It was surprising how fast two weeks could pass by; even Winter couldn't believe it as she sat on the couch thinking about it. It had come to a point where she only had to wear a bandage around her left hind leg, her stomach was healed up for the most part. She had somewhat become comfortable staying here, even if the human Heejung had tried to fuss her countless times. She knew Heejung was trying to be friendly though, she was the same with the others whenever they were around. Winter had frowned at this though, wondering how five animals ended up here… her thoughts became even more muddled up when she noticed the glances between them all. Winter didn't know how long they had all lived together but it was obvious Heejung was blind to it all, blind to the glances they shared at each other and the looks of jealousy in Jisoo's direction. Winter was a smart rabbit; she knew a few days living here that they were all after the human. The problem was why… why were they all interested in her? The most confusing thing about it was all the animals had different personalities; it just didn't make sense to her.
She had spent most of her time alongside Jihae; he had been the one looking after her. She enjoyed the silver rabbits company; he was well spoken, polite and calm. There was something about him that made her feel safe, something she hadn't felt for many years. She was still uneasy though, she wasn't sure if he or any of the others would be so accepting to her stay when they see who she is, what she is. Surprisingly when Jihae was out working Jiwoo was the one sitting nearby, never communicating with her but always reading with a concentrated expression. Winter had respected his space, only interacting with him once when she accidently fell off the couch when she was having a nightmare. She shivered at the thought, embarrassed and ashamed of him witnessing it. Jiwoo was not bitter nor did he insult her, instead a look of concern fell on his features as he helped her up. She had dared to take a look at his books a few times, seemed to all include Romance, but she did no more than that.
She was surprised that Jieun approached her today, a smile on his face as he held some sort of basket. She had been in his company a few times seeing as he was often around Jihae, he had even tried to pet her on occasion but Jihae had softly told him it was wise to leave me be.
"I'm going to see Eddie, want to come?" Jieun boldly said, his smile never leaving his face. Winter knew who he was on about, Jieun often called Jihae by the name Eddie. It often made her wonder what his true name was. Winter, not having the chance to leave the house since arriving here, nodded her head eagerly. She wanted to see the outside world and enjoy the fresh air, even with it still being cold outside. Jieun happily grinned, setting the basket next to her. She awkwardly scrambled into the basket, Jieun being kind enough to help her in and place the blanket on her. Winter knew Jieun visited Jihae a lot while he was working, they had probably planned it, but she hoped her presence wouldn't be an issue. She actually didn't mind Jieun's company, he was quiet and reserved. A huge dreamer too which often left him in a daze. Either way Winter was thankful for this opportunity and looked forward to it.
Winter sighed in content as they left the house, the feeling of the morning sun on her face and the soft breeze refreshing. She was used to the cold; she was the type of animal who never stayed home. At the thought of home her eyes narrowed, a distasteful expression written over her face. Even though she had suffered great pain to get where she was today she was thankful, it was worth it in her eyes. She wanted to start anew, even if it was in this world rather than her own. She could deal with hiding her appearance, she had done it most of her life, but falling in the hands of animals worried her. They would recognise her, that much was certain, but what would they do afterwards? She dared to think.
"We're here" Jieun's voice spoke pulling Winter away from her thoughts. She looked up at the tall building in front on her; just how long had she been lost in her thoughts? They were in a middle of a large city, people walking around with their own small missions and lives. A group of teenage girls were currently looking in their direction, giggling behind their held up hands as their eyes looked Jieun up and down. Winter frowned at Jieun's lack of notice, it was as if he had one mission in mind and had become narrow sighted. He walked into the building with long strides, his back straight and his head held high. He never spoke, he didn't need to it seemed, and the smartly dressed woman with slanted glasses allowed him pass into a room. Clicking of photo's being snapped entered Winters ears as they went in the room, her eyes becoming wide as her eyes fell on Jihae. He was in the middle of a photo shoot, his expression fixed as he gazed into the lens of the camera. He was smartly dressed; black shirt, red tie and a long white jacket with black trousers. The lighting was perfectly set onto him; there was truly no fault to his appearance. She frowned for a moment, remembering something but she shook those thoughts away – no matter who they were she would never judge someone by their looks, not like the others… Winter was captivated; it was no surprise he was accepted for this job.
"Eddie!" Jieun called out and Jihae's concentration immediately dropped, turning to face us both. A small smile fell on his face but he looked surprised when he spotted Winter. He stood, signalling the cameraman to pause as he walked over.
"We're done here, we have enough good shots" the cameraman voiced, his expression bright when he realised who had come. He greeted Jieun before turning his eyes to the basket.
"Oh a rabbit, looks pretty cute too" he continued on as he stood and walked over, peering into the basket. Winter looked up at him, her ears dropping. Winter was thankful he didn't try to touch her; he simply gazed at her with an interested look.
"Say she'd probably look good in front of a camera too. Not as attractive as the silver rabbit I saw once but she has a cute little face on her" he voiced, a grin on his face. Jihae shook his head, dismissing his thoughts.
"Anyway I'll catch you tomorrow!" he finished off, grinning once more at Winter before leaving. Winter kept her eyes on him as he left; only turning her attention away from him when a shadow fell over her body.
Jihae looked exhausted; he had been working overtime for the past few weeks and having to look after Winter made him work even harder. Winters ears pricked up again as she looked up at him, her expression soft and warm. Jihae's smile didn't leave, even when he looked down at Winter.
"It is good to see you out My Lady" he greeted, his voice silky smooth. Winters ears fell slightly, the sound of his voice soothing. He glanced towards Jieun, as if silently communicating with him and his smile left as Jieun handed the basket over. Winter was confused, why was he leaving already without even saying a word? Winter quickly glanced between them then focused on Jihae as Jieun left the room.
"Worry not" Jihae murmured, looking back at Winter.
"He has plans apparently" Jihae explain and Winter tilted her head. She was unsure how true that was but she didn't dare question it, she still hadn't spoken. Jihae smile again, standing tall as he strode out the door carrying the basket.
Winter wasn't sure where they were heading, she wasn't even sure if they were heading in the same direction to where Heejung's house was. Although Jihae ignored it Winter was certain he heard the comments people made as he walked through the city.
"Oh it's that model from the magazine" one man said,
"He looks even better than he does in the photos!" a woman dreamingly said,
"He'll be my man, just you wait girls! I'm picture perfect for him" a teenage girl squealed. The comments continued on and Winter gave up trying to find out who said what, instead her attention was fixed on Jihae. He tried to hide his feelings towards these comments but Winter could read his eyes, any comment based on his appearance bothered him greatly. She knew why though, she knew more about the lives of others than she knew of her own…