The morning mist gently wrapped around the mountains, flowing slowly between the trees. The small village at the foot of the mountain remained asleep in silence, accompanied only by the songs of birds welcoming the dawn. The sun gradually emerged from behind the thin clouds, its warm rays touching the rooftops and the fields still blanketed in dew.
Not far from the village, by the edge of a crystal-clear river, a boy crouched patiently. His slightly unkempt black hair fell over his forehead, yet his face remained calm. His sharp brown eyes reflected the keen focus of a hunter, unblinking as he observed the water’s surface. His clothes were simple—faded and worn from years of use without proper care. A tattered bandage wrapped around his wrist, a silent testament to the small wounds he had endured in his harsh life.
Hardship had shaped him long before he could even remember who he was. He did not know where he came from or who had given him his name. But he knew one thing—his name was Seo Muyeon.
Since childhood, the river had been his home, the forest his yard, and the sky his only roof. He did not know his parents, had no idea who they were or why they had left him. But he had learned that life was not about where one came from—it was about survival.
Beside him, a golden-brown dog sat quietly. The dog, whom he called Baekgu, was the only family he had in this world. Since they were little, it had always been just the two of them. When they were hungry, they shared what little food they had. On cold nights, they shared warmth. There was no one else—only Muyeon and Baekgu.
A medium-sized fish darted swiftly beneath the water’s surface, its body glimmering in the morning light. With a swift, practiced motion, Muyeon struck, snatching it before it could escape. The fish thrashed wildly, its scales shimmering, but his grip was too strong to break free.
Muyeon sat atop a large rock—the one he often used as a makeshift table to prepare his meals. He examined the fish, then skillfully began cleaning it, scaling and gutting it with precision. Baekgu sat beside him, his tail swaying slowly, his gaze locked onto the fish with quiet anticipation.
Muyeon chuckled, amused by his friend’s hopeful expression.
“Wait, Baekgu… just a little longer,” he murmured, tending to the fish as it cooked.
Baekgu remained still, his eyes fixed on the meal. His tail wagged faster, betraying his growing impatience.
As the fish cooked, the delicious aroma began to spread. Even though they often ate like this, it always tasted the same—simple, yet enough. Muyeon carefully tore a portion and handed it to Baekgu. The dog eagerly devoured it, his tail wagging in delight. Once Baekgu was satisfied, Muyeon quietly ate the rest.
After finishing his meal, Muyeon tossed the fish bones into the river, letting the current carry them away. He glanced at Baekgu, who now sat contentedly beside him, full and satisfied. Loosening the bandage on his wrist, Muyeon flexed his fingers, testing the hand that had been injured some time ago.
The morning sunlight warmed his skin, casting a soft glow around him. Golden beams filtered through the trees, creating dancing patterns of light on the forest floor. Yet, despite the tranquil beauty of the forest, Muyeon knew that such peace was often deceptive. In the depths of every shadow, danger could always be lurking.
But he pushed the thought away, letting the stillness of the moment settle within him. Taking a deep breath, Muyeon rose to his feet, glancing at Baekgu, who looked just as ready as he was.
The sun climbed higher, and the stillness of the morning began to shift, signaling the start of another day. Baekgu walked beside him, as if ready to embrace the adventure that awaited them.
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