Hello Vet! How are you?

If Lee Joon moves this way, he’ll go this way; if he goes that way, he’ll go that way.

Wherever he went, whether it was Woof Woof Animal Clinic or home, Lee Joon noticed that Gray one and Kkamnyang were always following him closely.

He asked them.

“Kkamnyang, is your eye still hurting?”

『It doesn’t hurt.』

“Really? Are you hungry then? No, not that. You just had a meal, so you couldn’t be hungry… Is there something you want to say?”

『Wha-what to say. I have nothing like that.』

Kkamnyang, stammering his words, quickly darted away.

However, his gaze still lingered on Lee Joon.

“Gray one, why is your friend acting like that? Are there any sick ones among your Bluebirds friends?”

『Kkamnyang is not my friend, meow!』
『Who’s saying that!』

Kkamnyang shouted loudly, seeming to have heard with his ears wide open.

Both of them argued, their eyes triangular in shape, with fur bristled around their foreheads.

‘Those little ones look so cute playing.’

Lee Joon felt a smile coming on, but more than that, he was relieved.

If they could joke like that, it meant they weren’t sick.

“Ah, so you were testing how well you could see, huh?”

“You’re right, it seems so.”

Sora joined the conversation as she approached.

“I was wondering why they were roaming around the animal clinic since yesterday, and it looks like Kkamnyang was doing a vision test.”

“That does seem likely, doesn’t it?”

“Yes, I thought they were playing a game of guardian of the owner while they followed the head vet from afar and then up close. Haha.”

“Guardian game?”

“Oh, with cats following their owner everywhere. Mei follows me around all day, watching me.”

Gray one and Kkamnyang flinched.

‘How did they know we were watching over Hyung in case he collapses, meow!’

Gray one watched over Lee Joon, worried he might overwork himself.

‘I was trying to find the right moment to thank him and got caught.’

Kkamnyang was trying to find the right timing to express his gratitude to Lee Joon.

“No, these guys don’t have that concept of the owner yet. They’re probably checking how much better can Kkamnyang see compared to yesterday. And Gray one is keeping an eye on Kkamnyang to prevent him from bumping into things.”

“How sweet! You two get along so well.”

Although Sora complimented them on getting along well, it didn’t register with the two cats.

『They must call the one who watches over them an owner, meow.』
『Seems like it.』
『But Hyung seems a bit disappointed that we can’t act as caretakers yet, meow.』
『I feel the same way. Your Hyung does not seem to know what kind of cats we are.』
『Indeed, meow.』
『I guess we should show, during this opportunity, how capable we are of becoming excellent caretakers.』
『Let’s do that, meow. We’ll guard Hyung and Woof Woof Animal Clinic tightly and show that we can become excellent caretakers.』
『Sounds good!』

Agreeing at last, Gray one and Kkamnyang exchanged a smile.

‘Why do they interpret it like that?’

In disbelief at their conversation, Lee Joon opened his mouth to correct the misunderstanding.

“No, guys, being an owner isn’t about that.”

『We know, meow. We’ll watch over.』
『You’ll be surprised at how well we do.』

With those words, they dashed off to the cat tower.

This way, they could carefully observe the world outside.

『I’ll watch over this area, meow.』
『Then, I’ll guard this side.』

Gray one stretched his paw to the left, while Kkamnyang extended his cute paw to the right, directing their gazes in their respective directions.

“Kkamnyang, you still shouldn’t be out there with your weak eyes. Come inside.”

『Ah, understood. In case an enemy launches a sudden attack, I’ll guard the inside.』
『Alright, meow. I’ll diligently look at both sides from here, meow.』

Faced with the cats’ ludicrous reactions, Lee Joon couldn’t help but laugh.

“Yeah, playing games to develop their wild side isn’t bad.”

Whether it was with fishcake skewers, lasers, or mice, playing was intended to nurture their wild side.

Encouraging them to enhance their observational skills and focus on their own was a good thing.

Just then, Gray one meowed.

『Jamong is coming over, meow.』
『An enemy?』
『No, meow. He’s the one who found me, meow.』
『Is he the long-eared fellow?』
『He is, meow.』
『In that case, I won’t be able to show him my cool owner side.』

Moments later, Jamong entered and approached to greet Lee Joon.

