Archive of Our Own

"Oh? Is it your shift today, Bamby ssi?" The blonded long hair male who just arrived at the convenience store asks upon seeing the smaller guy. Today is supposed to be their other colleague, Yejun's shift if he's not mistaken. 

"Noah hyung, you're early today. Yejun hyung had an emergency so he asked me if I could replace him. My job is done anyway~ He'll do my shift for tomorrow instead." 

The clock reads five minutes past midnight which means it is Noah's turn now and Bamby can already go home. The pink haired male takes off the grey-light blue vest uniform and puts on his yellow beanie. Living by himself in Seoul, he needs to do many jobs to survive this luxurious city and pay for his university fee. Nothing is free. Not to mention, some trips for group project are compulsory.

"Thanks for your hard work today, Bamby."

"Alright, hyung. Take care~" Bamby waves his hand and leaves the store. He stretches out his arms, they feel numb. Another tiring day just ended, he sighs in relief. Luckily, tomorrow is Saturday, so there'll be no class to attend. He can wake up late and rest at home all day long.

It takes only around 5 minutes by walking from the store he works at to his rented house. It is located at the corner of the street, a small but decent one. It got two rooms, one bathroom, a small kitchen, a moderate living room and a backyard. He's living by himself anyway, he doesn't need so much space. Plus, this house isn't too costly for a student like him.

The problem is... it's a bit too quiet around the area at this late hour, only dim streetlights accompany him along the road. So far, nothing bad happens though. Bamby shoves his hands into his hoodie pockets, he's never good with winter. The coldness is just too much for him.

"Ah... I miss grandma." The vapour of his breath mixing with the cold air as he exhales. He misses his grandmother and the hometown. No big buildings, no busy street, no loud vehicles. Just a lot of plants, fresh clean air, horses, cows and sheeps. Oh I like animals. There's nothing like that here in Seoul. He snickers a bit imagining people's dramatic reaction if they ever found a random cow in the middle of the busy city. Must be funny.

Here, the most common animals can be seen are none other than bird, dog,... "Cat?" Bamby squints his eyes as he notices something odd lying at the roadside. Is that a cat? He isn't sure because that thing is dark colored and this dim streetlight doesn't even help. Should he just ignore it and straightly goes home or stops and actually checks it out?

After a few more debates, he ends up making his way to whatever that thing is. This better not be a prank setup by some robbers, because I have nothing worth for them to rob anyway. Unless they want this instant noodle and two eggs I bought for dinner. CRAP. WHAT IF THEY DO WANT THIS INSTANT NOODLE AND TWO EGGS? THESE EGGS AIN'T EVEN CHEAP! His own thought sends shiver down his spine. 

Slowly, he approaches the said thing and his eyes grow bigger as he gets a better view of it. A cat. Definitely a cat! An injured one. "Oh my god! You poor lil thing. What happened to you??" He gets panicked for seconds. The cat is lying there with its bloody stomach. Bamby isn't sure if it broke the leg too but there's blood everywhere. Is it even alive? Or died? No, it's still alive. There is a sign of rising up and down, still breathing but very weakly. He needs to hurry before it gets too late.

He doubts there is even any vet clinics nearby that's still running on at this hour. Moreover, he highly doubts he can afford the costly treatment fee. Sheesh. Let's just bring it home first and self treat the wounds. Bamby immediately puts down the plastic of his dinner onto the ground, takes off his outer hoodie and carefully wraps it around the cat. Then, he gets the plastic bag again off the ground before gently holds the injured lil one in his arms. He should just hurry home!

. . .

It's a good thing that Bamby has a lot of experience in taking care of unwell and injured animal. Back in hometown, growing up with this kind taught him a lot. The life skills that people couldn't gain through formal lectures in university.

After cleaning the long open wound with a mild antiseptic solution and applying some necessary meds like antibiotic ointment, he uses a bandage to wrap around its body and the two front leg. If it's at the hometown, he'll be using some herbal remedies and traditional meds instead because they're easier to get.

He wonders what had exactly happened to this poor cat. Luckily, he found it before too late. Bamby let it rest first before trying to feed him some wet food. It looks so weak, lying there not moving even an inch. "It must be so painful, right?" He mumbles sadly while a finger carefully rubs its head. If there's still no improvement by tomorrow, he'll consider to bring the cat to clinic. The treatment cost can be worried over later.

He glances at the digital watch placed beside a round fish tank in the living room after yawning for the third time. Ah, no wonder. It's nearly one thirty in the morning. Luckily he can wake up late as there'll be no class and Yejun will be doing the job shift for him.

Bamby grabs his towel and gets into the bathroom for a quick shower before going to sleep. He doesn't feel hungry anymore, that instant noodle he bought earlier can be eaten as breakfast instead.

. . .

MEOW MEOWW MEOWWW

"Fgs..." Bamby grumbles and turns around, now lying on his belly with his face buried into a pillow. "...whose cat is that... making noise so early in the morning... pls collect your pet. Someone's trying to get some sleep here." He whines sleepily.

MEOWWWW MEOWWWWWW

"It's a freaking Saturday morning!! What's your problem?!!?! And where is the owner??!!!?!!!??" He literally pulls his pink hair in frustration. At last, he gets out of the bed to search for the source of that noise. The cat got inside? Did I forget to shut any window last night? He wonders while yawning and rubbing his bare belly underneath the white shirt, making his way into living room only to gasp dramatically later upon seeing the said black cat sitting on his couch.

Oh- right.

He mentally facepalms because how the hell could he forget? He was the one bringing this black cat home last night after finding it helplessly lying on the road in an injured state. Scoffing and smirking slightly, feeling kinda embarrassed of himself right now.

If it can meowing so loudly, doesn't it mean its condition is getting better? Bamby quietly scans the cat, it's body and limbs. The fact that it can already stand and move around is actually an improvement. It's still limping though, but the condition seems much better than last night.

"Hey, lil buddy." Bamby kneels down beside the couch without touching the cat. Let's just say hi to each other for now and get closer after it can sense the harmless friendliness from Bamby. "Did you rest well last night? How's your injury? Any better?" He thinks of changing the bandage to a new one after breakfast later. Some parts of the fabric has turned red from blood. It must have been moving a lot, hopefully the injury isn't too severe.

The stray cat has been staring at him for thirty seconds straight now. What do you want? Bamby thinks and smiles awkwardly. Luckily, it doesn't hiss, bite nor scratch. "Meow." As if understanding what the pink haired human said earlier, the cat finally responds something. He finds it funny yet adorable, grabbing his phone from a table nearby and snaps a picture of the cat. Its confused face as he looks into the camera. So adorable!

He startles when the cat rubs its head against the back of his hand and purrs lowly. It is so affectionate. Bamby innerly flips a table at the sight because that's so cute! He cooes as it repeats the action for few more times. Is this the way it tries to thank me for saving its life last night? 

"Are you feeling grateful right now, lil bud?"

"Meow."

"Ok, I take it as a yes then." Bamby laughs and stands up before heading to kitchen to look for something the cat can eat. "Let's see... what we have here.."

MEOWWW

"...I'll be right back, lil buddy! Hold on a second." He replies from the kitchen. This cat sure is sure so clingy, it gets loud when he isn't around. "Well, okay great. There is nothing to offer here. I think I have to buy something from the store." He goes back into his bedroom to change into a thicker outfit. Only God knows how cold it is outside. "I won't take so long, okay? So, behave well and do not scratch the sofa. You hear me, lil bud? Ok cool." 

Then, he leaves the house. It's only fifteen minutes past seven, the neighborhood is still so quiet. Only two or three elders can be seen having the time of their lives, taking a walk in the fresh morning air. Bamby salutes them for the strong spirit because honestly he prefers to just stay indoor especially in this cold weather. The winter in Seoul just feels different than the one in his hometown, here is colder and sometimes suffocating.

Later, he arrives at the convenience store. A familiar face greets him the first thing, "Oh look who's here! Bamby nim!" The bright smile is a little too bright this morning. Did he win some lotteries last night or something?

Bamby rolls his eyes and sighs. "Don't Bamby nim me, Eunho. I need some wetfood for cat. Get me one, hurry."

"Hey, go get it yourself!"

"Is this how you serve the customer? Bad manner!"

"You work here too! You aren't even customer!"

"I'm a customer today! Now get me the wet food!"

Luckily they aren't any other customers around because they're being a bit too loud. Maybe it's still too early for anyone to come especially on Saturday morning, but those elders he saw having a morning walk earlier might be here soon to buy some drinks or cigs though.

Suddenly, another familiar figure walks out from the rest room nearby the counter. "Hey, hey, stop making a fuss." He groans at the other two who're always bickering about nothing. 

"Noah hyung?! I thought your shift is done?" Bamby smiles upon seeing the older male. Every shift for part timers here is only for six hours. So, supposedly Noah has finished his at six o'clock.

"Well yeah... but this rascal wants a company." The blondie points his thumb at the guy standing behind the counter. Him and Eunho have been knowing each other since high school and now they're studying in the same university. Noah is older by three years than the white haired male.

"Hyuuuung, I never said that." The younger whines, caused the blondie to laugh out loud. "I only told you to wait so we could have breakfast together. Ugh!" Bamby just snickers at the other two, they are so close like siblings now.

"Oh anyway, what brings you here this early, Bamby? I thought you told me that you wanna wake up at noon today." Noah brings his focus back to the pink haired guy in thick layered coat. Bamby is never good with winter, he catches a cold pretty easily.

"Oh I wished I could wake up at noon! I need a wet food for cat please. Help me choose one or two."

"Cat? You own one?"

"Yeah, I... um, not really though. I might let it go again after the injury heals."

"What's this about?" Noah walks past the first few shelves and Bamby trails behind him. "The cat is injured?"

"Yea.. I found it on the road last night on my way home. So, I took it with me." Bamby fishes his phone out of the coat pocket. "It's so cute, hyung. Wanna see some pics?" They have arrived at the section for pet foods, and there is a variety of choices.

"Pics? Someone is getting attached too easily, I see~"

"No, no. It's just because this cat is so cute." Bamby taps open the photo gallery and shows the pic of the said black cat he took earlier at home. Its head tilting slightly, looking confused and curious as it's looking into the camera with those bright beautiful green orbs. 

Noah can't even deny the cuteness. "Oh? So adorable~ Poor little thing injured itself. What's the name?"

"I haven't pick one yet but I've been calling it lil buddy since last night." Bamby grins, obviously excited as he talks about the new friend. Noah chuckles and nods, knowing how lonely Bamby is living by himself. It's actually nice to keep a pet as a company. Then, he helps Bamby with the variety of wet food choice.

. . .

Whoever thinks it is a good idea to launch a new waterpark during winter must be insane. People would just prefer to stay indoor, sitting beside their heater while sipping a hot coffee. Bamby innerly scoffs as he walks passing the waterpark banner hanging along the roadside. He glances down at the plastic of wet foods he's holding and smiles slightly. Hopefully lil buddy is going to like the treat.

Soon enough, he arrives home and unlocks the door. "I'm home~!!" He announces and steps inside. "Ughhh... It's so cold!" As he takes off the beanie and outer coat, he yelps upon hearing something crashes onto the floor. Sounds like a vase or glass. Must be that lil troublemaker. He groans and rushes to the living room to check it out. "Lil buddy, you better not--!"

His step abruptly stops, jaw drops, eyes widen as if he's seeing a three headed ghost right now. The plastic bag slips from his loose hold and falls down carelessly onto the floor beneath him. There is a big tall guy wearing nothing, standing confusedly in the middle of that living room. A broken glass can be spotted just near his feet. That glass was supposed to be on the coffee table before Bamby left the house earlier if he is not mistaken.

"Wha- What- W- W-WHO THE HELL ARE YOU??!! W-WHAT ARE YOU DOING NAKED IN MY HOUSE???!?!?!!!" He instinctively snatches an empty mineral bottle from a nearby table and points it at the said stranger like some sort of weapon. He takes quick glances around the place before frantically asks again, "WHERE IS THAT CAT?!! MY LIL BUDDY-- WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO IT???!!!! SAY SOMETHING, YOU CRAZY ARSE!!"

He believes this person is out of his mind because no sane person would break into someone's house and without even a piece of clothing. Bamby gets flustered, he tries so hard not to lower his gaze on that big thing down there. "PUT ON YOUR CLOTHES NOW OR I'M GONNA CALL POLICE!!"

A silence from the other guy, he's just quietly staring at Bamby. The pink haired one begins to lose his patience now that he grabs his phone to call police for real while walking around the house to look for the cat. "Meow~ Lil bud, where are you? Meow~ Meow~ Psspspspspssppss... Lil buddy my meow meow~" He's calling out pretty desperately.

But then, that's when the naked male in the living room opens his mouth for the first time and lets out a word. "Meow."

Bamby startles at the small sound breaking the silence in the room. It sounds a bit deep, doesn't like his lil buddy of course. He brings his focus back to the other person, brows furrow in confusion and annoyance. Meow? What was that for?

"Meow." He does it once again.

