SPOILED ROTTEN || SAIDA

xv

“How on earth is this supposed to help?” Dahyun asked, fear gripping her heart.

Sana said, “The only way to conquer your fears is to face them.”

“OK, but a pet store?”

So Sana had dragged Dahyun to a pet store, knowing full-well that the Korean girl was afraid of dogs. She had tricked Dahyun, claiming they were just going out for ice cream. Apparently ice cream was a lot furrier than Dahyun remembered.

“You did so well with Haruki.” Sana said, adding, “Why not buy one of your own?”

“Playing with Haruki and owning my own pet is two different things!” Dahyun hissed, gripping onto Sana’s arm.

The two of them were standing in front of the store, eyes glued to the animals that sat inside. Dahyun could see a few puppies wandering around, some kittens, and more. She wanted to make a run for it.

“Dahyunnie.”

Dahyun glanced over at Sana, noticing the soft expression on her face. Sana cupped Dahyun’s face, making Dahyun melt into her touch.

“We can always turn back now.” Sana said.

Sana always gave Dahyun a choice, a way-out of whatever situation she was uncomfortable with. Even with minor things like this pet store visit.

Dahyun looked over at the puppies. They were cute, sure, but the fear still gripped her heart. She hated feeling like this; it was so lame to be afraid of such a cute, harmless animal. Of course she wanted to conquer her fears.

Besides, she trusted Sana to protect her if anything happened.

“Absolutely no big dogs, are we clear?” Dahyun said, putting her most stern face on.

Sana giggled and cooed, “Understood, cutie.”

Dahyun grinned and led them both inside, mustering up whatever courage she could.

The clerk had led them straight to the puppy area of the store. Sana had stressed to the clerk that they only wanted to see small dogs and explained Dahyun’s fear to him. He seemed to understand.

“We have quite a few small dogs, actually.” He said, “Please feel free to pick up any of the puppies.”

There was a small playpen were all the puppies played in. Both big and small dogs sat inside, and Dahyun froze at the sight. She hid behind Sana and refused to even look there.

“See anything you like?” Sana asked.

Dahyun peaked out from behind her to glance at the playpen. She could see a few puppies but she knew they would grow up to be much bigger. Instead, her eyes landed on the smallest, fluffiest looking dog in the whole pen.

“T-The white one.” Dahyun murmured as she hid behind Sana once more.

Sana smirked, saying, “Mina did suggest a pedigree.”

She turned to the clerk and asked, “Could you please bring me the Maltese over there?”

The clerk did so and soon handed Sana the ball of fur. Sana easily scooped the dog up into her arms and nestled him against her chest. The dog sniffed her eagerly and seemed friendly enough.

Dahyun looked over Sana’s shoulder to look at the dog. It was so small and fluffy that Dahyun didn’t feel so afraid anymore.

“C’mere, baby,” Sana murmured.

Dahyun swallowed and did as she was told. She walked over to stand in front of Sana, directly near the dog. He noticed Dahyun’s presence and leaned forward to sniff her. Dahyun held her hand up and let him sniff her with trembling knees.