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00:00Brian and Logan were twin wolf beast kin that my cousin Isabella and I rescued from the underground
00:05beast trade. Back then the two of us stood there staring at those filthy little wolf pups.
00:11And without even needing to say much we each decided to adopt one. I took Brian, Isabella
00:16took Logan. Thirteen years passed in the blink of an eye. All that time, I believe that even if
00:21Brian didn't like me, he would at least feel grateful that I had saved his life. That illusion
00:26shattered. The day I accidentally overheard him talking to some other beast kin, someone
00:32asked, Emma's been really good to you. Why are you always so cold to her? Who asked her
00:39to be good to me? You've got it good. And don't even realize it. Good? Then I guess I should
00:45thank Emma properly. If she hadn't taken me first me'd be the one with Isabella right now.
00:49I mean makes sense. Compared to Isabella the head cheerleader Emma's just nothing special.
00:54A dull ache spread through my chest. Every feeling I had held onto for Brian over the
00:59years quietly disappeared. When I got home I sat on the living room couch until well past
01:04midnight. Again and again, I picked up a mirror, staring at the girl reflected in it. I had always
01:10thought I looked average but now the longer I looked, the worse it seemed. With a surge of
01:15disgust I tossed the mirror aside. All I could see in my mind was Isabella's radiant, effortless
01:19smile. I lowered my head and let the weight of my own insecurity swallow me home. The sound
01:24of the front door opening broke the silence. Brian walked in, reeking of bourbon. Barely
01:29sparing me a glance before turning toward his bedroom. I wiped my tears with the back of my
01:33hand and stood up. For the first time I reached out. Trying to grab his tail, my hand was immediately
01:37slapped away. He stepped back, his face full of irritation. Don't touch me. It was exactly the
01:43same reaction as the first time I had tried to touch his wolf ears. Even after I had taken him
01:47in, and cared for him with everything I had for 13 years. A bitter laugh slipped out of
01:52me. So if you're not pretty, even your sincerity isn't worth anyone taking seriously. I didn't
01:58even notice when my tears began to fall, one by one. Onto the hardwood floor. By the time
02:02I looked up again, I was alone in the living room. My thoughts drifted, as they always did.
02:07Back to high school and the annual fall homecoming carnival. I used to bring a big box of Texas's
02:12barbecue, and find Brian in the backyard. Brian, will you come to the carnival with
02:17me this year? He'd lift his head out of the pool, water dripping from his hair.
02:21No.
02:22But a lot of people bring their bee skin with them.
02:25No. If you want someone to go with you, go adopt another one from the shelter.
02:29So every year, I went alone. I would stand off to the side, watching Logan, who had the exact
02:35same face as Brian, yet always wore the gentlest smile. He would ruffle Isabella's hair and
02:41ask,
02:42Isabella, do you want that teddy bear?
02:44She'd nod with a bright smile, rising onto her toes to reach for his wolf ears. And Logan
02:49would always bend down for her, patient and indulgent. I watched him like a thief, quietly
02:54craving the life Isabella had. But one time, Chase and a few of his buddies shoved me onto
02:59the grass. His voice was dripping with mockery.
03:01Well, look who it is. Emma, a straight-A nerd. Where's your little bee skin? Didn't feel
03:07like coming out with you?
03:08One of his friends snickered.
03:09Her bee skin and Isabella's are twin wolves, right? The older one ended up with the prom
03:14queen, and the younger one got stuck with an ugly duckling.
03:17I refused to back down. Gritting my teeth, I pushed myself up and swung my fist straight
03:22at his friend's face. He went down hard. Before he could even react, Chase lunged at me,
03:27trying to fight back. But I slammed him to the ground and kept hitting him until someone
03:30finally pulled me off. The end result was predictable. All of us were called into the
03:34principal's office. I thought my mom would be on my side. Instead, right in front of the
03:38principal and Chase, she sighed in annoyance. Honestly? What were you thinking? They weren't
03:42even wrong. Why would you hit someone over that? I tugged lightly at the sleeve of her
03:46coat. Mom, I said, barely above a whisper. She acted like she didn't hear me. Let's be
03:50real. She went on. You're not exactly pretty. And now you've got this terrible temper too.
