, you shouldn’t!" Minnie gasped, scandalous yet jovial, " This time, she’s gonna get seriously mad if she catches us again.”
Again? Kookie’s eyes widened and looked between his friends plotting a childish thievery.
“Ah, It’ll be fine! What do you want? I know I’m going for one of those fresh hot cross buns. They’re soooo good!” Tae gushed, his tail wagging.
“Then get me one of those cherry turnovers. And add in a blueberry pound cake for Kookie!” Minnie added, snickering at the lamb’s eyes widening in embarrassment at being caught staring at a piece of cake, “Our little lamb is so obvious.”
"Obviously cute!" Taehyung laughed as he gave Kookie’s cheek a nuzzle, “Wish me luck, Koo! I’ll need your love and support to get through this!” Kookie heard Minnie laugh beside him as he became a blubbering mess, always becoming susceptible to the receiving end of the duo’s teasing.
Before he could collect his words together, Tae was already sneaking into the kitchen and crouched low. The older woman was at the countertop, swaying her hips and humming softly to the low tune on the radio as she started on her next concoction of yummy treats.
Kookie and Minnie couldn't help but stare intently as Tae padded his way towards the table with her back turned. Trimmed nails tapped ever so lightly as he hopped up on the chair and snatched the closest bearclaw and pound cake into his jaws. The woman only hummed louder as the chorus of the song had come on, prompting Tae to hop off the chair and slink his way towards the other two.
Kookie hadn't realized the breath he was holding in until Tae came back with a proud gleam in his eye, dropping their treats onto the ground with slobber dripping from his jaws. It was gross. But he supposes he could deal with it. They've shared food before.
They watched as Taehyung went back in after she had turned her back once more from getting a bottle of cinnamon. His steps were quick as he went along the floor cabinets close to the oven. Those fresh, sweet buns were sitting right on top of the stovetop. If he could just step up on the footstool and time it right-
"Yah! You pesky dog get out of here!" A sharp voice yelled within the kitchen, effectively startling the three of them.
Taehyung barely managed to snatch a bun and skitter his way out of the kitchen before a broom whacked onto the floor. Hoseok's mother chased him out with the cleaning tool, her face red as she discovered the other two with desserts of their own.
"Hoseok!! Hoseok-ah! Your dirty animals are inside stealing my pastries!!"
Kookie hurriedly bounded after his friends as they burst through the front door and rounded the house, hearing the cries of the angry woman fussing at the farmer in the distance. He felt his heart beating fast and the sweet pound cake spreading over his tongue as they ran towards the sunflower field line, far away from the fuming mother and the curious onlookers of the market.
They didn't stop until they found their usual hangout spot, a bare opening of stamped out dirt and sparse strands of grass amidst the towering sunflowers.
For a moment they stood there, chest heaving and heavy pants filling the air as the adrenaline high was receding— suddenly breaking out into giggles, laughing so hard that they emptied their lungs and gasped.
Times like these felt exhilarating to Kookie, spending time with his favorite friends. There was never a dull moment with Minnie and Tae from the very start, whether they were teasing the chickens in the yard or piling up on Hoseok's couch for a well deserved nap, even when the man grumbled about their muddy paws getting all over his couch.
With their bellies full of sugary yeast, that their stomachs would no doubt protest to later on, the three rolled over onto their backs, basking in the warmth of the sun radiating through their skin. There was something really relaxing about stretching under the sunlight after eating a meal.
If Kookie wasn’t a lamb, he’s sure he would be purring in pure bliss right about now.
___
Their small patch was quiet with only the sounds of birds chirping here and there, and the distant vocalizations of the farm animals. Kookie’s not sure how many minutes have rolled by, but he could tell that his friends had granted themselves a small nap from their sugar crash. Meanwhile, Kookie sat wide eyed in the warmth, kept awake from the sugar he wasn’t used to as he watched the birds fly by from the peaks of the sunflowers. He didn’t really want to wake them… but he really wanted to get up and do something, get rid of the jittery feeling in his bones.
“Tae..Minnie?” Both of the dog’s ears pricked up as they opened their eyes, seeing the lamb sitting up and digging his hoof through the ground.
“What’s up, Koo?” Minnie mumbled, opening his jaws to a wide yawn.
“...I can’t sleep. Can we go do something?” The lamb asked quietly, his ears flickering to hear Tae snort before stretching from his nap.
“Aww, that can happen if you’re not used to sugar.” Tae said affectionately. He shook the sleep from his body, looking more awake by the second, “How about a quick game of hide and seek? That should burn off some of that energy!”
“Yeah, that seems good! What about it Kookie?” Minnie bumped against the lamb’s shoulder, who nodded with excitement at the idea.
Tae’s black tail slowly swung side to side as he lowered himself to the ground, covering his face with his paws, "Alright, I'll give you thirty seconds!... And no sharing! I want it to be a challenge!” He lifted a paw to glance at the two, who were staring off into the sky with faux innocence, as his warning was placed to end their poor strategy.
And in seconds, the game started with Tae counting quietly to himself as the two left the patch and dispersed into the sunflower field. Kookie weaved through the thick stems, his hooves pounding against the ground. He already knew where he was going to hide, and it was going to be the best hiding spot.