"Do not mock me!" Bamby grumpily folds his arms across his chest in full annoyance as he thinks that guy is being rude and mocking him for calling meow just now.

"Meow.. meow." As if the other guy can sense the misunderstanding in the air, he meows again. The next second, he finally makes a move from the spot he's standing at. He's slowly approaching Bamby and the pink haired male turns panicked at it that he snatches two square shaped pillows from the nearby sofa and throws them at the stranger to stop him from coming any closer.

"D-Don't come closer, freak!"

"Meow."

"Stop meowing!! Freak, freak, freak!" He throws the last pillow at full force and it accidentally hits the middle part of the stranger. 

That tall male lets out a painful hiss and staggers. Bamby is taken aback at his own action and the reaction he receives. What had he done? Did he hit him too hard? But it was just a freaking fluffy pillow! However soon enough, his eyes widen at the red sight in front of him.

Few droplets of blood fall onto the floor, only then Bamby notices the big bleeding wound on the right side of that bare waist. Oh shit. What have I done-?! It looks so painful and the said guy is now kneeling down while placing his hands on the wound, between trying to endure the pain or trying to stop the blood. He quietly hisses, looking pale now.

Shit, shit, shit, shit. I can't let him die inside my house. Too young for prison! Free food, of course, but I can't skip classes!

Bamby gets so panicked, he immediately runs into the kicthen and grabs some necessary things like a bowl of water, a clean cloth, and first aid kit. He comes back immediately after and settles beside the injured guy on the floor. 

"GAhhhh!! Can't you just put on some clothes first?! Underwear at least!" Bamby freaks out upon seeing the unnecessarily big thing down there. He rolls his eyes and groans when the other guy just quietly eyeing him, seems confused. He doesn't think he understand what he just said though. Just who the hell is this weirdo?! He stands up again and rushes into his bedroom to get a pair of baggy pants so he can lend it to the stranger.

"Here. Please just put this on." He hands the pants to him. Again, he receives a silence and a confused look. "What? Don't tell me you have no idea how to wear this?" Bamby is just taking a guess but it seems like he isn't wrong at all. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!! He's having a mental breakdown for a minute and taking another minute to calm himself down. Saturday, when he expected himself to get a good nice sleep and rest all day long, but then here he is being tested mentally, emotionally and physically. AND IT IS ONLY 8.35 A.M.!!!

"Meow." That sounds sad and pleading now.

Bamby inhales sharply and sighs. "Fine. I guess this is my fate for today." Finally, he gives in and nods dramatically. "Fine. I'll just play along then. C'mere." Then, he lends a hand with the pants while turning his head to the side and half shutting his eyes to prevent from accidentally seeing a jumpscare again.

"Right leg first--" But the tall male puts his left leg instead. Yea, of course. Bamby rolls his eyes and sighs. "Now, the left one." He's being sarcastic this time and lets that guy puts his right leg. "There you go." He pulls the pants up and it's done. "Memorize the steps correctly. I don't wanna help you with this next time. Got it?" His unamused gaze meets the other confused one.

After a brief silence, he receives another meow of the day from the clueless male. "Meow."

Only then, Bamby helps him with the open wound. It looks so painful, but it doesn't show much on the poker face. So expressionless. What exactly are you? A robot?

"What's your name?"

No answer. Of course.

"What are you doing here inside my house? Stealing food? I only have instant noodle, ya know. Tell me if you're hungry. We can share it." The conversation is so one-sided but Bamby begins to not mind much. Maybe this guy is just super shy and introvert kind. Nah, he is simply a weirdo.

"How did you get this wound? I don't think it's because of the pillow I threw earlier though."

He receives an unamused look as if telling him 'are you sure?'

"I told you, it's not! That pillow is softer than Yejun hyung's soggy instant noodle. It won't cause injury."

He stops talking and starts to actually focusing on the task at hand. The wound is quite long, looks pretty bad. Maybe they should go to clinic later for a proper check up. Wait a second. It took him so long to realize something. The shape of this wound looks a bit familiar, even the body part is the same... around the right side of the waist. 

Uh? Wait. Something is wrong. 

It injured its two front legs as well, so it should be... Bamby grabs the other by his wrists before scanning the big hands thoroughly, front and back of the palms. He gulps nervously upon seeing multiple wounds there too. And he meowed too. No way. The sudden realization hits like a 9 ton truck with broken brakes. "Oh my god..." He mutters under his shaky breath, eyes meeting the pair of bright green orbs infront of him. Even the color of their eyes is no different.

"...are you.. lil buddy?" He finishes his question and gulps one more time, swallows the shocking reality down his throat. "L-Lil bud?" He asks more carefully this time, lowkey scared because how on earth could any of these happen???

"Meow." A short respond from the other.

NO WAYYYYYY THIS SCARED THE SHIT OUT OF ME!

Bamby just had to slap his own cheek too hard just to double check if he's really wide awake and this is reality or this is just a part of his dream. "ARGHHH! IT HURTS!!"

. . .

"Hello, Bamby."

"Hi, Jake." 

It's few minutes past eleven in the morning when one of his classmates calls him. He rushes into the living room, with a damp clothes in his hold, to answer the call.

"Are you busy? You took like ages to pick up." A light laughter can be heard from the end of the other line.

"Oh, no, no. I was just doing the laundry. What's up?" Bamby takes a glance at the other guy in the living room. He's quietly sitting on the couch and glaring at Bamby. Okay, that glare is very unnecessary but at least he doesn't do anything ridiculous. 

"Remember the party Soobin invited us to? Wanna go together?"

Bamby hums, thinking hard whether he should go or not. Honestly, he isn't that interested to join those famous people partying. In fact, he never went to one before. Party. Sounds cool but not his thing.

"Bamby? Still there?"

"Ah, yes. Mmm... sure!" Okay, let's just give it a try. It won't be too bad, right?

"Great!"

"It will be the second Friday night this March, correct?"

"Yup! It's after our exam though, so no need to worry. I'll pick you up, we can go together. Let's decide the time later."

"Yea, okay-" Bamby takes another glance at the shirtless guy, a little paranoid knowing how unpredictable that person can be. For example,.... just like right now, he's crouching on the couch with his right arm already quarter half dipped into the fish tank, trying to catch one of the fishes using bare hand. "Yah, yah, yah, Hamin-ah!" He turns panicked at the sight.

Jake jolts and instantly distance his phone from his ear upon hearing that loud scream. "W-What's wrong? Bamby, what's that?? Burglar?!??" No response, just another scream. "Omg what are they doing?! Should I call the cops?? Tell me what should I do!" He gets panicked just the same. "Bamby, tell me what should I--"

"You should just pray for my sanity because I'm nearly losing it! I'm fine tho, don't worry! YAHH HAMIN-AH!!! Oh don't worry! I'm just, uh, kinda practicing my vocal-- YAHHHH!! HAMIN- DON'T!! Ok actually I'm a bit busy right now, let's talk again later. Thanks, Jake! Byeee!" Bamby ends the call so quick before the friend even gets to say anything more.

He tosses the device onto a cushion nearby and desperately runs to Hamin who's now grinning and proudly waving the fish in his hold into the air as if it is his biggest achievement that deserves praises and treats. Bamby makes a mental note to put a hot chili sauce in his milk later.

"HAMIN-AH!!! GIVE IT BACK!" He holds the urge to cough, because when was the last time he had to use his voice this loud?

Hamin. They've decided on the name after having a long semi-peaceful discussion about it, more like one does the talk and another one does the poker face and nodding when he feels like it, just a few hours ago. 

Bamby settles at the edge of the couch, isn't too far from Hamin. "Give it back to me!!" He reaches out his hand, brows furrow in anger and annoyance. Hamin shakes his head and turns his body around to hide the fish. He can understands the pink haired guy based on the body language; reaching out the hand like asking for something. Bamby mentally groans and flips an imaginary table.

He inhales deeply in attempt to calm himself down. This guy in front of him really be testing his patience and sanity. Then, he speaks again, this time using a softer tone. "Hey, Hamin-ah. Can you give me that? I need it, okay? I'll give you another toy to play with later. Okay?" JUST GIVE IT TO ME ALREADY! ARGHHH THIS IS STRESSING ME OUT!

The changing of the tone in his voice really works after all, because now Hamin is looking over his shoulder before finally turning around and facing Bamby again. 

"Can you give it to me? Please?" Bamby innerly screams and cries out his heart when he has to tilt his head and asks in a cute manner. It will be the last time I act cute like this!! 

At last, after few more attempts, Hamin reaches out his hand and hesitantly gives the golden fish to Bamby who carefully takes it and carefully returns it back into the tank.

"Oh thank goodness it's alive. Omg you poor poor baby must be startled." Bamby pouts and puts his palm against the glass surface, making sure all the fish in the tank just fine. He sighs in relief before his soft gaze turns sharp and deadly again as he brings his attention back to the one particular guy crouching on the floor near the couch, eyes sparkling as he's eyeing all the fish. Is he even drooling? 

Oh, right. Right. Bamby just realized that Hamin sees the fish as food instead of toy. Hamin is a cat! This can be dangerous if Bamby ever leaves the house for class and let Hamin stay at home alone. He would empty the fish tank in less than an hour. 

Hamin can't speak, can't understand words, act like cat and speak like cat. Bamby exhales as he thinks deeply, arms cross over his chest. He needs to do something about this. Wait, is he gonna stay here forever though? I can just dump him at police station nearby and tell them about a missing person. Okay, that's a brilliant idea. As for now, let's just teach him one thing or two.

"Hamin, look at me." He says that but his fingers do the work, lightly grabs a handful of Hamin's hair to get his focus and turn his head to look at Bamby. Eyes move from gluing to the fish tank, now meet the magenta orbs. "Hamin-ah, that..." He points his finger at the fish tank, "...is not food." He makes a cross X sign using his hands. "Not food. You understand? Okay? That is living thing just like me and you. Okay?" No respond, Bamby rolls his eyes and nearly give up, but then he receives a small nod. "Oh! You get it, right?! Ah~ I knew it. You just pretend dumb. I knew it~" He gives Hamin a pat on the head.

Bamby just can't wait to dump him. So, later that day after having their lunch, he takes Hamin to a police station nearby. There is no shirt he can wear as everything Bamby owns just doesn't suit his size, but it's cold outside. Are cats good in cold? Maybe their body system has been catered to this weather?

However it is, Bamby still lends him the most oversized coat he has (yet it still looks small on Hamin). It takes around 7 minutes of walking to get there. Once arrives, Bamby is needed to give more details about how he meets Hamin. Of course he has to make things up. Who is going to believe a cat turns into a human though???

" Why is he shirtless underneath?"

"What about that wound on his waist?

"Why he looks so confused?"

"He lost his memory or something?"

"Where did you find him again? So, it's not you who caused the injury?"

"NO!! It's not my fault!" Bamby half shouts in frustration. He just wants this to end fast. "Sir, can I just go home now?" His eyes accidentally meet Hamin's confused yet anxious one. He looks uneasy and sad. Bamby quickly looks away. Whatever.

"Alright then, leave us your contact info so we can reach you when necessary."

"Okay." Only after leaving his contact information, Bamby leaves the building.

Oh. His heart twists slightly. It is aching. Why does this feels like... as if I'm my parents.

(flashback)

"Mom, where are you and dad going? Can't you stay? Can I follow you?" The five years old Bamby asked sadly, small hand tugged at her dress, desperately wanted the other two not to leave him.

"We can't keep you, honey. So sorry. We actually have our career to focus on. You'll stay here with grandma, okay? We'll visit you sometimes. Be a good boy."

(End flashback)

'A good boy.' I was a good boy though. 

'We will visit you sometimes' Bullshit. That was the last time I saw them.

'We have our career to focus on.' Of course, their career first. I was born into this world by mistake anyway. And I heard from some sources that they have a son together now. Should I congratulate them for finally having a child they actually want?

Bamby scoffs lightly as that pain memory slips into his mind again. His step stops now, head is hanging low. Why does he feel so bad and so evil right now. He isn't any different if he simply dumps the innocent soul like that. Moreover, Hamin has no one else in his life. Who's gonna check on him and his injury? No one can understand what he wants. What if he gets hurt again? Bamby gulps at his own thoughts.

"Hey! Where are you going?!" A man shouts from behind which startles Bamby and he turns around almost immediately. He gets even more surprised to see the two police officers are trying to stop Hamin who's running out of the building, heading towards Bamby. "You ain't going nowhere! Stay here with us!!" They manage to grab Hamin and one of them headlocking him a bit too harshly, ignoring how Hamin is struggling so badly to escape. 

"Stop moving!" Another one shouts this time. Hamin reaches out his grabby hands desperately at Bamby's direction as if he can touch the pink haired male by doing this. "He's going home and you're staying here with us!" Hamin lets out a long meow, it sounds like a cry. 

