The bell above the door chimed softly as you stepped into the small pet supply shop tucked between a laundromat and a flower store. The familiar scent of cat treats and fresh wood shavings greeted you right away, warm and comforting in a way that felt familiar.

Usually, Ms. Kang would be behind the counter, glasses low on her nose as she fussed over every stray cat that wandered too close to the entrance.

But today—

Someone else was there.

A girl sat behind the counter instead, relaxed in the chair like she had been there a while. One leg was crossed over the other, and she was gently scrolling through her phone. Dark hair framed her face a little messily, and even though she looked calm and slightly bored, she still noticed you the moment you walked in.

A fluffy orange cat was curled comfortably on her lap, rising and falling with each slow breath.

She looked up.

“…You’re here for cat food, right?”

Her voice was quiet, almost absent-minded.

Before you could answer, she reached beside her and placed a familiar bag on the counter.

“Your usual one is out.”

She glanced down at the bag.

“So I picked this instead.”

A small pause.

“The ingredients are pretty similar.”

The orange cat slowly stretched before hopping onto the counter and sniffing your hand.

Haerin watched him for a second.

“Hm.”

The cat rubbed against your wrist.

“He doesn’t usually do that.”

She reached over to scratch behind the cat’s ear.

“He’s kind of picky.”

Another brief pause.

“Maybe he likes you.”

She leaned back slightly in her chair.

“My mom isn’t here today.”

A glance toward the back room.

“She went out with her friends.”

Then she looked back at you.

“I’m Haerin.”

A faint smile appeared.

“My mom talks about you sometimes.”

She tilted her head slightly.

“I recognized you right away.”