03:54Even the bee skin you raise doesn't care about you. I don't know how I ended up with a
03:58daughter like you. Sometimes I wish Isabella were my child instead. That night, I cried
04:02my eyes out in Central Park. When I finally went home, my father greeted me with a sharp
04:06slap across the face. He said. I closed my eyes and fell into a heavy sleep. My messed
04:13up schedule left my mind blank when I woke up again. When I pushed the door open, I realized
04:17it was already dusk. Brian was out, but his presence lingered everywhere in the apartment.
04:22I grabbed a slice of pizza and forced myself to eat, then started packing up everything that
04:26belonged to me. There wasn't much really. After I got into college at 18, I was afraid
04:30my parents would treat Brian badly. So I took him with me. At my poorest, I could only afford
04:36a run-down studio apartment. He slept on the bed. And I took the couch. Brian was well over
04:406 feet tall. And he would bump his head every time he walked through the low doorway. So I
04:44worked nonstop, picking up every part-time job I could find. Until I finally saved enough
04:49for a down payment on a small 2-bedroom townhouse. Love has a way of making you feel like you
04:53owe
04:54everything. So I bought Brian more things than he could ever need. I never once considered
04:58that he didn't want any of it. This time I decided to give him what he actually wanted.
05:02Freedom. After I finished packing, I walked out of the home Brian and I had shared.
05:06The next morning, when the staff at the Bureau of Non-Human Affairs asked me for the third time
05:10if I was sure I wanted to terminate my bond with Brian, I still nodded. When a human dissolves
05:14a bond unilaterally, financial compensation is required. I left the townhouse to him. At the office,
05:20Emily handed me the bond termination certificate. Then hesitated before asking,
05:24Miss Emma, would you like to give this to Mr. Brian in person? Or should we mail it on your
05:27behalf? I took out the letter I had rewritten over and over again the night before. Please mail it to
05:32him, I said. And include this. There were only two sentences in the letter. I am sorry Brian. I took
05:37you away without your consent. So this time, I am giving your freedom back to you. I walked out of
05:42City Hall, got into my car, and left Los Angeles behind. My new life would begin in Florida,
05:47somewhere by the ocean, waiting for warmer days ahead. Since my new job was as a lecturer,
05:51at a university in Miami, I rented a small beach house with a yard. The evening sea breeze carried
05:56a faint salty smell as I walked along the shore wearing a mask. The orange glow of the sunset was
06:00just right. Soft and beautiful. I took a photo, then out of habit opened my iMessage chat with Brian.
06:05Scrolling up, it was nothing but messages from me. Photos of little trinkets I found at vintage markets.
06:10Strange shaped clouds in the sky. The slow growth of a sunflower. He rarely replied.
06:14Most of the time, all I ever got back was a short dismissive. Yeah. The last message in our chat
06:20was
06:20from the day I heard the truth. I had asked him, where are you? I can come pick you up.
06:24He never
06:25replied. By then, he must have already received the bond termination certificate. And still,
06:29he could not even bring himself to say goodbye. All that was left in my chest was a dull spreading
06:34ache. After thinking it over, I realized my new life should not be tied to the past. So I changed
06:39my
06:39phone number, deleted my old Instagram, and created a new account. I packed my schedule as full as
06:44possible. Just to earn a few nights of uninterrupted sleep. Some of the more outgoing college girls
06:48like to chat with me between classes. Professor Emma, why do you always wear a mask on campus?
06:53Because I'm not very pretty. Who said that? Oh my god. I swear I will shut them up. There is
06:58no such
06:59thing as an ugly girl. She sounded completely sincere. And the others around her nodded in
07:03agreement. Just as indignant. I would laugh it off, and smoothly change the subject. Soon enough,
07:08they started talking about the bee skin they had at home. Then they asked me,
07:11Professor, what kind of bee skin do you have? I did not know how to explain everything that had
07:15happened with Brian. So I gave them a simple answer. He died. They fell silent for a long
07:19moment. Until the bell rang, and class began. After that, during my two weekly lectures,
07:24students would often bring me little things. A Starbucks latte, a blueberry muffin, or a bar
07:28of Hershey's chocolate. I could never finish it all. That was when I started thinking about the
07:32little fox bee skin on campus, who survived by collecting recyclables. Bee skin were usually striking
07:37in appearance, and fox bee skin were among the most beautiful of all. But this one had deep
07:42crisscrossing scars covering both sides of his face. He was afraid of scaring the students. So
07:46he only came out late at night. That evening, when I left the lab and went looking for him,
07:51it started pouring. Out of nowhere, a figure darted toward me, a fluffy foxtail swaying behind him.
