Be yours

The sun hung high over your private training yard on the outskirts of Seoul, casting warm golden light across the spacious grass field bordered by tall fences and obstacle equipment. The air smelled of fresh grass, damp earth after last night’s light rain, and the faint scent of dog treats you kept in your utility vest. You wiped the sweat from your brow with the back of your hand, watching Takji — Nana’s energetic poodle dart across the field with impressive speed.

“Takji, come!” you called firmly but warmly, extending your hand with the clicker. The poodle’s ears perked up instantly. He changed direction mid-sprint, paws kicking up small clumps of grass, and raced straight toward you. He sat perfectly in front of your feet, tail wagging furiously, eyes bright with anticipation.

“Good boy,” you praised, rewarding him with a high-value treat and a thorough head rub. Takji leaned into your touch, clearly enjoying the session. Over the past few years, you have watched this dog grow from a playful puppy into a well-mannered, confident companion. Nana had first brought him to you when he was just a few months old, and the three of you had built a comfortable, trusting relationship since then.

You heard the familiar sound of a car pulling up outside the gate. Moments later, the side entrance opened, and there she was.

Nana.

Im Jin-ah walked in wearing a casual yet effortlessly elegant outfit — a loose white blouse tucked into high-waisted jeans that accentuated her long legs, paired with comfortable sneakers and a light cardigan. Her long dark hair was tied in a loose ponytail, a few strands framing her goddess-like face. Even dressed down for errands, she looked like she had stepped out of a magazine. At 34, she still carried that timeless beauty and graceful presence that made people do double-takes.

Takji immediately perked up and let out an excited bark, bolting toward her.

“Takji-ya!” Nana’s voice was bright and full of affection as she knelt down gracefully, opening her arms. The poodle jumped into her embrace, licking her cheek. She laughed — that soft, melodic laugh you had grown so familiar with over the years — and hugged him tightly. “Did you behave well today? Were you good for oppa?”

You smiled, walking over while wiping your hands on your training pants. “He was excellent today. His recall is getting sharper every session. We worked on distance stays and some light agility. He’s turning into a really solid dog.”

Nana stood up, still holding Takji’s leash in one hand, and looked at you with warm, grateful eyes. The sunlight caught her features perfectly, highlighting her high cheekbones, full lips, and those expressive eyes that always seemed to carry both elegance and genuine kindness.

“Thank you so much, as always,” she said softly, her voice carrying that gentle tone she reserved for people she trusted. “I don’t know what I’d do without you. Takji listens to you better than anyone else. Even better than me sometimes.”

You chuckled, rubbing the back of your neck. “That’s because I’m the strict one. You spoil him too much when you’re home.”

She tilted her head playfully, a small smile tugging at her lips. “Guilty. He’s my baby. After everything… he helps me relax.” There was a brief flicker in her eyes — a hint of the stress from her busy acting schedule and the weight of public life — but she quickly masked it with another smile.

The two of you had known each other for years. What started as a professional relationship when she first brought Takji for training had slowly evolved into something deeper and more comfortable. She trusted you completely with her beloved dog, and over time, casual conversations after training sessions turned into longer chats about life, her pets, your work, and the challenges of balancing careers. She felt safe around you — no need for the polished “Nana” idol-actress persona. Just Jin-ah.

“I actually came a bit early today because I have some errands to run,” she explained, glancing at her watch. “A script reading for the new project, then I need to stop by the agency. Would you mind keeping Takji here a little longer? I’ll come pick him up in the evening. I hate leaving him alone at home when I’m running around like this.”

“Of course,” you replied without hesitation. “He can stay as long as you need. We’ll do another short session after he rests, maybe some scent work. Go handle your stuff. We’ve got this.”

Nana’s shoulders visibly relaxed. She stepped closer and placed a gentle hand on your arm for a moment — a casual but intimate gesture that spoke volumes about how comfortable she felt with you.

“You’re really the best,” she said sincerely, looking up at you. Even though she was tall for a woman at 171 cm, you still had a bit of height on her. “Not just for Takji… but for always being reliable. I don’t say it enough, but I really appreciate you.”

A comfortable silence settled between you for a few seconds, broken only by Takji sniffing around your feet. Nana glanced at her dog, then back at you, something thoughtful crossing her expression.

“Actually…” she began, biting her lower lip lightly — a small habit you had noticed over the years when she was considering something. “I’ve been thinking. I have a short vacation coming up next week. Just four days at a quiet beach villa down in Jeju. I was planning to take Takji with me to relax, but… it would be nicer with company. Someone who already knows him well.”

