Pretty Like Poetry | TAEJUN

"I'm so excited! I can't believe it's finally open!" Hueningkai squealed for what had to be the hundredth time that afternoon as the pet café finally came into view.

Ever since he convinced the others to join him after the announcement, he'd been counting down the days. And the rest had been more than willing—who could resist a room full of adorable, energetic animals?

The café's interior matched its sleek, modern exterior, decorated with bright, cozy furniture that felt as lively as the wagging tails and yips echoing through the room. Hueningkai and Beomgyu darted straight for the dog area, while Taehyun and Soobin made their way to the counter to check in.

Nearby, a brown English Cocker Spaniel bounced up, tail wagging as Beomgyu crouched down with a delighted coo. Meanwhile, Hueningkai was already fawning over a chubby French Bulldog, his voice high-pitched as he scratched under its chin, a tone he usually saved for his favorite plushies.

Taehyun placed an order for extra dog treats before joining the others, and as they entered the pet area, a crowd of excited dogs rushed over, sniffing eagerly around Taehyun's hands.

"Share some, I want to feed them too," Beomgyu whined, holding out his hand with a playful pout.

Taehyun raised a brow, smirking. "Yeah, well, I want them to love me more, so if you want treats, you'd better get your own." He stuck his tongue out, handing Beomgyu just one treat.

Beomgyu rolled his eyes, laughing as he tossed the treat to a nearby dog before slipping out to buy his own stash.

Taehyun settled on the floor beside Hueningkai, where a fluffy white Pomeranian had already curled up in his lap, its eyes half-closed as Hueningkai petted it with gentle strokes.

"Bet Soobin's jealous," Taehyun said, giving Soobin a teasing side glance.

"Haha, Taehyun. You're hilarious," Soobin replied, voice as flat as ever, though he couldn't suppress a small grin. Leaning over, he gave one of the dogs a soft pat on the head and looked up at a passing worker. "What's this one's name?"

"Hiccup," she replied with a smile, hurrying off to another group.

Taehyun chuckled. "Guess we'll never get to hear the backstory on that."

When Beomgyu returned, his arms were loaded with treats and toys. The group quickly dove into a tug-of-war contest with the dogs, only for Beomgyu to relent and hand the rope to Hueningkai when he asked nicely. With newfound determination, Beomgyu and Taehyun started teaching a spaniel to roll over, cheering together when it finally nailed the trick.

Afterward, they headed to an outdoor café, settling at a table under a large umbrella to shield them from the now-bright afternoon sun.

"I want a hedgehog," Soobin announced abruptly, taking a thoughtful bite of his muffin.

Beomgyu raised a brow as he sipped from his drink. "I thought you already had one?"

"I do, but Odi doesn't like me much."

"Odi doesn't like anyone," Taehyun muttered, biting into his sandwich and washing it down with a sip of Coke.

"Odi likes me, though!" Hueningkai chimed in proudly. "He fell asleep in my arms the other night." He scrunched his face as Soobin offered him another bite of muffin, shaking his head as he swallowed a bit too fast.

"I might get another parrot for Toto," Beomgyu added, smiling up at the sun. "He'd love a friend, and well...I wouldn't mind a new one either."

Taehyun glanced at him thoughtfully. "I've been thinking about getting a pet too, maybe a snake, a chinchilla—or even a sugar glider. They're adorable."

Hueningkai's eyes lit up, nodding so eagerly his hair bounced. "My cousin has sugar gliders! I'd practically live at your place if you got them, Taehyun."

Taehyun laughed, throwing a look at Soobin. "Well, Soobin, if you ever want Hueningkai to move in, now you know what to do."

Soobin gave him a dry look. "Are you allergic to anything, Taehyun? Because I might get one just to use against you next time you try to tease me."

Beomgyu burst out laughing, nearly choking on his drink and attracting glances from passersby. Hueningkai patted him on the back, looking both amused and concerned as Beomgyu recovered, eyes watery from coughing.

When he finally caught his breath, Beomgyu wiped his eyes with a tissue, still chuckling. "Soobin, were you trying to kill me?" He grinned, shaking his head. "I don't even know why that was so funny."