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00:00Brian and Logan were twin wolf beast kin that. My cousin Isabella and I rescued from the underground beast trade.
00:07Back then the two of us stood there staring at those filthy little wolf pups. And without even needing to
00:12say much we each decided to adopt one. I took Brian, Isabella took Logan. Thirteen years passed in the blink
00:19of an eye. All that time, I believed that even if Brian didn't like me, he would at least feel
00:24grateful that I had saved his life. That illusion shattered. The day I accidentally overheard him.
00:30Talking to some other beast kin. Someone asked. Emma's been really good to you. Why are you always so cold
00:37to her? Who asked her to be good to me? You've got it good. And don't even realize it. Good?
00:45Then I guess I should thank Emma properly. If she hadn't taken me first me'd be the one with Isabella
00:49right now. I 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 years quietly disappeared.
01:01When I got home I sat on the living room couch until well past midnight. Again and again, I picked
01:07up a mirror, staring at the girl reflected in it.
01:09I had always thought I looked average but now the longer I looked, the worse it seemed. With a surge
01:15of disgust I tossed the mirror aside. All I could see in my mind was Isabella's radiant, effortless smile.
01:20I lowered my head and let the weight of my own insecurity swallow me home. The sound of the front
01:25door opening broke the silence. Brian walked in, reeking of bourbon. Barely sparing me a glance before turning toward his
01:31bedroom. I wiped my tears with the back of my hand and stood up. For the first time I reached
01:35out.
01:35Trying to grab his tail. My hand was immediately slapped away. He stepped back, his face full of irritation.
01:41Don't touch me.
01:42It was exactly the same reaction as the first time I had tried to touch his wolf ears. Even after
01:47I had taken him in, and cared for him with everything I had for 13 years. A bitter laugh slipped
01:52out of me.
01:53So if you're not pretty, even your sincerity isn't worth anyone taking seriously. I didn't even notice when my tears
01:59began to fall, one by one. Onto the hardwood floor.
02:02By the time I looked up again, I was alone in the living room. My thoughts drifted, as they always
02:07did.
02:07Back to high school and the annual fall homecoming carnival. I used to bring a big box of Texas' barbecue,
02:13and find Brian in the backyard.
02:15Brian, will you come to the carnival with me this year? He'd lift his head out of the pool, water
02:20dripping from his hair.
02:22No.
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 same
02:36face as Brian.
02:37Yet always wore the gentlest smile. He would ruffle Isabella's hair and ask,
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.
02:49And Logan would always bend down for her, patient and indulgent.
02:52I watched him like a thief, quietly craving the life Isabella had.
02:56But one time, Chase and a few of his buddies shoved me onto the grass. His voice was dripping with
03:01mockery.
03:02Well, look who it is. Emma, a straight-A nerd. Where's your little bee skin? Didn't feel like coming out
03:08with you?
03:08One of his friends snickered.
03:10Her bee skin and Isabella's are twin wolves, right? The older one ended up with the prom queen, and the
03:15younger 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 at his friend's
03:23face.
03:23He went down hard. Before he could even react, Chase lunged at me, trying to fight back.
03:28But I slammed him to the ground and kept hitting him until someone finally pulled me off.
03:32The end result was predictable. All of us were called into the principal's office.
03:35I thought my mom would be on my side. Instead, right in front of the principal and Chase, she sighed
03:40in annoyance.
03:41Honestly? What were you thinking? They weren't even wrong. Why would you hit someone over that?
03:44I tugged lightly at the sleeve of her coat. Mom, I said, barely above a whisper. She acted like she
03:49didn't hear me.
03:50Let's be real. 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 daughter
03:58like you.
03:59Sometimes I wish Isabella were my child instead. That night, I cried my eyes out in Central Park.
04:03When I finally went home, my father greeted me with a sharp slap across the face.
04:07I'm very good. I'm really having something that's awkward. He said.
04:10I closed my eyes and fell into a heavy sleep.
04:13My messed up schedule left my mind blank when I woke up again.
04:16When I pushed the door open, I realized it was already dusk.
04:19Brian was out. But his presence lingered everywhere in the apartment.
04:22I grabbed a slice of pizza and forced myself to eat.
04:25Then started packing up everything that belonged to me.
04:27There wasn't much really.
04:28After I got into college at 18, I was afraid my parents would treat Brian badly.
04:32So I took him with me.
04:34At my poorest, I could only afford a run-down studio apartment.
04:38He slept on the bed.
04:39And I took the couch.
04:40Brian was well over 6 feet tall.
