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"This is totally unreasonable," Nayeon declared with a straight face. Her long ears twitched slightly, the right one bearing a small nick from a past scrap. "Why does the dog get to come and go as she pleases, while I’m stuck cooped up in this pen?"
Jihyo bent down, refilling Nayeon’s bowl with fresh carrots and cabbage. She sighed. This was the fifth time today.
"You know why, Nayeon. The second you get out, you bolt. And once you’re gone, it takes all day to find you. Besides, we have to keep the café sanitary."
Nayeon’s nose wiggled. She took a quick, perfunctory bite of her food, then pushed the bowl away.
"Chaeyoung runs off too, but she’s allowed on the street."
"Chaeyoung is a cat."
"So?"
"This is speciesism," Nayeon pointed out. She was already mentally drafting a scathing manifesto in her head. If Jihyo said just one more word, she was ready to fluff up her fur, shake her ears, and launch into her speech. "This is a naked violation of animal rights."
Jihyo took a deep breath, ready to retort, but out of the corner of her eye, she saw Dahyun sneaking into the little enclosure. This fenced-off area was Nayeon’s daytime residence, a rule strictly enforced by Yoo Jeongyeon after Nayeon had chased a regular customer three blocks down the street. (Nayeon had argued that the man’s pocket smelled delicious).
Sometimes, Jihyo and Jeongyeon suspected that Nayeon viewed their rules with utter contempt.
Dahyun carefully laid down on Jihyo’s slippers. Jihyo had switched into her work flats, leaving her comfy slippers piled in the corner.
Dahyun disliked chaos. She was the type of cat who remained perfectly still while being petted, never scratched, and specialized in walking on people to wake them up. She was a white cat with a slender tail tipped in black. She always looked pristine, except for the occasional smudge of pâté on her whiskers after a meal.
Jihyo decided to ignore Nayeon’s grievances for a moment and turned her attention to the cat. "What is it, Dahyun?"
Dahyun buried her head lower and let out a soft meow.
"I can’t hear you. Speak up."
Dahyun looked up, her eyes darting nervously. "Mina... she..."
Jihyo’s eyebrows shot up.
"Um... well..."
"What happened?"
Dahyun shrank back into her neck. "Sana has Mina’s tail in her mouth."
Jihyo strode out of the enclosure. Nayeon seized the opportunity and hopped over the fence.
Mina was the second most senior pet in the shop; Dahyun had arrived about three days before her. Nayeon was the founding member—she didn't count, having lived in Jeongyeon’s apartment before the café even opened.
It was 4:00 PM, the peak of the rush. Usually, Mina preferred to hide. She didn't like strangers touching her, and her fur got dirty easily—or rather, she worried too much about it getting dirty.
She typically slipped into the cubbyhole by the bar’s footrest, sleeping the afternoon away. Occasionally, she would peek out from behind a cabinet, observing the humans with her clear, slightly bluish eyes, her eyelids fluttering in thought, but she rarely revealed herself.
But Sana was different. Sana liked to run everywhere. Sana was enthusiastic about everything new. And right now, the newest novelty was Mina’s tail.
Mina was pressed flat against the floor, her eyes wide, the fur on her spine standing on end. Her tail was firmly clamped in Sana’s mouth. To make matters worse, the girl currently scratching Sana’s chest couldn't stop laughing.
"Ah, these two are so funny," the girl said, looking at her friend. "I posted the photo in the group chat."
Her friend stood nearby, giggling at her phone.
The low rumble in Mina’s throat warned Jihyo: Storm approaching.
"Oh, dear. Well," Jihyo squeezed out a professional smile, trying to intervene. "Sana has been, um, a bit of a handful lately. Pranking the others. Let me check if she hurt Mina."
Jihyo knew she hadn't. If Mina were hurt, claws would have been drawn long ago.
Sana immediately let go, though her muzzle hovered right next to the tail, her paws still resting firmly on Mina’s back. She wagged her tail, looking up at Jihyo with her head lowered.
"Sana, come here," Jihyo patted her thigh. "You can’t bully Mina."
The second half of the sentence was strictly for Mina’s benefit. Jihyo hoped it would soothe her indignation.
