Just Like That | Chapter 3

  A sharp tangy odour invaded Cheonsa's nostrils instead of the usual delicious scent of breakfast. Cheonsa lifted her head groggily and realized she was alone in the kitchen. Whatever that smell was, it was coming from the bathroom. Cheonsa padded down the 1st floor hallway to the open doorway to find Ryeowook standing in front of the mirror, combing his slick hair back and humming softly to himself. He was dressed in tight black slacks and a slim black and blue striped sweater. He wreaked of cologne, Cheonsa realizing the source of the rangy smell. She wrinkled her nose and grumbled in distaste, and Ryeowook suddenly noticed her and smiled. "Hey Cheonsa! Someone very special is coming today; will you be a good girl?" He stooped to pat her head, but the doorbell rang and he ran to answer it. Cheonsa quietly followed, stopping in the living room to watch the door from there. Eunhyuk was eating cereal on the couch with Shindong and Kibum; they all called to Cheonsa but she just looked at them briefly.

  A girl in a tight white lace blouse and a hot pink skirt bounced into the houseful, hugging Ryeowook tightly. They both walked into the living room, arms around each other. The hair on the back of Cheonsa's neck rose, watching the frilly girl with extreme jealousy. The girl pecked Ryeowook's cheek and he blushed. That drove Cheonsa over the edge; a low growl erupted from her throat and she stared daggers at the pair. "Cheonsa! No!" Ryeowook scolded. The girl flinched and pressed closer against him in fear. Shindong hurriedly grabbed Cheonsa by the collar before she could lunge. "Wookie-ah, what's wrong with your dog?" Kibum asked through a mouthful of cereal. "I dont know..." he murmured. He tried to inch closer to Cheonsa, but the girl stepped with him and Cheonsa bucked against Shindong"s hold on her. Ryeowook drew back quickly, equally frightened. Cheonsa's slapped herself mentally, hurt by the fear in his eyes. She stopped bucking but continued to growl. Eunhyuk spoke up finally. "Hyung, I could take Cheonsa with me on my date. We're just going to the park; it'll probably help her to get some fresh air." Ryeowook nodded, ushering his girlfriend to another room. They stayed there until Eunhyuk left, dragging a reluctant Cheonsa behind him.
  
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  Walking silently beside the pair, Cheonsa managed to relax a little as she admired the autumn beauty. Careful not to disturb the couple she padded quietly on her lead, glancing back at the pair occasionally. She liked this girl;from her observations of Eunhyuk she could tell she was a wonderful match for him. She was really pretty, with long, raven colored hair and deep blue eyes. She had presented Eunhyuk with coffee before they had started their walk; Cheonsa bitterly regretted not having enough while she had been human as the sweet scent danced in her brain.
  
During the walk Cheonsa tried not to think of her earlier actions. Even as a dog she couldn't make a relationship work! But she kept thinking of how that girl had loved on her Wookie.

HER WOOKIE!?

Cheonsa let the thought pass; Ryeowook wasn't hers and, she cringed inwardly,probably never would be. Laughter invaded her depressing thoughts, so she glanced back at Eunhyuk and the girl with annoyance. Eunhyuk had whipped cream on his nose, and the girl kissed it to get it off. Even in the cold Cheonsa could see him blush hotly. The girl took a sip, laughing when she resurfaced with a whipped cream moustache. Eunhyuk slowly brushed his lips with hers, swiping it off in the same motion. They both broke away, giggling. Cheonsa slacked off her pace to watch them. It was obvious they loved each other, but somehow it wasn't the same as the love between Ryeowook and that other girl. Whereas this girl never removed her steady blue gaze from Eunhyuk, Ryeowook's girlfriend always seemed interested in...well, anything other than Ryeowook. Her eyes seemed to flicker incessantly around the room all the time. Cheonsa also noticed Eunhyuk's concerned gaze at everything this girl (Cheonsa had heard Eunhyuk call her 'haebaragi' but she wasnt sure that was her real name) did. When they stopped to sit on one of the park benches Cheonsa continued to watch the pair;the girl barely shivered, hardly enough for anyone to notice, and Eunhyuk would instantly pull her closer into his jacket. She would give a contented sigh before continuing to whisper to him in hushed tones. Occasionally they would kiss lightly. Cheonsa tilted her head thoughtfully; her love was never this way. The concern had hardly been there, the kisses had never been as sweet and pure as now, and she never EVER recalled him telling her ONCE that he loved her. She had always told him, and he would whisper Me too or thank you. Cheonsa's thoughts swam like this all day, and she was completely exhausted by the time they returned home to the dorms. But there was one thing still left to do.
  
Cheonsa stood in the kitchen doorway, watching Ryeowook sit solo on the couch watching TV. She sighed, startled when Eunhyuk stooped to hug her around the neck. "Naomi-ah really enjoyed our date. She likes you very much, Cheonsa. Such a good doggie..." he cooed, then gave a contented sigh and patted her head. He hummed happily to himself all the way upstairs, obviously satisfied from earlier. Another observation, Cheonsa mused. Ryeowook didn't look the least bit content; in fact he looked tired and a bit lonely. Cheonsa steadied her nerves and padded softly into the room. She stopped dead center under the television until Ryeowook finally noticed her. He gazed at her sadly before ignoring her. She stepped closer, head down. When she reached his lap she placed her head on it heavily. Ryeowook didn't even look at her, the feeling of hurt almost making her give up. Determined not to lose him she continued, whining softly and swiping her tongue over his hand in his lap. He chuckled a little, finally stroking her head and cracking a smile. She nudged him apologetically,and he patted the space on the couch beside him. Overjoyed, Cheonsa leapt onto it,curling up and resting her head on his lap against his stomach. He petted her lovingly; his soft touch and warm stomach calming her down and eventually putting both human and dog to sleep.