Sihoo sprinted up the alley, taking the stairs two at a time, racing to where the delivery driver waited. Huff, huff. He reached the parking lot near the hiking trail entrance, spotting a truck labeled Sacheonri Bicycles. Approaching, the driver stepped out of the cab. Sihoo, catching his breath, apologized, “Phew—sorry for making you wait.”
Seeing Sihoo’s panting, sweat-soaked hair and clothes clinging to him, the driver’s urge to complain faded. He unloaded the electric bike, explaining how to fold and unfold it. “Don’t yank the brakes too hard, or the back might lift.”
Sihoo nodded, grabbing the handlebars. “Thanks for the delivery.”
The driver chuckled. “Enjoy the ride, kid.” Vroom. He waved through the window and drove off.
Sihoo sat on the bike, adjusting the saddle to his height. Switching to manual mode, he pedaled lightly. The bike glided smoothly. He circled the parking lot, a gentle breeze ruffling his hair.
The animal hospital where Sihoo left Yaongi wasn’t open 24 hours. In the hospital’s ward, a small sound came from the creature. Kuhh. It opened its eyes, looking around as if wondering where it was. Noticing the IV in its arm, it felt less pain than before. Kuhh. It found the reduced pain curious, sensing the human had done something.
Other animals in the ward—cats and dogs—growled softly, wary of the creature’s sounds. Grrr. Mow. It snorted at their tension. Pfft. The ward fell silent. The creature recalled the human who saved it. Mae. Yawning, it curled up and slept.
Sihoo woke early, heading to the field to harvest ingredients. Chirr, chirr. The bird that attacked Yaongi soared above. A griffin, right? He’d asked Hayoon, who wrote novels, about it. Hayoon said it was a mythical beast, often depicted as a mount or monster. It’s big enough to ride, Sihoo thought as it flew toward the mountains.
Pluck, pluck. Sihoo filled a basket with vegetables, then moved to fruit trees. Zee. Hearing a sound, he assumed it was a field creature and hurried to finish harvesting, returning to the basement. Near the field’s entrance sat his electric bike. He decided to explore the field properly that evening.
Thud. The basket was heavy with produce. The field’s plants regrew perfectly overnight, a phenomenon Sihoo once thought magical. Now he knew time flowed faster here. Realizing this, he thought of Yaongi. How much time has passed there? The thought complicated his mind. Sighing, he decided to visit the animal hospital after class.
Checking the time, he rushed to prepare. Clunk, clang. Pulling a handcart down the alley, he glanced at passersby. Rattle, rattle. A young girl greeted him. “Hi!”
She looked about fifth grade, with an egg-shaped face promising future beauty. Sihoo recalled her name—Minju, a neighbor. “Minju, off to school?”
She nodded. “What about you, uncle?”
He glanced at his cart. “Heading to the shop.”
Minju’s face lit up. “Uncle, do you know 56804?”
Sihoo’s eyes flickered. “Yeah, why?”
“I went for their spicy shrimp pasta—it’s amazing—but there were so many people I couldn’t eat. Why’s it always crowded?”
Sihoo sometimes thought the same. Meeting her gaze, he asked, “Want to try that pasta?”
“Yes, but the lines…” Minju said.
“I’ll talk to 56804’s chef,” Sihoo said.
Minju’s face brightened, hooking pinkies with him. Sihoo decided to cook for her at home. “Uncle, I’m on duty, so I’m early. Please tell the chef!”
“Careful on your way,” Sihoo said.
“Bye, uncle!” Minju waved.
Sihoo smiled, pulling his cart. At 56804, Hwijun waited. “You’re here.”
“Got the key yet?” Sihoo asked.
“Nah, Hayoon’s giving it today,” Hwijun said.
“Open early and start working,” Sihoo said.
Helping with the cart, Hwijun’s eyes widened. “This isn’t heavy?”
It was heavy, but Sihoo shrugged. “Not really.”
Hwijun’s eyes narrowed. “You work out?”
“Every day at home. Chefs need stamina,” Sihoo said.
Hwijun nodded, convinced. “Oh, about Ddakddaguri…”
Sihoo’s face went blank. “What’d he say?”
Hwijun stepped back, intimidated by Sihoo’s cold tone. Pulling out the USB, he said, “He edited out the shop incident but vaguely dissed the takeout food.”
Sihoo smirked. “Finished editing our footage from his visit?”
“Yeah,” Hwijun said.
“Tomorrow’s a day off. Free? I’ve got someone to introduce,” Sihoo said.
“Maybe around 2 p.m.,” Hwijun replied.
Ding-a-ling. Hayoon entered, greeting, “Morning… what’s up?”
Sihoo’s lip curled; Hwijun looked nervous. “Ddakddaguri badmouthed the takeout,” Sihoo said.
Hayoon sighed, rubbing his face. Seeing Sihoo’s gaze, his heart sank. Composing himself, he urged, “Standing around solves nothing. Let’s prep and eat. I’m starving.”
Sihoo entered the kitchen, thinking of staff meals. Glancing at Hayoon, he asked, “Hyung, drank last night?”
Hayoon blinked, surprised. “How’d you know? Family came over, had a few.”
“Really?” Sihoo replied lightly, moving swiftly in the kitchen.
Hayoon’s head tilted. His observation skills are unreal.
After class, Sihoo checked his phone. A text from the animal hospital. Replying, he headed there. Ding-a-ling. Huiyeon looked up. “You’re here.”
Sihoo bowed lightly. “Got your text. Is something up with Yaongi?”
“No big deal. Wait a sec,” Huiyeon said.
Sihoo’s head tilted. The treatment room door opened, and the vet appeared, calling him to the consultation room. “Come in.”
Sitting, Sihoo saw the vet show a monitor. “This is when you brought it in; this is today.”
Sihoo studied the images. “Is it better?”
The vet nodded. “I’ve never seen such fast recovery. What breed is this cat? I’ve never seen it, even at conferences.”
Sihoo stayed silent. He couldn’t say he saved it from a griffin in another world’s field. He’d sound crazy. “I don’t know. Found it being attacked by a hawk in the hills.”
The vet’s eyes widened. “Hawks around here?”
Sihoo fudged, “I live near the hills. Seen hawks sometimes.”
The vet nodded, convinced. “Those hills are dense; makes sense.”
Sihoo clenched a fist inwardly. The vet stood, asking him to wait, and entered the treatment room. Soon, he returned with Yaongi. Kuh-nya. In bright light, Sihoo saw its obsidian eyes clearly. It blinked at him. Kuhh. On the table, it sniffed toward Sihoo. Kuh?
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