Sana’s ears drooped, but she didn't move. The customer bent down and rubbed the top of Sana’s head. Sana shook her head, nudging the girl’s palm with her nose until the hand moved back and forth over her head.
Sana was a Shiba Inu, possessing all the standard traits of the breed, which meant she was extremely hyperactive. Anyone who walked by had to have their pant legs sniffed. It felt less like curiosity and more like biological protocol.
Except for Mina, Sana was incredibly friendly to every animal and human, including the stray cats that passed by the kitchen or the front door; she would wag her tail and try to sniff them all. This left Jihyo baffled as to why Sana reserved this specific, teasing attitude only for Mina.
When Sana first arrived, she would pretend to sleep while actually staring at Mina—specifically at Mina’s signature long tail, which swayed with a subtle rhythm as if signaling something. Waiting until Jihyo and Jeongyeon were busy serving customers, Sana would tiptoe over to Mina. She would either bat at the tail with a paw or just fit the whole thing in her mouth. Every time, Jihyo and Jeongyeon would be startled by Mina’s shocked yelp.
"But they get along so well," the girl said reluctantly, squatting down to stroke Sana’s back. "I saw Mina grooming Sana earlier."
"Yes, our cats are very friendly. The dog too," Jihyo lied without batting an eye. "But they’re still getting used to each other. I’m worried Mina might get angry and scratch Sana."
Sana, still holding position, nudged Mina’s body with her nose. Jihyo glanced at the ceiling, decided to let fate take its course, and went back to the coffee counter.
Mina narrowed her eyes.
"What exactly do you want?" she asked. Fortunately, the customers couldn't speak Cat.
Sana immediately released the tail, wagging her own as she circled Mina. She tried to touch noses with Mina, but the cat dodged.
"Mina. Let’s play hide-and-seek?"
Mina remained motionless.
"No."
"Why?"
"The café is too small. You’ll find me no matter where I hide. Besides, if we scare the customers, Jeongyeon will be mad."
Sana shook her head, stared wide-eyed for a moment, then leaned in closer.
"Then how about you hide and I seek?"
"How is that different from hide-and-seek?" Mina pointed out sharply. "Both are boring."
"It’s fun!"
"I’d rather sleep."
Sana tilted her head. "Why sleep? It’s daytime."
Mina twitched her mouth and batted at her own ear. She wasn't going to tell Sana that she had stolen a piece of salmon from the kitchen and was currently suffering from a food coma.
"Fine, I’ll hide," Mina drawled, her voice deliberately slow. "Just stop pestering me."
Sana grinned, and that smug expression annoyed Mina to no end. She stood up and placed one paw on Sana’s front leg.
"But no biting my tail," Mina warned. "And this is the last time. Don't come near me tomorrow."
Sana looked up at her, the picture of innocence. "I won't bite your tail tomorrow."
Mina rolled her eyes, slipped through the crowd, and ducked under the bar. She curled up inside a cardboard box used for coffee bean shipments. Jeongyeon threw them out every two days, but she and Jihyo had been too busy to clean up today.
Mina curled up in the box, pondering Sana. She didn't like overly excited animals. Sana was too excited; it was unbearable. She extended a claw, thoughtfully scratching the cardboard, a low purr rumbling deep in her throat.
Suddenly, a black shadow pounced. Mina’s spine stiffened instantly. She instinctively extended her claws, then retracted them just as quickly when she recognized the scent.
"What are you doing?"
It was Chaeyoung. A small black stray cat with huge yellow eyes that took up half her face.
Mina licked her lips cautiously. "Sleeping."
Chaeyoung eyed her suspiciously. "I saw you with Sana."
"That dog keeps following me," Mina meowed. "I hate it when she bites my tail."
"Why don't you just throw her in the trash can?"
Mina felt her back stiffen again. She looked at Chaeyoung warily. Chaeyoung wasn't big; Jihyo had found her when she was nearly seven months old, though she looked only three. Back then, she had survived solely on what she found in dumpsters.
Chaeyoung had an obsession with trash cans—or rather, trash. Despite looking like a harmless, cute kitten, whenever Jeongyeon took out the garbage, Chaeyoung would act nonchalant before sprinting to the bins, sticking her head in to sniff out any treasures.
