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The bedroom was quiet when Jiwoo woke up. She sat up with a stretch as she squinted in an attempt to see through the curtains. An orange hue shined through. The sun was still rising. She smiled as she felt a shift in the bed next to her.
“Rest some more Yoona. I’m gonna go make breakfast!” she announced, pushing herself off the bed with unrivalled energy.
Yoona hummed from the bed, easily recognisable to Jiwoo that she wasn’t at all awake.
It was a big day for the two of them. Not only was it the first week day in forever that they’d both had free, but they’d also planned to go to a dog adoption center. Jiwoo had pestered Yoona sinced they moved in together for them to adopt a pet. She tried every trick in the book. Pouting, guilt tripping, even framing it like an addition to their family to appease Yoona’s parents’ wishes for a grandchild.
For months Yoona had held strong in denying Jiwoo her wish for a puppy. They both worked full time. Yoona herself knew that she wasn’t going to get up early in the morning to walk a dog. Still, Jiwoo persisted. Said that she would walk the dog. She’d be in charge of feeding it too. All Yoona had to do was allow it into her space.
The moment Yoona gave in was the moment Jiwoo’s best friend made a comment about Jiwoo being lonely when Yoona is at work. That was convincing enough. Working from home all day did seem to start bothering her.
Jiwoo was half way through making pancakes when Yoona joined her in the kitchen, tiredly hugging her from behind.
“Morning sunshine,” Yoona smiled, her arms tightening slightly around Jiwoo’s waist.
A blush spread across Jiwoo’s face. “Good morning my love.”
Three years the couple had been together, and yet nothing compared to the happiness Jiwoo felt when Yoona was close to her. Holding her tightly.
They stayed in silence as Jiwoo finished up making the last pancake. Yoona’s smile grew as she watched from over Jiwoo’s shoulder as she plated the pancakes. They weren’t neat. A little burnt in places. She appreciated it regardless. She didn’t mind covering up those parts with syrup.
“Are you excited to meet the puppies?” Jiwoo asked, her excitement glistening in her eyes.
Yoona giggled as she looked up at Jiwoo. She was looking at her the same as she did when they first started dating. The look that was exclusive for the best parts of Jiwoo’s life. The joy she couldn’t hold back even if she tried. It warmed Yoona’s heart beyond belief. Reignited the butterflies that became all the more special when they started spending every day together.
“I am. It will be fun I’m sure.”
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The sun shone directly towards Jiwoo, prompting her to place her hand above her eyes. They were in front of the adoption center. The sound of dogs barking in the garden area immediately caught Jiwoo’s attention.
They’d discussed what kind of dog they wanted. Yoona wanted one with a calmer demeanor, while Jiwoo was hoping she could have a buddy to cause mischief with. In the end, they decided the best choice would be somewhere in the middle. If that was even possible. Despite this, Jiwoo sped up her pace as she walked past the reception area and straight out into the garden.
She was immediately met with the cutest sight possible. All the dogs were jumping around, chasing the balls being thrown across the grass by one of the employees. It didn’t take long for Yoona to return to her side, her arms crossed. You would believe she wasn’t happy about the situation if not for the way her smile widened as she looked around.
One dog in particular caught Yoona’s attention. It was a Beagle, which she had initially ruled out because of their energy and need for exercise, but it was stood in the middle of the garden, seemingly analysing the other dogs as they ran around.
“You like that one don’t you?” Jiwoo smiled, nudging Yoona’s shoulder and pointing towards the Beagle. “I do too. It reminds me of you.”
Yoona tilted her head as she turned to face Jiwoo. “What about it reminds you of me?”
The dog, happy with its analysis of its surroundings, walked up to the employee and sat down in front of her. She threw the ball in her hand, which it immediately ran off to chase.
“That’s exactly what you look like when we hang out with our friends.”