Kkamnyang dashed over, blocking Jamong’s path.

Even though he wasn’t considered an enemy, a security check seemed necessary, given that he was a long-eared, mischief-making fellow.

‘Such a fellow might mistakenly flaunt his strength and cause harm to Gray one’s Hyung.’

Kkamnyang, with his body puffed up, lowered his voice.

『Halt! Who goes there?』
『Oh? A new Hyung. Who might you be, hyung?』

With his long tail swinging side to side, Jamong greeted cheerfully, causing Kkamnyang to stutter in response.

『I’m Kkamnyang.』

Kkamnyang regretted not using the cooler name, shadow, during his introduction.

Before he could react, Jamong plopped down on the floor, extending his paw.

『Hyung Kkamnyang, I’m Jamong. Look, your paws and mine are the same color! Hehe.』

Looking down at Jamong’s remark, eight little white paws were visible; four small and four large.

『Cough, indeed.』

Amidst responding, Jamong greeted Lee Joon, then turned back to find Gray one.

Gray one continued his vigilance at the window, keeping an eye on both Jamong and Kkamnyang.

『Hyung Gray one, how’s the leg?』
『Much better, meow. Have you eaten?』
『Sure did, meow. Nuna gave me something really tasty, so I ate a lot. Hehe.』
『Good, continue to eat well, meow.』
『Yes, hehe. You eat a lot too, hyung.』
『Thanks, meow.』

As Kkamnyang watched the sweet exchange between Gray one and Jamong, he tilted his head.

‘Hmm, rather curious. This long-eared, mischief-loving fellow looks kind, but how could they get along so well?’

To Kkamnyang, beagles are just tireless energy hoarders running madly in the park.

‘Seeing them chat casually is fascinating.’

As he observed Gray one and Jamong, Kkamnyang recalled waking up in the animal clinic, relieved.

‘Well, it does make sense.’

With those thoughts, Kkamnyang shifted his focus from the duo to Lee Joon and began walking over when he spotted suspicious movement outside.

However, Gray one didn’t seem too concerned.

‘Could it be he’s become too dull, being in such a safe place for too long?’

Unknowingly, Kkamnyang had recognized the space with Lee Joon as a safe haven.

Kkamnyang told Lee Joon.

『An ominous figure is approaching. Take cover.』

“An ominous figure?”

At Kkamnyang’s words, Lee Joon stepped forward.

Kkamnyang cautioned him.

『You shouldn’t move so carelessly. You need to hide and confirm who it is first.』

“It’s alright. That one’s a regular here.”

『A regular?』
『Exactly, meow. An old friend, meow.』
『Yes, it’s an old man hyung. He’s really nice.』

Lee Joon, Gray one, and even Jamong, who just met today, chimed in to indicate a friend.

And then the figure appeared.

A short, stocky dog showed up, his experience evident.

He entered and spoke.

『Has the vet been well?』

“Oh, Ddangkong. Welcome. Have you been eating well lately?”

『I have.』

Just then, excitedly wagging his tail, Jamong exclaimed.

『Hyung! Old Man Ddangkong!』
『Old Man Ddangkong is here, meow!』
『Have you been well, young ones?』

Acknowledging the greetings, Ddangkong listened as Jamong quickly poured out words.

『Yes, old Man Hyung, have you been well? I missed you so much. Didn’t you miss seeing me?』
『I’ve been doing well, meow.』
『Hearing that is good news. By the way, Gray one, how’s your leg doing?』
『It’s much better, meow.』
『A very good thing to hear. Then I’ll be off for a stroll.』

Having exchanged greetings with them, Ddangkong walked away and stopped in front of Kkamnyang.

『A newcomer, I see.』

After seeing Kkamnyang, Ddangkong uttered those words and nonchalantly continued into the clinic.

Ddangkong neither questioned nor guarded against him, merely brushing past.

Kkamnyang, having never experienced such treatment, stood there bewildered.

‘What is this?’

Kkamnyang’s gaze followed Ddangkong’s movements without much thought.

Though he was receiving Kkamnyang’s attention, Ddangkong continued his routine.

Sniffing for new scents throughout the clinic, visiting the litter box, even drinking water.

No urgency in his demeanor as he leisurely strolled around and finally spoke.