Well he was sure that his past hiding spots were the best ones...but this ones going to be the best one! He can feel it.
He felt a giddy sensation rush through him, running for what felt like miles as he reached the end of the sunflower field. A small median of grass staked with a wooden fence ran along the perimeter, separating the Farmer’s land from the unclaimed woods. Both shetlands’ noses could only go so far, which is up to the gate and past some.
And if Kookie had a say, he’d claim that they’d use their noses to win the game. There were some games where they’d find him way too fast.
This time that won't be the case! Kookie smugly grinned as he crawled his way under the gate, trotting into the woods. Technically, he wasn’t supposed to be over here after Minnie and Tae told him to stay on the farm land, but it wouldn’t hurt to go a few feet. He was still kind of, sort of on farmland, considering how close he was planning to stay near the gate. Just a few feet away into one of the shrubs and that's it!
Kookie wiggled himself inside a bush, obscuring himself from the outside world so that he wouldn’t be visible. At this point, Tae had to be done with his countdown and on his way to find someone with that impeccable nose of his.
Too bad it wouldn’t be him. Kookie snorted as the pride of finding such a good spot settled in his chest.
It was then as he was getting ready to get cozy, bright and sweet songs from the birds above filled the forest, keeping the air void from silence. And if he really strained his ears, he could hear a gentle splashing and rush of water.
Being the curious lamb he is, Kookie cautiously tiptoed his way out the bush, his head looking up at the vast canopy of leaves shading the forest floor.
Out of all his time spent on this farm looking out at the trees from afar, he’s never thought it would look so large and open on the inside. Not to mention beautiful. His legs were carrying him further and further into the woods, surrounding himself by the mellifluous songs and the thick vegetation.
He’s been to a forest before, thanks to the weekly trail walks with his farmer, but that forest wasn’t as breathtaking as this one.
The soothing trickle of water grew louder as Kookie approached a small pond, hidden behind a dense shroud of bushes with tiny red berries. The water was clear as day, crystal and crisp as the various pebbles and stones could easily be seen. Honey eyes widened as he stared at the small groupings of brown fish stalling near the surface to catch the next waterstrider to float by. A giggle escaped as he dipped a hoof in, watching as the fish darted over thinking they found their next meal.
The air felt so delicate and tranquil. Kookie gaped in awe as he looked up, discovering the branches that caved in, making this the perfect little haven. Maybe he could convince Minnie and Tae to come visit this spot and make it an official hideout.
“Isn’t this intriguing?”
Kookie snapped his head towards the sudden source of the voice. For a split second, he had thought Tae found him. But Tae didn’t sound raspy and coarse, like he had just swallowed a mouthful of jagged, tiny pebbles.
His ears pricked up with urgency as they swiveled around, trying to find where the voice came from. For a second, he had thought he imagined it until a mangy paw stepped into the clearing from the shrubbery. And then another one. And another...And another.
Something felt like it was blocking his throat as Kookie’s breath quivered, his eyes dilating in pure fear as he found himself enclosed by three coyotes, brown coats matted and scruffed as they bared their teeth at the lamb. Saliva bubbled and dripped from their maws as they slowly crept closer.
“Never thought we’d see a farm animal out here in the woods,” The coyote on the left started, a gleam in his eyes that could easily be seen as hunger, “Nonetheless, a lamb.”
Kookie could feel his heart pound and thud behind his ribcage as he kept his eyes glued on the three slowly striding towards him. It felt like his throat was seizing up, suddenly dry and tongue thick. With every step they took, he barely managed to take two steps back from the way his legs felt like they could give out. They visibly trembled like a newborn, stumbling to find the strength between each step.
“I had a lamb once before. It was a small, plump little thing like you. The herd made sure their little ones were well-fed and fat.” The middle coyote drawled, his voice eager and filled with want while murky eyes stared at Kookie.
“The legs were the best part. Buttery and tender and filling. I’m sure you’ll be enough for the three of us.”
A chilling shiver shot through Kookie’s entire form, tears starting to prick in the corners of his eyes. He needed to get out of here somehow. As far as he knows, he stupidly wandered so far out that Minnie and Tae can't catch his scent from this distance, or probably even hear him for that matter.
He couldn’t die here.
Not now when he was in the middle of a game with his best friends, or when he still had yet to grow his horns to show off to Eunha and Juni. Not when he still had his farmer to accompany for their daily adventures and trips.
Maybe he could buck and give damage to one of the coyotes, and when they’re stunned he can make a break for it. If he just times it right and swivels once they’re at their closest, he can at least clip the middle one in the jaw and run off. His eardrums swished as the snarls and teeth clacking drew closer.
"We'll try to make this painless as possible, y'know...as thanks for making this so easy" one of the coyotes snickered, fading into a menacing snarl as they rushed forward into a pounce.
His honey eyes instantly squeezed shut, bleating in pure unadulterated fear as his legs locked up making it impossible for him to turn around, kick, run, or do anything. Tears slipped through his eyes as he waited for the sharp scary teeth and the claws to hit his fur.