Bamby's heart is being twisted in uncomfortable way again. The sight unfolded in front of him right now... is this their POV on that day? What mom and dad was seeing the day they abandoned me, was it something like this? The five years old him was crying so badly, desperately, begging them not to leave him, while the grandma was trying to hold and make him stay with her. Bamby gulps as his eyes suddenly feel like burning, nearly brim with tears. His gaze glued on Hamin's sad and anxious expression. It is the first time Bamby sees the usual poker face shows so much emotions and being so expressive like this.

"Stay still or I'm gonna knock you out!" One of the police officer becomes more violent as Hamin gets even more aggressive trying to release himself from the choking hold.

"Bamby-!" 

Bamby is taken aback and comes to his sense again upon hearing his own name, slipping out from Hamin's lips. My name is his first human word. 

"Let him go!" At last, he is able to let out his voice after the long sudden wave of emotions. He sounds stern and determined.

Yes, he has made up his mind and he knows what exactly he's doing right now.

"Actually he's not a missing person. I was just...um, tired of taking care of him, so I thought I could just... I'm sorry. I'm really sorry. I've changed my mind. I'm taking him home with me now." The two officers exchange a confused look before looking at Bamby again.

"Are you telling us this is some sort of prank? Hey, kid. Don't waste our time!" One of them shouts in anger while letting Hamin go from the arms around his neck.

"I've said that I'm sorry! I'm so sorry, okay?!" The pink haired male shouts back in guilt. Before anything else, he rushes to Hamin and grabs him by his hand. "Let's go!" He half whispers to the tall male before begin to run away. "HAVE A NICE DAY, OFFICERS~!!" in which Bamby highly doubts because he's sure he just ruined it for them anyway.

Bamby glances over his shoulder with a mischievous smirk while running along the pathway, feeling relieved to see the two man don't go after them. Then, he brings his attention to Hamin who has the infamous puzzled look on his poker face. However, his face lit up almost instantly and grins stupidly (cluelessly too, Bamby believes) when their eyes meet for the brief seconds. Bamby scoffs at that and smiles back a bit too endearingly before looking to the front again and keep running, hand in hand.

The fact that his name is the first human word coming from Hamin, Bamby feels oddly happy. He thought Hamin couldn't understand it when he introduced himself earlier this morning during their discussion for Hamin's name. Because this brat looked so stupidly clueless and unamused that time when I told him my name. That's why it really surprised Bamby when the said guy called his name just now. So, he did understand some of their conversation and actually remembered the name.

Bamby's smile drops so fast as he just remembered something. Oh shit. He slows down his step and eventually stops, Hamin copies him. The pink haired male snaps his head around and frantically brings his attention to hamin's injured waist before yelping and freaking out because.. "IT'S BLEEDING AGAINNNN AHHH HAMIN-AH, YOU SHOULD TELL ME WHEN IT'S HURT-- ENOUGH WITH THAT STUPID GRIN!!!"

. . .

"Damn... what a long day. I'm so tired." Bamby sighs in relief after finally arriving home. They've went to clinic for Hamin to get a proper treatment, street shops to get Hamin some new clothes and few toys (because he couldn't stop touching and ended up breaking one of them, Bamby just had to buy it then) and a convenience store to get more foods (just a friendly note, there are two humans to feed now in the house). I'm gonna miss you, money. Nice to have you in my wallet even for just a short period. Bamby dramatically wipes off his imaginary tears. He puts down all the plastic bags and flops himself down onto the couch.

"Ahhh~ Finally, the real Saturday is here~ I'm gonna get some rest now." He's about to play a game on his phone when he notices Hamin isn't around the living room. Wait, I didn't forget to bring him home, right? At this early stage, he still needs to keep an eye on that guy almost every minute. I don't think I accidentally leave him at the convenience store though. 

Bamby walks passing the bedroom and sees the backyard through an opened sliding door. There is Hamin, crouching down while sniffing the sandy ground beneath him before his nails do some scratching as if he's trying to dig a hole.

No.

"N-No, no, no, Hamin-ah!" Bamby rushes out to the backyard. Hamin startles and flinches at the sound, he brings his clueless gaze up to the pink haired male, still crouching down. He's still having his pants on though. "I think I know what you're trying to do. Don't. Not here. This isn't how you do it... uh, as human. Okay?" No reply, of course. "C-Come with me inside. Let's go, get up." He takes his arm and pulls him up before leading the way inside, heading straight to the bathroom. 

A potty training and toilet training it is~ 

Ah... what a long Saturday.

Bamby spends the rest of the weekend at home with Hamin, teaching him even more words to say, how to speak, how to write, how to read, how to use spoon and fork, how to put on clothes and many other normal things to do by humans. Every time Hamin manages to do well in something, Bamby will pat his head and he thinks of it as a reward. So, whenever he does as he's told, he'll slightly bend his head for Bamby to pat.

Surprisingly, teaching him isn't too hard for Bamby because Hamin is very surprisingly a fast learner. He's quick to catch on to things, maybe because Bamby is good in explaining or it's just Hamin attentively giving his full attention when learning.

Oh wait, cancel the second one.

Hamin gets distracted quite a lot too, just like this one time when they're in the kitchen, learning how to use straw (he ended up chewing it instead of sucking) and he accidentally noticed a butterfly outside the window. Eyes already glued on that little thing while he was tossing aside the straw and went near to the window just to watch the butterfly flying freely around. Bamby failed to hold himself back from face palming at the sight. Okay. Let's just take five.

It's funny as Bamby recalls back their encounter with Eunho and Noah at the convenience store the earlier this morning. Both of them were surprised to see him coming with someone unfamiliar, got more surprised when he told them that both him and Hamin were housemates now, and they got into a total shock (also disbelief) as he told them about Hamin's real identity.

"Hyung, remember lil buddy? The cute cat I bought wet food for?"

"You told me to get it for you but I refused." Eunho interrupted.

Noah nodded. "Oh yes, you showed me the picture."

"Right. This is him."

A confused silence.

"Where?" Noah asks with a straight face. 

"Here. This unnecessarily tall guy right here, is the lil buddy." 

"....Okay, let me get you some fever pills--"

"I'm serious!!"

It's funny to see their shocked expression. Eunho patted Hamin's shoulder and complimented him for his buffy posture. "You go to gym, huh? Where is it? Let me tag along."

"Hi, I'm Noah. What's your name?" He reached out his hand for a handshake but the good looking guy in front of him was just eyeing it questioningly.

"Hamin." At least he could answer it right. Bamby nodded in approval like a proud teacher. Oh, he taught him that one; 'If you hear the word name, just reply with Hamin.'

"You changed his name too?!" Noah gasped and shot Bamby a disappointed look.

"You can't expect me to call him lil buddy when he's two times my size."  Bamby emphasized the lil and Noah gave in right away.

"Actually make sense."

.

.

.

"I told you, I'm just going to class! You can't keep sticking with me every minute." Bamby groans while bending down and tying his shoelaces. This is the forth day of leaving Hamin alone at home. He's doing even better day by day, not attacking the fish in that tank, not making so much mess, probably sleeping all day and playing with the yarn ball and mouse toy Bamby bought for him. Yet he's still so clingy every morning before Bamby leaves the house, wanting to tag along.

"It- is- bo- ring." 

Bamby still finds it cute (oh he won't gonna admit this) how awkward Hamin sounds every time he tries to speak as he pronounces words by their syllables one by one. But at least, the latter makes a progress and his vocabulary count is increasing day by day. He notices how Hamin's voice sounds light and high-pitched when he meows but the tone gets deeper and a bit hoarse when he speaks in human language.

"What do you mean boring? You haven't even finish the story book I bought for you, right?"

"Hard. Read-ing- yawn."

"Yawn? You mean, reading makes you sleepy?"

Hamin slightly tilts his head, doesn't really get it but he nods a second later. "I- go- with- you."

Bamby sighs, "You can't! I have an important presentation this morning, so I should be there on time. You be good at home. I'll buy some treats on my way home later. Okay?" He doubts Hamin can understand every word if he speaks too fast like this, but he's in hurry right now.

He slightly tip toes and gives Hamin a pat on his head. "Behave well and stop shredding the toilet paper. It ain't that cheap, got it? See ya later!" They still need a lot of practice to make Hamin acts like an actual human being. He's about to rush out of the doorstep when Hamin calls him.

"Bamby!"

The pink haired male in thick white coat and black beanie abruptly stops his step and turns around again. "W-What?"

"Here. Um-vre-bla." His tongue twisted.

Bamby presses his own lips into a thin line in attempt to hold back his laughter at the wrong pronunciation. Hamin is handing him an umbrella. "Oh, it's fine. It won't rain! Gotta go now, bye!" Then, he continues his rushing step, heading to the bus station that takes only around 3 minutes if he runs real quick.

.

.

.

"Bamby, let's have some fun later after class!"

"Karaoke?"

"Ohhh sounds good. And how about grilled meat after?"

"Great!!"

"Uh, guys. Sorry I don't think I can join today. Next time, I will!" 

"Eyyy... Bamby, you so busy lately. Dating someone?"

"What?! No, no. I'm just, uh, yea. A bit busy. Sorry guys. Next time, sure?"

"Bruh.. okay, okay, fine. But the next time we hang out, it'll be on you."

Bamby rolls his eyes, as if he didn't expect that. "Fine!" His other two friends, Jake and Seungho laugh while showing thumbs up approvingly.

It's not that Bamby is so busy though, but every day since him and Hamin started living together, the latter will be there standing still outside the house when Bamby comes back from his class despite has been scolded by the pink haired male many times before, to just wait inside because it's too cold to be outdoor! 

"Look at your runny nose. I told you, it's cold here! Get inside." Later, Bamby grabs a tissue and holds it to Hamin's pink nose before the latter blows his nose. Having Hamin in this house with him feels like raising a kid, if we erase the fact that Hamin's size is two times bigger.

One thing Bamby likes about having Hamin around is the said guy can be very helpful at times, because he's a clingy type and he's always curious. He just needs to know and learn. Bamby doesn't cook alone anymore, there will be Hamin in the kitchen with him, standing too close to see what he's doing. Unless it's dangerous to stay too close, then Bamby won't allow him to get close, just like when he's frying something with the hot oil.

"What is this?" 

See? The way he speaks keep improving day by day and Bamby is proud (he won't admit this one as well) to see the progress. Hamin doesn't stutter much and he sounds less awkward now.

"Onigiri. Wanna try make one?"

"Onigiri?" Hamin asks back curiously. Bamby nods and gives one to Hamin. He has put some fillings inside the rice.

"You just have to shape it." Bamby shows an example for him to copy. "Like this. Move your hands like this to shape it into triangle." Hamin follows the instruction well but he puts too much pressure that the onigiri falls apart. "Ah, press only lightly. Don't do it too hard." 

"Okay." The tall guy in black hoodie absentmindedly sticks out his tongue, so focus on the task at hands. Bamby steals a glance at him, can't help but admires the side profile. Is Hamin getting more handsome as he's becoming more neat and knows how to take care of his own appearance or he's always been so handsome like this and it's just Bamby who doesn't really pay attention to it all this time? His beautiful shiny green eyes, sharp nose, pretty teeth with those cute tiny fangs, light tanned skin, smooth black hair, well built body and tall- oh, let's just skip the height part because Bamby is envy of this one. Why is he so tall?! SO ANNOYING!!! is what the pink haired male always think.

"Is this okay?"

Bamby flinches slightly and comes back to his senses upon hearing the voice. He gets even more surprised when realizing Hamin is already looking at him and their eyes meet. Immediately, he looks away and breaks the eye contact. "I- I- I'M NOT LOOKING AT YOU!!!"

"What." Hamin merely replies with his infamous straight face and toneless voice as always. "Is this okay?" He asks again and shows the onigiri he has made.

"YES! THIS IS OKAY!!" He still gets too flustered from earlier.

"Loud."

"Ah- sorry." Bamby innerly facepalms at his silly self. "Oh, this is not bad? You did great." The onigiri in Hamin's palms looks more like square shaped than triangular if Bamby is being honest. Hamin tilts his head to the side, slightly bends himself down and quietly waiting. Bamby is taken aback but understands it right away. He scoffs lightly and gives the head a pat. "Well done."

Hamin grins happily, "Well done, Haminnie." Not him praising himself. Bamby scoffs again and rolls his eyes. Hamin can be so silly and cute at the same time.

Once the breakfast is ready, they enjoy it together in the living room while watching morning news on tv. To be honest, he rarely switches on the television before Hamin started living here with him. The landlord provides so many utilities in the house but Bamby doesn't really need some of them. Not complaining though. That landlord is a nice old lady, Bamby is grateful to her for letting him stay here (not for free of course, but the monthly rental fee isn't too costly).

Hamin likes watching tv and sometimes he'll accidentally try to catch any thing appears moving on the screen that triggers his cat instincts.

Just like this one time when they were watching a soccer game and one of the team was about to score the ball, Bamby was about to shout goal but suddenly his sight was being covered by Hamin who appeared right in front of the tv to catch the ball. He excitedly swung and slid his fists against the screen in attempt to get the white round thing. "Hamin, noooo! Look! I missed the goal!!" 