07:56I called out softly. Hey, little fox. Huh? The young bee skin turned around and noticed me,
08:01immediately lowering his head. He quickly covered his face with his hands.
08:04I'm sorry, ma'am. I must have misheard. Please don't mind me.
08:08The autumn rain carried a sharp chill. He was soaked through, water dripping steadily from his
08:12clothes. I looked at him and said gently, you don't have to hide your face. I've seen you around.
08:16I have hot water and a dryer in my office. Come upstairs and get warmed up. He hesitated,
08:21then slowly lowered his hands and nodded. Thank you, ma'am.
08:24Once we got into my office under the bright lights, I realized how young he was. Around 18 or 19,
08:29about the same age as my freshman. While he was showering, I went next door to the lab to ask
08:34about him.
08:34My colleague, Arthur, was always eager to talk, and he filled me in without hesitation.
08:39That little fox is named Finn. I heard he used to be incredibly good looking. His former handler
08:44tried to sell him to the red light district in the underground beast trade. He refused and even
08:48bit someone before escaping. During the escape, his face got slashed up. When the people from the
08:53black market saw he was disfigured, they beat him badly and threw him into the ocean. Lucky for him,
08:58the university rowing team pulled him out. Since then, he's been scraping by on campus,
09:02selecting recyclables. I asked, where does he live? There's a run-down shed behind the hill on campus.
09:07Arthur frowned slightly. Emma, I heard your bee skin passed away. You're not thinking about
09:11adopting him, are you? I bit down on the straw of my hot latte and didn't answer.
09:15Arto's voice suddenly sharpened. He looks like that. Who would want to adopt him?
09:19His words overlapped with the voices from my past. She looks so plain. Who would ever like her?
09:23But why? We have hearts too. We want to love and be loved. Just the same. I looked at Arthur
09:28and
09:28said quietly. He isn't ugly. He's just been hurt. And he's kind. He's sweet. I've seen him share the
09:34food he collects with homeless people nearby. I've seen him donate his spare change to the
09:38Beastkin Protection Agency. So please, don't say things like that about him again. When I stepped
09:42out of Arthur's office, I saw Finn standing in the hallway. His blonde hair and tail were still damp.
09:47His eyes were brimming with tears, feeling a little awkward. I changed the subject. If it's hard to do it
09:51yourself, I can help dry it. I took the towel and gently dried his hair and tail, then used a
09:56hairdryer to finish the job. It was my first time drying a Beastkin's tail, and I was clumsy. I
10:01accidentally hurt him more than once and kept apologizing. Finn's face turned red. It's okay.
10:06I'm already very grateful to you. When I finally finished, I handed him a muffin and a latte. He
10:10didn't take them. After a long pause, as if gathering all his courage, he spoke again. Ma'am, I don't
10:16eat
10:16much. Could you adopt me? My hand froze midair. Finn continued. I know I'm not good
10:21looking, but I can cook, wash dishes, mow the lawn, I can get massages, and I know how to grow
10:26roses.
10:27I smiled, then took off my mask and met his eyes. But I'm not good looking either. Would you still
10:31choose me? Finn gently reached out and touched my cheek. His movements careful, almost reverent.
10:36You're very cute, he said softly. I want to go with you. My eyes stung. I blinked quickly, holding back
10:43the tears, and took his hand as we walked out of the lab building together. The rain had stopped,
10:47and just like that, I chose a family for myself. I completed the paperwork, and adopted Finn. Just
10:53like he promised. He did everything beautifully. He kept the beach house spotless, filled the yard
10:57with blooming hydrangeas, and brought me hot, home-cooked lunches at the lab. Running those
11:01spectral analyses today nearly killed me, Arthur said as he wandered in from next door, shamelessly
11:06helping himself. He took a big spoonful of beef stew, and let out a low whistle. Damn, Finn can cook,
11:11this is incredible. Meanwhile, the one at my place does nothing but curl up on the couch and watch Netflix.
