black cat | woosan ✔

14

The leaves crunched under Wooyoung's boots as he made his way through the park, a chill breeze brushing his cheeks and sending stray leaves swirling across the path. The sky was a soft gray, clouds drifting lazily above the bare tree branches. It smelled like wet earth and woodsmoke, the scent of autumn that lingered after a morning drizzle. Wooyoung tucked his hands deeper into the pockets of his hoodie, scanning the bushes along the edge of the park.

And then he spotted it. The familiar little black cat lounged under a bench, its yellow eyes lazily tracking the falling leaves.

"There you are," Wooyoung said, crouching down next to the bench with a grin. The cat flicked its tail in acknowledgment, eyes half-lidded. "You're always hiding, huh? Is this your favorite spot or what?"

He slowly reached out to scratch behind the cat's ears, and it let out a soft purr, leaning into his hand. A small, satisfied smile curled at Wooyoung's lips as he settled into a comfortable position beside the cat. For a moment, he just sat there, quietly petting the silky fur.

"So," he began, in a playful tone as if the cat could answer. "How long have you been hanging around this park, huh? A month? A year? Maybe you've been here forever, just watching us idiots argue about you."

The cat blinked slowly, its gaze steady and calm.

"I mean, it's a nice park," Wooyoung continued, glancing up at the sky. "The trees are pretty, the weather's kinda cozy. But it must get boring, right? No home, no comfy thing to sleep on. You like it here, though? With all the leaves and squirrels and whatever?"

He scratched under the cat's chin, and it gave a soft chirrup in response.

"Good to know." Wooyoung grinned. "At least one of us is having a good time."

The cat stretched luxuriously, and Wooyoung took it as encouragement to keep talking. "Y'know, you're kinda the only sane one in this whole situation. I've been trying to figure things out with San, but...man, he's exhausting." He let out a breath, watching it cloud in the cool air.

He hesitated, running a hand through his dark hair. "Honestly, I think he's getting more tolerable. Or maybe I'm just getting used to him? Like...yeah, he's still annoying as hell, but it's not as bad lately. I mean, it's kind of impressive how fast he gets under my skin, but also...I don't know."

The cat gave a lazy blink, and Wooyoung chuckled. "You're right, I sound crazy. Sitting here talking about San to a stray cat. But who else am I supposed to tell, huh? Mingi? He'll probably just end up rolling his eyes at me."

The cat rubbed its head against Wooyoung's hand, purring softly.

"You know," Wooyoung said thoughtfully, "he's not all bad. San, I mean. I think I saw him smile the other day—once—but it still counts, right? And...he has a nice laugh. When he's not being a total jerk, I mean."

He shook his head, scoffing at himself. "Look at me, complimenting that idiot. What's next? We become great friends? Yeah, right."

Wooyoung leaned back on his heels, hands resting in his lap. "But seriously, how does he do it? One second, I want to punch him, and the next, it's like...maybe he's not that bad."

The cat's tail flicked lazily, as if it had heard it all before.

"I guess you don't really care, huh?" Wooyoung smiled softly. "You're just here for the snacks and head scratches."

He gave the cat one last gentle pat, then stood up, brushing the dirt off his jeans. "Alright, I'll let you get back to your important cat business. Just thought I'd check in."

The cat meowed softly, as if to say goodbye, and Wooyoung chuckled. "See ya, bud."

As he walked away, hands stuffed back into his hoodie pockets, Wooyoung felt a little lighter. Maybe the cat didn't have any answers for him, but at least it listened. And for now, that was enough.