The Purrfect Pair

You were lonely. You wanted someone to cuddle, someone quiet who could make you laugh.

But you didn't want a boyfriend, men were too messy. You needed someone dependable, a best friend. You needed a dog.

Off to the local animal rescue you went, every Saturday, week after week, waiting to meet the right partner. All the dogs you met were fine but none of them clicked. You hadn't met the one and you were losing hope. What if you never found someone to love?

One Friday, your boss could tell you were feeling down so she told you to leave early. You took her up on that offer and figured you may as well head over for your weekly exercise in futility.

But as you walked in, a new face caught your eye with an adorable smile. He was bigger than you pictured, more athletic, and just as sweet as you'd hoped.

"Are you new here?" you asked, reaching out your hand.

He took your hand and smiled. Your heart skipped.

"My name is San, and I've been working here for a while! Why do you ask?"

His chuckle was deep and soft. You wanted to melt.

"Oh, I feel like I must know everyone who works here because I'm here every Saturday, but I guess today is Friday so we hadn't met yet..."

"So you haven't found the right pet? Maybe I can help you find your new friend! What are you looking for?"

You described your perfect dog and San's smile grew bigger and wider, wrinkling around his eyes with amusement.

"Have you considered a cat?"

You hadn't. Of course you hadn't! You assumed you were a dog person.

"I really pictured a dog, I've never had a cat."

"Could I introduce you to a few, anyway? Just to see?"

His kind eyes made it impossible to say no. You briefly wondered what else he could talk you into with that face.

You nodded. "Sure!"

He jumped up to his feet and towered over you, even taller than you expected. He had wide shoulders and a narrow waist and moved easily and gracefully.

"Follow me!"

You'd follow him anywhere, you said to yourself.

You walked into a room much quieter than the dogs' room and immediately felt calmer.

"Maybe someone a little older and more chill than a kitten?" he wondered out loud as you both looked around at all the cats.

"Are older cats more relaxed?"

"Generally, yes, kittens are pretty chaotic but older cats value their nap time above all!" he replied with a wink. You got butterflies.

Suddenly, you saw a beautiful black panther, half-asleep. "Who is this?"

"Ah, that's Wooyoung, don't let the sleepy eyes fool you, he is a kitten at heart! Now Seonghwa..." and he picked up a beautiful tuxedo cat with green eyes.

You reached over to let him sniff your hand.

"Good, yes, always let them approve before you pet them. Start at his head and slide down gently."

His fur was soft and you felt a little rumble.

"Is that- is he purring?"

"Yes, I think Seonghwa likes you!"

Your heart melted again. "Should I, do I hold him?" You felt clueless about cats.

San smiled. You wished he'd never stop.