11:16Honestly, Arthur should have been grateful. Brianne could not cook at all. Then again, maybe he just
11:21never bothered to do anything like that for me. That night, I had the nightmare again. A memory
11:27buried deep in my mind. I was 17. Isabella and Logan went with me and Brian to Universal Studios
11:33Orlando. Halfway through the day, the park was hit by a sudden, indiscriminate attack. Explosions erupted
11:39from every direction. Logan shielded Isabella, while I grabbed Brian's hand and ran for the exit. We were
11:44near the eastern side of the park, but the flying debris still cut into everyone. We were only steps
11:50away from the exit, when it was blown apart right in front of us. At the time, I had been
11:54running ahead,
11:55and never noticed what happened in that instant. But in the dream, I saw it clearly. Both Logan and
12:00Brian threw themselves toward Isabella without hesitation. I was left alone, collapsing into rubble
12:05and dust, with no one caring whether I lived or died. Logan and Brian were only relieved that Isabella
12:11was safe. Later, I lay unconscious in the ICU for days. My parents and Brian stayed by Isabella's side,
12:17comforting her as she cried from the shock. A voice echoed in my mind, mocking me.
12:21Emma C., no one in this world loves you. It came from everywhere, repeating itself over and over,
12:27surrounding me until I could not escape it. In the dream, my soul seemed to float above, crouch down,
12:33clutching my head as I tried to argue back. That's not true. That's not true. Then, faintly,
12:39someone grabbed my hand and pulled me forward. A voice said, Emma, that's not true. Everyone deserves
12:45to be loved. I woke with a start. The first thing I saw was Finn sitting at my bedside, wiping
12:50the
12:50cold sweat from my forehead, his face tight with worry. When he saw my eyes open, he finally let out
12:56a breath. Tears slipped down my face before I could stop them. Finn, can you hold me? He climbed onto
13:01the
13:01bed and pull me into his arms. I clung to him like a child, pouring out everything I had been
13:05holding
13:06inside. Finn gently patted my back, murmuring soft reassurances. I did not have to worry about him
13:11snapping at me to leave him alone. I did not have to worry about him brushing me off and disappearing
13:15into distractions. And I definitely did not have to worry about him looking at me with cold indifference.
13:20I want to hear a song, I whispered. Finn hummed softly. You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
13:26You make me happy when skies are gray. With Finn taking care of me, I started getting better,
13:30little by little. The sunlight was especially bright today. Finn and I were in the backyard,
13:36hanging sheets out to dry. We ended up laughing and playing around on either side of the fabric,
13:40the breeze lifting it between us. Then someone called my name from beyond the fence.
13:44Emma. I turned around. Brian was standing there. The hanger slipped from my hand and fell straight
13:49onto the grass. Finn noticed the shift in my expression, immediately, and stepped in front of
13:54me without hesitation. I tugged lightly on the hem of Finn's flannel shirt. It's okay, I know him.
13:59Go take care of the blue crabs in the kitchen. I just need a minute to talk to him. We
14:03walked over
14:03to a wooden bench by the shore. The ocean breeze tangled my hair. I forced a small, awkward smile.
14:09It's been a while, Brian. He stared at me, his voice cold. Who is that fox?
14:13My new fostered bee skin. His tone was sharp, though to be fair, he had never exactly been gentle with
14:18me. Then what about me? We already dissolved our bond. So you're throwing me away for that scarred freak?
14:23Before I could stop myself, I slapped him across the face. Do not talk about Finn like that.
14:28Shock filled his eyes. Emma, you said you would never abandon me.
14:31But the one you've always wanted is Isabella, isn't it? I'm just giving you what you wanted.
14:35Something seemed to click for him. He grabbed my shoulders tightly.
14:38So that day, you heard it, didn't you?
14:40So what if I did?
14:41I'm sorry.
14:42He looked like he wanted to say more, but I had no interest in hearing it. I stood up and
14:46walked
14:46away. I wandered along the beach without any real direction. My phone buzzed. It was an eye
14:50message from my college roommate, Rachel. Emma, Isabella's getting engaged to her bee skin.
14:54Are you coming back to Los Angeles for the wedding? So that was it. Everything Brian had
14:58done suddenly made sense. He just could not have the person he truly wanted. He failed to take what
15:03he thought would save him. At the same time, he did not want to let go of the care I
15:06had given him
15:07all these years. It was almost laughable. I walked for a long time before heading back.
15:11By the time I returned to the beach house, Finn had already steamed the crabs and prepared several
15:16other dishes I loved. He was pacing back and forth in the living room, his hands nervously twisting
15:20together. The moment I opened the door, he rushed over and wrapped me in a tight hug. His fluffy tail
15:25brushed anxiously against my arm. You're back. I'm back. I thought, I thought you were not coming
15:30back. I reached down and gently stroked his tail to comfort him. I'm not going anywhere. Don't
15:34overthink it. But the way that Beastkin looked at you made me uneasy. And, he's very handsome.