04:42And he would bump his head every time he walked through the low doorway.
04:44So I worked non-stop, picking up every part-time job I could find.
04:48Until I finally saved enough for a down payment on a small 2-bedroom townhouse.
04:52Love has a way of making you feel like you owe everything.
04:55So I bought Brian more things than he could ever need.
04:57I never once considered that he didn't want any of it.
04:59This time I decided to give him what he actually wanted.
05:02Freedom.
05:03After 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
05:10time if I was sure I wanted to terminate my bond with Brian, I still nodded.
05:13When a human dissolves a bond unilaterally, financial compensation is required.
05:17I left the townhouse to him.
05:19At the office, Emily handed me the bond termination certificate.
05:22Then hesitated before asking,
05:24Miss Emma, would you like to give this to Mr. Brian in person?
05:26Or should we mail it on your behalf?
05:28I took out the letter I had rewritten over and over again the night before.
05:31Please mail it to him, I said.
05:33And include this, there were only two sentences in the letter.
05:36I am sorry Brian, I took you away without your consent.
05:39So this time, I am giving your freedom back to you.
05:41I walked out of City Hall, got into my car, and left Los Angeles behind.
05:45My new life would begin in Florida, somewhere by the ocean, waiting for warmer days ahead.
05:50Since my new job was as a lecturer, at a university in Miami, I rented a small beach house with
05:54a yard.
05:55The evening sea breeze carried a faint salty smell as I walked along the shore wearing a mask.
05:59The orange glow of the sunset was just right, soft and beautiful.
06:02I took a photo, then out of habit opened my iMessage chat with Brian.
06:06Scrolling up, it was nothing but messages from me.
06:08Photos of little trinkets I found at vintage markets.
06:10Strange shaped clouds in the sky.
06:12The slow growth of a sunflower.
06:13He rarely replied.
06:15Most of the time, all I ever got back was a short dismissive.
06:18Yeah, the last message in our chat was from the day I heard the truth.
06:22I had asked him, where are you?
06:23I can come pick you up.
06:24He never replied.
06:26By then, he must have already received the bond termination certificate.
06:29And still, he could not even bring himself to say goodbye.
06:31All that was left in my chest was a dull, spreading ache.
06:35After thinking it over, I realized my new life should not be tied to the past.
06:38So I changed my phone number, deleted my old Instagram, and created a new account.
06:42I packed my schedule as full as possible, just to earn a few nights of uninterrupted sleep.
06:47Some of the more outgoing college girls like to chat with me between classes.
06:50Professor Emma, why do you always wear a mask on campus?
06:53Because I'm not very pretty.
06:55Who said that?
06:56Oh my god.
06:56I swear I will shut them up.
06:58There is no such thing as an ugly girl.
07:00She sounded completely sincere.
07:02And the others around her nodded in agreement.
07:04Just as indignant.
07:05I would laugh it off, and smoothly change the subject.
07:08Soon enough, they started talking about the beeskin they had at home.
07:11Then they asked me.
07:11Professor, what kind of beeskin do you have?
07:13I did not know how to explain everything that had happened with Brian.
07:16So I gave them a simple answer.
07:18He died.
07:18They fell silent for a long moment.
07:20Until the bell rang, and class began.
07:22After that, during my two weekly lectures, students would often bring me little things.
07:26A Starbucks latte, a blueberry muffin, or a bar of Hershey's chocolate.
07:30I could never finish it all.
07:31That was when I started thinking about the little fox beeskin on campus, who survived by
07:35collecting recyclables.
07:36Beeskin were usually striking in appearance, and fox beeskin were among the most beautiful
07:40of all.
07:41But this one had deep crisscrossing scars covering both sides of his face.
07:45He was afraid of scaring the students, so he only came out late at night.
07:48That evening, when I left the lab and went looking for him, it started pouring.
07:52Out of nowhere, a figure darted toward me, a fluffy foxtail swaying behind him.
07:56I called out softly.
07:57Hey, little fox, huh?
07:59The young beeskin turned around and noticed me, immediately lowering his head.
08:03He quickly covered his face with his hands.
08:05I'm sorry, ma'am, I must have misheard.
08:07Please don't mind me.
08:08The autumn rain carried a sharp chill.
08:10He was soaked through, water dripping steadily from his clothes.
08:13I looked at him and said gently, you don't have to hide your face.
08:16I've seen you around.
08:17I have hot water and a dryer in my office.
08:19Come upstairs and get warmed up.
08:20He hesitated, then slowly lowered his hands and nodded.
08:23Thank you, ma'am.