However, something like that has been rarely to happen. Hamin is getting better at controlling himself and his cat instinctive behavior.

"How does it taste?" Bamby asks about the onigiri and Hamin only nods in approval as his mouth is too busy to answer. He seems liking it, especially for the tuna filling inside. 

Later, Bamby's phone rings and his face lit up right away upon seeing the contact ID. He picks up the video call almost immediately.

"Granny! Hello~" He gets excited whenever the grandma calls him first.

The old lady on the screen smiles motherly and greets back. "You're eating?"

"Yes! We are having handmade onigiri as breakfast!"

"We?"

Bamby mentally facepalms. Ah right. I haven't properly introduced the two. Before he can call Hamin over, the said guy is already peeking at the phone screen in full curiosity.

Grandma blinks confusedly upon seeing the unfamiliar face beside her grandson. Practically, both her and Hamin are exchanging confused blink. This is their first meeting.

So, Bamby breaks the funny silence between the two. "Granny, this is Hamin. He has been living with me for almost three weeks now."

"A... friend?"

"Yes, a friend."

"Oh my... what a handsome young man."

Right. The typical comment from people when they first saw Hamin. Just like those elders and young females Bamby and Hamin bumped into while on their way to buy groceries. This one lady owner even gave them 50% off for their purchase just because "aww this eye candy might bring luck to my business today~" 

Bamby innerly huffed as this whole time he went to the shop, he never got any discount. What am I? An eyesore??!??!!

"Hamin, this is my grandma. She's at our hometown, Hwagae."

"Hwagae." Hamin innocently greets her while waving his hand. Bamby laughs at him and grandma's confused smile. 

"No, no. Hwagae is the place name. You can call her granny. Gran-ny."

"Ah- granny." The black haired male greets again before placing a palm against his chest. "Hamin." He politely introduces himself. The old lady on the screen nods, chuckling lowly. It's a relief to see her grandson gets himself a housemate now, at least he won't be too lonely.

Bamby and grandma continues chatting for the next thirty minutes. Anyone could tell how close the two. They laugh a lot and have so many stories to share. Hamin just let them be and doesn't bother, he's having his own time watching the morning show on television. 

After awhile and they're about to end the call that Bamby tells Hamin to come over. "We're about to say good bye now."

Hamin gets closer to Bamby and slightly bows his head to grandma. 

"Hamin ssi, I'm sorry on my grandson's behalf if he ever troubles you so much."

What crap is this? He's the one who troubles me a lot! Bamby thinks and scoffs lowly.

"He is quite stubborn at times, but he's actually a good kid with a kind heart."

Arghh what is this? Granny, quit it. 

"Please look after him for me."

Granny, I swear, I'm the only one looking after him!!

Hamin nods, thinking of what he's supposed to say as a reply. "Uh.. right." He shows a thumb up. "Look after Bamby for you. Okay. I will."

Pfftt. Why he sounds like a robot? Look at that stupid poker face. Bamby scoffs again and rolls his eyes. He doubts Hamin even understand what he just said though. Look after me, yea, whatever. Look after yourself first, sir.

"Bonggu, bring him along if you wanna pay me a visit next time. I'll cook a lot of delicious food." Grandma smiles, wrinkles form at the corner of his eyes. She looks older every time Bamby sees her. This makes him sad, how he wishes grandma will stop aging so she can stay with him for another hundred years. Her health isn't doing any better too, she has to keep going to clinic every now and then to get her meds.

Bamby just wants to finish his study real quick so he can go back to Hwagae and takes care of her. He is scared to think of just how little the remaining time they have to spend together. Grandma is turning seventy five this year. He can't even imagine his life without her, the person who acts like his parents more than his own biological parents. She is not even his real grandma but playing so many roles in Bamby's life. She is his mom, his dad, his everything. 

Bamby nods with a soft sad smile, "Okay." He really wants to go back to hometown right now. After bidding good bye and telling each other to not skipping meals, they end the call. Bamby inhales deeply, his heart aches a little, but at least it doesn't feel too bad as he got to see grandma's smile and listen to her voice. 

Seeing the pink haired male's gloomy face as he's staring into space, Hamin scoots closer and bends his body down while tilting his head to get a better view of the other face. "Bamby?" He asks in concern.

Bamby is clearly spacing out as he flinches upon realizing how close their faces. "H-Hey, what?! Move away! Ugh.. why are you so clingy. Finish your breakfast. I have to start my shift soon, so you be good at home. Got it?" He stands up, brings along his empty glass and heads to kitchen.

Hamin blinks confusedly but worriedly, "Bamby is sad."

.

.

.

"That's all for today. Make sure to be ready for our exam next Monday." The male lecturer ends the last class as the clock hits 3pm.

"Bamby, let's grab some foods first before going home." Jake and Seungho are already with their bag.

"Okay." Bamby doesn't even hesitate to accept the offer. The other two exchange a brief look.

"Hey, did you just break up?"

"I told you, I didn't even date anyone!"

Jake and Seungho laugh naughtily. They just like to tease the pink haired male. Then, three of them stop by at a cafe nearby their university to have some snacks, more like breads and coffee.

"It's rare to have Bamby joining us like this. He's always busy."

"Ikr. Don't you need to take a leave quickly today too?"

The other two are just so busybody, Bamby doesn't mind though. 

"Nevermind... once in awhile." Bamby replies and takes a small bite of his strawberry bread. Considering Hamin can behave well while being alone at home and Bamby doesn't need to worry much about him anymore, so it's okay. Besides, he feels too moody lately. His gloomy face will only cause Hamin to worry.

Even last night when they were about to sleep, suddenly that guy knocked on the door to his bedroom, wanting to sleep together. That's out of habit. Maybe he was just worried and wanted to give Bamby a company.

They usually sleep separately, one takes each room despite Hamin had asked him multiple times if they could sleep together. The clingy cat he is. But Bamby is always so stern and never gives him the permission.

Later, after the three of them are done hanging out, the other two go straight home while Bamby is heading to library. He's gonna spend the rest of the evening there, doing some revision for the exam that's just around the corner.

. . .

Yejun and Eunho are doing their shift together and many customers begin to stop by the store. 

"Welcome~!" They say the greeting in unison like always they do whenever someone enters the building. Eunho's surprised to see the familiar face.

"Uh? What's his name again... Hanlim--"

"Hamin." The taller guy cuts in an instant, looking pale and worried. He goes straight to the counter to see Eunho. Yejun who hasn't been introduced to Hamin seems clueless but remains quiet.

"What's the matter? What's wrong?" Eunho asks, slightly panicked to see the newcomer is running out of breath. Did he just run on his way here? 

"Bamby." Hamin says between his short breaths.

"What's wrong with him?" Yejun frowns slightly, gets even more curious. Who is this tall stranger? How does he know Bamby?

"Bamby is not home yet."

Eunho scoffs in relief. He thought there's something even more worse than this. "Ah~ Don't worry. Maybe he's just busy. I heard that their exam will be so soon. You don't have to worry~ He will be back, just a bit late."

"Uh, um.. but..." Hamin fiddles with his fingers and keeps fidgeting, looking so restless. He glances at the sky outside, it's getting dark and he's so worried. "...where is Bamby..?"

Customers keep coming into the store, Yejun and Eunho become a bit too busy again. It's a peak hour as everyone is looking for something to buy as dinner. 

After a lot of thinking, Hamin rushes out of the convenience store to continue looking for Bamby, ignoring Eunho who's calling out to him.

. . .

The time reads ten minutes past seven when Bamby wakes up to a librarian telling a group of students to lower their voices. He rubs his eyes and checks his phone. Man... I fell asleep. What time is it? Eyes snap open in surprised at the realization. Shit, shit, it's already late! He can't believe that he just slept for two hours and half. 

He quickly packs his bag and leaves the library, mentally cursing for accidentally falling asleep. It was a freaking two hours and-- gahhhhh I'm a joke. Silently praying for Hamin not to wait. The sky has turned dark now.

However, the moment he arrives outside the house later, Hamin is there.

Oh no.

Hamin is there, at his usual spot near the doorstep, but this time he's sitting and hugging knees, face buried into his arms. Bamby bites his bottom lip in guilt. He intended not to make Hamin worry but ended up making him even more worried.

Carefully, he approaches the said guy and crouches down in front of him. "H-Hamin?" His fingers lightly strokes the dark hair, there is a little white on it. Snow. 

Only then, the latter lifts up his head and Bamby can swear he hates this sight. The swollen eyes, the dried tears on the cold pale cheeks, his bruised lips (probably from biting it too hard). 

"Hamin, I--"

"Late." Hamin's voice cracks a little. He's slightly trembling from the coldness. Since when did he sit and wait here? Bamby is scared to take a guess. 

"I'm sorry. So so so sorry. I was at the library and- and I fell asleep." Bamby's warm hands cup the face, the skin feels cold. "Let's get inside. You're freezing here." He helps him get up and they go inside.

Bamby makes him a hot drink and wraps a blanket around him. He doesn't even wear thick clothes to begin with. "I'm really sorry." He settles on the couch beside Hamin while waiting for him to finish the hot chocolate. "But I've told you not to wait for me, right? You're just so stubborn."

Hamin remains quiet, eyes lower on the half empty mug in his hold. Bamby lowly sighs, he brings his thumb to Hamin's face and lightly rubs the corner of his eye. It's red, slightly swollen.

"Are you mad? You can shout at me if you want. I think I deserve it anyway."

Hamin shakes his head as response. No, he can't get mad at someone who saved his life.

"Seriously, why did you even have to wait for me outside? Ugh... even if I'm late, you should just stay indoor. Wasn't it cold?!"

Hamin places down the mug he's holding onto a table nearby and rustles his notebook before showing something to Bamby.

"Omg.. how- w-where did you get this, Hamin?"

There are two train tickets to Hwagae. 

"Noah hyung... helped me. We... shouldn't be late. That's why.. I wanted you to be home fast."

"What do you mean we shouldn't be late-- WHAT??!! OUR TRAIN IS AT NINE TODAY?!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME??!!" Bamby nearly pops out his eyeballs off the sockets. 9pm which means an hour from now. "WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME EARLIER???!!? HAVE YOU PACKED YOUR THINGS?? WE'VE TO GET READY NOW!" They can't miss the train.

And who the hell even paid for these tickets?! Don't tell me it's Noah hyung! Bamby will ask Hamin about this later.

. . .

Seeing how gloomy Bamby seems lately, Hamin guessed it's because he missed grandma. So, he decided to ask Noah for help. He wanted to bring Bamby to see her. Plus, Noah was too kind that he didn't mind to pay for the tickets. "This will be on me. Don't worry. You accompany him, okay?"

"You know you don't have to do this, right?" Bamby says after hearing the full story from Hamin. They're now inside a cab, just arrived at his hometown and now heading to grandma's house. She must be so surprised to see them later.

"I just... want to see you happy." Hamin says quietly, fingers fiddle with the sleeve of his coat.

Bamby's heart skips a beat. Oh. What was it just now? He feels weird inside. 

He wants to see me happy. 

"Okay." He replies shortly and looks away, too ego to even say a thank you. Because usually it's always him who does something for Hamin. So, when it's vice versa,... it feels weird. I don't like this.

Soon enough, they arrive at the said house. A medium sized house nearby paddy fields, there's also a river and a lake. A very beautiful scenery but they can't see everything right now as it's already late night. He'll show Hamin around the place tomorrow in the morning. However, everything will be more beautiful in spring though.

As expected, grandma is so surprised to see the two guests. She nearly breaks into tears, so happy to greet her grandson and his friend. They spend two days there, a very short period but at least, this is better than none at all. 

Grandma lives alone by herself but there is a caring family living nearby, and they'll come over at times to share some meals with her or to just simply check on her. Bamby takes the chance to pay them a visit and gives them some souvenirs from Seoul as a gratitude for having his grandma in their care while he's away. The family's oldest son is around Bamby's age, they used to be pretty close in back then when they were kids.

"Thanks for the gifts, Bonggu." The taller male smiles. It's been quite long since the last time they met. 

"Oh, don't mention. I should be the one thanking you and your family, Rin. Granny is doing well, right?" 

"Yea, but we have to keep reminding her not to do so much heavy works. She shouldn't get too tired."

"Right. Thanks for doing that." Bamby sighs, he knows how grandma just can't stay still at home. She just needs to do something outdoor.

"Are you getting taller while you're in Seoul, Bonggu?" Rin smirks teasingly before bursts into laughter when Bamby playfully smacks his arm. 

"Hey! Height is a sensitive topic." 

"No worries. You're still so cute though. Looking good as ever."

"Look who's talking~" Bamby scoffs and teases back, arms folded across his chest. "Getting tanner and sexier, huh?"

"Quit it!" Rin laughs harder and ruffles the pink haired male in front of him.

Hamin who's standing nearby just quietly watching the other two. Them seem so close. How close? He wonders, can't help feeling... jealous. Bamby never really smiled that wide when he's with him. Ouch. His heart aches a little at the realization.