She looked directly into your eyes, her voice soft but hopeful.

“Would you like to come with us? You’ve worked so hard, and I know you rarely take breaks. It’ll be low-key — just the beach, good food, swimming, and Takji running around. No pressure, no schedules. Just… rest. With us.”

Your heart skipped a beat. A vacation with Nana and Takji? The idea felt surreal. You had always kept things professional, respecting the boundaries of your relationship, but the genuine warmth in her invitation made it hard to hide your surprise and excitement.

Nana smiled shyly when she saw your reaction. “I know it’s sudden. But I feel really comfortable with you. Takji does too. And honestly… I could use a friend there. Someone who doesn’t treat me like ‘Nana the actress’ all the time.”

She reached down to pet Takji, who was now sitting calmly between the two of you, as if he understood the conversation.

“What do you say?” she asked, tilting her head again with that charming, hopeful expression. “Come with us to the beach. It’ll be good for all three of us.”

---

The rest of the afternoon passed in a pleasant blur. After Nana left for her errands, you continued working with Takji, but your mind kept drifting back to her invitation. The way she had looked at you — open, trusting, and a little vulnerable — lingered in your thoughts.

When she returned in the early evening, the sun was beginning to set, painting the training yard in soft orange hues. Nana arrived carrying two cups of iced coffee, one for you and one for herself.

“I brought your favorite,” she said with a small, knowing smile as she handed it over. “Extra shot, right?”

You accepted it gratefully. “You remembered.”

“Of course I did.” She sat down on the bench near the fence, crossing her long legs elegantly. Takji immediately jumped up beside her, resting his head on her lap. She stroked his fur absentmindedly while talking.

They spent the next hour chatting casually. She told you about the stress of her upcoming drama Climax, the lingering aftermath of the home invasion incident last year, and how Takji had become even more important to her sense of peace. You shared stories from other clients and the challenges of running your training business.

As the sky darkened, Nana stood up and stretched gracefully, her blouse riding up slightly to reveal a sliver of her toned midriff.

“So… about the vacation,” she said, turning to face you fully. “I really meant it. I already booked a villa with three bedrooms, so you’ll have your own space. The beach is private, and Takji loves the sand. We can drive down together or fly — whatever’s easier for you.”

She stepped a little closer, her voice dropping into that gentle, sincere tone again.

“I’ve known you for years now. You’ve seen Takji grow up. You’ve seen me at my busiest and my most tired. And you’ve never made me feel uncomfortable. That means a lot to me. So… please say yes. Let’s make some good memories together.”

Her eyes sparkled under the yard lights, a mix of excitement and quiet hope.

You looked at Nana standing there under the soft glow of the training yard lights, her elegant figure slightly silhouetted against the evening sky, and felt a quiet certainty settle in your chest.

“I’d love to go with you,” you said, your voice steady and warm. A genuine smile spread across your face. “Thank you for inviting me, Jin-ah. Really. Spending time with you and Takji away from all the schedules sounds perfect.”

Nana’s eyes lit up instantly. The professional, graceful actress melted away for a moment, replaced by a bright, almost girlish smile that made her look younger. She let out a soft, relieved laugh and gently squeezed your forearm.

“Really? You’re not just saying yes because I asked?” she teased lightly, though the happiness in her voice was unmistakable.

“I mean it,” you replied. “I’ve been needing a break too. And there’s no one I’d rather spend it with than you two.”

Takji seemed to sense the good mood, wagging his tail vigorously and letting out a happy bark as he circled between the two of you.

Nana’s smile softened into something more tender. “I’m really glad… Thank you.”

You glanced toward your small office building attached to the training yard. “Give me about ten minutes to prepare my things. I’ll pack some clothes, training gear for Takji, and essentials. I don’t want to keep you waiting long.”

“Of course, take your time,” she said, waving her hand gracefully. “I’ll wait here with Takji. We can leave whenever you’re ready.”

You nodded and headed inside. The office was modest but well-organized — certificates on the walls, shelves of training books and equipment, and a small living area in the back where you sometimes stayed overnight. You moved efficiently, packing a duffel bag with casual clothes, swim trunks, toiletries, and a few of Takji’s favorite toys and treats. You also grabbed your camera, knowing Nana loved taking scenic photos. Within eight minutes, you locked up, turned off the lights, and returned to the yard.

“I’m ready,” you announced, slinging the bag over your shoulder.

Nana had been playing gently with Takji, throwing a ball for him across the grass. She turned at the sound of your voice, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. “That was fast. You really are reliable,” she said with an appreciative smile.