08:24Once we got into my office under the bright lights, I realized how young he was.
08:28Around 18 or 19, about the same age as my freshman.
08:31While he was showering, I went next door to the lab to ask about him.
08:34My colleague, Arthur, was always eager to talk, and he filled me in without hesitation.
08:39That little fox is named Finn.
08:41I heard he used to be incredibly good looking.
08:43His former handler tried to sell him to the red light district in the underground beast trade.
08:47He refused and even bit someone before escaping.
08:50During the escape, his face got slashed up.
08:52When the people from the black market saw he was disfigured, they beat him badly and threw him into the
08:57ocean.
08:57Lucky for him, the university rowing team pulled him out.
09:00Since then, he's been scraping by on campus, selecting recyclables.
09:04I asked, where does he live?
09:05There's a run-down shed behind the hill on campus.
09:08Arthur frowned slightly.
09:09Emma, I heard your bee skin passed away.
09:11You're not thinking about adopting him, are you?
09:12I bit down on the straw of my hot latte and didn't answer.
09:15Arto's voice suddenly sharpened.
09:17He looks like that.
09:18Who would want to adopt him?
09:19His words overlapped with the voices from my past.
09:21She looks so plain.
09:23Who would ever like her?
09:23But why?
09:24We have hearts too.
09:25We want to love and be loved.
09:26Just the same.
09:27I looked at Arthur and said quietly, he isn't ugly.
09:30He's just been hurt.
09:31And he's kind.
09:32He's sweet.
09:33I've seen him share the food he collects with homeless people nearby.
09:36I've seen him donate his spare change to the Beastkin Protection Agency.
09:39So please, don't say things like that about him again.
09:42When I stepped out of Arthur's office, I saw Finn standing in the hallway.
09:45His blonde hair and tail were still damp.
09:47His eyes were brimming with tears, feeling a little awkward.
09:50I changed the subject.
09:51If it's hard to do it yourself, I can help dry it.
09:53I took the towel and gently dried his hair and tail.
09:56Then used a hair dryer to finish the job.
09:58It was my first time drying a Beastkin's tail, and I was clumsy.
10:01I accidentally hurt him more than once and kept apologizing.
10:04Finn's face turned red.
10:05It's okay.
10:06I'm already very grateful to you.
10:08When I finally finished, I handed him a muffin and a latte.
10:11He didn't take them.
10:11After a long pause, as if gathering all his courage, he spoke again.
10:15Ma'am, I don't eat much.
10:17Could you adopt me?
10:18My hand froze mid-air.
10:20Finn continued.
10:21I know I'm not good-looking, but I can cook, wash dishes, mow the lawn.
10:24I can get massages, and I know how to grow roses.
10:27I smiled, then took off my mask and met his eyes.
10:29But I'm not good-looking either.
10:31Would you still choose me?
10:32Finn gently reached out and touched my cheek.
10:34His movements careful, almost reverent.
10:36You're very cute.
10:38He said softly.
10:39I want to go with you.
10:41My eyes stung.
10:42I blinked quickly, holding back the tears, and took his hand as we walked out of the lab
10:46building together.
10:47The rain had stopped, and just like that, I chose a family for myself.
10:50I completed the paperwork, and adopted Finn.
10:53Just like he promised.
10:54He did everything beautifully.
10:55He kept the beach house spotless.
10:57Filled the yard with blooming hydrangeas.
10:59And brought me hot, home-cooked lunches at the lab.
11:01Running those spectral analyses today nearly killed me, Arthur said as he wandered in from
11:05next door, shamelessly helping himself.
11:07He took a big spoonful of beef stew, and let out a low whistle.
11:10Damn, Finn can cook.
11:12This is incredible.
11:13Meanwhile, the one at my place does nothing but curl up on the couch and watch Netflix.
11:17Honestly, Arthur should have been grateful.
11:19Brianne could not cook at all.
11:20Then again, maybe he just never bothered to do anything like that for me.
11:24That night, I had the nightmare again.
11:26A memory buried deep in my mind.
11:29I was 17.
11:30Isabella and Logan went with me and Brian to Universal Studios Orlando.
11:34Halfway through the day, the park was hit by a sudden, indiscriminate attack.
11:38Explosions erupted from every direction.
11:40Logan shielded Isabella.
11:42While I grabbed Brian's hand and ran for the exit.
11:44We were near the eastern side of the park, but the flying debris still cut into everyone.
11:49We were only steps away from the exit, when it was blown apart right in front of us.
11:53At the time, I had been running ahead and never noticed what happened in that instant.
