it was a warm afternoon in seoul, the kind where the sun sat low enough to make everything look golden.

the open field was alive with soft sounds. couples laughed on picnic blankets. dogs chased frisbees. somewhere, a child shrieked with joy.

you were almost back to the path leading out of the park when something soft and warm bumped against your leg.

a golden retriever puppy, tail wagging so hard her whole body wiggled, sat at your feet with a bright blue rope toy in her mouth.

he skidded to a stop in front of you, cheeks flushed. his accent was thick, the words tumbling out fast and friendly.