Chapter Text
In the dim light of dawn, two human figures huddled in a forgotten corner of the park, embracing silently as the world slowly awakened. The cool air contrasted with the warmth of their joined bodies, creating a refuge of calm. Without opening his eyes, Yunho began to gently scratch the head of his companion, trying to wake him softly, without completely breaking the spell of sleep.
“Wake up, princess, it’s time…” He whispered in a soft and tender voice, continuing to play with his partner's hair with his fingers.
“No… I don’t want to wake up,” Mingi replied, nestling his face against the chest of the canine hybrid. The young man with black hair added, “Can’t you go instead? People like dogs more than rabbits.”
The blonde smiled widely, his ears perked up at the complaint. “You’re adorable too, and I won’t let anyone say otherwise. Besides, today is a new day, and I don’t want to be alone while I look for food.”
Mingi stretched lazily his arms while still leaning on his friend's chest before opening his dark eyes. “Alright, but if we see anyone, I’m going to hide. I don’t want to get caught again.”
Yunho nodded, wagging his tail back and forth with enthusiasm. “I promise! Now let’s see what we can have for breakfast.”
As they got up, the park began to come alive. The singing of birds filled the air, and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the trees.
They both started their search, walking briskly through the park. Yunho, always cheerful, sniffed the air, guided by his instincts. Meanwhile, Mingi, with his black hair flowing as he walked, stayed a little further back, alert and nervous about potential unwanted encounters.
Near a café that had opened early, Yunho noticed a person sitting on the terrace, enjoying their breakfast. His tail wagged with excitement. “Look, Princess! We could go over there! Maybe they’ll give us something to eat.”
Mingi frowned, lowering his ears. “I don’t know, Yuyu. What if they catch us? Let’s just look for food in the trash cans.”
“Trust me,” Yunho replied with determination. “Stay here while I ask them for some food.”
Before Mingi could protest, Yunho transformed into his dog form and approached the human with his characteristic enthusiasm, despite limping slightly. He sat next to the table, wagging his tail and looking at the young man with an expression that said: Look at me! I’m adorable.
The person with platinum hair began to smile at him, even pulling out their phone to take pictures. Delighted by the attention, Yunho started doing some simple tricks: he sat, gave his paw, and spun around. The laughter and applause from the human filled him with happiness.
Suddenly, a shorter figure with dark brown, wavy hair appeared next to the platinum haired young man. Although their expression was kind, their movements suggested a certain weariness, as if the routine had exhausted them.
“What are you doing, Hwa?” he asked, crossing his arms while watching the blonde dog with a mix of curiosity and concern.
“I’m just giving him something to eat,” Seonghwa replied with a sad smile as he petted Yunho. “Look, Joong, he looks malnourished and seems to limp when he walks. I can’t just ignore him.”
Hongjoong frowned slightly. “Again, Seonghwa? We’ve already adopted four. We can’t take on more.”
“I know, but… what if this one is different?” he insisted, looking at his partner with pleading eyes. “Look at him, Joong. He’s alone, hungry, and who knows how long he’s been wandering. We have the resources, we can help him.”
Hongjoong shook his head. “It’s not about resources; it’s about time, energy… We have to be realistic. Besides, we don’t even know if he has an owner. He might be lost.”
Seonghwa looked down at Yunho, who was watching him with bright eyes, his tail wagging slowly. “But… it could be our responsibility. He needs us.”
Hongjoong sighed deeply. “I understand how you feel, but we already have enough.”
Finally, Seonghwa petted Yunho one last time. “I’m sorry, little buddy. I guess it won’t be this time…”
Yunho watched them walk away, feeling a slight pang of sorrow. For a brief moment, he had imagined what it would be like to have a home, a stable family that cared for him and gave him love every day. But now, that image faded like a broken dream. He transformed back into his human form, while approaching his companion, who was seeing him hiding among the trees.
“Don’t get me wrong, Mingi, I’m happy that we’re together,” Yunho said, forcing a smile as he wagged his tail weakly. “But for a moment… I thought it would be nice to have a warm place to sleep every night.”
Mingi lowered his head, scratching the ground lightly with a paw. He understood his friend’s feelings, but the fear of being left behind had consumed him for so long that he couldn’t help but feel a touch of selfishness.
“We don’t need anyone,” he murmured, almost to himself. “We can manage. We always have.”
Yunho fell silent, knowing that Mingi was right. They had survived together for so long, facing the cold, hunger, and loneliness. Yet, the idea of being part of something more, of belonging to someone who would love them unconditionally, still lingered in his mind.
Several hours later, the sky began to be painted in shades of orange and pink as the sun set, casting long shadows in the park. Both hybrids got up, knowing they needed to find a place to spend the night. As they walked, Yunho limped slightly; the discomfort in his leg hadn’t completely disappeared.
Mingi observed the silent pain of his friend. Although he didn’t mention it, he knew that the limp was a constant reminder of the hardships they faced on the streets. Sometimes he wished he could do more for him, but solutions always seemed just out of reach.
“Does it hurt a lot?” Mingi finally asked, his voice softer than usual.
Yunho looked down at his leg and then shrugged with a tired smile. “A little, but I’m used to it.”
The silence between them stretched until Mingi, unable to bear it any longer, finally spoke. “Tomorrow we could go back to the park. Maybe… Seonghwa will come back and give you more food. We don’t need to be adopted, but at least he could help us with that.”
Yunho perked up, surprised by the suggestion. “Do you think? I thought you didn’t like getting close to people.”
Mingi looked away, uncomfortable. “I don’t like it… but if it helps you, we can try.”
Yunho’s tail wagged slightly, a small glimmer of hope in his chest. “Well, we have nothing to lose by trying. Maybe I won’t get adopted, but it’s always nice to know someone cares.”
They both continued walking in silence toward their makeshift shelter. Although Mingi was still struggling with his own insecurities, something inside him was beginning to change. Seeing Yunho so in need of help awakened in him a desire to protect him even more, even if it meant facing his own fears.