11:58But in the dream, I saw it clearly.
12:00Both Logan and Brian threw themselves toward Isabella without hesitation.
12:03I was left alone, collapsing into rubble and dust, with no one caring whether I lived or died.
12:09Logan and Brian were only relieved that Isabella was safe.
12:12Later, I lay unconscious in the ICU for days.
12:15My parents and Brian stayed by Isabella's side, comforting her as she cried from the shock.
12:19A voice echoed in my mind, mocking me.
12:22Emma see, no one in this world loves you.
12:24It came from everywhere, repeating itself over and over, surrounding me until I could not escape it.
12:30In the dream, my soul seemed to float above.
12:32Crouched down, clutching my head as I tried to argue back.
12:35That's not true.
12:36That's not true.
12:37Then, faintly, someone grabbed my hand and pulled me forward.
12:42A voice said,
12:43Emma, that's not true.
12:44Everyone deserves to be loved.
12:46I woke with a start.
12:47The first thing I saw was Finn sitting at my bedside, wiping the cold sweat from my forehead.
12:52His face tight with worry.
12:54When he saw my eyes open, he finally let out a breath.
12:56Tears slipped down my face before I could stop them.
12:59Finn, can you hold me?
13:00He climbed onto the bed and pulled me into his arms.
13:03I clung to him like a child, pouring out everything I had been holding inside.
13:06Finn gently patted my back, murmuring soft reassurances.
13:10I did not have to worry about him snapping at me to leave him alone.
13:13I did not have to worry about him brushing me off and disappearing into distractions.
13:16And I definitely did not have to worry about him looking at me with cold indifference.
13:20I want to hear a song, I whispered.
13:22Finn hummed softly.
13:23You are my sunshine, my only sunshine.
13:26You make me happy when skies are gray.
13:28With Finn taking care of me, I started getting better, little by little.
13:32The sunlight was especially bright today.
13:34Finn and I were in the backyard, hanging sheets out to dry.
13:37We ended up laughing and playing around on either side of the fabric,
13:41the breeze lifting it between us.
13:42Then someone called my name from beyond the fence.
13:44Emma.
13:45I turned around.
13:46Brian was standing there.
13:47The hanger slipped from my hand and fell straight onto the grass.
13:50Finn noticed the shift in my expression, immediately, and stepped in front of me without hesitation.
13:55I tugged lightly on the hem of Finn's flannel shirt.
13:58It's okay, I know him.
13:59Go take care of the blue crabs in the kitchen.
14:01I just need a minute to talk to him.
14:03We walked over to a wooden bench by the shore.
14:05The ocean breeze tangled my hair.
14:07I forced a small, awkward smile.
14:09It's been a while, Brian.
14:10He stared at me, his voice cold.
14:12Who is that fox?
14:13My new fostered bee skin.
14:15His tone was sharp.
14:16Though to be fair, he had never exactly been gentle with me.
14:19Then what about me?
14:19We already dissolved our bond.
14:21So you're throwing me away for that scarred freak?
14:24Before I could stop myself, I slapped him across the face.
14:26Do not talk about Finn like that.
14:28Shock filled his eyes.
14:29Emma, you said you would never abandon me.
14:31But the one you've always wanted is Isabella, isn't it?
14:34I'm just giving you what you wanted.
14:35Something seemed to click for him.
14:37He 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.
14:45I stood up and walked away.
14:46I wandered along the beach without any real direction.
14:49My phone buzzed.
14:50It was an eye message from my college roommate, Rachel.
14:52Emma, Isabella's getting engaged to her bee skin.
14:55Are you coming back to Los Angeles for the wedding?
14:56So that was it.
14:57Everything Brian had done suddenly made sense.
14:59He just could not have the person he truly wanted.
15:02He failed to take what he thought would save him.
15:04At the same time, he did not want to let go of the care I had given him all these
15:07years.
15:08It was almost laughable.
15:09I 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
15:16several other dishes I loved.
15:17He was pacing back and forth in the living room, his hands nervously twisting together.
15:21The moment I opened the door, he rushed over and wrapped me in a tight hug.
15:25His fluffy tail brushed anxiously against my arm.
15:27You're back.
15:28I'm back.
15:28I thought, I thought you were not coming back.
15:31I reached down and gently stroked his tail to comfort him.
15:33I'm not going anywhere.
15:34Don't overthink it.
15:35But the way that Beastkin looked at you made me uneasy.
15:38And, he's very handsome.
15:39His voice grew quieter with each word.
15:41And tears slid down his cheeks.
15:43I lifted my hand and cupped his face.
