34. Chairwoman of Mir

Later in the morning after getting back from Baekdu, I was out to meet up with Inhyuk to discuss my school admission process. Jiwoo was alone at home with the cats when the bell rang. Jiwoo opened the door and greeted the chairwoman of Mir and Iseul.

"Please, come in. The house might look a bit disorganized. I hope you don't mind." Jiwoo stated inviting them in.

"Not at all. Thank you for inviting us in despite my sudden request to meet", thanked the chairwoman with a charming smile on her face.

The four cats and Mago were wary of the two ladies while Kayden and Kartein were sitting on the couch nervously. While Jiwoo and Iseul went to the kitchen to get some drinks, the four cats were quick to warm up the elderly woman as they soon cuddled with her. Mago hesitantly approached the chairwoman but started wagging his tail when he saw the gentle smile on her face. The elder's aura was calming and soothing for the animals to relax.

The chairwoman picked up Mago and placed him on her lap. The pup rubbed his face on the soft fabric that the elder was wearing. Soon enough the two youngsters came back with drinks and Jiwoo chatted with the elder for some time before the elder asked to teach him more about animal communion.

Iseul excitedly spoke up, "Jiwoo, say yes. It'll be a huge help to you. Plus, you'll get to know other animals' thoughts."

"I... Don't really want to know what animals think." Jiwoo started nervously, "No, I do want to know what they think, but... I mean, how should I say this... I'd be overwhelmed with what I might find out. If I know what they're feeling... I don't think I can bear the truth. I'm sorry for turning down such an awesome offer."

Jiwoo nervously scratched his nape. The chairwoman keenly observed him and then looked down at the grey cat. She saw the torture that the little creature had gone through. She then glanced at Mago who was also looking back at her. The white pup's memories weren't delightful either. She saw the pain that the little dog when through along with how Eunwoo tried to save him. Her heart ached from the pain the animals had gone through.

With a gentle smile displaying on her aged face, the chairwoman said, "Don't be sorry. You're already aware, Jiwoo. Most people think it's cool t know what animals think or feel, but it's not always fun to know. The right or wrong standard differs depending on the type of animal and human. Knowing their thoughts require an immense amount of responsibility and you're already aware of that. Still, please don't hesitate to come to me for help should you run onto any issues communing with."

"Will do. Thank you so much", Jiwoo expressed his gratitude.

"This little puppy must be your brother's, right?"

"Huh? That's right."

"Looks like your brother really likes this little one", she said gently caressing Mago.

"He truly does. Sometimes I feel like he is Mago's father", Jiwoo said giggling at the end.

THUD!

"I'm home!", a cheerful voice was heard after the sound of the front door shutting. I took off my shoes and wore my indoor slippers.

Mago came running toward me after hearing my voice. He wagged his tail excitedly and jumped on me. He's just too adorable for my heart to handle! Though it might be a problem if he jumps on me after he's fully grown...

"Did you have fun playing with hyung?", I asked while picking him up. I giggled as Mago licked my cheek and neck. "Aww... Did you miss me, baby?"

"Woof!"

Entering the room I saw that Jiwoo was sitting there with Iseul and the chairwoman of Mir. "Oh, you're back already. Eunwoo, this is Iseul's grandmother and Mir's chairwoman." Jiwoo introduced.

I politely bowed to the elder woman while still holding Mago. "Nice to meet you, ma'am. I am Seo Eunwoo."

The chairwoman greeted back returning a gentle smile, "Nice to meet you too, Eunwoo."

The four of us chatted and I caught Iseul occasionally stealing glances at me. I also noticed that the tips of her ears were kinda red.

______

The next day Inhyuk came to tell us about the world academy's invitation which we accepted since the other kids were going as well. However, I still had some worries.

"What's the matter, Eunwoo? You look somewhat restless", Jiwoo said taking notice of the uneasiness that I felt.

"I just... I'm not sure if we should take Mago with us...", I expressed while biting my inner cheek.

"If that's what you're worried about, then you can leave him here with the other cats. People from Shinhwa will come daily to take care of them", Inhyuk offered while smiling at me before attempting to touch Mago but the puppy jumped back into my lap and growled at the man.

"I'm afraid we can't do that. He refuses to leave Eunwoo for more than an hour", Jiwoo explained to which I nodded.

"Then I guess he's tagging along as well", Inhyuk said reassuring that bringing Mago along was no trouble for them.