Good Boy

II

BEEP BEEP BEEP

[7:30 am]

Reaching for her phone on the side desk, Sojung tapped at her phone vigorously trying to shut off the noise. Once doing so, she stretched her limbs until a satisfying 'pop' could be heard. Sitting up, she looked out her window to see the sun was slowly making its way up the horizon. Both of her parents were already out at work so the house was quiet and a bit chilly.

The young lady swung her legs to the side of the bed and slipped on some slides before standing to stretch. 'Another day another dollar,' she thought to herself. With that, she made her way into the bathroom to wash up whatever muck she needed to get rid of.

Naturally, her day started out with getting pampered in the bathroom, then making breakfast for herself and moving down the hill to pick up the canine. After the two hours of walking the dog, she would drop off the dog at home just as its owner arrived home and promptly walk home again to tutor/babysit some kid. It was the same schedule as always, hardly changing. It was a repetitive cycle that seemed to go on and on, but Sojung didn't mind. That meant she wouldn't have any unpleasant surprises coming her way.

Once she was done getting ready, Ms. Hwang made her way downstairs into the kitchen to cook up some egg toast. Since it was quiet in her home, Sojung plugged her phone into the speakers by the TV and played some Mariah Carey to help her unwind.

After thirty minutes of cooking and eating, she made her way out of her home to walk down. Locking the door behind her, Sojung made sure she had what she needed. A satisfied grin graced her lips and she skipped her way over the small house.

'Maybe we should go by the stream today. He'd enjoy the air and a splash,' she thought to herself. 'Granted, I'd have to give him a bath......oh well.'

It never bored her to take that dog out. She was always content, nothing had ever made her feel sour, which was strange since she barely had a social life. Yes she did have friends, but she didn't necessarily go out to clubs or bars with them. She enjoyed the simple life. Taking the dog on walks gave her a temporary purpose in life. Bland yes, but wholesome.

Sojung opened the gate to the home where she could hear the dog already barking inside. "Don't worry I'm coming," she mumbled happily.

And just as always, the key was under the mat. In her clutches, she turned the lock and opened the door to have the house empty. Confused, Sojung called out for the dog. "Monie! I'm home! Come here boy!"

There was barking coming upstairs before the dog came running down the stairs, wagging its tail.

"Hi boy! Did you miss me?" she asked him while ruffling his fur. The dog barked back at her in response, "Let's get you something to eat. Then we'll head out," she said and lead him to the kitchen.

When she entered the kitchen, she immediately knew where his food was and started pouring cups up kibble into his bowl. All while this was going on, 'Monie' was running amuck around the home seemingly more existed than usual.

"What's got you so excited?" Sojung giggled, watching it bolt around. Once both of the bowls were filled, she whistled for him to come back.

Obedient, that's the only word Sojung would describe 'Monie'. Anything she said or commanded the dog would always listen. While waiting for him to eat, she went back to the front door to pick up the leash and doggy bags. Unexpectedly, she heard a door open upstairs which startled her. She looked up to see a male figure walk by.

"Oh Mr. Kim," she put a hand on her chest and chuckled to herself. "I thought you were working today, sorry if woke you," she apologized and walked back into the kitchen.

"So that's why you were excited. Got some alone time with grandpa," Sojung crouched beside the dog and scratched his ear. "Mr. Kim, if you'd like I could make you some breakfast. I'm in no rush," she spoke over her shoulder.

When she stood to face the owner of the home, she shrieked when she saw an unfamiliar face. The same face seemed scared as well, holding a phone to his ear.

"Who are you?! What are you doing in my parent's home?!" he panicked.

Sojung immediately knew who it was and composed herself, flattening her blouse and bowing respectively to him.

"I'm so sorry to have startled you. I'm Hwang Sojung, I'm Rapmonie's dogsitter," she said calmly as to not startle him more.

The man's heavy breathing began to slow and distanced the phone away from his ear. "Oh. Sorry, I wasn't expecting company," he said, a bit sheepishly.

"It's completely fine. I suppose your mother forgot to tell you," Sojung said grinning. She moved closer to him and held her hand out. "I'm guessing you're Namjoon. I've heard much about you," she said.

Namjoon was a bit taken aback by her boldness and stretched his hand out too. "Yes.....yes. I have been away for a long time," he mumbled.

"I understand. Your job isn't necessarily leisurely from what I hear," she responded and retracted her hand. "Well I'll just take your dog here and bring him back in two hours. Don't worry, he's been an exceptionally good boy."

Sojung hooked the leash around the dog's collar once seeing he was finished with eating. It was quite difficult since he kept licking at her face and jumping on her.

"It seems you're the reason my dog hates me," Namjoon chuckled, watching the scene.

"Excuse me?" Sojung asked, standing back up.

"Rapmonie. He's always distant with me and never listens to me, he's a bit of a brat," he said while grabbing some water from the fridge.

"Oh that's absurd. He's a complete sweetheart. Never barks back, always listens to my commands, always playful. I've never seen him be cold," she said looking down at the fur ball.

"Alright, how about I go on that walk with you and you'll see," he said.

"I don't think that's necessary. Plus you should rest. Being an idol must be exhausting," she said while walking to the door.

"No no. I enjoy going on walks. Just wait here and I'll be back shortly," he said and went upstairs.

Once he was out of sight, Sojung looked down at the dog confused. "Your father is quite......bold," she said and the dog cocked his head as to say, 'I don't know'.