Tae-il gently spoke to the cat sitting on his lap.
“I need to give you a name.”
So this is what people mean when they say someone’s ‘kind.’
Maybe it was because she’d just escaped from Si-yul’s terrifying grip, but Hae-in couldn’t help but feel that Tae-il was especially gentle.
Tae-il always had that calm, soft look about him. His skin was unusually pale for a man, his smiling lips were delicate, and his slightly wavy, light brown hair—whether it was dyed or natural—suited him perfectly.
A man with such light coloring inevitably looked soft. Whenever he spoke to her kindly like this, Hae-in almost felt human again.
“How are you this pretty?”
Even towards animals, his hands were impossibly cautious. His touch as he stroked her fur was so comforting, an involuntary purr rumbled in her throat.
Completely different from someone I know…
The thought of that damn veterinarian resurfaced.
No matter how she looked at it, that man clearly saw her as either a lab specimen or some alien life form. The meaningful, probing look in his eyes still made her fur stand on end just remembering it.
Hae-in hurriedly groomed herself, licking her paw and pressing it over her eyes, twisting her neck to flatten the bristling fur along her back. Only after thoroughly calming herself did her nerves settle a little.
Grooming myself in a warm, cozy house… this really is the height of luxury.
Thinking back to when she was drenched in rain on that rooftop still made her paws ache with cold.
“Mya.” (Guess I’ll owe you for this.)
She’d been burned enough times to know when to lay low. At least for now, she decided to quietly play the part of Tae-il’s pet cat—until she could walk and talk properly in human form again.
“Hm? What are you saying?”
Tae-il loved cats, maybe all animals, and he was gentle even with people. His home felt endlessly safe and comfortable. At least toward Hae-in, his vague kindness made him seem trustworthy.
Even if it’s only because he sees me as a cat… it’s probably something I can rely on.
And besides, his place was close to where she’d promised to meet the Reaper.
Just a few days ago, the idea of living with an unfamiliar man seemed impossible. But the comforts of civilization were dangerously addictive.
Honestly… I doubt I’ll find anywhere better than this.
Especially now that she’d been forced into cooperating with that damned veterinarian.
Hae-in purred softly, lowering her head in agreement, and Tae-il’s hand reached to gently scratch under her chin. His touch was so careful, so affectionate.
Tae-il simply looked pleased to have a living creature in his home, especially one that seemed unusually calm and intelligent.
And so, their cohabitation began—owner and pet.
But Hae-in’s peace wouldn’t last. The devilish veterinarian, Kang Si-yul, was sure to barge back into her life.
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Pretending to be a cat is harder than I thought. Damn it.
________✧⑅˖♡∘˚˳°↝^._.^_________
“She’s not… pooping.”
Tae-il lifted Hae-in onto the exam table with a troubled expression.
Si-yul barely managed to stifle a laugh, puffing out his cheeks.
“Pfft… khahaha…”
Sure, he’d heard that from plenty of worried pet owners, but coming from this smart-looking creature? That made it all the more ridiculous.
Hae-in scrambled onto Tae-il’s shoulder, doing everything she could to put distance between herself and Si-yul.
Three days. I’ve only lasted three days before seeing this guy again…
If she’d known this would happen, she should’ve just pooped. Eaten something and pooped!
Living as a cat required way more attention to detail than expected. Her human dignity was under constant threat.
“What kind of litter are you using?”
“I set up three different types in separate spots… but she hasn’t touched any of them.”
Hae-in clung to Tae-il’s shoulder, bristling pitifully and glaring at Si-yul.
Si-yul tilted his head as he watched.
“Hmm, is she eating well?”
“Yes. I feed her before I leave for work, and by the time I get home, all the food’s gone.”
“But… no signs of waste? For three whole days?”
“That’s why I’m worried…”
“That is odd. Eating but not… eliminating.”
Si-yul’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, making Hae-in’s fur crawl. That look of his was beyond unsettling.