Mina shook her head.
"She’s not trash."
"But..." Chaeyoung looked disappointed. "You clearly hate her." Besides, Sana looked like she’d enjoy a trip to the trash can.
Mina pursed her lips. Did she hate the Shiba Inu? Okay, maybe a little bit.
"She is a member of this shop. She is our companion."
"Oh, so you consider Sana a companion now?" Chaeyoung’s yellow eyes widened.
Mina didn't know how to refute that, so she just rested her chin on the edge of the box and let out a sticky, noncommittal "Meow."
Chaeyoung was about to say something else when a faint noise caught her attention. Her ears perked up, she spun around, butt wiggling high in the air, and pounced.
Sana was trotting by, looking for the hidden Mina. The impact of the pounce sent her rolling forward. Chaeyoung ended up riding on her back, looking down at her. Sana whimpered, shook her head vigorously, and looked up at the cat.
But at the same time, she spotted Mina. In the blink of an eye, she scrambled into the cardboard box, as if waiting for Mina to do something.
Mina sighed with extreme dissatisfaction and shrank deeper into the box.
A second later, Chaeyoung climbed in too, looking curiously at Sana and Mina squeezed together.
"Chaeyoung—"
"Meow—" An anxious voice interrupted them.
"I saw it, Chaeyoung," white Dahyun walked over with small steps, glancing cautiously toward Jeongyeon and Jihyo. "You can't hit Sana."
Chaeyoung immediately fluffed up. She arched her back and hissed at Dahyun.
"It wasn't me! Mina said she hates Sana."
Mina felt her neck heat up and immediately lifted her head.
"I did not," she articulated carefully. "I just said I hate having my tail bitten."
"If you hate it, why not throw her in the trash?"
"I—"
Sana made a whining sound. Chaeyoung immediately sidestepped and patted Sana on the forehead.
"Hey!"
Despite having just claimed to dislike her, Mina instinctively shifted her body to block Chaeyoung from getting closer to Sana. Dahyun crept a little closer and peeked into the box.
"Why are you all squeezing into one box?" Dahyun asked softly. "It’s so crowded."
"I’m hiding," Sana said, as if it were obvious. "Hide-and-seek. Don't you guys know how to play?"
Mina let out a gurgle of frustration. She was about to explain that hide-and-seek meant hiding alone, not squeezing into a box with the seeker—this was just... what was this? Mina was confused. In her moment of distraction, Sana rested her furry head right next to Mina’s. The small space couldn't contain so much restless energy. Mina could smell Sana—a scent like sun-baked fruit, mixed with grass, that distinct dog smell, and a hint of whatever she’d just eaten. She wondered what Sana had eaten.
"I am not playing with you," Mina said with restraint. "I just didn't want to see Chaeyoung hit you."
Sana’s nose was wet, her warm breath puffing against Mina’s face. Her eyes were sparkling.
"Thank you—"
"Gross," Chaeyoung sneered, then shot a glance at Dahyun. "Dahyun, let’s go."
Dahyun looked guilty. "Maybe..." she said uncertainly. "I don't play hide-and-seek, so... I don't want to disturb you." She looked at Mina and wagged her tail.
"Chaeyoung," Mina raised her voice slightly on purpose. "Why don't you go play with Momo?"
Chaeyoung’s yellow eyes lit up at the suggestion. She arched her back, licked her lips, looked at Mina and Sana for a moment, then back at Dahyun.
"Good idea," Chaeyoung’s tail twitched. "Dahyun, coming?"
Dahyun nodded slightly, and the two cats crept toward the window.
There was a small pet door in the corner of the designated pet room, just big enough for Momo to squeeze through. They hadn't gotten a permit to raise a raccoon yet, so Momo couldn't officially live in the store.
But Momo came every day, arriving at the same time Sana went out for her walk. Unlike Sana, who needed an escort, Momo let herself in. And unlike Sana, a purebred pet from birth, Momo had been found by Jeongyeon next to a dumpster one night. Finding small animals near dumpsters wasn't rare; what was rare was that Sana had escaped the shop and was standing right next to the raccoon. The two animals stood shoulder to shoulder—or paw to paw—staring up at Jeongyeon’s flashlight in unison.