When they decided to look into adopting a dog, Yoona had expected that they’d all remind her of Jiwoo. She’d never met someone who resembled a puppy so much. It was entertaining to her that in the end, her attention was drawn to one who, according to Jiwoo, resembled herself. She couldn’t deny the similarities though. That was exactly how she acted in social situations.
A ball was thrown towards where Jiwoo and Yoona were standing. The Beagle happily ran up to them, starting to sniff their shoes straight away. The smile on Yoona’s face grew as the dog continued to circle around them.
“I think it likes us,” Jiwoo squealed, her eyes not leaving the dog below her. She crouched down a second later, holding her hand out for the dog to check out.
Yoona’s heart warmed as the dog immediately placed its nose onto Jiwoo’s palm. Crouching down next to Jiwoo, she carefully reached out her hand to stroke down the dog’s back. It had been a long time since she’d had a pet of her own. Not since she was a kid. She’d almost forgotten how healing it felt to be around them.
An employee made her way towards the couple, placing a hand on the dog’s back. “This is Doe. She’s four and was brought in by an elderly couple. They couldn’t keep up with taking care of her anymore so wanted her to go to a more suited home.”
Somehow, the explanation only made Yoona feel more drawn to the dog. While it was mainly focused on Jiwoo, who was now making random noises as she gave it head scratches, Yoona could tell how excited it was to finally be getting so much attention.
“How long has she been here?” Yoona asked, looking back towards the employee.
“She’s been with us for around a year. I thought she would’ve been adopted immediately because of how friendly she is, but most people end up choosing young puppies instead.”
A frown formed on Yoona’s face. She looked to Jiwoo who was entirely too focused on the dog to even register what the employee had told them. If she knew how adorable it would be to see Jiwoo with a dog, she might have agreed for them to adopt one sooner.
Looking around at the rest of the dogs in the garden, Yoona’s heart sank. If a dog as cute and playful as Doe had been there for a year, how long would the rest have been there? How much longer would they have to wait? She wished she could fit all of them in her and Jiwoo’s house. Take care of all of them. Still, the employee seemed to cherish them a lot. It gave her hope that they were at least still living well.
Jiwoo, finally out of her trance, placed her hand on Yoona’s shoulder. “Do you like her?”
It was sweet. Despite Jiwoo’s infatuation with the dog, she still wanted to know Yoona’s thoughts. She didn’t want to make the decision without her. Doe mirrored Jiwoo and jumped up so her front paws were on Yoona’s knees. It almost knocked her off balance, making Jiwoo laugh. That was all she needed.
“You agree that you will be the one to walk her?” Yoona questioned as she placed her hand on top of Jiwoo’s.
Jiwoo nodded immediately. It was clear how much she wanted this dog.
“Then yes babe, I like this one.”
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The second Jiwoo unclipped Doe’s leash, she ran off to explore the house. Yoona laughed as she shook her head, following behind Jiwoo who had already began chasing after the dog.
Jiwoo sat on the couch as the dog ran around in circles in front of her.
“You can come up you know,” she called out, immediately gaining Doe’s attention. With a bark, the dog jumped up beside her and cuddled into her side.
From the doorway, Yoona took as many photos as she could of the moment. She didn’t want to forget it. The idea of a scrapbook popped into her head. A way to document the memories of their life with the new addition to their little family. She almost felt like she was going to cry.
Jiwoo’s gaze landed on Yoona. Her heart jumped as she noticed the love in her eyes. She never thought Yoona would agree to them getting a dog. The countless denials had nearly gotten to her. Nearly. Though, she was recognising that Yoona was happy with their decision. She just needed a push.
Reaching her arms out, Jiwoo pouted. “Join us.”
A laugh escaped Yoona as she placed her phone into her pocket. She sat next to Jiwoo with the dog between them. Her arm naturally fell over Jiwoo’s shoulders.
“Thank you for allowing this,” Jiwoo muttered, allowing her head to fall onto Yoona’s shoulder.
Yoona kissed the top of Jiwoo’s head gently. “Thank you for convincing me.”