“I live in an apartment—there’s nowhere else for her to go. She doesn’t leave the house, and I doubt she’s using the toilet and flushing after herself…”
Tae-il mumbled, clearly perplexed, while Si-yul quietly chuckled.
He thinks I flushed something, doesn’t he…?
Whether it was food or something else, he seemed to have figured it out.
Si-yul let out a soft snicker, keeping his gaze fixed entirely on Hae-in, his tone switching back to that reliable veterinarian persona.
“Could be constipation. How about we take an X-ray to see how backed up she is?”
“Mya?” (Constipation?)
“Ah, good idea. Better constipation than something serious…”
Hearing her beloved owner hoping for her constipation was devastating.
For the first time, Hae-in bared her teeth as Tae-il tried to lift her down from his shoulder.
“Mya!” (No way!)
“Kitty?”
Usually too docile for her own good, Hae-in’s sudden sharp hiss startled Tae-il.
Si-yul finally waved a hand dismissively, smiling that unreadable smile of his.
“Kidding. No need to spend money on unnecessary X-rays.”
“Then?”
“Sometimes strays won’t go unless it’s real soil.”
“…So I need to bring dirt into the house?”
“Not necessarily. Try taking her to a park or an open space nearby once a day. Let her roam a bit.”
Tae-il looked utterly flustered at the suggestion. His limited knowledge of cats made that sound extremely risky.
Walking a cat… just so they could poop?
“What if she runs off?”
“Granted, I wouldn’t suggest that to everyone. But she’s smart—should be fine.”
“Well… she is clever. She gives me her paw when I say ‘shake’ and sits on command.”
“Oh? Really?”
At some point, Tae-il had jokingly asked for a ‘shake,’ and Hae-in had obediently placed her paw in his hand, like a dog.
Tae-il, looking proud, quickly nodded.
“Actually… the rooftop garden would work. That’s where I found her, too.”
“Perfect. It’s safe there, and she might just be uncomfortable with the new surroundings. Cats will hold it if they hate the litter box. But… she hasn’t gone anywhere else, right?”
“No, she hasn’t…”
“Try letting her roam the rooftop for a day or two. If she still doesn’t go, bring her back here.”
Tae-il eagerly nodded, trusting the veterinarian’s advice without question.
Si-yul smiled, saying he’d give her a quick check-up just in case. Tae-il, ever naive, handed Hae-in right into the devil’s hands.
“Mya-mya!” (Don’t leave me!)
Too late. Hae-in suddenly found herself in Si-yul’s grip, helpless. She desperately called after Tae-il, but the clinic door shut firmly behind him.
“So, what is it? Are you secretly using the toilet, or really not going at all?”
“……”
Alone with her, Si-yul’s curiosity exploded. His face practically screamed scratch this itch for me!
In truth, Hae-in had managed to discreetly dispose of the food, but not through the usual methods. She hadn’t pooped simply because she hadn’t eaten enough to need to.
This body—the Reaper’s possession—barely registered hunger. Food wasn’t essential, and she was nearly impervious to cold or heat.
She couldn’t explain everything, but this was just… a bathroom update, not a confession of identity.
Hae-in turned her head stubbornly and muttered:
“Not pooping.”
For better or worse, she was stuck with this veterinarian. And that inquisitive gleam in his eyes was exhausting.
“Fascinating… you can survive without eating?”
“…Probably.”
“So weird… what are you?”
Si-yul’s curiosity practically oozed off him, but he knew better than to push her further.
He already understood—Hae-in was a temperamental, snarky, high-strung cat.
His hand still bore the faint scratch marks to prove it.
“Y’know, I did you a favor.”
“Mya-nya?! What favor?!”
“Didn’t diagnose you with constipation, did I?”
“Mya-mya-mya! Wow, thanks sooo much!”
Hae-in scoffed, turning her head away dramatically.