Throughout their days in the village, Hamin listens to Bamby and behaves well. He is also being very helpful, carrying heavy loads for grandma, feeding the animals, chopping woods in the snowy yard and using an axe which is a new experience for him (Rin teaches him how to chop the firewoods and Hamin wants to do better than that guy just so he can show off to Bamby). Every time he's done something well, he'll lean his head down for Bamby to pat.

Bamby clears his throat and avoids the eye contact with his grandma when she's giving them a confused and questioning look. Rin has left the place long minutes ago and it's only three of them here now. He lets out an awkward laughter while briefly patting Hamin's head. "Y-You don't have to do this here." He whispers at the tall male.

"You two seem so close." Grandma interrupts, smiling endearingly. "Are you two the same age?"

Ah, right. Bamby never asked about Hamin's age. How old is he in human age though? They must be around the same age, right? Hamin doesn't look too young yet doesn't look so old neither. 

"Right! We're the same age!"

"One year and six months old."

Both of them accidentally answer it in unison before Bamby snaps his neck and looks at Hamin beside him.

"One year and six months?" Ah... so, how old is that in human age?

Hamin nods and repeats himself, "One year and six months."

A silence before grandma interrupts again. "One year and six months???"

Bamby gasps loudly, almost panicking. "N-No, no, no!" Should he just tell grandma the truth about Hamin's real identity? But what if it scared her out? At last, he surrenders and let her know. He doesn't want to lie to her anyway. Her surprised reaction later is expected, of course it's hard to believe. Cat turns into human, who's even going to believe that?! However, grandma acknowledges and accepts it. She knows that her grandson won't lie to her. 

"B-But he's not dangerous or something! I swear, he's nice." Bamby gets worried that grandma will begin to have a bad perception of Hamin.

She smiles softly and nods, "Of course. I can tell that by how helpful he is. A very sweet boy." The grandson smiles back in relief. "He's so caring too." Her eyes on Hamin now, pretty smile never fades. She can tell, Hamin is so caring especially towards her grandson, and she feels so grateful for this.

. . .

Hamin is obviously enjoying the whole two days and having a lot of fun, Bamby is glad. They can't really do anything with the paddy field though as it's still winter. Maybe he can bring Hamin here again next time to enjoy the spring.

He's sitting at the riverside and patting a black cat in his lap when Bamby finds him that evening.

Two cats. How do they communicate with each other? Of course not by using human language, right? Hamin nods when the cat meows. This sight is so cute.

Right. Bamby doesn't know much about Hamin's background. He never asked. How many members in his family? Where are they? Do they know he's a human now? "Do you have a family?"

Hamin looks at the standing guy before brings his gaze back to the black cat. "Used to. We're just stray cats. Our lives don't matter."

Ouch. Painful but true. Some people are just so mean and cruel towards stray cats. "The night when I found you on the road, what had happened?" Bamby hesitantly asks, wondering if it's okay to bring up that moment. But Hamin seems doesn't mind.

"Around three or four humans kicked me when I wanted some leftover. I was too hungry, so I waited for it. Didn't even make noise, I was just quietly waiting for some leftover from their food. One of them kicked me in my stomach first. Then another one stepped on my limbs. I seriously thought I was going to die that night. I had given up." Hamin puts down the cat from his lap before standing up on his feets now.

He thought he was going to die. When he was about to stop believing in humanity, then this one human came and proved him wrong. Maybe not all humans are bad. was what he thought to himself that night.

"Sorry to hear that. Some people don't deserve to live at all." Bamby sighs and shakes his head in disapproval. He is glad. That night is probably one of the best choices he ever made in his entire life. If only he ignored Hamin at the roadside that night, the cat would have died while believing that mankind was the worst and humanity never existed. Bamby is glad he decided to stop that night, to check on it and bring it home with him. It's a relief... I did the right thing.

"What do you think? It's beautiful here, right?" Bamby asks, eyes glued on the white scenery in front of them. They are now spending some more time at the river after finished cleaning up the horse stable half an hour ago. He feels so happy to get this chance to visit grandma again. He really should thank Noah later for the great help with the tickets.

Beautiful? Hamin thinks to himself. Suddenly this one song that begins to become his favourite, as he keeps listening to it on tv almost every morning, plays in his head.  The lyrics somehow relatable, as if it speaks for Hamin, the things that he wants to say but can't find way to put them into words. He brings his gaze from the river and calming view in front of him to the person a few feet away beside him.

The song just keeps playing in his head like this while his eyes still glued on the pink haired male who's smiling brightly at the scenery he's been missed a lot. "Yes. So beautiful." If only Bamby notices that Hamin doesn't talk about the scenery.

The shorter one chuckles and nods, "I know right! I told you, my hometown is so pretty!" The thick white smoke escapes his lips as he exhales in contentment. Hamin nods with a smile and brings his attention back to the clear river. He feels relieved to see Bamby smiling happily like this again. If only he can stop the time just so they can stay like this for a bit longer.

"Can I call you Bonggu too?" This is so sudden coming from Hamin. Bamby looks at him in surprised. Rin called you that.

"Uh? No? Bonggu is for my super close circle only."

Hamin nods, tries to maintain the smile on his face. "Okay." Super close circle and I'm not one of them.

"What's wrong with Bamby? Doesn't sound good?"

"No, it does. I... was just asking. Forget it." Hamin shrugs and finally looks at Bamby again with a smile.

Bamby nods and breaks the brief eye contact first. Lately, he notices that he just can't look into Hamin's eyes for a long period. Making eye contact with the latter is suddenly too much for him to bear. Why?

Later, they go back and help grandma to prepare for dinner. All three of them spend the rest of the evening happily, Bamby still has so many stories to tell her.

.

.

.

"How was the exam?" Jake hops onto Bamby's table.

"One question was just super hard. The rest were okay, I think."

"Woaaa~ As expected from our genius student~" Seungho joins the conversation. 

"I'm not genius." Bamby rolls his eyes. He's not genius though, he did study so hard to do well in the exam. He can't afford to fail and repeat any subject. Everything in this life requires money.

"I couldn't answer three questions. I don't think we've learned those things in any lecture though?" Jake groans and flops his forehead down onto Seungho's shoulder.

"Are you sure the lecture wasn't when you skipped the class to date that senior?" Bamby laughs as he recalls that time when Jake skipped that one class to meet a senior, thinking it was a date, only for it to turn out to be a part time job offer as a temporary model.

"Shut up." Jake fakes a crying noise. "That senior was just so desperate to find a model for his tennis club."

"How much did they pay you again?"

"₩50,000... not bad actually."

"Well yea."

"So, where are we going after this? Karaoke?"

"Oh right! The party." Seungho just remembered about it.

"You wanna go party after this?"

"No! Soobin's party."

"Oh right, that will be this Friday night, right?" Both of them exchange look and nod in unison.

Bamby sighs, "What if I don't go?"

"Eheyyy no way! You've promised me to go!" Jake whines. "I said I'll pick you up, right? So that's it. Seungho, you wanna join us and go together?"

"Sure. I have no partner anyway."

"You can be my partner~"

"Oh shut up, Jake~ You're the last choice."

Bamby has never went to any party before, he just doesn't get the hype. What's so fun about partying? Well, maybe he should just try it once so he can figure out what's so interesting about it. "Okay, fine. I'll go with you two."

Later, three of them leave the hall to grab some lunch. It'll be on Seungho today and this time, they go for this one new coffee shop at the corner of the street. The cafe is actually pretty famous for two reasons; 1) It's a new place and people just love to try out new things, eventually the cafe becomes viral.  2) The place only hires good-looking employees and all of them are male.

"Are you guys sure to try out this cafe?" Bamby seems to hesitate about entering the coffee shop. First of all, this place gives aesthetic vibe and all the menus look expensive. Second of all...

There he is. 

That one particular tall male standing out among the others. 

"Hey, gorgeous. What's your name?"

"Hamin."

Bamby groans mentally and follow his two friends to their table, the one beside a wall and two tables away from the dessert counter. Hamin just started working here like few days ago after he was randomly hired by this one man in his early 30s who bumped into him and Bamby while they were on their way to bus station. 

"If I work, he'll give me the paper and small round thing that we can use to get everything in this world?" Hamin was so excited that day.

"Money. It's called money. And not everything in this world though." Bamby just had to correct him.

"Oh! I want to work!!" 

Then, they called the number printed on that man's business card to tell him about Hamin accepting the offer.

Bamby huffs, chin rests on his palm while his eyes glued on Hamin and the group of female customers at their table. Seungho and Jake are busy looking at the menu, eyes sparkling and almost drooling at the variety of dessert that they don't even know how to pronounce some of the names.

Look at that stupid smile. Happy, huh? Bamby innerly scoffs as Hamin serves the foods and smiles at those girls. They ask for his name and whether he's still single. The rumor he got to hear a lot was right. Every employee that's working here is so handsome and good-looking, everyone has the standard.

But let's be honest, Hamin looks the best among them and stands out the most. He's the second tallest, the only one with tanned skin, broadest shoulder and unique green eyes, no tattoo, no piercings, he's just different despite not trying hard at all to look good. Maybe that's why those females keep targeting him. 

"I like your eyes. Pretty! Contact lens?"

Bamby can hear their voices from his table. How annoying. That's his real original color, fyi.

"Can I get your number?"

This time, Bamby grumpily shoots a bombastic side eye. Criminal offensive side eye! No? I bought that phone for him just so he can call me. Only me! Write a letter instead if you wanna keep in touch with him so badly.

"Okay. Uh.. my number..?" Hamin cluelessly checking his phone, having no idea how to know his number.

"You don't remember your number? So cute. Let me see." The customers giggle, acting as feminine as possible in front of this gorgeous man.

Wtf??? He really gives them his number? So easy-peasy you scumbag!!! Bamby frowns and folds his arms across his chest in annoyance. Well, whatever! Not my business anyway! Suit yourself, you d!ckhead!! 

"Bamby, what do you want to eat?" Jake asks.

"I'm not hungry!" His voice is a bit too loud or it's too familiar for someone to catch by ears, Hamin turns his head and looks around only to find Bamby sitting one table away. His face lit up so fast and quickly makes his way to that pink haired male. But his step abruptly stops halfway as he just remembered his phone. He turns around again and returns to the girls' table just to get his phone from them before they can even get his number. Then, he walks to Bamby's table, leaving the customers at the previous table dumbfoundedly. 

"Bamby!" He grins happily, feels great to see the smaller guy coming to his workplace. This is the first time since he started working. Jake and Seungho seems lost, must be wondering who the hell is this hot stuff and how can he knows their silly friend. 

"W-What?" Bamby startles to see Hamin there. Only seconds ago, he was flirting with those girls. Well, to his point of view, of course.

"You're here to see me working?" The tall guy is still smiling happily. Oh, he's too bright, everyone needs a sunglasses.

"What the- no! I was just passing by and these two brats decided to come in and dragged me along." Bamby lazily points his thumb at the other two opposite to him.

"So,... who's this hot guy, Bamby? Your secret boyfriend? If not, then introduce him to me." Jake half whispers across the table.

"No! And no!" 

So, Bamby introduces three of them to each others. They get along well pretty fast, as expected from his talkative and easy going friends. The introvert and shy Hamin can easily get comfortable around them too.

.

.

.

Finally, the day is here. The party that everyone except Bamby is looking forward to~ It's just a casual one, so they don't need to dress in something so formal like tuxedo. "Just put on anything!" Jake rolls his eyes and strokes his light brown hair. He and Seungho have arrived by Jake's car and Bamby hasn't even ready. They end up waiting inside and kills the time by playing video games with Hamin while waiting for Bamby to actually get ready.

"Ugh... this is why I dislike party. No suitable outfit to wear! Everything is just the cheap one I bought from market." Bamby huffs and rummages through his closet one more time before finally deciding on what to wear tonight; a grey hoodie inside with an outer denim jacket, paired up with a black jeans and grey beanie. He puts on another outer layer coat because he can't stand cold.

"See?? You HAVE something to wear." Jake sighs and rolls his eyes dramatically, Bamby just feels like smacking his head with a freaking slipper.

Seungho laughs at them and lightly smacks Jake's head on Bamby's behalf instead. Two of them get into the car first while Bamby is wearing his shoes.

"I gtg now. Lock the door and don't wait for me. Ok? If you hungry, just reheat the food I cooked earlier." 

Hamin nods obediently and the pink haired male pats his head as usual.

"Take care, Bamby."

"Eung~" 

Then, Bamby leaves with Jake and Seungho. Hopefully, tonight will be fun for them. This is actually a housewarming party held by Soobin's family for their friends and colleagues. They had thrown a different one just for close family and relatives only recently. 

Soobin is one of their classmates and one of the richest student in their university. Bamby can't even imagine just how big and luxurious the house going to be. Probably 10 times the size of my whole house?  Three of them even shared money in buying a gift for Soobin, just a coffee grinder machine. Probably Soobin already has one at home though.

. . .

