The Ninth Life of Min Yoon Gi

24.

When Jimin returned to her home, she found the black cat curled up next to the silvervine plant. Yoon Gi, in fact, had been periodically gnawing at the leaves all day to keep himself awake when the scent alone wasn't enough. He was starting to worry that he might not be able to stay awake long enough to see his new plan through. He tried to keep his mind active by plotting the necessary steps for making the tea in the newfound teapot for Ji Min. So far he had only figured out that he would have to get out of the apartment and to the garden to get more of the resurrection plant. After succeeding with that step, he would figure out how to dry and crush the leaves and flowers that would then be steeped.

So, how do I get out of here?

"Goyang-i... why do men suck?" Jimin knelt next to the lounging cat.

Yoon Gi turned to stare at the young woman. Men suck? His ears twitched and something told him he wasn't going to like where this was going. He could see the redness in her eyes.

"I had hoped Yoon Gi would have at least left some message at the shop, but Jungkook said he hadn't heard anything or seen him."

There was a deep frown on Jimin's face and Yoon Gi continued to stare up at her.

"And he hasn't responded to my texts. Who the fuck ghosts someone like this after promising to help. It's his fault I got hurt."

Yoon Gi sat up. I didn't—I wouldn't!

"I thought he was a decent guy. I guess that shows all I know. Jungkook warned me—"

His tail twitched. Jungkook had never liked him. Not even gone a day and he's already talking shit. If I had fists, I would punch him so hard—

"I give up." Jimin stood up and started walking towards her room, thinking she would shower and just go straight to bed. "I guess I'm meant to be alone."

Yoon Gi immediately followed her, winding his body around her legs, trying to give her comfort, trying to let her know that he was there.

Jimin bent and scooped him up, eliciting a yowl of indignation from Yoon Gi as he struggled to make himself feel secure with his feet off the ground. The tension he could feel in her body did nothing to put him at ease. He finally managed to settle himself with his paws on her stomach and shoulder and her arm supporting his bottom. He bumped his forehead into her chin, catching her off guard.

"Aww, thanks friend," she said as she snuggled her face into his side. "I guess I'm not completely alone."

Normally Yoon Gi didn't care to be held or touched or—heavens forbid—cuddled, but he didn't seem to mind it so much now. He could feel a purr begin rumbling deep in his chest as Jimin stroked his back. With each motion, he could feel her tension, her anger, start to ease. He, too, started to relax into her warm body, his eyes closing slowly.

Shit! Yoon Gi pushed back from her, struggling to get himself free from her arms. If he let her hold him like this for too long, he would surely fall asleep.

"Ouch!" Jimin exclaimed as the cat dug his claws into her chest and launched himself from her arms.

Landing with a thud, Yoon Gi scampered back towards the front door. He couldn't delay. Every fiber of his cat being was urging him to nap, but he couldn't. He had one last chance and he was not going to let it go to waste. Yoon Gi yowled up at the door and then turned back to look at the puzzled young woman who was rubbing her chest where his claws had scratched her.

"That was not nice, goyang-i!" She huffed. "And what are you yelling about?"

He pawed up the door at the handle and let out a long meow, hoping his intention was clear — he wanted out.