Chaeyoung and Dahyun tiptoed into the pet room. Chaeyoung was already eagerly looking around, while Dahyun still looked worried.
"Momo?"
No answer.
Chaeyoung craned her neck at the door, trying to see into every corner. Suddenly, a small hand with claws reached out from the corner. Like magic. Chaeyoung yelped and pounced toward it.
"Too obvious," Chaeyoung said arrogantly. "Hiding behind the wastebasket again."
Momo spread her hands, looking indifferent. "It’s the safest place."
"It’s the dirtiest place," Chaeyoung countered. "It’s full of waste paper."
Momo shrugged. "Exactly. That makes it safe."
"Momo," Dahyun said softly. "Mina is playing hide-and-seek with Sana, so we came to find you."
Momo sniffed the air cautiously. "You’re kidding, right?"
"Really. I saw them in a cardboard box," Chaeyoung hopped around. "Mina even told me to throw Sana in the trash."
Momo’s eyes went round. "Mina said to throw Sana away?"
"Actually..." Dahyun interjected weakly. "I don't think Mina said exactly that. She just told us to come find you."
Momo stopped rubbing her paws together. "Told you to find me?"
"What?" Chaeyoung was confused.
Momo gave a gentle shove. "Come on, let’s go see."
Chaeyoung and Dahyun followed Momo. Momo led them on a new route: over a few chairs, climbing across Jeongyeon’s shoe rack, and finally slipping through the gap in the curtains to face the bar.
"Jeongyeon went out again," Momo said. "She won't be back for an hour. Jihyo is at the bar."
"Oh, so?"
"It’s obvious," Momo said. "Nayeon definitely ran off again."
Chaeyoung and Dahyun looked at each other.
"Ran off to where?"
"Tzuyu’s bakery."
"Why?"
"She launched a new product this week. Carrot bread. Heard it’s a Hokkaido specialty."
"Nayeon really is a—"
Chaeyoung’s sentence was cut off by a loud crash. Three pairs of eyes turned in unison to the open shop door.
Nayeon scrambled in, panting heavily, and dove under the counter, curling into a tight, motionless ball. Jihyo, standing at the counter joking with a customer, deftly blocked Nayeon from view.
A moment later, a man in sunglasses pushed the door open and asked Jihyo if she had seen a rabbit.
"I’m so sorry, sir," Jihyo flashed her professional smile, hand on her chest. "We only have cats and dogs here. And a raccoon." She added in a deliberately light tone, "If you’re looking for a pet, the shop next door has many small animals. Why not check there?"
The man frowned and left. Jihyo let out a breath, leaned over the counter, and whispered:
"Nayeon."
Nayeon slowly lifted her upper body, ears perking up, and exhaled.
"Thanks."
"Spill it," Jihyo tapped her lightly on the head. "Stealing again?"
"I was not," Nayeon said indignantly, though Jihyo obviously couldn't understand her. "Tzuyu tempted me with the carrot."
"Couldn't you just ask? Tzuyu would give it to you."
"The point is that man," Nayeon dodged Jihyo’s hand. "How did he know me?"
"Jeongyeon said last time," Momo’s tone turned serious, "that guy has been asking around about Nayeon. I was by the dumpsters that night and heard Jeongyeon and Jihyo talking about it. That’s why Nayeon isn't allowed out."
"Why?" Dahyun asked curiously.
"Probably want to capture her."
"What would they do to her?" Chaeyoung asked.
Momo shook her head worriedly. "I think they want to eat her."
"Like Sana wants to eat Mina?" Chaeyoung asked, practically asking a horrific question with innocent curiosity.
Dahyun spoke up anxiously. "That’s different. Sana just likes Mina."
"Why?"
"Who knows?" Momo started walking back. "Maybe because her fur is pretty, or she’s quiet. Or maybe it’s the tail. Sana likes moving things like tails."
As she spoke, she pushed open the small pet door. "That’s why Mina always avoids her. Mina doesn't like people touching her tail."
"But just now..."
"Some things just can't be explained."
"How can a cat and a dog be together?" Chaeyoung grumbled.
