You sighed in relief as you flopped on the soft grassy patch near the fountain.

Life after your breakup felt so good. Especially after getting out of a controlling, toxic relationship with an asshole who pretended to be angelic for the first year and then showed his true colours later in the next two years.

You were 25 and yet already lived your life through hell for three years by dating someone who was a cold, possessive and overly controlling stiff icebox who yelled at you for so much as smiling at a stranger.

Now, after slapping that asshole left and right before kicking him in the balls, today marks the day when you were officially free.

And to celebrate, or more likely to breathe in fresh air, you came to this pet park in Seoul where you come often for almost a year now. Previously, you used to come here with your now ex, but he just loojed terribly annoyed with animals around him.

God, he was such a red flag.

You were just sitting under this one big tree, taking in the breeze with your eyes closed and your back against the tree, relaxing.

Calm. Quite. Seren—

BARK!!

The very next second, something tackled you, knocking you sideways and onto the grassy patch. A dog.

If you weren't so wrong, this dog was a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed and a female, from its gentle, elegant appearance with a silky, medium-length coat that was predominantly snowy white, beautifully accented by rich chestnut-brown patches across her back, ears, and parts of her face.

Her long, fluffy ears were covered in soft, wavy chestnut fur that framed her sweet expression. Large, round dark brown eyes gave her a warm, affectionate, and innocent look, while her small black nose and happy open mouth, with her pink tongue hanging out, made her appear cheerful and friendly.

Her fluffy white chest blended into a compact yet graceful body with feathering along her legs and tail. Her small, neatly rounded paws completed her dainty appearance, making her look both elegant and irresistibly adorable.

And she was sitting on top of you, panting excitedly while looking down at you like as if you were her new mom.

Whose dog was this?

"BERRY!!"

Your head whipped up, and your breath instantly stuttered, almost forgetting a dog was licking your cheeks.

A guy—no—a MAN came to a stop right in front of you after running, huffing to breathe. This guy looked somewhere in his late twenties and DAMN hot.

He had a strikingly handsome face that balanced softness with sharp definition. Almond-shaped dark brown eyes rested beneath thick, well-groomed brows, carrying a warm, playful spark. His clean-shaven face featured deep dimples, a straight nose, naturally full lips, and a sharply defined jawline.

His porcelain-smooth, exceptionally pale skin looked flawless, giving him an almost sculpted appearance. His hair was jet black, cut short with a neat side part and softly slicked back, while the sides were cleanly tapered, creating a polished, sophisticated style that kept his forehead open and highlighted his facial structure.

His physique appeared powerfully built rather than lean, with broad shoulders, a thick chest, muscular arms, defined biceps, and visible abdominal definition beneath fitted clothing. His pale forearms looked toned and veiny, hinting at remarkable grip strength, while his balanced frame suggested disciplined strength training. He looked capable of lifting far beyond his own weight.

Dressed in a simple black shirt beneath a dark jacket and jeans. Despite his wolfishly handsome visuals and imposing build, his bright smile, dimples, and relaxed expression gave him the friendly, playful charm of a husky—gentle, approachable, and impossible not to like.

"I am so sor—" The man began as he tried to get his dog off of you. "Berry! C'mon! Get off!"

He tried to reach over and grab his dog—Berry?—but she just looped his arms in a way that made him stumble on his knees.

"I—" The guy finally looked up, his eyes wide in panic while Berry now nuzzled her head under your chin.