Author's Pov.
At the ice cream parlor:
"Chaeryeong, don't you think Yeji looks like a cat?" Lia suddenly remarked, watching Yeji head off to the bathroom with Yuna and Somi. "What do you mean?" Chaeryeong asked, keeping her tone calm despite feeling a bit uneasy inside.
"Actually, she really does look and act like a cat," Ryujin chimed in, agreeing with her girlfriend. "Her eyes are sharp like a cat's, she has those little fangs, she loves milk just like a cat, and she naps whenever she gets the chance!" Lia added with enthusiasm.
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Summer break had arrived, and the girls hadn't seen each other for three months. Each spent the summer in her own way. Somi traveled to the US with her family, Yuna visited her grandma in her hometown, and Ryujin focused on finishing an unfinished project, with Lia helping her since she didn't have any summer plans. Meanwhile, Chaeryeong and Yeji also went back to their hometown, stopping by a seaside spot they used to visit as kids.
The two of them sat on a bench near the shore, gazing at the vast, sparkling blue sea. The water glistened like it was sprinkled with millions of diamonds, the waves gently crashing and brushing against the sand. The warm, soft air was laced with a cool breeze that brushed their skin. It brought back memories of the good old days when they'd visit with their families, sharing laughter and jokes. Such a simple thing, yet it held such a special, cherished place in their hearts.
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When they finally arrived, Chaeryeong introduced Yeji to her father as a friend, explaining that she would be staying with them for the entire summer break. Her father, thankfully, didn't question it and warmly welcomed Yeji into their home.
As much as Yeji wanted to embrace her father, she couldn't. It would have been too odd, considering he had no idea their cat had transformed into a human and was now standing before him.
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In Chaeryeong's room, or their shared space, the two girls unpacked their luggage and clothes before getting ready to head out for a while. After saying goodbye to Mr. Lee, they visited some familiar spots they had missed, like the playground and a shop.
At the shop they used to frequent, they noticed many changes—new decor, a larger space, and some fresh items. They also found out that the old man who used to own the shop had passed away last year, and his son had taken over.
Familiar faces greeted Chaeryeong warmly, saying things like, "How have you been? You've grown so much, Chaeryeong. It's great to see you back!" As they continued walking, a particular spot caught their attention—the old Hwang's house.
They paused in front of the house, staring at it curiously and wondering, "Why did the Hwangs leave their house?" The question stayed with them as they looked at the old building.
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Flashback to an earlier moment meeting the people who greeted Chaeryeong:
As three women in their 40s walked away from Chaeryeong and Yeji, they started whispering about Yeji. "Hey, doesn't the girl with Chaeryeong look like the Hwang's daughter?" one of them said. Her friends nodded in agreement. "She gave me chills the moment I saw her!" exclaimed another woman.
"Yeah, same here. I thought I saw a ghost when I looked at her. She really does resemble that girl," added the third woman. The three women continued gossiping all the way home, sharing their thoughts with friends they met along the way.
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At the dining room:
"Appa, what do you know about the old House of Hwang?" Chaeryeong asked casually, taking a sip of her water. "Hmm, let me see. I heard that ages ago, the old man Mr. Hwang, also known as the Old Lord, was the biggest deal in town. He led the House of Hwang and was the richest guy around. At first, he might have been respected, but eventually, he and his family ruined the great house.
Years of wild indulgence and careless spending left the house bankrupt. The Old Lord himself changed a lot during that time, especially after his only daughter, Lucy Hwang, passed away. That's all I've got, but honestly, I can't say if it's just a coincidence or not."
"You know, Yeji, you actually share the same name as her because 'Lucy,' when translated to Korean, means 'Yeji,' and you even have the same last name, 'Hwang.' And wait, doesn't Yeddeong share the name 'Yeji' too? She was also found in the old Hwang house! Is this all just a coincidence?"
"And where is Yeddeong, by the way? I haven't seen her with you," Mr. Lee asked. "A-ahh, Appa, Yeddeong is in Seoul at the vet. She's sick, and I asked my friend to take care of her while I'm still here," Chaeryeong lied again. Concern was evident in Mr. Lee's eyes as Chaeryeong mentioned that Yeji was unwell.
"What? Is she really that sick? How did she get sick? Is she going to be alright?" Mr. Lee asked anxiously, standing up from his chair in shock at the news. "Appa, she's okay. She just needs some rest. Don't worry, Yeodeong is strong," Chaeryeong said, trying to reassure her worried father.
Yeji stood silently by the table, watching the two. Her heart softened at Mr. Lee's concern for her, even though she knew she wasn't truly sick. A pang of guilt hit her as she realized they had to deceive their father.
YOU ARE READING
The Cat That I Love
خيالIn your life, have you imagined what the cat that your mother left you well became something that's hard to believe, something that's so unreal?