"Mom, can I sleep for a bit?" The 10 years old kid yawns and rubs his eyes while hugging his pet, a Pomeranian, in his arms. They're still inside the car, his dad is driving while his mom at the passenger seat applying his lipstick.

"We're almost there, honey. Can you endure it? They'll celebrate your birthday too. So, let's have so much fun~" The elegant lady in red-black dress smiles endearingly at her son who nods quietly. He seems sleepy but we don't want any trace of drool nor wrinkle on the outfit. Save the sleepiness for later.

They were invited to Mr. Lee's housewarming party as well and being told to throw a small birthday party for their son while they're at it. The two families have been friends for so long, started as business partners, the friendship continues to grow even stronger.

"I've told them not to prepare anything for Byulhee's birthday but they said they've ordered muffins and some desserts." The husband shakes his head with a smile, feeling grateful for his son to be so well loved even by his friends. Byulhee is the only child, so it's normal for him to receive all the attention and love from his parents.

"Thank goodness we bought our own cake for it. They're just so kind to our Byulhee~" 

Another few minutes and they finally arrived at the said mansion.

"My little pumpkin, we are here~ Let's go."

. . .

The place is very spacious, Bamby nearly drops his jaw. How can something like this even real? He's never been into a house this big before. A whole mansion. So many guests are there, small groups everywhere having conversation among themselves. Bamby sticks beside Jake and Seungho all the time. This place makes him feel even smaller, it's scared him a little.

Omg- but those foods look so tasty! How much do they cost? Everything looks expensive! Bamby absentmindedly licks his lips at the sight of the feast on those long tables. 

Everyone looks dashing and beautiful in their attires. Bamby takes a glance at his own, just to make sure he doesn't look too bad or out of place. 

"Oh, there he is!" Jake waves his hand at someone. It's Soobin. Jake and Seungho are close enough with him, not like besties but not like awkward strangers neither. Plus, two of them are also coming from a rich family. So, they don't feel too different than Soobin.

The latter approaches the three guests with a big smile, "Thanks a lot for coming, guys." He pats Jake's shoulder. "Bamby rarely joins us, I'm touched he's here today." Soobin smiles, as friendly as ever. Bamby smiles back and thanks him for the invitation. 

Maybe party isn't too bad.

"Bamby, the gift?" Seungho half whispers and lightly pats the pink haired guy's waist.

"O-oh, right! Here, from us." Bamby hands the wrapped box of present they bought few days ago and wishes Soobin a fruitful life in the new home. The latter chuckles at his cute classmate, he rarely gets the chance to talk to Bamby like this because he's always surrounded by so many friends while Bamby is the type who prefers to just stick with his small circle than getting involved in somewhere crowded. Bamby is so loud, talkative and a total crackhead, but that's only towards the people he's comfortable with.

"Thank you so much. Make yourselves at home~" He thanks his three guests again and tells them to enjoy all the meals. "Oh btw, we'll have a small birthday celebration for one of my dad's friend's son. Stay here longer for the cake." He winks before excusing himself to greet another guests.

"I want cake. Shall we wait-? Hey, where--?" Jake finds himself alone as Bamby and Seungho already make their way to the buffet table. "Those rascals not even wait for me!" He huffs and follows them grumpily.

They enjoy so many good foods and meet their other friends. Bamby smiles a lot too. Maybe party is actually fun after all. 

"There will be a birthday celebration? Whose?" These dudes are having a conversation with Jake while Bamby and Seungho prefer to just silently listening and appreciating the food.

"The son of Soobin's dad's friend. I heard that they are good friends with Soobin's family."

"Must be rich as hell too, ain't it?"

"I bet."

"Must be nice to be their son, so loved and spoiled by their parents."

"I know right. My dad forgot my last birthday, but he never missed our dog's." Jake says with a straight face. They burst into laughter at it.

"Soobin told me the kid is 10 years old this year. Imagine getting spoiled since such young age, kids nowadays won't even know how to survive the real world."

"Brooo, you sound like some grandpas in their 70s."

Their fun conversation is being interrupted when the other guests begin to whisper a bit too loudly among one another and their attention glued on the main entrance. "The special guests are here."

Bamby is busy refilling his drink to notice what's going on in the ballroom. Only later when he turns around to go back to where his friends at, that he realizes the silence, only a soft music is filling the room and all eyes are already in his direction. What? Suddenly, a kid who's running and trying to chase his pet bumps against his legs and flops down onto the floor. Luckily, he manages to catch the dog.

"Oh my-" Bamby is about to bend down and help the kid but the parents are quick to approach them and carries him up.

"So sorry for the trouble. He was chasing his dog and wasn't looking." The mother apologies to Bamby right away. Just when he lifts up his face and their eyes meet, Bamby feels like his whole world begins to fall apart.

He gulps, so surprised at the foreign but familiar faces. Her husband is also there beside her, holding their son's hand. Their faces look older now, obviously aging but don't really change much. More wrinkles but still recognizable. The music is still playing in the background but this time, another song just started.   Bamby's eyes glued on the strangely familiar faces in front of him. 

"Byulhee, say sorry to this hyung." This time, the father says to the son.

Bamby is so speechless, he isn't sure how to react. How? Why?  After all these years, this is how they meet again. Why do they even have to meet again? Bamby swallows the pain in his throat. He innerly laughs at his own pathetic self. Look at them, not recognizing their own son at all. How unfair. I wish I won't be able to recognize them too.

"I'm sorry." 

Bamby brings his wavering eyes to the little boy now. A cute boy with beautiful sharp eyes, resembles his parents a lot. This is their first meeting and Bamby is beyond speechless and annoyed. The son they actually wanted. Must be nice, right? To be loved by your own parents. How does it feel not to be abandoned when you were only five? Oh, Bamby feels so pathetic and childish right now. This kid is innocent, he knows nothing. If there is someone to blamed for all of these, it's the parents. Not the kids. But why do I feel so annoyed...?

The two elders in front of him bow to him apologetically one more time before three of them leave the spot and rushingly head towards the standing mic and birthday cake ready on the table. Only then, Seungho and Jake rush to Bamby's side and asks if he's okay. 

Bamby just nods quietly, truly he's not okay. His heart is racing too fast, it's hard to breathe somehow, hands are trembling slightly, head is spinning. What was it just now? Did he just really see... his parents? "Oh, the birthday is about to start." Seungho whispers, holding Bamby close to him.

"We're sorry for causing the inconvenience just now." The lady speaks into the mic. Her husband and son are there together with her.

Ah... so, it's them Soobin talked about. The birthday celebration is for their son. Right, how old is he again?  Bamby thinks and looks at the two icing digits standing on the cake; 10.

Ten years old. So, Bamby is thirteen years older than this kid, his own younger brother. Dressed in a bespoke suit and branded shoes, hair styled nicely, everyone could tell just how loved this boy by his parents. He's living his best life, the life he deserves. The life that Bamby deserves too, actually.

"First of all, we would like to thank Mr. Lee and his family for inviting us here and even offered to throw a celebration for our dearest son's birthday. Seeing him so happy tonight is all we could ask for. Mr. Lee and wife knew just how long we'd been waiting for our own child. Byulhee is the greatest gift in our lives, a miracle. His happiness is ours too, so we would like to thank everyone for...."

Bamby begins to lose his focus, he can't even listen to her next words in the speech. This is too painful for him. Showing off their son in front of the one they abandoned so many years ago. Isn't this too cruel?  Every word from her right now keeps hurting him more and more, as if the wound that had long healed and only left with scar begins to bleed again. It hurts.

No. He feels like he can break into tears any time by now. No one should see this. Then, he excuses himself and moves away from Seungho's hold.

"B-Bamby? Hey, where are you g--" Seungho can't even finish his sentence, Bamby is nowhere to be seen. Disappeared in the crowd so fast. "Oh no." He informs Jake about it, and Jake immediately leaves the spot to look for the pink haired male.

. . .

The clock reads ten fifty at night.

"Hamin, you drink?"

Noah at the counter gives him a judging look. Tonight is his shift and Yejun's. The blue haired guy is busy restocking few racks at the back. 

Hamin replies innocently, "Bamby said only adults can drink. I'm adult. Let me try it once."

"Whoaa.. seriously, did he know about this? He might give you a good one hour lecture. It's not really good for health though."

"Just once."

"Okay, okay. How's your work? I heard from Bamby, you just started working at that one famous cafe last week."

"Great! They give me money if I work."

"And you use it to buy alcoholic drink?"

"Just once, please."

"Okay, okay, fine! Duh."

After paying for the beers, Hamin leaves the store and heading home. However, while on his way, he sees a group of guys verbally and physically assaulting a poor young lady on the roadside. Without further ado, he approaches them and pulls her away from the group. 

"What the hell- who the hell are you?! Mind your own business!"

"Sir, help me!" She begs and hides behind Hamin.

"Hide somewhere else. I'll settle them first."

One of them punches Hamin on his face before the others join in. They try to hold his limbs down on the ground but failed repeatedly. "Why is this bastard so strong?!"

The lady pleads them to stop and grabs a wood she finds nearby before using it to hit one of the guys. Hamin takes that chance to get up and returns the punches. He receives another punch in between but he still has the upper hand in this fight, thanks to his big physical and strength. It takes less than 15 minutes for him to end all four of them. Luckily, no one is died. They're just passing out.

"I- I've called the police. They'll be here in half an hour." She tells him. Both of them are sitting on the bricks at the roadside. Hamin nods and wipes the blood at the corner of his mouth using the back of his hand. Ouch, his head is spinning. They just need to wait for the police to come now. So, he waits there with her instead of leaving her alone. "Omg sir, you're bleeding. Should we go to clinic?"

"No. It's fine. Btw, your house? Is it far?" Hamin asks, maybe he should walk her home too? He doesn't know what to do in this situation but he just thinks this is the right thing to do as a responsible human male. 

"Quite far, but don't worry. I've informed my sister. She'll pick me up soon."

"Okay."

An awkward silence follows after. Hamin rubs his nape and looks around. The police is taking too long, huh? His eyes move to the four unconscious bodies beside him, scanning them one by one until something triggers him. He just noticed the necklace worn by one of the guys. Wait. I've seen this before. From the black string to the silver swords shaped pendant and the red lines in the middle of the pendant, everything is the same. He gulps at the realization.

This guy, probably along with his other three friends, are the ones who kicked and stepped on him that night. The bloody night for Hamin that he thought it would be his last time in this world, but then an angel saved his life. A pink haired angel named Bamby. These people who heartlessly kicked a poor hungry cat just because it wanted just a little bit of leftover. Hamin clenches his jaw and sighs quietly. What a painful memory. I've managed to take my revenge on them....

Now what?

Another few minutes later, police arrives along with the young lady's sister. They thank Hamin for his help and cooperation before the police takes all four of the culprits with them.

Ah.. my beer.  Hamin just realized the two bottles of beer he bought from the convenience store earlier have broken and spilled everywhere on the road. Nevermind. He has lost interest to know how it tastes anyway. Inhales deeply and exhales, letting out white smoke from his lips. He continues his journey home. It feels so long tonight compared to previous nights. 

Seriously... now that I've managed to take my revenge, what's next?  He wonders. The promise he made with The Almighty. What will happen to him now? 

A song played by one of the houses in the neighborhood there, it can be heard quite clearly from the road, accompanying Hamin in this cold night. He thinks he has heard this song somewhere before though.

He's halfway the route home and passing a playground when he notices someone sitting by himself on one of the swings. The person he never failed to recognize even from distance. That same grey hoodie and denim jacket he put on before going to the party early this evening. 

Then, he walks into the playground and towards the said guy. The pink haired male is having his head lower, eyes on the ground beneath him.

"Bamby?" Hamin breaks the silence first and the other person lifts up his face almost immediately. 

Bamby looks so tired, pale and sad as if he just finished crying for hours straight. Hamin kneels down in front of him on the ground, his hands hold the swing chains just below Bamby's ones. "What happened?" He asks lowly, concern in his tone. "I thought you're supposed to be at the party?"

The pink haired male shakes his head and rubs his eyes using the heel of his palm. "I don't like the party." He mutters tiredly under his breath. Just how small is this world? Meeting the two persons he wished to never meet anymore in this life.

"What did she mean... by waiting for so long to get their own child..." His voice cracks as he keeps talking. Tears begin to brim and stream down his face again, so he buries the face into his palms. He hates crying in front of others. He doesn't want people to see this weak side of him.

"...she said... they waited for so long to have their own child... bullshit. They had me... they used to have me but...but they threw me away." His shoulders tremble as he sobs. "Why... why was I even born.. if I was just a trouble.. a burden to them. They should... should have just kill--"

"No!" Hamin leans forward and pulls Bamby into his arms, hugging him tightly but carefully. So careful so he won't break this fragile soul. "Don't say that. Never say something like that." His big hand holds the back of Bamby's head as he pulls him closer.

"People like them don't deserve you. The problem is not you, but them. So, please never think that way. Me, granny, Noah hyung, Yejun hyung, Eunho hyung, Jake, Seungho, the landlord lady, and many others, all of us are so glad to know someone like you. We are so thankful that you were born into this world." Hamin's voice itself sounds like it nearly cracks.