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Si-yul, curious as ever, absentmindedly played with Hae-in’s perked-up ears. But she only ground her teeth—she didn’t bite.
It was undeniably true that thanks to this veterinarian, pretending to be a cat had become much easier. He was an opponent far too dangerous to make into an enemy, so she begrudgingly decided to keep him on her side.
I’ll have to drag myself to the rooftop every morning to pretend I’m doing my business… but at least my act will look convincing now.
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After observing him, Hae-in confirmed that Tae-il’s work schedule wasn’t fixed, and he always carried a camera around. Seeing the towering stack of magazines he sometimes brought home, she was certain now—he was a photographer.
He looked like one too. Effortlessly stylish, even when it seemed like he hadn’t put much effort into his appearance.
The bespectacled friend of his, who seemed to live in the same building, also visited far too often. Hae-in didn’t know the full details, but it appeared they worked for the same company.
Ah, after listening in on their conversations, she picked up even more—turns out, the two of them were childhood friends. And there was a third childhood friend, a woman, involved too.
The three of them were obviously close, always gathering together, which… Hae-in found extremely displeasing.
Ridiculous as it is… I hate that I want to monopolize him.
Her entire day revolved around Tae-il now.
Waiting for Tae-il. Greeting Tae-il. Receiving Tae-il’s touch.
When he wasn’t home, she had no idea what to do with herself. The time dragged, meaningless and dull, so she slept it away.
Only when he was home did her loneliness lift.
These days, Hae-in’s sole routine consisted of waiting for him inside the apartment.
“I’m home.”
“Mya?” (You’re back?)
He always greeted her so kindly when he returned, lifting her up into his arms. He’d press a light kiss to her nose before gently placing her back on the floor.
At first, it was unbearably embarrassing. But now… she was used to it. Worse, she caught herself instinctively accepting his touch, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
Maybe because she was stuck in a cat’s body, she’d begun adjusting to receiving affection like an actual pet.
Her daily life with him was becoming strangely comfortable.
She spent most of the day napping by the sunny veranda window, and the rest of the time purring by his side.
Whenever he carried her outside, she stayed quietly nestled in his arms. She already knew where they were going.
“Alright, let’s go.”
Before and after work, Tae-il would take Hae-in up to the rooftop garden and let her roam freely for a while.
She explored the bushes where she’d once hidden, circling the area before returning to his side.
The first few times, she’d pretended to dig at the dirt near him, and he seemed reassured, believing she’d done her business. Of course, it was all just an act.
When they had time, they visited the park to enjoy the outdoors a little more. Sitting together in the breeze, or him taking photos of her. Hae-in made for a perfect subject.
She was so clever, she moved exactly as he directed.
When he gestured for her to walk, she strolled slowly. When he wanted her still, she paused and looked back at him. When he touched her, she tilted her chin up and raised her tail just as expected.
“Mya?” (Like this?)
Tilting her head and asking so innocently, she always made him laugh—his bright, playful smile impossible to resist.
How annoying. I can’t help but like him when he looks at me like that.
Little by little, Hae-in’s ability to act cute improved. Pretending to be pretty and adorable no longer embarrassed her. It started feeling natural—because acting affectionate was basically part of the job description for a pet cat.
It even felt like she had a daily quota. If he was busy with other things, she couldn’t relax unless she approached him first, brushing against him for attention.
“Why are you so cute?”
It wasn’t surprising. Tae-il’s smile was so gentle, so warm—it soothed her constantly anxious heart.
Being loved by someone… it’s embarrassingly nice.
Life with him was as cozy as she’d hoped. His presence was comforting.
Sure, visiting that wretched animal hospital still sucks… but other than that, it’s not bad. Almost good, even.
She’d even grown used to being his model. With things like this, a year would fly by easily.
Of course… happiness always comes tangled with some suffering.
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“Doctor, I’ve got a sudden business trip for about a week. Could I leave her with you during that time?”