Momo looked toward the main entrance. Around the corner, she saw a flash of white—Mina’s tail. Mina was dragging her tired body toward the kitchen. Sana was following her, keeping a subtle distance, but her steps were light, ears perked high, and tail wagging happily.
"I don't know," Momo said. "But the universe is big. Sometimes things just happen."
"She’s at it again," Mina said dejectedly. "A whole week. Every single day. She has to bite my tail every day."
Momo didn't even look up. She just chewed on the food Jeongyeon had prepared, ears twitching impatiently. She never heard a thing while eating.
"I actually think you really like her," Nayeon said, eyes twinkling with mischief.
Mina glared at her, tail shooting straight up in the air. Momo continued to make loud smack-smack chewing noises, displaying extreme indifference to the conversation.
"Nayeon," Mina tried to keep her cool. "Since when did your observation skills become so sharp?"
Nayeon giggled, her long ears bobbing in the air. "You always specifically run to the places Sana frequents, then pretend you just happened to be there."
Mina rubbed her nose with a paw.
"That’s just because the café is small. There are limited places I can go."
Momo finally finished the freeze-dried treats in her bowl. She wiped the crumbs from her whiskers and spoke casually: "So you find excuses to go to the counter all day because that’s Sana’s favorite spot?"
Mina’s ear twitched.
"It’s because I can sleep anywhere."
"Right," Momo glanced at her sideways. "That’s why you suddenly started liking cardboard boxes. Even though Jeongyeon bought you that comfortable cushion."
Mina looked at Nayeon, then at Momo, suddenly feeling the embarrassment of being cornered.
"I just want peace and quiet."
Nayeon looked at Momo, Momo looked at Nayeon, and a strange grin appeared on both their faces. Nayeon scratched her chin with a hind leg.
"See, that’s our Mina," Nayeon said sourly. "She just won't admit it when it comes to this stuff."
"What stuff?"
"Your thing for the do—"
"She has a trait," Momo interrupted Nayeon, turning to Mina. "She never gives up. I only realized that after I got to know her."
"What?"
"Sana," Momo explained with rare patience. "She has this inexplicable intuition. No matter how many times she gets rejected, she chases what she wants."
"So?"
"So, she wants to be your friend."
Nayeon snorted.
Mina’s tail drooped, curling into the shape of a question mark.
"But I’m not her prey," she mumbled. "I don't understand why she’s so obsessed."
"Because you’re special?" Momo guessed uncertainly. "Maybe because you’re good-looking?"
"There are plenty of good-looking cats in the world."
"Maybe it’s your tail," Nayeon yawned. "Sana likes fluffy tails that move around."
"My tail is not a toy."
Momo shook her head. "Maybe she just really wants to know you. Sana’s type craves social interaction."
"And I happen to be the one who dislikes social interaction the most."
"Exactly," Nayeon’s ears twitched. "That’s why she thinks you’re a challenge."
"What? So I’m just a challenge?"
Momo covered her mouth with her paws, looking a bit like a human.
"Alright, don't be sad," she comforted.
Mina didn't know why she would be sad. She was just annoyed. She just wanted to be a peaceful cat, an undisturbed cat. What was wrong with that? What was so weird about that? Ever since Minatozaki Sana arrived at the shop, her life had been turned upside down.
Sana was always in a good mood. Today, especially so.
Jeongyeon had bought new dog food, her favorite flavor. At breakfast, Jihyo had secretly slipped her a piece of ham. More importantly, she saw Mina again.
Actually, Mina was always in the shop, but they didn't meet every day. Mina was an expert at hiding. She could find the most secluded corners and nap there. Sometimes, Sana wondered, Is this a cat instinct? A preference for dark corners?
But that wasn't why she was so happy today. She was happy because this morning, she saw Mina curled up on the rug by the kitchen door. Mina’s long, grey-and-white tail was swaying gently, as if waving at her.
Sana walked over softly. A few steps away from Mina, she stopped. She wanted to pounce. She wanted to bite that tail. But she had promised Mina she wouldn't.
She kept a respectful distance, staring at Mina’s tail for a good long while.
Mina seemed to sense something and lifted her head.
"You again."
