Hello Vet! How are you?

What should he do?

Once his leg healed, he needed to return to Evergreen Park.

His colleagues had begged him to go back to Evergreen Park as soon as possible.

He should have been shouting about his decision.

『… Well, meow!』

Gray one blurred the end of his sentence.

『You might want to take it slow, though. Norang, was it? That fellow seems to be performing the leader duties quite excellently in your place.』
『True, meow.』

Gray one also acknowledged Norang’s capabilities.

『Well, if someone under your command didn’t have at least that much ability, it wouldn’t work out.』

With Kkamnyang’s words, Gray one’s lips curved upward.

Wasn’t it a compliment for both Gray one and Norang?

『I don’t want to say this, but I can’t deny that you’re an excellent leader. You’ve raised a great successor.』

Kkamnyang showered Gray one with continued praise.

‘Why is that jerk suddenly doing this, meow!’

Gray one was bewildered by the sudden change in the one who rarely missed a chance to snarl at him.

‘He must be soft-hearted because he’s sick, meow.’

Still, it felt good to be acknowledged.

Even though Kkamnyang is groaning now due to his sickness, he is the best leader around if not Gray one.

And to be acknowledged by such a figure.

『Thank you, meow.』
『Ahem, I merely stated the truth.』

As Kkamnyang turned his head away with a short remark, Gray one flashed a gentle smile.

『You’re a great leader too, meow.』

Gray one’s words surprised Kkamnyang.

He never thought he’d hear such words from a strong foe.

『Hmph. Stating the obvious!』
『Indeed, that’s true, meow. It’s obvious, meow. Bluebird’s district loves and follows you, meow.』
『Well… that was in the past.』
『That’s not true, meow. You heard how much Milo was fond of you, didn’t you? The sound of him crying his heart out, meow.』

Upon hearing Gray one stumbling with words, Kkamnyang chuckled.

‘Such unnecessary kindness. It’s true that I can’t see, though.’

Yet, Gray one’s words reminded Kkamnyang of Milo.

Milo had been genuinely thrilled to see him again.

『Milo regretted your unannounced departure and expressed his apologies to you, meow. He said the Bluebird cats shared the same sentiment, meow.』

Gray one paused and slowly approached Kkamnyang, gently placing a small paw on his back.

It was feather-light but incredibly warm for Kkamnyang.

『They all miss you, meow. So, it isn’t just a thing of the past, meow.』

Gray one’s earnest voice resonated with Kkamnyang’s heart.

『Thank you for saying that. Once my eyes are completely healed, I will visit them.』
『You’ve made a wise decision, meow.』

Meanwhile, Kkamnyang’s emergence made Gray one think seriously about the idea of a successor.

Whether he would regain his former agility was irrelevant.

He realized.

‘It’s time for me to develop a successor too, meow.’

While Gray one contemplated a successor and Kkamnyang thought about ‘retirement’, time smoothly passed.

During that period, the cats from Evergreen Park visited Gray one daily, and those from Bluebird Park came to see Kkamnyang.

Initially, visits to Kkamnyang were restricted to two cats, just like with Gray one.

Yet, while only two cats visited inside Woof Woof Animal Clinic, over ten loitered outside, eager to sense the presence of their leader.

As a result, visit limits increased to five, balancing it for both sides.

Thus, once consultation ended, Woof Woof Animal Clinic buzzed with cats.

They were quiet and compliant due to following Lee Joon’s guidance.

**〈Woof Woof Animal Clinic Visit Guidelines〉**

1. The daily visiting cat allowance is five from Evergreen, five from Bluebird.

2. Be quiet within 10 meters of Woof Woof Animal Clinic.

3. Do not fight within 10 meters of Woof Woof Animal Clinic.

4. Do not fight over food.

5. Those who fight will not be allowed to come back.

6. Visits are after daily consultations, in the evening.

Additionally, there was a very strong guideline:
7. In emergencies, seek out Lee Joon anytime.

The cats cheered for this last rule.

They found a solid sponsor in case they, too, were hurt without the presence of their leaders like them.

Even cats wary and fearful of humans became comfortable in the Woof Woof Animal Clinic because it housed their sponsor, the Doctor Woof Woof.

The kind-hearted little Doctor Woof Woof who always served them delicious food was there, too.

Woof Woof Animal Clinic became a favored location because of these factors.

Ten cats meowed and shared stories before their respective leaders.

