I knew this moment would come sooner or later, but like a ticking bomb, I could only wait for it to go off. That brings us to why I'm standing before the bathroom door, as the muffled sobs of Ookami-san echo within. Around this time, when we would gather our groceries for the day, she was suddenly hit with an overwhelming wave of emotion and quickly took refuge inside.

I've been trying to gently coax her out, but my words have been drowned out by her sobbing. I don't intend to thrust her into the outside world; I just want to create a safe space where she can unpack her jumbled emotions in the healthiest way possible. Hiding away won't help her face her fears, but I know I can't be too assertive. There's a delicate balance I must maintain.

With a soft knock on the door, I attempt once again. “Ookami-san. May I come in?"

“I just can't do it today." Her voice, quivering with sorrow, answers.

I sit down against the wall next to the door, making my presence felt. “We don't have to go outside."

“B-But you enjoy the outside, and you're stuck with a fuck up like me! I'm sorry."

This job isn't for the faint of heart. Striking a balance between maintaining a professional relationship and tending to a client's emotional needs is like walking a tightrope. We're human, after all. Their pain doesn't simply bounce off us; it pierces us, watching them suffer at a distance, and yet we can only aim to guide them through it. It's a constant struggle to curb our instincts as they scream at us to shield and love them unconditionally...

But crossing those boundaries would cause more harm than good in the long run. We can't play the roles of lovers or friends. We must be their therapeutic anchor, allowing them to find these bonds outside our relationship. Swallowing my anguish, I compose myself, transforming into the figure she needs in this turbulent moment.

“I made the choice to be here, no one else. My wish is to see you live your life without fear. Explore everything your heart desires and make friends without worrying about the unknown... I want you to win, Ookami."

The silence stretches on, but I hear her shifting towards the door as it creaks open enough for her muzzle to peek out.

“D-Did you call me Ookami?" She asks.

It's only then that I register my omission. A moment of weakness that shone through. I hadn't added the 'San' to her name.

“I apologize. I was-"

“No..." She interrupts me, her voice barely a whisper. “Please, say it again."

The weight of it all comes crashing down on me. How could I have been so blind? At some point, I convinced myself that I was weighing my emotional and professional side equally. But the truth is, Ookami never saw it that way. I was so afraid to screw things up that I unintentionally closed myself off. But what she wants, what she truly needs right now, is someone who can understand her.

This moment is about so much more than just saying her name. It's about showing her that I see her not only as a client but as a female whom I sincerely want to see succeed.

“Ookami," I say again, the name flowing naturally from my lips.

Even with her muzzle peeking out, I can read her expression as clearly as day. Her lips quirked upwards in a smile, and her fur deepened in color from the blush warming her cheeks. Almost as quickly as she appeared, she retreats back into the bathroom. Knowing how awkward this must be for her, I decide the best course of action is to give her some space.

“I'll go grab a few things for lunch. Is that okay with you?"

Her response is silent, but I can hear a soft giggle inside the bathroom. I decide that'll serve as her agreement for now. With that, I get up, ready to set out and gather what we need. For the first time since I met Ookami, I feel I've made a significant impact. While it's crucial to balance a professional and emotional relationship. It's equally important to show the client that you're not some cold, robotic entity sticking to a script. You're a human who genuinely cares.

Entering Ookami's apartment again, my arms are packed with the groceries I picked up. I wasn't sure what she'd feel like eating, so I played it safe and grabbed a steak, a classic favorite for most canines. I see the bathroom door open now and find Ookami in the living room as I walk further inside. Her face is red, clearly embarrassed.

“I'm sorry about earlier. I just wasn't myself," she says.

I wave off her apology with a smile. “It's alright."

She shakes her head. “It's not... I made you worry, didn't I?"

...

I laugh on the inside, not at Ookami, but at myself. I've trained for this job for years, yet I forgot one of the basics. Canine Beastborn are especially sensitive to their ESH's emotions. Whenever I tried to act strong and calm to be the rock she needed, Ookami knew I was worried. That's why working with canines can be the easiest but also the hardest for new ESHs.

Hiding my feelings from her won't work, so honesty is the best way forward. I pass by Ookami and sit on the couch, patting the spot beside me. She sits down, and I take a moment to gather my thoughts.

“I know I've vaguely talked about why I've taken this job, but telling you the truth will help you understand." I let out a long sigh, thinking back not too long ago. “I used to be afraid of the world, just like you. I didn't know what I wanted in life, and because of that, I drifted endlessly in my room alone. Always finding things to take my attention away, if only for a moment."

“H-How did you break free from it?"

A small smile forms on my lips. “It truly was nothing more than blind luck on my part. I had ordered pizza, and to my surprise, a Hyena delivered it. She was tomboyish, tall, and admittedly kinda scary when I first met her. I paid for my delivery and expected her to leave, but she didn't have any shame." I laugh. “I still remember to this day what she asked. 'My shift is over; is it cool if I joined you?'. I was so shocked I couldn't even bring myself to answer as she let herself in."

“She just went inside?" Ookami asks with a look of fear in her eyes.

“Yeah, and I was too afraid to tell her to leave. So I closed the door, and we ate together.  'You smell dude, you should really clean this place up.' She never held back what was on her mind, but that was just on the surface.  'Let's get this cleaned up before I barf.' . It was strange because, behind her words, I felt like she cared. Before night came, we had cleaned out my apartment 'Thanks for the meal, Little guy.'  and as she left, I thought it would be the last time I'd ever see her again."

“Was it the last time?"

I shake my head. “Nope. Before I knew it, I was being hauled out of my room daily as she showed me many things. Because of her, I was able to meet many new friends, which is why I've grown into the person I am today. That's why I'm here, Ookami." I pause, looking to the floor, feeling a knot tighten in my chest before I continue. “The fact is, I'm scared. I don't have the same charismatic charm as Sasha, but despite that, I'm here. I'm here because I just can't let you travel the same path I did all those years ago."

I feel something lean against me, and when I look over, I see Ookami there, her eyes closed with a smile on her lips.

“Thank you."

It worked. It's embarrassing to bring up my past, but I sense this means a lot to her.

“This is new for both of us, but I'm here for you. No matter what."

It's only now that I pick up on her shallow breaths. She's asleep. I carefully move so Ookami can rest on the couch as I bring the groceries to the kitchen. Maybe I should drop in on Sasha and see how she's doing? Well, that'll be for another day. Right now, I'll make Ookami her lunch.