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Welcome to Focal.Point. This is a Dailymotion channel dedicated to sharing Boy Love drama episodes and romantic short films. We focus on emotional storytelling, meaningful relationships, and beautifully crafted moments that explore love, connection, and youth. Whether you are a fan of BL series or romance stories, Focal.Point aims to be a place where heartfelt stories come into focus.
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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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