"Good morning," Sana answered cheerfully. "Sleep well?"
"I was sleeping well," Mina said with a trace of resentment. "Until you showed up."
"Jeongyeon brought a new flavor of dog food today," Sana ignored Mina’s grumpiness and changed the subject. "Super delicious."
"Oh." Mina sat up, her voice dry.
"I can give you some to try."
Mina’s eyes widened slightly.
"I don't eat dog food."
"It’s not dog food," Sana grinned wide. "It’s ham. I ate the dog food this morning."
Mina looked surprised, then frowned.
"You stole human food?"
"I didn't steal it," Sana said proudly. "Jihyo gave it to me with her own hands."
"That’s yours," Mina buried her face in her paws to groom herself. "You eat it."
"But I want to share it with you."
Mina didn't answer. She didn't know what to say. Sana was always like this, always wanting to share random things with her. As if they were really friends.
But then Mina thought, Are we friends? Can we really be friends? A cat and a dog?
"Fine," Mina finally compromised. "Leave the ham here. I’ll consider it later."
Sana’s eyes lit up, and she immediately bounded toward the kitchen. Minutes later she returned, carefully holding a small piece of ham in her mouth. She placed it in front of Mina, took a few steps back, and looked down at the floor.
"What is it?" Mina asked, confused.
"Nothing," Sana looked up quickly, then back down. "I’m waiting for you to taste it."
Mina stared at the ham for a moment. She could smell the aroma. She actually was a little hungry.
"Thanks," she said softly.
Sana looked up, eyes sparkling. "You're welcome!"
Mina lowered her head and took a small, dainty bite. She didn't want to eat too fast. She had her dignity, after all.
"Is it good?"
"Mmm. It’s okay."
"I can bring you more next time!"
Mina lifted her head and looked seriously at Sana.
"Why?"
"Because friends are supposed to share good things."
Mina felt something vibrate slightly in her chest. Even though she was the smartest animal in the shop, her small head couldn't quite figure out what that feeling was.
"Are we friends?" she asked.
"Of course we are!" Sana answered without hesitation.
Mina opened her mouth, then closed it. She didn't know what to say. She had never imagined Sana would be so certain. She thought Sana just liked her tail, just saw her as an amusing target.
"But..." Mina hesitated. "I’m a cat. You’re a dog."
"So what?"
"We’re supposed to be natural enemies."
"No way," Sana shook her head. "Look at Momo and Chaeyoung. Aren't they friends?"
"But they are both..."
"Both what?"
Mina fell silent. She didn't know how to explain it. She just felt that Sana was too enthusiastic, so enthusiastic that it overwhelmed her. She wasn't used to this kind of warmth. She liked quiet. She liked solitude. She liked having everything under her control.
And Sana was like a wind that blew everything into disarray.
"I just don't understand," Mina finally said. "Why you’re so determined to be friends with me."
Sana tilted her head and thought for a moment.
"Because you’re pretty," she said innocently. "And you’re always so quiet, like you’re thinking about a lot of things. I’m curious what you’re thinking."
Mina was stunned.
"And your tail is really nice," Sana continued. "It sways so elegantly. I just can't help wanting to touch it."
"So you bite it?"
"Sorry," Sana looked genuinely apologetic. "I can't control myself. I’ll be more careful next time."
Mina sighed. She suddenly felt that maybe Sana wasn't as annoying as she had thought.
"Alright," Mina whispered. "Thanks for the ham."
"You're welcome!" Sana wagged her tail excitedly. "So are we friends now?"
Mina sighed again.
"We can... try."
Sana looked like she was about to jump for joy, but she caught herself just in time. She remembered Mina didn't like sudden movements.
"Great!" she whispered, standing up and chasing her own tail for a second. "We can play together, sleep together, watch the birds out the window together, and—"
"Slow down," Mina stopped her. "Let’s take it slow."
Sana nodded and sat down obediently.
"Can I stay here with you?" she asked. "Just sitting here. I won't disturb you."
Mina buried her head in her paws, peeking out to watch Sana. Sunlight streamed in through the window, landing on Sana’s golden-brown fur, making it look like melting honey.
"Okay," she said. "Just don't be too loud."