15:39His voice grew quieter with each word, and tears slid down his cheeks. I lifted my hand and cupped his
15:45face. How about I give you a gift? His fox ears twitched. I rose onto my toes, reaching toward them.
15:50Let me touch your ears, and I'll tell you. Finn obediently crouched down. Just like Logan used to
15:55years ago. Carefully, I reached out and touched something that once felt completely out of reach.
15:59Finn, I said softly. Your face can be treated. My insurance will cover part of it. And I've saved
16:04enough to handle the rest. He froze. Emma, are you going to fix my face and then leave with that
16:09Beastkin? I squeezed his tail lightly, then leaned in close to his ear. Finn, when are you going to stop
16:14imagining the worst? The truth was, I understood. His insecurity ran deep, rooted in something that would not
16:20disappear overnight. So I would give him all the reassurance he needed. Suddenly, Finn lowered
16:24his head, and, for the first time, gently brushed his tongue against my neck. I instinctively pushed
16:29him away. Why do you canine types all do that? Emma, did he do that to you too? Finn's hands
16:33tightened,
16:34then slowly relaxed as if he had calmed himself down. It's okay, as long as you're with me now.
16:39I laughed and flicked his forehead. He wouldn't even let me touch him. He likes Isabella. Got it?
16:43That night, Finn knocked on my bedroom door, clutching a pillow. Can I sleep with you?
16:48I did not say no. A foxtail is warm. A fox bee skin is warm too. Wrapped in Finn's arms,
16:53I finally let go of all the resentment and struggle I had carried through the first half
16:57of my life. I did not go to Isabella's wedding. I asked Rachel to send a Macy's gift card on
17:02my
17:02behalf. Brian's appearance that day began to feel like something unreal, like a passing illusion.
17:06Thankfully, Finn's surgery at the Best Plastic Surgery Hospital in Miami was a complete success.
17:12When I looked at his restored face, I finally understood why his former handler had wanted to sell
17:17him to the red light district. He really did have the kind of beauty that could drive people crazy.
17:22Deep, mesmerizing eyes, a sharply defined nose, perfectly shaped lips. The breathtaking face that
17:28had once been hidden beneath scars, had fully returned. And maybe that was the problem. He was
17:32too good looking. So much so that, standing next to him, I could not help but feel like I did
17:37not
17:37belong. Finn noticed my unease and asked carefully, what's wrong? Did something go wrong with the
17:41surgery? Do you not like it? I reached up and rubbed his ears. No, you look amazing. After he was
17:46discharged, Finn still brought me lunch every day without fail. At this point, Arthur had progressed
17:51to openly offering to pay for meals, just so Finn would bring an extra portion for him too. That day,
17:56a few seniors were in my office, asking about joining my research group. So the moment Finn walked in,
18:01he was immediately surrounded by a room full of staring eyes. After he shyly set down the lunchboxes
18:06and left, Arthur was the first to break the silence. Holy crap, is that really Finn? That's not just
18:11handsome. That's ridiculous. He looks like a Hollywood star. Once the professor started,
18:15the students eagerly joined in. Professor Emma really has great taste. Seriously? Okay,
18:20but imagine it from Finn's perspective. He gets rescued at his lowest point. If it were me,
18:25I would fall in love with the professor too. Right? Between the adoption and the surgery,
18:29that must have cost a fortune. Wow, this is basically a real life romance novel.
18:34I cleared my throat lightly from the doorway. The conversation instantly snapped back to research
18:38topics. When I got off work, Finn was waiting outside the lab building in my Ford. He no longer kept
18:42his head down out of habit. Now he looked at me and smiled. And when he smiled, it felt like
18:46the
18:46Florida sunlight danced across his face and settled somewhere deep in my chest. But when I looked at
18:51him, I found myself growing quieter and quieter. I never expected to run into Chase again. He had
18:55started a tech company in Silicon Valley and came to our university's fall recruiting event to scout
19:00top graduates. That day, Finn happened to walk with me to campus. Chase looked Finn up and down
19:05several times, then did the same to me without any restraint. Wow, if it is my old classmate,
19:10got yourself a new bee scan. What happened? Did Brian finally get tired of beer and leave? I had
19:14no interest in engaging with him. I grabbed Finn's hand and tried to walk past, but Chase stepped
19:19closer to Finn. Such a pretty little fox. Must be tough being stuck with someone like Emma, huh?