"So, please... live your life to the fullest and be happy with the people who actually appreciate and love you." He says again. "It's okay to cry. You'll feel better after crying, right?" 

At last, Bamby's palms uncovered his wet face and hesitantly yet shyly returns the hug. He wraps his arms around Hamin and snuggles closer. Maybe it isn't too bad, to show your weak side to someone sometimes, especially when he's so understanding like Hamin.

"Look at you. From learning and struggling to speak, now you know how to comfort me so well." Bamby scoffs lightly, head still rests on the broad shoulder, forehead leans against the side of Hamin's neck.

"Yea. I can speak so well now. Thank you for teaching me patiently."

How much time has passed since their first meeting. Hamin used to be a dumb clueless cat, trying to catch the fish in the fish tank and pee at the backyard. But now he's a grown up man, independent and reliable enough.

"Shall we go home now? It's cold here." 

Bamby nods quietly and releases the hug. Hamin helps wiping off the remaining tears at the corner of his eyes. He's so gentle. Always so gentle. 

Only after calming down and bringing his gaze on the guy in front of him that he gets an actual proper view of that latter. He is so surprised to see the fresh new wound spotted at the corner of his lips. Blood smeared there.

Bamby reaches out his hands and carefully hold the face. "H-Hey, what happened to your face?"

Hamin lets out a casual chuckle, his big hand moves to hold Bamby's thin wrist. "I got into a small fight earlier."

"F-Fight?! What fight?! Do not get involved in such things, Hamin! Omg... did you lose though?"

"No, I won. They were four of them."

"How--?"

"They tried to bother this one girl. No one else was there."

"So, you helped her?"

Hamin nods. Bamby sighs, he is relieved nothing bad happen to this naive guy. Hamin is just so kind and so brave. He won't hesitate even just for a second to help someone in need, doesn't even care if the situation puts him in danger.

"Good job." Bamby pats the black head. "But next time, you should be more careful too. Okay?" 

"Okay."

"What time is it now?"

Hamin fishes his phone out from the coat pocket and checks the time. "12:05am." Oh. He just noticed five missed calls and 3 unread messages. All from Jake, sent at 11:15pm.

<Bamby left the party too soon, Hamin-ah.>

<I couldn't find him anywhere ;-;>

<Please let me know if he's home later.>

"Ah... I didn't check my phone. I think this was when I fought those men earlier."

"What is it?" Bamby asks curiously. He's still sitting on the swing, one hand wrapped around its chain, another hand is playing and stroking Hamin's hair. It seems quite long now, Bamby makes a mental note to give him a new haircut later.

Hamin makes a phone call to inform Jake about Bamby's whereabout. "He's here with me."

Bamby facepalms as he totally forgot about Jake and Seungho. They must be so worried when he suddenly left the party just like that.

"Great. Please scold that rascal for me!"

Hamin glances at Bamby who can listen well to that as Hamin sets the call on loudspeaker. He chuckles at Bamby's funny reaction. "Okay."

. . .

Later at home, Hamin continues to take care of Bamby as the latter turns out to be having a fever, probably from crying so much and staying outdoor for too long that he ended up catching the cold. 

"Stay still." He helps drying the pink soft hair using a hairdryer. They're in the living room now, he's sitting on the couch while Bamby settled on the mat.

Bamby snorts as he remembers something funny. "You used to hate hairdryer."

"Yes, the loud sound scared me."

"You would run all over the place while begging  someone to come and save you from this gun shaped thing, and even told me not to come any closer. So dramatic."

Both of them laugh at the memory. That was when Hamin just started turning into human for few days and everything in this house was still so new to him.

"You were so silly."

"I was so silly." Hamin giggles, feeling a bit embarrassed now that he thinks of that naive side of him. "How about now?"

Bamby hums as he thinks of the answer.

"Now, you've become more manly. You scared of nothing, so brave, so kind." Why is his face turning hot? Oh, he rarely being honest like this. It makes him feel shy, but he doesn't want to stop. This time, he wants to be honest. He wants to tell Hamin what he deserves to hear. He wants Hamin to know his worth, just like how Hamin does for him when he feels so worthless.

"You're reliable, so helpful, and independent. It honestly surprised me when you decided to go for work. You know how to communicate well with others. You listen to me so well too, and I'm thankful for this." Bamby continues before shutting himself up. His heart is racing faster, oh... must be this fever acting up.

"H-How... about me?" This time he asks, hesitantly under his breath. What does Hamin think of him? He's curious, because he can't think of anything good about him. 

But again, Hamin proves him wrong. This guy always proves him wrong when he thinks of himself negatively.

"Bamby is... an angel."

"Pftt. What was that?"

"It's true." Hamin chuckles lowly. "An angel who saved my life that night. You're so kind, but can be scary sometimes when you're in that teaching mode. But I don't mind because you'll still be there patiently waiting until I understand everything. Your words can be quite harsh too sometimes but I know you don't meant them."

Bamby holds back his smile, Hamin is being too innocently honest right now. He finds it cute.

"You don't mind to share your little portion of food with me. You are so caring and you respect elders. I know granny must be so proud of you. Also, you pat my head every time I do well. I like it. You let me stay here with you. I'm thankful."

Me too. I'm... thankful to have you here with me.

"You're a nice person. That's why, I want you to live your life to the fullest and be happy with the people who know how to love and appreciate you."

Love?

"How about you? Do you love me?" Bamby tilts his head back and facing up to look at Hamin.

Shit. What has this fever done to his system? Why is he so bold? He keeps spurting nonsense at this point.

The latter seems surprised at the sudden question, almost speechless that Bamby innerly tells himself not to expect an answer.

"I do." But he answers, anyway. "I love you."

Shit. This fever makes my head feel dizzy. Am I hallucinating right now? I keep hearing things I want to hear.

"Bamby, I lov--"

No. Let's stop here. He said this probably just because he felt bad for my pathetic arse, right? I might misinterpreted that 'love' as something else if we don't stop here.

"Can you help me get the meds? I need to drink it before sleep."

I'm a coward. Changing the subject just because I'm too scared to acknowledge it.

Hamin's expression changes but Bamby acts like he doesn't notice it. He nods and turns off the hairdryer before going into the kitchen to get the meds and a glass of water.

Bamby hates himself for this. Always running away because I'm a coward. He sighs and buries his face into his folded arms on his knees.

Hamin doesn't even take too long to come back to his side. He watches him taking the pills and finishing the water. "Get well soon." He says quietly and his thumb caresses Bamby's burning cheeks tenderly. Bamby is having his head rests on the table now.

The soothing touch on his skin feels too comforting that Bamby starts to feel sleepy. The usual him would have broken the eye contact, but right now, this time he lets it stay like this. His sleepy gaze meet Hamin's concerned yet calming one. 

He is so pretty. Hamin is so pretty, despite the wound.

Bamby brings his thumb to the treated wound, carefully and lightly touches the skin around it. Doesn't it hurt? He keeps staring at the latter for the next minutes. But why does he feel like crying? Why does it feel like this will be his last time to see this face? The thought of Hamin leaves him suddenly comes to his mind. It scared him.

"Hamin..." He breaks the silence, says in half whisper tone. "...please promise me to stay by my side forever." He wants a forever with him.

Is it just his tired sleepy eyes do the trick or Hamin's expression actually changed from calm to sad and uneasy?

"Promise me." Bamby pleads lowly.

Hamin takes a bit too long to reply this one. As if there's something holding him back. As if so many thoughts are running inside his head. For once, Bamby wishes he could read mind.

"It's getting late now. Let's go to bed. You should get enough rest." 

Bamby scoffs weakly as Hamin changes the subject. He can't even promise him to stay. "I hate you." He mumbles quietly.

"Come on." Hamin slips a hand under Bamby's knees, another hand around his back. Then, he carries him up bridal style. The usual Bamby would have scolded him for doing as he pleased. But this time, Bamby lets him do whatever he wants. No scolding, no nagging. He lets himself getting pampered for once.

Hamin carries Bamby to his bedroom and carefully places him down onto the bed. He pulls the blanket over him. "Good night. Get well soon." 

He's about to leave when Bamby immediately grabs him by the wrist.

Why? Bamby wonders. Why does it feel like he'll disappear if I ever letting this hand go? His heart aches for no reason. He tightens the hold around Hamin's wrist. 

"Sleep... here with me." His voice cracks a little. The thought of Hamin leaving suddenly scared him so much. The tall male seems taken aback at the request. This is the first time Bamby ever gives the permission. They've lost count just how many times Bamby turned Hamin down every time he asked for it.

So then, tonight, for the first time they finally sleep in a same room. Hamin lying down straightly, facing the ceiling. When he said to sleep together, he meant it like this. Just staying by Bamby's side.

"I'm sad."

Hamin turns his head to look at the pink haired guy. Bamby is lying on his side, facing Hamin.

"Hug me."

Funny how the tables have turned. It's Bamby who acts clingy and wants the attention now. Hamin being Hamin, never say no to the person he likes the most. Then, he scoots closer and gently pulls Bamby into his arms.

Bamby inhales, he doesn't want to miss this scent. One thing he realizes every time Hamin hugs him is how it makes him feel safe. To be wrapped around the strong secured arms so gently like this, he feels safe and sound, like nothing in this world can hurt him. Like he doesn't need to worry about anything because everything will be fine.

"Sorry, you'll catch my cold if we stay like this all night."

"I don't mind." Hamin smiles softly. He doesn't mind to catch the cold if it means he can hold Bamby close to him like this.

"Hamin, thank you... for everything."

Bamby rarely says it; thank you. Almost never, or is this the first time? He never really thank Hamin for everything he'd done. Too shy, too ego. But this time, he wants to properly convey it. Because he can strongly feel it. He doesn't understand how but he can feel that this night will be the last time. Hopefully, this is just the fever acting up and affecting the thoughts in his mind. Hopefully, all of these are just him overthinking.

"Thank you so much for everything. I'm so grateful. Really." He mumbles into Hamin's shirt, hugging him tightly as if the guy will slip away and disappear if he ever loosens up his arms. Eventually, he falls asleep wishing Hamin will still be there when he wakes up the next morning.

"I'm more thankful to you for everything." Hamin whispers before pressing his lips against the warm forehead. How he wishes he could stay.

How they wish tonight could last forever and time could stop moving just for the two of them.

Because the next morning, Bamby finds himself alone, the bed is half empty and half cold. He wasn't wrong. His instinct last night was right. Hamin left his phone on the bedside table, and no matter how much time Bamby tries to reach him by call and text after this, he'll never answer nor reply.

Bamby had expect something like this to happen, but still, this can never be painless. He searches for him everywhere in the house, hoping that the instinct was wrong. Hoping that Hamin would be there watering the plants in the backyard just like always, or sitting on the couch watching the morning show just like always, or complaining about how the dogs outside barking too loud that he can't focus on reading his story book.

Wherever Bamby looks, he can see Hamin. The trace of him is everywhere in this house.

The one that he misses so much right now is the Hamin who would smile brightly upon seeing him walking out from his bedroom and greet him a good morning. 

Tears brim at the corner of his eyes as he is standing quietly at the middle of the living room. This house suddenly feels too empty. The silence is deafening.

He flops down onto the floor as he starts to break down and cry so hard. This time, he's all alone. Hamin isn't here anymore to hold and comfort him.

But you promised... to see the spring with me.

It's the last few weeks in winter when that person disappeared.

/ / / /

"The Almighty... please help me."

The poor black cat was crying for help. He injured his body and couldn't even get up. He was dying but he wished for a miracle to happen.

"I have one wish. Just one wish."

He wanted his last wish to be granted so badly.

"Tell me that one wish."

At last, his little desperate voice was heard by The Almighty.

"I want to turn into human so I can take my revenge on those heartless humans who killed me this night."

Living as a stray cat was like hell. At least, before his death, he could make them pay for every pain and suffer he had to go through all his life.

"As you wished."

/ / / /

.

.

.

Reminiscing about good days,

I'm trying to move on...

It's been two years since that day and they are now in Spring. Bamby, Jake and Seungho have graduated successfully from the university and now everyone is entering the next step in life.

"Working is hard!!!" Jake whines over the video call. He's currently helping his dad running their family business but being the youngest in family, his dad puts more hope and higher expectation on his brother, the oldest son. 

The other two snicker at the whiny baby. Something just never changed, huh? Meanwhile, Seungho is working as a freelance photographer, he gets a lot of offers for wedding event and big collaboration project with some agencies.

Bamby? He managed to build a school for the kids at his hometown with the help of his parents, yes you read it right. Two years. A lot had happened in these two years. It's not that the family relationship between them got to be fixed perfectly, but at least it's in a better term now. They were so surprised when they found out about Bamby from Soobin one of those days.

"Bamby? What a unique name~"

"Oh, his real name is Chae Bonggu."

