For a split second, I swear I saw that grumpy-faced dog roll its eyes just like a human when they're annoyed, then turn its back on its owner and swish its long fluffy tail right in that adorable face. But…
He was too still. So still I almost thought he'd forgotten to breathe. Worried, I set the rose down on the table and crouched close—close enough to see that porcelain face. Booboo backed off and plopped down with his toy instead.
I reached a hand under his nose. Still breathing. Relief washed over me. Being this close, I caught the faintest trace of his scent. His messy hair fell over pale cheeks, but damn—he looked way better in person than in any photo. Just brushing a strand aside, tucking it behind his ear with my fingertips, made my chest tighten.
No good. The closer I was, the stronger the pull. And if I could feel this much from him asleep, what would it be like when we finally talked?
I wanted to stay until he woke, so I needed an excuse. Something useful.
"Come on, Booboo. Let's go get some cleaning supplies."
I said it like the dog and I were old pals. The little house was messy and thick with dust, no cleaning tools in sight. Made me wonder what he did for work—too busy to sleep, too busy to clean, too busy for himself.
But if… if we ended up together, I wouldn't mind taking care of things if it meant he had more time for us.
God, listen to me. Thinking too far ahead already. He might not even feel anything for me. Still, if I wanted to get close, I had to win over the dog first. Luckily, Booboo hadn't chased me off since day one. Otherwise, I'd have no idea how to approach his owner.
So I took Booboo in the car to a pet-friendly supermarket. Despite his intimidating looks, the big guy was adorable—his fluffy tail wagging nonstop the moment we left the house. Sharp eyes wide, sparkling, taking in the world as he sat beside me.
He was so well-behaved, like he knew exactly how to act on the road. Nose pressed to the window, tail flicking as he watched the scenery rush by until we reached the store.
People stared at us—well, mostly at him. Booboo was striking, majestic even. And instead of acting scary, he was all charm, curiosity, friendliness. Even eyed the cats with polite interest. Couldn't help but think: if the dog was this well-raised, his owner must be just as kind.
I couldn't wait to see him awake.
Might as well buy some fresh groceries while I'm at it, make him a healthy meal for when he finally opened his eyes. Just thinking about it warmed me inside. A few days ago I'd still been drowning in grief for my grandmother, but somehow this sleepy stranger and his loyal dog had lifted the weight right off me… like magic.
…
Ding-ding-ding.
Arms full of groceries and a single rose, I walked out of the store and climbed back into my little eco-car. The moment my phone buzzed, I knew who it was. Smiling, I stowed the bags neatly in the back, slid behind the wheel, cranked the AC, and pulled out my phone.
"Heh. Cute."
The words slipped out as I looked at the photo Booboo had "sent" me—his owner, still asleep, clutching a bag of snacks to his chest, lips parted slightly.
Hard to believe I'd been coming and going from that house for a whole month and he'd never once woken to see me. It felt like some fairytale—me, a prince waiting for his sleeping beauty to stir.
Almost every day, I stopped by. Walked Booboo. Fed him. Bathed him. Cooked meals and tidied up the house so it wouldn't get too messy. Outside, I even started fixing the garden—planting herbs and flowers, repainting the fence white, turning the dusty place into a clean, cozy little home.
Maybe it was crossing a line, maybe not. But… we were dating. At least, that's what I told myself.
We'd been "talking" for half a year. Well—me and Booboo, technically. I knew full well it was the dog pawing the phone, but I still sent my confession that way because I was too shy to say it in person. And hey, it's not like I hadn't already said I liked him. He just… hadn't woken up to hear it.
So I decided we were together. And as for touching him—no way. Not without his permission.
Since the guy himself was never awake, I built my bond with his dog instead. And Booboo? He loved it—the cleaner house, the new garden, the walks to the park and the market. He acted like I was his second master already.
Sometimes I wished I could take Booboo to see my grandma. Maybe she'd smile again, seeing the Siberian huskies she always adored on TV.
But Dreamy never wakes… so how could I ask?
…