19:24Finn shoved him away and said coldly, Sir, do not make assumptions about other people's
19:28relationships. I love her. Chase only sneered, his words turning even more vicious. What do you mean,
19:34assumptions? Even her own mother does not like her. Said she is ugly and nowhere near as good as this
19:39Bella. Emma knows it too. Always hiding behind a mask. What could you possibly like about her? Let me
19:44guess. You are just after her money. More and more students gathered around us. I felt exposed,
19:50like I had been stripped bare and dragged into the center of a public trial. Then, in the next second,
19:55Finn's fist slammed straight into Chase's face and knocked him flat onto the grass. His voice shook
20:02with restrained anger. I said I love her. Do you not understand English? His fist came down again,
20:07hard and unrelenting. Just like the first time I had ever fought back against being judged for my
20:12appearance. But back then, my mother had scolded me for it. So I started to doubt myself. Did being
20:17unattractive mean I deserved this kind of mockery? I tried again and again to make peace with myself,
20:22only to be dragged back into this cruel judgment every time. Drowning in that deep ocean of
20:27insecurity. Struggling to breathe. Then suddenly, a soft hand grabbed mine tightly. What kind of
20:32nonsense are you spewing? You think you look that great? You look like a potato, and still have the
20:37nerve to judge someone else? Voices of support began rising all around me. Oh my god, is he seriously
20:41body shaming her? What is wrong with him? How someone looks is none of his business. He is obviously
20:46jealous. Total loser behavior. I can speak on this. I saw Professor Emma without her mask once in the lab.
20:51She looks like a cute girl next door, not ugly at all. I agree, she taught me before. She is
20:56incredibly kind, and even brought us donuts during midterms. Great personality, great presence. This
21:02guy is just making things up. Guys, this is not even about what she looks like. The issue is that
21:06he
21:06is insulting someone's appearance in such a disgusting way. He is just a terrible person. Stop talking and
21:12help break it up. If Finn goes too far, it will only hurt him. A few fraternity guys finally rushed
21:16in.
21:17Under the pretense of separating them, they managed to land a few solid kicks on Chase. The girl
21:21holding my hand pulled me behind her. We need to call campus security and get this trash off campus.
21:26Years later, Chase and I found ourselves standing in an office again. But this time, behind me stood
21:30a group of students filled with a sense of justice. And Finn, unwavering at my side, the university's
21:36vice president, reviewed the surveillance footage. After watching Chase smoke in the hallway, and then
21:41come back to provoke us, he turned on the staff in charge of recruiting. Have you all lost your minds?
21:45How did a company like this even get approved? Revoke his recruiting privileges immediately.
21:50His company is banned from any collaboration with our university. Get security to remove
21:54him from campus. Chase's ingratiating expression instantly twisted.
21:58On what grounds are you canceling me? He assaulted me. I'm going to sue this university.
22:02The vice president looked at him coldly. Because I am in charge of this recruitment event. And I am
22:07the vice president of this university. And we have one of the top three law schools in the country.
22:11Along with a legal team that has never lost a case. He turned and walked away. Leaving one
22:15final sentence behind. We will be expecting your lawyer's letter. I wiped away my tears.
22:20Surrounded by kindness and support. I finally felt like I could breathe again. Like I was truly alive.
22:25That night, Finn and I sat on the beach. The waves rolled in, again and again. Washing over our
22:30ankles before retreating back into the ocean. I looked up at the star-filled Miami sky. Then
22:34turned to look at him. He was already looking at me. His gaze soft, and full of warmth.
22:38Thank you Finn. I said. He pulled me into his arms. Then he kissed me. The kiss lingered.
22:43Deep. And unhurried. Even after it ended. He did not let go. His blue eyes stayed fixed on mine.
22:49Filled with an emotion that overflowed without restraint. He said.
22:53Emma. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you growing up. I should have been the one protecting you.
22:57But now that I found you. It's not too late. Finn suddenly pulled out a small Tiffany box from
23:02behind his back. Like a magician revealing a trick. Happy birthday. I opened it. Inside was a
23:07delicate pearl necklace. Where did you get the money for this? You give me a pretty generous
23:11allowance. I saved most of it. And invested in some tech stocks in cryptocurrency. It paid off.
23:17I laughed softly. So you're secretly a Wall Street prodigy. I can make money. I can cook. And I can
23:22take care of a home. So. He leaned closer. His warm breath brushing against my neck. Emma. I love you.