Instead, the throaty growls and snaps that were rapidly approaching and ready to pounce were reduced into shrieks and howls. Kookie stood still as two of the coyotes were slammed into the ground, becoming a blur as familiar brown and black coats tackled the predators.
The once peaceful pond was disrupted as canines and claws ripped into tufts of fur, eliciting pained cries and agitated growls.
“Run Kookie! Go get Farmer Hoseok! Now!” He could hardly recognize Minnie’s voice, laced with deep, throaty aggression as it effectively snapped his legs into motion, panic rising as he darted from the clearing and towards the forest entrance.
Even from outside of the forest, he could hear the cries and yelps increasing, meaning that someone was winning—and someone was in serious pain. Kookie just hopes that his friends have the better end of the fight.
Pants and gasps were all that he could hear as he ran, squeezing under the fence and weaving through the sunflower field while his legs carried him as fast as he could go. They felt like they were on autopilot as they darted through the stalks, large leaves smacking his face and the prickly stems scratching into his ears.
His fear induced adrenaline kept him running even after he had reached the safety of the yard full of vegetables and small perennials. Honey eyes filled with tears as the house came into view, almost causing Kookie to cry out and begin sobbing. Hooves thudded on the open grass as he made a beeline for the two farmers relaxing on the swing.
Tiny legs scrambled up the porch, stumbling half way and hitting his chin on the step, before quickly straightening out and screeching in panic. Both the farmers instantly sat up, startled and alarmed at the unnatural noises coming from the lambs mouth, which made him feel slightly bad for scaring them— but it’s the only way he could let them know that his friends are in danger.
“Minnie and Tae! Help! Coyotes!” Kookie yelped out uselessly, stomping his hooves frantically against the wooden planks as the farmers looked at each other in bewilderment.
“N-Namjoon-ah, I’ve never seen Kookie do this before. Is this normal?”
“No, I…I think something might be wrong. He’s never acted this way before.”
If he was human, he would give Namjoon the biggest of hugs right now. Kookie nearly whined in relief as both of the farmers stood up, Hoseok jogging over to the shed as Namjoon rushed inside, cups of tea left on the floor and long forgotten.
The second both humans were back in his sight, Kookie instantly made a straight line for the flower field with the farmers hot on his heels. His lungs were already near the point of burning and there was an ache in his hooves, but his discomfort is nothing compared to what his friends were currently going through.
All the while his mind raced about the two shetland dogs and their safety while he pushed through the sunflower field.
_____
Quiet, occasional bleats filled the room drowning out the faded chirps of nature’s nightlife. The living room was hush and still with a summer fire rolling in the fireplace, and a small black lamb currently sprawled out over two large, exhausted dogs. In the background sat their farmers, brows upturned with relief and draped over the couch watching the lamb fuss and fidget over his friends for the past hour and a half.
It was already nine. Too dark and starting to push towards too late for driving, so the flower farmer had offered his guest room for Namjoon to stay in.
And in other circumstances, Kookie would’ve been overjoyed to spend the night and have a sleepover, but he just couldn’t feel it in him to be at least a tad excited. Not after what had just happened because of him.
“I’m sorry Minnie, Tae. I’m really really...really sorry. You both got in danger because of me." The lamb pitifully whispered, shame blooming within his heart, "I didn’t kn— I didn’t think that there would be coyotes that close, and you told me not to go past the fence for that reason but I still did and-”
“Aish, the mouth on this one. It runs faster than the actual lamb in a game of tag.” Tae quietly teased, content and relaxed from his warm spot in front of the fire.
Kookie only pouted. Here he was trying to genuinely apologize for endangering the life of his friends and even their farmers because of something he did… and Tae wants to take the chance to make it into a joke.
“T-Tae, please don't make fun of me. I feel really bad about this and I’m really trying to apologize here.” Kookie weakly whined. He loves his friends so very dearly, so he at least knew that the pain in his chest was the guilt eating away at his heart.
The dogs merely hummed.
Minnie groaned as he leaned up from his spot to place his chin on the lamb’s back, ceasing all the minute fidgeting and squirming, before taking a deep sigh, “It’d be lying if we said we weren’t at least a bit upset. You broke the rules that were placed for the safety of this farm and every animal on it.
“And while this rule may be important to us, that we take seriously, you mean much more to us, Kookie. We’re just so very relieved and glad that you’re safe and unharmed.” The dog buried his nose in the lamb’s wool, rubbing his face through it’s soft texture affectionately.
“Honestly. If you got hurt or taken away from us, we don't know what we’d do. Or Namjoon and Farmer Hoseok either. We all love you so much.” Tae crooned.
The lamb found himself squished between the two dogs as they wrapped themselves around him fondly. In the distance, he could faintly hear the chuckles of two farmers.
Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes as he buried himself into the comfort of his friends’ embraces; a warmth flourishing and blooming within his chest, “...I love you guys too.”
“Ah, there’s our cute, sweet Koo.”
.
.
.
"You guys?"
"Yes Koo?"
"I feel like I'm gonna throw up..."
"Is that...blueberries?"
"Y-Yah!! Never mind that Joon-ah! Your lamb just threw up all on my carpet!!"