The story had been unfolding ever since I first downloaded a dating app. One casual swipe to the right, and I matched with a boyish-looking guy with short, wavy hair. His profile photo was simple—him lying on a bed, half-lidded eyes hazy and soft. It didn't even look like he had posed for it, yet it carried the same dreamy aura as a Sleeping Beauty waiting for a prince's kiss to wake him.
At first, I couldn't understand why he never replied no matter what I typed. I almost gave up, thinking maybe he was busy talking to someone else.
But then—out of nowhere—he began sending me blurry, cropped, and fragmented photos every single day. So I started sending him the pictures I usually took to show my grandma in return.
And so, whatever this relationship was, it continued for months. I had liked him since the first moment I saw that profile, but I never pressured myself to rush things—never forced the idea of quickly becoming lovers. Strangely enough, that slow, unhurried rhythm made it feel all the more pure and romantic. Perfect for someone like me, who always preferred to take things at his own pace.
Then one day, Grandma fell seriously ill. She had to be admitted to the hospital for constant monitoring. Loneliness and longing for warmth weighed on me until—somehow—I received a location pin to his house. I didn't even know how. Maybe his dog had stepped on his phone and accidentally shared it? Whatever the case, I made up my mind.
I bought a bouquet, got in the car, and drove all the way to that address.
Standing in front of the gate, I had to gather my courage for a long time before I finally pressed the doorbell. My heart was pounding wildly as I waited. My eyes drifted through the low white fence, taking in the sight: a small, one-story house, with a fruit tree nearly three meters tall casting shade over the yard. There was enough space for a dog to run around.
But… the grass seemed a little too overgrown.
Creak…
The door inside slowly opened, and I flinched with nervous excitement, clutching the flowers tightly in my hands.
Oh? A dog.
But not just any dog—this was a Siberian Husky. Big, fluffy, sharp-featured, and way too cool-looking. Was it going to bite me?!
Woof!
The huge dog barked in greeting. Despite its intimidating appearance, its expression was goofy, even comical—exactly the kind Grandma would love. And there was no one else behind it. Could it be…?
"Booboo? Is that you? Do you remember me? It's me—the one who sends you pictures every day!"
My brain pieced things together almost instantly. I whipped out my phone, opening our long chat history filled only with images, and held it out for the dog to see. Anyone passing by would think I'd lost my mind, but honestly, I adored this big, confused-looking husky more and more.
The black-and-white husky stared at the phone as if it actually understood. Then, to my shock, it did something even more unbelievable—it stood on its hind legs and used its front paws to unlock the gate. Like a human.
…It's not weird to be invited in by a dog, right?
I followed it inside without lifting a finger to open the door myself. The house was plain, barely decorated. The living room had only a TV on one side and a long black sofa.
And on that sofa—white, slender legs peeked out.
Thump-thump-thump!
My heart, which had frozen a moment earlier, suddenly raced faster than ever. So there really was someone here besides the clever dog. Was it really… him?
Step by step, I followed the husky closer. My hand, still clutching the roses, was slick with sweat.
Gulp!
The sound of me swallowing echoed so loudly the dog glanced back.
Who wouldn't be flustered? The person I'd secretly admired was lounging there in a casual home outfit I wasn't used to seeing. Normally when I went to bed, I wore proper pajamas—both top and bottom. But he… he was wearing an oversized shirt that hung loose, dipping low enough to reveal a hint of soft, pink nipples.
At first glance at those pale, slender legs, my mind had raced—had he forgotten to wear pants? But no, on second look, he had boxers on. They'd just ridden up too high on his thighs.
Calm as he seemed, my heart nearly gave out. It was beating so hard it might burst right out of my chest.
Thwack!
Booboo suddenly smacked his paw squarely on the boy's head, scattering strands of his soft hair across his face. I froze, wide-eyed. I wasn't the type to ever use violence, but… maybe this house was different. Maybe here, man and dog were just that close.
…