Hae-in sat sulking in Tae-il’s arms, expression dead as a fish. If only she could pout properly, her lips would’ve been stuck out by now.
Two things thoroughly irritated her: first, obviously, they were at that damned animal hospital again. Second, Tae-il would probably go on trips like this regularly.
Which meant… relying on Si-yul repeatedly!
How am I supposed to tell Tae-il I can watch the house alone?
It was practically impossible. Talking cats were disturbing enough.
“Of course! Don’t worry, our clinic has separate floors for boarding and hospitalization. It’s perfectly safe.”
“I often get called away for trips like this on short notice… I’m worried there won’t always be room available.”
“Don’t stress. If the clinic’s full, she can stay at my place.”
“Thank you so much.”
Si-yul’s words were entirely genuine. Unlike someone here who absolutely loathed this place, Si-yul always seemed ridiculously happy about the situation.
“Shame I can’t do it for free. But I can give you a pretty generous friends-and-family discount.”
“Oh, you really don’t have to…”
“Don’t be shy. I like her a lot, that’s all.”
“Thank you… Honestly, I feel relieved leaving her with you.”
“You’ve got good instincts.”
“Myaak!” (No, he doesn’t!)
Startled, Hae-in protested loudly, but neither man paid her any mind. She was just a fussy cat who hated the vet’s office.
“Alright, I’ll leave her in your care. She doesn’t seem to go unless it’s real dirt. I brought some food, too. And…”
“You’re a good owner.”
“Oh, no… That’s embarrassing, coming from you.”
“I mean it. A picky cat like her wouldn’t trust you otherwise. By the way, have you decided on a name yet?”
It had been two weeks since Hae-in started living with Tae-il.
Yet he still called her ‘kitty’ or ‘meow-meow’ and hadn’t chosen a proper name.
But scribbling ‘No Name’ on every vet form was reaching its limit. No wonder the veterinarian asked first.
“I’ve been hesitant… thinking her real owner might turn up.”
“Ah, I see.”
“I put up posters at the bus stop, posted online… but…”
“Any responses?”
“Nothing yet. Guess she’s mine now.”
Tae-il looked genuinely happy saying that. He scratched Hae-in’s head, then kissed her lightly on the nose in his usual affectionate way.
A normal cat probably would’ve hated it—but Hae-in obediently accepted it. She was, in the end, a cat acting like an endlessly loyal pet.
Her ears perked at the idea of getting a name. Si-yul looked curious too.
“So? What’s the name?”
“I thought long and hard… and I’ve got the perfect one.”
“Oh?”
“I’m calling her… Gaenyang”
(‘Clingy Cat’?)
For a moment, Hae-in didn’t process the meaning. Then her jaw dropped. Si-yul looked equally stunned.
Tae-il, however, smiled brightly, entirely sincere.
“Isn’t it adorable? ‘Gaenyang (Clingy Cat)’ .”
Neither of them expected someone as well-mannered, gentle, and handsome as Tae-il to have such terrible naming sense. Apparently, God was fair after all.
Si-yul glanced at Hae-in in Tae-il’s arms, snorted, and burst out laughing.
Hae-in’s mouth hung open as if she’d swallowed something unpleasant.
“ ‘Clingy Cat’… Pfft… Honestly, it’s perfect. Suits her so well.”
“You really think so?”
Absolutely not!
Hae-in shot Si-yul a desperate, pleading look, begging him to stop this madness.
That name… was too cruel for a sentient creature like her.
Her expression was the picture of a defeated cat, one that had given up hope—but Si-yul was immune to that face.
He simply shrugged, indifferent, and even hummed a little tune, clearly pleased with how this turned out.
“It’s unique. Makes her stand out. Perfect for ‘clingy cat’.”
And just like that, ‘Gaenyang (Clingy Cat’) was written neatly onto Hae-in’s veterinary records.
