Faking It

13. Shitty apartments

Chaeyoung stood on the balcony of her small apartment, the crisp morning air filling her lungs as she gazed out at the bustling streets of the city. A sense of freedom enveloped her, yet beneath it lay a tangled web of uncertainty and loneliness. She had moved away from her hometown, leaving behind the familiar streets and the memories that haunted her. Here, everything was new and bright, but the shadows of her past lingered like a ghost, whispering reminders of the life she had left behind.

Growing up, Chaeyoung was the dreamer in her family. While her siblings followed the traditional paths laid out for them, she longed for something different—an adventure, a purpose. Her parents, though loving, didn't understand her need for exploration. They saw her aspirations as reckless, a flight of fancy that wouldn't pay the bills. When she told them she wanted to move to the city to chase her dreams, they were hesitant, worried about the uncertainties that lay ahead.

But Chaeyoung was determined. With a few belongings packed into an old suitcase and a heart full of hope, she bid farewell to her childhood home. Her departure was bittersweet; she hugged her parents tightly, their worried faces etched in her memory as she stepped into the unknown.

She knew she had to prove them all wrong.

But Chaeyoung was determined. With a few belongings packed into an old suitcase and a heart full of hope, she bid farewell to her childhood home. Her departure was bittersweet; she hugged her parents tightly, their worried faces etched in her memory as she stepped into the unknown.

At first, life in the city was overwhelming. The bright lights, the constant noise, and the throngs of people filled her with excitement but also anxiety. She found a small job at a local café, where she spent her days serving coffee and pastries to busy customers. The café became her refuge, a place where she could escape the pressures of life and immerse herself in the comforting aroma of fresh brews and baked goods.

One afternoon, while cleaning up after the lunch rush, she noticed a scruffy little dog sitting alone at a corner table, its big brown eyes watching her intently. Chaeyoung felt a tug at her heartstrings. The dog looked lost and forlorn, as if it had wandered away from home.

"Hey there, little buddy!" Chaeyoung crouched down, reaching out her hand. The dog wagged its tail cautiously, inching closer. "What's your name?" she asked, her heart swelling with affection.

The dog didn't answer, of course, but in that moment, Chaeyoung felt an undeniable connection. She recognized the loneliness in its eyes, the uncertainty of being alone in a big world. "Do you want a treat?" she asked, glancing around the café before heading to the kitchen to grab a few leftover scraps.

When she returned, the little dog was sitting eagerly, tail wagging in excitement. Chaeyoung fed it a small piece of cake, and the dog gobbled it up, looking up at her with grateful eyes. "I think I'll call you Hank," she said, a smile spreading across her face.

From that day on, Hank became a regular visitor at the café. Chaeyoung found herself looking forward to his visits, her heart lighting up whenever he trotted through the door. They shared quiet moments together in the café, and in those moments, she felt a sense of belonging she had craved since moving to the city.

As weeks turned into months, Chaeyoung's life began to stabilize. She started taking on more shifts at the café, saving money for her dream of owning a bakery one day. Hank was always there, cheering her on, his unwavering presence filling the gaps of loneliness that had once consumed her.

One rainy afternoon, as they sat together in the café, Chaeyoung noticed Hank watching the raindrops race down the window. "You know, Hank," she said softly, "I used to feel alone too. But then I realized that sometimes, the connections we make can change everything. They can make us feel less alone."

Hank looked up, his big brown eyes shining with a certain understanding. It was as if he sensed her vulnerability, his tail wagging gently in response.

Chaeyoung continued, "I know what it's like to feel lost. But we're in this together now." She reached down to scratch behind his ears, and he leaned into her touch, a contented sigh escaping his lips.

As the rain poured outside, Chaeyoung felt a warmth in her heart. This little dog had become her companion, her confidant in a world that often felt overwhelming. He had taught her that connections could be formed in the most unexpected ways, and that sometimes, the simplest of friendships could fill the void of loneliness.

But as time passed, Chaeyoung couldn't shake the feeling that she still had so much to prove—to herself and to the world. The shadows of her past would occasionally creep back in, whispering doubts and insecurities, but with Hank by her side, she felt a growing sense of resilience.

One evening, while walking home with Hank trotting beside her, Chaeyoung took a moment to reflect. The city buzzed around her, alive with energy and possibilities, yet she often felt lost amidst the chaos. But in her heart, she knew she was not alone. Hank had taught her that connections could be formed in the most unexpected ways, and that sometimes, the people—or dogs—who enter our lives can change our paths in ways we never anticipated.

Chaeyoung took a deep breath, feeling the cool air fill her lungs. She was still on her own, navigating the complexities of adulthood, but now she was ready to embrace the journey ahead. With each step, she vowed to chase her dreams fearlessly, carrying the lessons learned and the friendships forged in her heart.

And so, with Hank's playful bark echoing in her mind and the hope of her bakery shining brightly on the horizon, Chaeyoung faced the future, ready to carve her own path in a world that was finally beginning to feel like home.