Evergreen cats gathered by the windows where the cat tower was located, while the Bluebird team stayed in the ward.

When Sora prepared food bowls, the cats lined up with excitement, Evergreen and Bluebird cats mixed without bad vibes despite their differences.

Despite Lee Joon’s warning about expulsion if they fought, a stronger factor was at play.

『Heh, smells delicious.』
『Such a good scent.』
『He said he’d give a lot.』

The promised abundant, tasty dinner set the cats in a lenient mood.

Some had eaten at Woof Woof Animal Clinic before, while others had not, but all knew they’d be generously fed until they were full.

Sora marveled aloud while preparing the meals.

“Director, why are all these cats so well-behaved? Five of them are new, yet not one’s causing trouble over going first.”

“Plenty of food means no reason to quarrel.”

“Really? Is that it?”

“Yep, plenty of food and space prevents fights.”

『That’s right, meow.』
『Indeed.』

With Gray one and Kkamnyang affirming, Lee Joon chuckled and continued.

“And I did tell them they will not be allowed to come back if they fought. No seeing their beloved leader or having a tasty dinner, so they must hold back.”

“Hearing you say that, it feels real. Like you truly told them yourself.”

『He certainly did.』
『That’s exactly what he said.』
『True.』

The cats all answered in unison.

Amused, Sora laughed as she prepared the cats’ dinner.

“Aww, you’re all so cute. You sound like you understood the doctor perfectly when you meow like that.”

Sora cheerfully served dinner to the cats.

“Gray one and Kkamnyang, why aren’t you eating?”

Sora noticed the two standing off to the side and asked.

『I’m fine, meow.』
『I’m fine too.』

Listening to them, Lee Joon chuckled.

Even at the park, Gray one would pass on food to his subordinates.

Kkamnyang, it seemed, shared the sentiment.

“You two are really similar because you’re close.”

『I am not close to this fellow, meow.』
『Neither am I.』

Gray one and Kkamnyang both adamantly declared while leaning against each other.

“You two, quit being funny. Anyways, there’s plenty, so no need to worry and just eat.”

『Thank you, meow.』
『Thank you.』

Gray one and Kkamnyang finally joined in the dinner.

Gray one watched as the venerable hyung removed Kkamnyang’s neck brace so he could eat comfortably.

‘Living alongside such a kind hyung would be great, meow.’

Until now, Gray one had only thought about returning to Evergreen Park once recovered, but witnessing Kkamnyang’s presence made him reconsider many things.

***

Scratch-scratch-scratch-scratch.

Kkamnyang frantically scratched at the scratcher in his ward, mewling.

『Ahh, aahh!』
『What’s wrong, meow? Are you hurt, meow?』
『… Huh, whew, it’s itchy, it’s so itchy. Argh!』

Hurt? No, itchy?

A smile appeared on Gray one’s face.

Kkamnyang must be thankful he couldn’t see this, for if he could, it would’ve led to a huge fight.

Gray one gently tapped Kkamnyang’s back, who’s scratching so intensely his claws reddened.

『Bear it, meow.』
『… Ugh, do you dare say that when your eyes aren’t itching?』

Already irritated by the unbearable itch, Kkamnyang grimaced with frustration.

『That means it’s healing, meow.』
『Right as it itches desperately. What if my eyes rot and fall out instead?』
『The same happened to me, meow. After such itching, my leg healed, meow.』

Gray one recalled nearly scratching his leg recently when itchiness overwhelmed him.

He rolled on the floor furiously when Lee Joon witnessed it and urged patience, saying it implied healing.

‘Couldn’t believe it, meow.’

Like Kkamnyang now, Gray one, too, doubted Lee Joon back then.

During the itching, he’d wanted to bite his leg off.

Then, miraculously, the leg healed smoothly.

It’s something you only believe after experiencing it, and this was all Gray one could offer Kkamnyang now.

『Trust the process, meow!』

Already itching like crazy, Kkamnyang howled loudly at Gray one’s teasing words.

『Miyahooooh!』

Sora, rushing into the ward upon hearing Kkamnyang’s cries, called Lee Joon.

“Director, I think Kkamnyang’s in pain. What do we do?”

“That guy, he’s just itching. No worries.”

Lee Joon casually replied while picking up Kkamnyang.

『I’m, I’m itchy, really itchy. How dare you say not to worry. Clearly, humans can’t be trusted.』

Kkamnyang vented his itch-induced stress on Lee Joon.