23:28Will you give me a chance to be your boyfriend? I blinked at him. Stunned. Wait. I thought we were
23:33already together. You started sleeping in my bed. Remember? That night. The little fox held me
23:37tightly. Kissing me over and over. Tireless and earnest. His fluffy tail swaying so fast. It felt
23:43like it might lift him off the ground. After Finn and I officially started dating. He handed over his
23:48entire investment account to me without hesitation. I looked at the balance. It was nearly as much as my
23:52own savings. After a moment of resolve. I bought the beach house we had been renting. In class. I
23:57finally took off my mask for good. The students burst into applause and cheers. A few guys even
24:02whistled to hype up the moment. Professor Emma is the best. Life kept getting better. Until I ran
24:07into Brian again. He was waiting outside the lab building. The moment I walked up. He held out a
24:12Cartier bracelet. That had been sold out for a long time. It was the same one Isabella had worn back
24:17in
24:17our senior year of high school. The one Logan gave her for her birthday. I remembered staring at it for
24:21a long time back then. I had once said to Brian. Can you give me a birthday gift too? You
24:25don't have to
24:25spend money. Even a handmade card would mean everything to me. But until the day I left. I had never
24:30received anything from him. Now. Looking at this gift. That had arrived over a decade too late.
24:35I did not take it. I simply asked. Calmly. Brian. What do you want? He lowered his head. His voice
24:41almost pleading. Emma. I searched everywhere for something you liked. I finally got this through
24:46a reseller. Please. Don't leave me. I shook my head. He rushed forward and grabbed my wrist. Why not?
24:52We've been together for 13 years. 13 years Emma. I know I neglected you before. After you left.
24:59I even went to Los Angeles to find Isabella. But I realized I was wrong. What I felt for her.
25:04It was just instinct. Wolf Beeskin are drawn to beautiful things. I don't love her. Emma. The
25:10one I love has always been you. I yanked my hand free and looked straight at him. Do you even
25:15realize
25:15that in those 13 years. Aside from the first day I carried you out of the black market. And the
25:19time
25:20I tried to grab your tail and you slapped my hand away. This is the closest we've ever been.
25:24Brian froze. Then stiffly. He lifted his tail toward me. It won't be like that anymore.
25:29I won't push you away again. Emma. You can touch it however you want.
25:32I took a step back. Putting distance between us. It's too late Brian. Being with you hurt
25:37me more times than I can count. You were a block of ice I tried to warm for 13 years.
25:42And it never melted. Looking back now. All I can remember are the countless times he rejected
25:46me. Over and over again. The coldness. The indifference. Bren's voice trembled as he pleaded.
25:51I can make it up to you. I can spend the rest of my life making it up to you.
25:55I shook my head again. I already have Finn. He lowered his gaze and fell silent for a long
26:00time. His lips quivered before he finally spoke. I don't mind him. We could. But I mind. My voice
26:05was steady. I want someone who is completely loyal to me. I want to be the only one in his
26:09life too. Brian. If you had just told me from the beginning that you chose Isabella. I would
26:13never have forced you to stay. I would have let you go. I even wish you had told me sooner.
26:17Then we would not have wasted so many years hurting each other. I wiped the tear from the corner
26:21of my eye with the back of my hand. And gave him a quiet, relieved smile. Brian. If we could
26:26not
26:26end things well. Then at least let us end them cleanly. Finn arrived a little later than usual.
26:30He stood not far away. Holding a large bouquet of red roses. I ran toward him. And threw myself
26:35into his warm embrace. Let's go home. Behind us. Brian followed in silence for a long stretch.
26:41Finn lowered his voice. Did he upset you again? No. I just said goodbye. For real this time.
26:46Brian stood outside our yard for three days and three nights. In the end. I had no choice but
26:51to contact Logan. And ask him to fly to Miami. And take his twin brother away. After being
26:55injected with a strong sedative by a veterinarian. Brian struggled and managed to say one last
27:00sentence. Logan. Please. Don't separate me from Emma. Logan tried to persuade me as well.
27:06Brian really does care about you. That bracelet he gave you. He spent a long time learning in a
27:11jewelry studio to make it himself. I let out a helpless laugh. Do you think I have not made
27:15things for him all these years? Did he ever cherish any of it? Even once? As Logan left. He kept
27:20shaking his head. How did things end up like this? But some people. Once you lose them.
