Mudoo - Chapter 28

As soon as they reached the beach, Dong-gil took off across the sand like a madman. Hobun, holding his leash, had no choice but to sprint after him at full speed.

“Dong-gil! That’s enough! I’m dying here, kid! Dong-gil!”

Hobun looked like he had no strength left in his body—just stumbling and getting dragged around. Seula couldn’t help letting out a concerned sigh.

“Don’t you think Hobun’s going to break something at this rate?” she asked, half-rising from her seat as if ready to bolt to him at any second. But Kang Tae-shin didn’t even flinch.

“He won’t die from a broken arm or leg. Don’t worry about it.”

“It’ll still hurt, though.”

“Well, you’re not the one getting hurt, so why are you so worried?”

And there it was again—that cold, indifferent side of him. Sometimes he just didn’t seem human. Seula shot him a sidelong glare.

“You’d just sit there and watch even if I broke something, wouldn’t you?”

“So this is how you ask someone to care.”

“…”

“You’re not allowed to get hurt.”

“Why not?”

“Workers’ comp paperwork is a nightmare.”

Of course. What was she expecting? Seula sighed and turned toward Hobun and Dong-gil, who were still running around joyfully.

Just then, Tae-shin reached out and gently grabbed her shoulder. When she looked back, he was grinning as if genuinely amused.

“Where do you think you’re going?”

“What’s this? Let go.”

“You’re really gonna leave me here all alone?”

“Being a moody loner seems right up your alley.”

“You’d be surprised. I get lonely pretty easily.”

Seula couldn’t help laughing. The word “lonely” didn’t suit him at all.

“You push everyone away, and now you’re playing the sympathy card?”

“If it’s not funny, then why are you laughing?”

“It’s not because it’s funny—it’s because it’s ridiculous.”

The two began strolling slowly down the beach. The deep blue winter sea was wild with crashing waves. The surf thundered onto the sand, as loud as a storm.

Despite the freezing weather, surfers were out riding the swells. The strong wind and rough sea probably made the experience even more thrilling.

So many people out here are just enjoying life. Why did it take me this long to see the winter ocean for the first time?

No—better late than never. Seula caught herself and tried to stay positive.

“Starting to feel hungry?” she asked, looking up at Tae-shin.

“I’ve been starving for a while,” he replied with a sigh, his expression oddly soft. “But you all looked so busy enjoying the beach, I didn’t want to interrupt.”

“That doesn’t sound like you at all.”

“It’s called being considerate.”

“Wow. That’s news to me. Not very convincing, though.”

“I’m trying to impress you here. Are you really gonna ruin it for me?”

He raised one eyebrow with mock offense. And somehow, hearing that—he was trying to impress her?—made her heart flutter a little, completely against her will.

***

Since they planned to drink, they found a seafood place within walking distance of the hotel. It had a private room where pets were allowed, so Dong-gil could eat comfortably too.

“Hobun, aren’t you cold? I can lend you one of my sweaters later.”

He had taken off his padded jacket, revealing a loose, short-sleeved T-shirt underneath—and pajama pants that looked way too thin for this weather.

“Why do you keep being so nice to a random fox?” Tae-shin said curtly, pushing all the side dishes toward Seula. “What are you hoping to gain from impressing a fox?”

Because of the way the dishes were arranged, Hobun had to stretch his arm way out just to reach the salad and fried food.

Seula sighed and redistributed the dishes more evenly across the table.

“Well, he did make me bibimbap, brewed me some of his homemade liquor, and gave me a really pretty norigae…”

“I’m pretty sure I’ve done more for you than he has.”

“And that’s why I’m nice to you too.”

…Was she? She wasn’t totally convinced herself and trailed off.

Just as Tae-shin opened his mouth to argue, the door swung open and the sashimi arrived—bright, glistening slices piled high on a giant plate. The sight made Seula’s mouth water.

Dong-gil, sitting next to Hobun, was practically drooling.

“Dong-gil, wipe your mouth.”