『So you’re a friend of Gray one’s, eh?』

Yet again, Kkamnyang insisted they weren’t friends.

『You just met here? Seems quite close for that.』

Gray one and Kkamnyang shared their story with Ddangkong, who listened patiently and responded in a calm voice.

『Kkamnyang, you’ve had quite an ordeal.』

Though it seemed an ordinary remark, it resonated with Kkamnyang, striking a chord within.

He felt that his feelings of hardship, having left his group behind, were understood.

Regaining his composure, he found himself recounting to Ddangkong everything—from leaving his group due to injury to contemplating a return to the Bluebirds Park.

『Hmm, I see. So what do you want to do?』

What did he want?

While Kkamnyang pondered, Ddangkong turned to Gray one.

『What about you, Gray one? Planning to return to the park?』
『Well, I’m not sure yet, meow.』
『Not deciding isn’t bad. Whether you’re here or back at the park, you’ll remain part of our crew.』

The mention of being a crew member widened Kkamnyang’s eyes.

『Crew member?』
『Yes, meow. So is Kkamnyang, whether staying here or going back to the Bluebirds Park. Just as Jamong continues to call me Hyung, despite only seeing me occasionally.』
『That’s right.』
『Should you stay here with that vet, your friends could still visit. It might even be easier for you to look after them.』
『What do you mean…?』
『I say this as the vet understands our language, it’d be easier to call for help if someone is unwell.』
『Ah, I see.』

Gradually, Kkamnyang addressed Ddangkong respectfully, nodding.

After having imparted wisdom, Kkamnyang felt a sense of admiration for Ddangkong.

Gray one, listening nearby, appeared contemplative.

‘Ah, I see, meow. No difference whether I’m here or with my crew.’

Gray one was concerned about losing touch with his crew if he started living with Lee Joon.

Worried for the well-being of his Evergreen family, being disconnected from friends was troublesome.

‘I guess thanks to Ddangkong Hyung’s words, there’s no need to worry about that, meow. If I wish to go to Evergreen, hyung will take me.’

Trusting Lee Joon completely now, Gray one made a decision.

『I’ll use this chance to raise a successor, meow.』
『A successor, meaning you plan to abdicate leadership to them?』
『Yes, that’s the plan, meow.』
『That isn’t bad. Leisurely living can be quite enjoyable.』

Looking at his owner, Ddangkong slowly smiled leisurely.

***

That evening.

Gray one addressed the visiting cats.

『I plan to make Norang my successor, meow.』

Naming a successor signified the leader considering retirement.

The cats were shocked.

『What? A successor! What are you saying, leader!』
『No way. If the Leader retires, who will look after us?』
『What! We’ve always relied on you, leader. Please reconsider.』
『Just because I’m retiring doesn’t mean I’ll leave immediately, meow.』

Gray one added, but the claim alone startled the cats.

Their cries of dissent echoed, defying any persuasion at Woof Woof Animal Clinic.

Meows filled the air.

Amidst the noise, Lee Joon appeared.

“What’s going on? Is someone hurt?”

『The Leader is…』

Agitated cats voiced Gray one’s words to Lee Joon.

Gray one also reiterated his thoughts.

After listening to the chaotic cat conversation till the end, Lee Joon spoke.

“Hmm, that’s why your faces looked so serious lately.”

『You knew?』
『Yes, meow.』

“Yes, I knew. Well, seems like you can do as you wish. Though I’ve never been to Blue Bird, the ones I see here seem to manage well. Evergreen is thriving, too.”

『Yes, and Norang is doing a splendid job, meow.』
『True, and Milo is impressive too.』

“Since you’ve been Leaders for a long while, especially Gray one, twice as long as any previous Leaders, retiring now isn’t bad.”

『That’s not true, meow.』

“It’s around twice, that’s for sure. And I figured you missed your friends, but what if you visited the park once a month?”

『Going to the park?』

Kkamnyang, shocked, asked, while Gray one beamed.

He recalled Lee Joon sometimes preparing special meals and taking them to Evergreen Park.

『Thank you, meow.』

“Alright. Let’s have a grand party. That day, Kkamnyang, you’ll retire, and Gray one will officially declare Norang as the successor.”

Thus, a joyful celebration for the cats was decided.

—