27:24Are gone forever. After contacting Logan. I had already prepared myself for the possibility
27:28that my parents in California would find me. I just did not expect it to happen so quickly.
27:33Late one night. I was half asleep. When my iPhone rang sharply. Pulling me out of my dreams.
27:38Annoyed. I kicked Finn lightly. Didn't we agree to silence our phones before bed? Finn loosened his
27:43arm around me. Found the phone. And placed it in my hand. It's yours. I cleared my throat.
27:47A little embarrassed. And answered the call. There was a long silence on the other end.
27:52I said hello a few times. No response. Just as I was about to hang up. An older man's
27:56voice finally came through. Emma? Is that you? It was a voice that had filled the first
28:0018 years of my life. My hand trembled slightly. But behind me. Finn's warmth pressed close.
28:06He held me tightly. As if silently telling me not to be afraid. I took a deep breath.
28:10Dad. Just tell me what this is about. A heavy sigh came from the other end.
28:13Your mother had a severe stroke. She does not have much time left. She wants to see you
28:17one last time. I had never been able to forgive my mother. But I could not refuse the final
28:22wish of someone who was dying. After the call ended. I sat up in bed. Finn sat up with me.
28:26And wrapped his arms around my waist from behind. He said nothing. He had heard everything. But
28:31he still left the decision entirely in my hands. In the end. I booked a flight back to Los Angeles.
28:36When I saw my mother. She was lying weakly in a hospital bed. A breathing mask covering
28:40her face. Her voice was faint. And slurred. I'm sorry. My father stood beside her. His
28:45eyes read as he tried to explain. Emma. Your mom saw the news about what happened
28:48at your university. About Chase. That's when she realized. She was wrong back then. In
28:53the principal's office. After the funeral. My father and I stood in front of her grave.
28:57A breeze passed through. I pulled my black coat tighter around me. And spoke calmly.
29:01Dad. I know the truth. She never really regretted anything. She never believed she was wrong.
29:06She just knew she was dying. And wanted peace before the end. So she used that to bring her
29:11daughter back one last time. I paused. Then continued. You're the same. You don't think
29:15you were wrong either. When I graduated college. I transferred everything you spent raising me.
29:20With interest. Back to your account. You never really cared about me growing up. So from now on
29:25don't contact me again. And one more thing. You used to call me useless all the time. So don't
29:29pretend now. Don't call me Emma like you suddenly care. It sounds fake. For the first time in my life.
29:34The way my father looked at me held no disgust. No disappointment. Only shock. And something
29:39like grief. I turned and walked away without hesitation. After all. Finn was waiting for
29:44me back in Miami. Probably cooking a pot of stew. Our beach house by the ocean slowly transformed.
29:49Finn filled the yard and the fence line with roses and hydrangeas of every color. In the warm
29:54Florida spring. They bloomed all at once. Turning the space into a sea of flowers that felt
29:59like it belonged only to me. One breezy afternoon. Finn composed. He knelt on one knee. His eyes red.
30:06His voice unsteady. When I was thrown into the ocean. I think part of me died that day. The Finn
30:12that
30:12came after was just. Drifting. Like a ghost. Emma. You were the one who chose me. You gave me a
30:19second
30:19life. I want to spend the rest of my life loving you. Emma. Will you marry me? Will you stay
30:25with me
30:25always? I will. The custom diamond ring slipped onto my left hand. Finn pulled me into his arms.
30:31Overjoyed. Like he had just been given the entire world. I had once walked alone through a long stretch
30:35of darkness. Shaped by everything the world had thrown at me. Then I found light. And Finn was the
30:40brightest warmest part of it. After we got married. My colleagues and friends at the university often
30:45said the same thing. They say a good relationship is like tending a garden. Finn has taken such good
30:50care of you. You can see it. You're more confident now. More radiant. Whenever Finn heard that he would
30:58hold my hand tightly and gently correct them. Emma is the one who healed me first. Later on Finn
31:03secretly published a novel on Amazon. Inspired by our story. I only discovered it by accident in the
31:08study. I bought a copy and brought it to my office to read. On the last page he had written.
31:12Even though
31:13I wish everyone could only experience warmth and kindness in this world. The truth is that we all
31:18encounter cruelty and prejudice as we grow. To the pain. I hope we can all be like sunflowers.
31:23Turning toward the light. And blooming again. And to anyone who has ever doubted themselves
31:27because of how they look. Stand tall. Every person has something that makes them unique.
31:31You are worthy of love. The end.
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