Seula handed him a tissue without thinking. One of the staff saw the scene and chuckled.

“Wow, he’s just like a person. So big and well-mannered… I bet he’ll start talking soon.”

He already does, Seula thought—but kept that to herself. She exchanged a glance with the others, and they all stifled quiet laughter.

As soon as the staff left and shut the door behind them, Dong-gil spoke up.

“What’s so funny, huh? What’s so funny?”

Tae-shin placed a portion of sashimi in a dog bowl and set it in front of him.

“Stop drooling and eat. When you were a puppy, it was kind of cute. Now it’s just gross.”

“Wait—Dong-gil was ever a puppy?” Seula blinked in surprise.

“Did you think he was born full-sized?”

“I just can’t picture him being small.”

“When I found him, he was barely the size of my fist.” Tae-shin held up a clenched fist and compared it to Dong-gil’s face. “Now look at him—his head’s bigger than my hand.”

“He must’ve been adorable as a puppy.”

“He got into trouble constantly. It was awful.”

“Knowing you, I’m amazed you didn’t just abandon him.”

Still chewing, Dong-gil jumped in with a mutter.

“Only because the Elder brought me in.”

“The Elder?”

Seula tilted her head, curious. But neither Dong-gil nor Tae-shin answered. Hobun stepped in instead, a bittersweet smile tugging at his lips.

“He was… a wise person.”

A hush fell over the room. No one said more—but the way they spoke of him, it was clear that person had long since passed away.

To lighten the mood, Hobun poured soju into a clear glass and raised it.

“Seula, will you tell us about your college days? I’m curious how young people spend their time these days.”

“It’s been a while since I graduated… I’m not exactly up-to-date.”

“You’re still the most recent human among us.”

Most recent human? That was a new one. Compared to a fox who went to a Confucian school and a man over 500 years old, she supposed it wasn’t wrong…

Still, the generation gap felt more like a chasm.

On the surface, they all looked about the same age—but inside? Entire worlds apart.

With a small drink in hand, Seula slowly began recalling her college memories.

***

By the time only a few pieces of sashimi were left, everyone was flushed and giggly from the alcohol. Even the dumbest stories had them howling with laughter.

“So I’m riding this packed bus to work, right? I grab the overhead strap—and there’s this huge patch of hair sticking out from someone’s armpit! I screamed… but when I looked again, it was just their long hair!”

Across from her, Hobun laughed so hard his throat was fully exposed. The typically composed and graceful man was now doubled over, cackling—and Seula couldn’t help but feel a strange satisfaction at seeing that side of him.

“Sorry to interrupt the fun, but we’re closing up for the night,” a staff member said politely, stepping into the room.

They quickly got ready to leave. Outside, the salty ocean breeze swept across their cheeks as they walked back to the hotel, still chatting and stumbling from laughter.

Upstairs, Seula went straight into the bathroom. A warm shower sobered her up little by little. She promised herself that tomorrow, she’d definitely try that cedarwood tub.

She opened the door just as she was towel-drying her hair.

“All done?” Tae-shin asked, standing from the sofa in the upstairs living room. He wiped his face with his hand and walked past her—then stopped abruptly.

Eyes half-lidded, clearly tipsy, he suddenly leaned in and rested his head on her shoulder. His breath against her neck was hot—like a brand against her skin.

“You okay?” she asked softly. “Tae-shin?”

When he turned slightly, his lips were just barely grazing the side of her neck.

“You smell like alcohol.”

Seula froze, staring ahead like a statue.

“That’s your smell,” she whispered. “I showered. I’m clean.”

He let out a low chuckle. Maybe it was intentional, maybe not—but he brushed his cheek against her shoulder and murmured in a deep voice.

“Don’t fall asleep before I get back.”

Then he walked into the bathroom and closed the door.

Seula didn’t move a muscle until he was out of sight. When she finally did step into the bedroom and looked in the mirror, her face was red as a tomato—like it was about to explode.