That was when they started to reach out to Bamby, to make sure they weren't just two different people with a same name. They had been going back to that village few times before to see him but he wasn't there. He was in Seoul, studying. Grandma refused to tell them about his whereabout because why with the sudden care after so many years? That little boy did wait for them every day but they never came. 

Bamby was so surprised the moment his parents appeared again in front of him. To his surprise, they begged for forgiveness and would willing to do anything just so he could forgive them. Seeing Byulhee growing up so well made them realize how important the parents figure in a child's life. Something they couldn't give to Bamby long time ago. So, now they tried to make amends for every of their wrongdoings in the past. They would do anything Bamby want.

"I want to make a school for the kids at Hwagae."

The selfless Bamby, always for someone else. Never for himself. And that's how his parents contributed to the school idea financially. 

Bamby is now working as an editor at a company in Seoul but actively taking a part in charity works during weekend. He'll also visit the Hwagae school once in a while, teaching along with the other five young villagers around his age who volunteered themselves to teach the kids. And usually he'll be staying with grandma for the time being.

"Your grandson is so active doing all these charity works." One of the neighbors praises him. Grandma agrees with her. 

Bamby and Rin are helping each other carrying those baskets of packed foods to be distributed to the villagers. 

"And both of them look so good together. We should try to pair them up, don't you think so?" She says again, talking about the two hard working young lads. This time, grandma has to disagree. 

She still remembers that day when her grandson paid him a visit, coming all by himself and as she asked about Hamin, he cried so hard telling her what had happened. Time heals but it is not easy, she knows that too. Instead of trying to pair him up with someone else, she thinks it's better to let him decide for himself. If he still needs some time to properly recover from the heartbreak, then just let him be. Some people could take more than ten years just to move on and meet someone new.

"I'll be moving to a new house the end of this month." One night, Bamby tells grandma about his plan to rent a new house, one that's closer to his workplace. Besides, it's still a bit suffocating sometimes to live in there when the place keeps so much good memories. Too good that it started to hurt so badly. Maybe he should just leave everything behind in attempt to forget and move on. New place, new memories, but he isn't sure about new person, especially when that person had set the bar too high and he becomes irreplaceable. 

.

.

.

Today is Saturday, so Bamby thinks of spending this day off to start cleaning up and packing his things. He'll be moving into the new house next Saturday. Thank goodness he doesn't have so much things to pack anyway.

Only clothes, toiletries, cutleries,... his eyes stop on the medium sized box that's been kept under the bed for these two years. He never actually goes through all those stuffs inside. For two years, he kept them hidden and pretended it never happened. In fact, sometimes he isn't sure if those three months in winter even real. It felt like a dream. A good but tragic one.

Inhales deeply, he gathers the courage to finally take a proper look to those stuffs. Hamin's stuffs. 

He's nervous, hands slightly trembling. Opening this box feels like unfolding the old memories and displaying those events in front of his eyes one by one again. But before he throws away everything, he wants to at least look at them for the very last time. 

Then, slowly he unseals the box just to be greeted by those cute notebooks he bought for Hamin. Ah.. can I do this?  He shakes his head slightly to get rid of any sadness. I can do this. I'm strong enough for this now.  He tells himself and takes them out from the box. Hamin liked to write and draw. Bamby smiles upon seeing those cute doodles he drew on almost every page; the food he ate for the day, the characters he saw on the television, the new shirt Bamby bought for him, and the Bamby.

Bamby's smile fades slowly as he sees the doodle of himself there, cute tiny stickman with pink hair and little yellow crown on top of the head, smiling cutely and standing beside a taller stickman with black hair and a pair of cat ears. He labelled the taller stickman with Me and the smaller one with My Bamby. A heavy breath escapes his lips. The thought of Hamin drew all of these every day when he was bored at home alone while waiting for Bamby to come back.

He takes a look into the next book. The one he used for study. All the vocabularies he learned and found out, he would add them in the book. Bamby could tell, he was a very hard working and diligent student~ There's a cute note written at the bottom of a page; 

Forbidden words to use (Bamby said no!): Shit, Bullshit, Motherfucker, Fucker, Fuck, Asshole, Bitch. (I will update this list again if there is more later ^_^) 

Bamby smiles at this. Hamin listened to him so well.

The third book is a diary. Every page is full of cute silly handwriting. It's quite hard to read the first half pages but the handwriting kept improving and looks even better for the second half of the book. Hamin wrote about random things like what new thing he learned for the day, what new show he watched on television, how scary Bamby could be when he was teaching (Bamby chuckles at this one), what new foods he tasted for the day, how cold is winter, how hard for him to use smartphone, what is love, and... Bamby stops on the very last page. A whole confession was written there, for him.

Dear Bamby,

It's only for three months but

this is the best three months in my life.

I'm so happy. Really happy.

For the first time,

I don't want to die.

For the first time,

I want to keep living.

To stay by your side.

Like this. Forever.

But I've made the promise.

One day, I have to leave.

Dear Bamby,

When the time finally comes,

please forgive me.

I want you to live your life

to the fullest.

And be happy with the people

who actually love

and appreciate you.

Me too.

I love you.

More than my own life.

I love you so much.

Even in my next life,

I'll love you the same.

Get well soon, my Bamby.

Bamby can't hold back his emotion anymore. Tears that have been threatened to fall finally find their way down. Based on the date written at the bottom of the page, Hamin wrote this the night before he left. That night that they spent together sleeping in each other's embrace for the first time. He must had left the bed after making sure Bamby had fallen asleep. Then, he wrote this whole confession in his diary book. Bamby took so long to finally find and read it. He cries again after so long, when he thought he'd been strong enough for this. Tired of pretending. I miss him so much. 

"Hamin... I love you too. So much."

After all these years, he's finally being honest to himself. He says the three words for the first time, acknowledging the feeling. He doesn't even know when it started. Maybe when Hamin cared so much about him to the point he decided to bring him back to hometown to see grandma? Or when he got jealous seeing Hamin acted too friendly towards his female customers at the coffee shop? Or when he was always there when Bamby needed someone?

"I don't know how to stop this love."

His voice trembles as he sobs harder. He has to take another few minutes to calm himself down before continuing with the rest of the things inside that box. There are just Hamin's clothes, his toothbrush, his cat toys, his exercise books for writing, his story books, his wallet, and his phone. Bamby takes the phone and swipes the screen to unlock it. He scoffs lightly, wiping off the remaining tears at the corner of his eyes. Hamin set Bamby's picture as the wallpaper. I'm the first and only on the speed dial. He smiles softly. Hamin loves him so much, huh?

And the latter saved Bamby's name in his contact list as Angel.

Bamby shakes his head. Everything can make him cry again at this point. So, he puts them back into the box, except one of Hamin's black shirt. His favorite one. Bamby remembers how Hamin liked it so much that he kept wearing it again after taking a shower that Bamby had to persuade him to change into something else. "Let's wash it first!"  What a silly moment.

And that night, he sleeps while hugging the shirt close to him. Silently praying to meet Hamin in his dream, but sadly it doesn't happen. Hamin isn't there in the dream. Bamby takes it as a sign.

A sign for him to give up and move on. He shouldn't get stuck in the memory of those three months for the rest of his life.

Let's leave everything behind and start a new one. He persuades himself.

.

.

.

When he has decided to actually move on,

when he has stopped believing in miracle,

when he has began to slowly accept the fact that he wasn't born to be happy,

he proved him wrong. Again.

Just like those old times.

It is two days since then and spring is almost over. The sky is turning orange from the beautiful sunset and Bamby just dropped off at the bus stop, now heading home.

Another tiring day, he sighs and lightly massages his nape. He's walking passed the usual convenience store but doesn't stop. Yejun, Eunho and Noah aren't working there anymore. The three who are older than Bamby have also started their real job at their respective companies. Everyone is doing well, Bamby is glad.

He wishes to do well too.

It is in June, the spring will come to an end soon. Bamby just came back from work and he's almost home, only some feets away when his step abruptly stop.

He sees him again. From this distance, he can see him again, standing alone near the door like he always did in back then. Like the old days when he waited for Bamby to come home.

Bamby isn't sure if this is just him hallucinating again, but this time he looks so real. Hamin looks so real. 

It's in June, Spring is almost over when Hamin comes back to him.

Bamby brings his trembling hand to his mouth. This can't be real, right? If this is just another episode of his hallucination, he begs himself to stop. Slowly and hesitantly, he takes few steps forward.

Hamin is smiling at him right now, the soft smile Bamby missed so much all these years.

If you're real, please say something. 

Bamby gulps, scared of getting his hopes high. His gaze begins to get blurry as tears started to form in his eyes. The pain of missing someone who's no longer here is too much for him to bear. So, if this person is real, Bamby needs to listen to the voice.

"Bamby."

Oh no. He sounds like Hamin.

"Welcome home."

Exactly just like the old days. The same words he had been saying for countless time in back then. Bamby missed this so much, to come home to Hamin waiting for him at outside again and to hear that welcome home.

Hamin slowly opens his arms, anticipating. And that's all it takes for Bamby to drop everything he's holding right now, the bag and the file, onto the ground and runs towards Hamin. He runs towards Hamin and jumps right into those arms. His safe place. 

The tall male in black shirt smiles as he catches Bamby with his arms and embraces him tightly. They missed each other so much and this reunion is everything they could ask for.

"Are you- really... Hamin?" Bamby asks between his his sobs. Hamin puts him down again and he's standing on his two feets now. 

Hamin nods and lightly bumps their foreheads together. "Yes. Sorry for taking too long."

"H-How did you come back--?"

"You're the one who brought me back, Bamby."

"W-What do you mean? What happened? Where did you go? I- I thought you--" Bamby is a crybaby. This weak side of him is only for Hamin to see.

"Sorry, I'll explain everything to you later." Hamin's big palms cup the wet cheeks in front of him, thumbs caressing softly. As if he was reborn, he is more of human than cat now. "Explain everything from how I could turn into a human to suddenly disappeared and now I came b--"

He's being cut mid-sentence as Bamby doesn't even let him finish the words. The pink haired male doesn't care, he is not in the mood to listen to all these stuffs right now. For now, he just wants Hamin.

Hamin's eyes widened in surprise the moment Bamby's lips greet his.

Bamby has his arms linked around the taller male's neck as he deepens the kiss. Eyes shut tightly and a new line of tear rolls down his face. His heart races so fast, silently praying for this not to be just a dream. Silently praying for Hamin to still be here with him when he opens his eyes later. Silently praying... for Hamin not to leave again. 

I'm scared.

He is relieved somehow as he can feel Hamin's arms around his waist pulling him closer. Kissing and breaking and kissing again. Repeat. The kisses are innocent. They're just longing for each other. After another minute, Bamby finally pulls back and pants heavily. He looks straight into Hamin's eyes as he decides to say the three words.

He doesn't want to regret again for not saying it. He won't waste this chance he has.

"Hamin." Bamby makes sure that guy is looking at him too. "I love you." It's low but clear. So clear that Hamin's heart skips a beat and his face blushes. "Call this cringey or whatever you name it, but I love you so much, so so much to the moon and back." This time it's Bamby who blushes.

Hearing it directly from Bamby feels surreal. Hamin feels like want to scream into the air because he's just so happy. They chuckle at each other's blushing red face. Oh, they missed this a lot. To hug and laugh like this.

"Remember when you asked me if you could call me Chae Bonggu? Yes, you can. Please call me even more different names only you can use."

"Chae Bonggu."

"Yes, Hamin."

"Chae Bonggu."

Bamby laughs, Hamin obviously likes it.

I'm one of his super close circle now!

"Yes, baby." 

Hamin leans down and kisses the pink haired male on the cheek before burying his burning face into the other neck. Thank you for loving me back.

Bamby runs his fingers through the dark locks tenderly. "And hey, how many times do I need to tell you? Don't wait outside. Isn't it cold?" He playfully says the words he used to say back in old days. 

Hamin chuckles, "It isn't cold. Now is spring."

"Right. The spring almost ends. We promised to see the cherry blossoms together, remember? Will you follow me back to Hwagae for it." Grandma must be so surprised and happy to see Hamin again.

"I don't mind to go anywhere as long as it's with you."

Bamby smiles and nods, "Okay." He feels so happy to finally be able to see Hamin again, telling him how much he loves him and keeping him close like this. 

He'll be moving to a new house soon and he wants to bring Hamin along. Of course, this place used to be so important to him as it keeps so much memories of them but Bamby thinks it's fine because Hamin is here with him now. They can still create even more memories together at the new place later. From today onwards, they just want to fill the days with only good and happy moments.

Wherever they are, whether this house or the new one, it doesn't matter as long as Bamby can still come back to Hamin at the end of a long tiring day. Every day he wants to come home to Hamin.

All I want... is coming home to you.

/ / / /

"I want to turn into human so I can take my revenge on those heartless humans who killed me this night."

"As you wished. But the fate may change."

"My fate?"

"You'll be able to continue the rest of your life as human if there is at least one of them who can sincerely and truly love you with all their heart."

/ / / / 

(Fin.)