“It means you’re healing, so it’s fine.”

Hearing what Gray one said again!

『Turns out you both—the Evergreen leader and you—were in on it.』

“Haha, if you’re saying that, you aren’t that itchy yet.”

『What did you say?』

“Sora, please set up the operation room. Let’s check Kkamnyang’s eyes.”

“Yes.”

Shortly, laid atop a warm, soft mat, Kkamnyang relaxed.

The itching sensation that was almost unbearable a moment ago subsided, too.

‘Phew, now I feel alive.’

As Kkamnyang relaxed, Lee Joon spoke.

“When you wake up, your sight will be clear.”

『Really?』

“Yes.”

Indeed, Kkamnyang dozed briefly.

Then woke up to see the once-dark world brightening.

Blink-blink.

Kkamnyang blinked several times.

With closed eyes, all was dark as before.

With open eyes, it was bright.

‘The hyung my sight would be clear when I wake up, it’s true!’

Confirming his vision had improved, Kkamnyang felt overwhelmed.

“Director, how does it look? Is it all right?”

“It’s better than expected.”

“So, can he see?”

“That depends on how we proceed. If we administer the eye drops well, he’ll likely recover.”

“Ah, upcoming eye drop battles.”

“Indeed.”

“Can Kkamnyang handle it? Never having experienced eye drops…”

“He’ll do fine, right, Kkamnyang?”

『What are you saying?』

Elated, Kkamnyang asked.

“Eye drops, and also not rubbing your eyes.”

『Of course. I will never rub my eyes. But what do you mean by eye drops?』

“Let’s start now.”

Lee Joon approached Kkamnyang with a prepared bottle.

“You’ve had water in your eyes before, right?”

『Rainwater got in once.』

“Good, just like that, it’ll drop water into your eye. You can handle it, right?”

『Hmph, naturally.』

“That’s good. It’ll also lessen the itchiness.”

『Oh, really? Then if you won’t give them, I would ask repeatedly until you do.』

Having almost scratched his eyes raw, water drops were insignificant in comparison.

Kkamnyang boldly declared.

Yet, it took half a day for him to realize he spoke rashly.

『Again, with this?』

“Yes, just once more.”

『What is that, then?』

“This is ointment, but it’s the last one.”

Having had water dropped into his eyes thrice, and a sticky coating once, Kkamnyang sighed with relief.

‘At last.’

『Alright.』

However, that was merely a prelude.

『Again?』

“This is the second eye drop. Is your vision getting clearer?”

『Yes, things seem to be clearing up.』

“Marvelous.”

As his vision slowly cleared, Kkamnyang’s hopes grew.

‘It seems like I’ll regain sight.’

Yet, hope gradually faded amidst the continuous processes of eye dropping.

『… Again, with this?』

“Well, hold on for a few more days.”

Eye drops seemed constant, and with every pause, another followed.

Did this hyung ever sleep?

『Feels like it’s only eye drops all day!』

Gray one commented worriedly.

『Does the hyung ever sleep? It concerns me, meow!』
『I worry too.』

Kkamnyang was starting to get concerned.

Surely, he’d heard that humans slept less than cats, but this seemed exhausting even for a human.

Yet, this one cared for him selflessly, sacrificing his sleep.

Kkamnyang felt profoundly grateful to Lee Joon.

“Director, should I take Kkamnyang home?”

“Why? Does Mei want to see Kkamnyang?”

Lee Joon mentioned Sora’s pet cat, and she replied with an incredulous expression.

“Oh, how would I know that? I’m not you, director.”

“Then why do you want to take him?”

“You need drops every two hours, with four different ones.”

“Don’t worry, may as well endure it myself. There’s no need for you to go through the trouble.”

“It’s just that I feel so sorry.”

“Then, maybe buy me a coffee.”

“Agh, I’ll get it right away. While I’m on duty, I’ll handle the drops.”

“If you say so.”

Hearing Sora and Lee Joon’s conversation made Kkamnyang’s lips curl up.

‘I’m truly thankful to them.’

Beside him, Gray one shared the feeling too.

『The hyung is so kind, meow. Not even resting, he attends to you, meow.』
『Well, indeed.』

Gray one still couldn’t verbally express gratitude to his dedicated caretaker, Lee Joon.

However, as Kkamnyang’s vision gradually improved, so did his growing gratitude toward Lee Joon.

Now seeing quite well, Kkamnyang watched Lee Joon with eyes full of thankfulness.

—