15:45How about I give you a gift?
15:47His fox ears twitched.
15:48I rose onto my toes, reaching toward them.
15:50Let me touch your ears.
15:51And I'll tell you.
15:52Finn obediently crouched down.
15:54Just like Logan used to years ago.
15:55Carefully, I reached out and touched something that once felt completely out of reach.
16:00Finn, I said softly.
16:01Your face can be treated.
16:02My insurance will cover part of it.
16:04And I've saved enough to handle the rest.
16:05He froze.
16:06Emma, are you going to fix my face and then leave with that Beastkin?
16:09I squeezed his tail lightly, then leaned in close to his ear.
16:13Finn, when are you going to stop imagining the worst?
16:15The truth was, I understood.
16:17His insecurity ran deep, rooted in something that would not disappear overnight.
16:21So I would give him all the reassurance he needed.
16:23Suddenly, Finn lowered his head and, for the first time, gently brushed his tongue against my neck.
16:28I instinctively pushed him away.
16:29Why do you canine types all do that?
16:31Emma, did he do that to you too?
16:33Finn's hands tightened, then slowly relaxed as if he had calmed himself down.
16:37It's okay, as long as you're with me now.
16:39I laughed and flicked his forehead.
16:41He wouldn't even let me touch him.
16:42He likes Isabella.
16:43Got it?
16:44That night, Finn knocked on my bedroom door, clutching a pillow.
16:47Can I sleep with you?
16:48I did not say no.
16:49A fox tail is warm.
16:50A fox bee skin is warm too.
16:52Wrapped in Finn's arms, I finally let go of all the resentment and struggle I had carried through the first
16:57half of my life.
16:58I did not go to Isabella's wedding.
17:00I asked Rachel to send a Macy's gift card on my behalf.
17:03Brian'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 him to
17:18the red light district.
17:19He really did have the kind of beauty that could drive people crazy.
17:22Deep, mesmerizing guise, a sharply defined nose, perfectly shaped lips.
17:27The breathtaking face that had once been hidden beneath scars, had fully returned.
17:31And maybe that was the problem.
17:32He was too good looking.
17:33So much so that, standing next to him, I could not help but feel like I did not belong.
17:38Finn noticed my unease and asked carefully,
17:40What's wrong?
17:41Did something go wrong with the surgery?
17:42Do you not like it?
17:43I reached up and rubbed his ears.
17:45No, you look amazing.
17:46After he was discharged, Finn still brought me lunch every day without fail.
17:50At this point, Arthur had progressed to openly offering to pay for meals, just so Finn would bring an extra
17:55portion for him too.
17:56That day, a few seniors were in my office, asking about joining my research group.
18:00So the moment Finn walked in, he was immediately surrounded by a room full of staring eyes.
18:04After he shyly set down the lunchboxes and left, Arthur was the first to break the silence.
18:08Holy crap, is that really Finn?
18:10That's not just handsome.
18:11That's ridiculous.
18:12He looks like a Hollywood star.
18:14Once the professor started, the students eagerly joined in.
18:17Professor Emma really has great taste.
18:19Seriously?
18:19Okay, but imagine it from Finn's perspective.
18:22He gets rescued at his lowest point.
18:24If it were me, I would fall in love with the professor too.
18:27Right?
18:27Between the adoption and the surgery, that must have cost a fortune.
18:31Wow, this is basically a real life romance novel.
18:34I cleared my throat lightly from the doorway.
18:35The conversation instantly snapped back to research topics.
18:39When I got off work Finn was waiting outside the lab building in my Ford.
18:42He no longer kept his head down out of habit.
18:44Now he looked at me and smiled.
18:45And when he smiled, it felt like the Florida sunlight danced across his face and settled
18:49somewhere deep in my chest.
18:50But when I looked at him, I found myself growing quieter and quieter.
18:53I never expected to run into Chase again.
18:55He had started a tech company in Silicon Valley and came to our university's fall recruiting
18:59event to scout top graduates.
19:01That day, Finn happened to walk with me to campus.
19:04Chase looked Finn up and down several times, then did the same to me without any restraint.
19:08Wow, if it is my old classmate, got yourself a new beast, Ken.
19:12What happened?
19:12Did Brian finally get tired of you and leave?
19:14I had no interest in engaging with him.
19:16I grabbed Finn's hand and tried to walk past, but Chase stepped closer to Finn.
19:20Such a pretty little fox.
19:22Must be tough being stuck with someone like Emma, huh?
19:24Finn shoved him away and said coldly.
19:26Sir, do not make assumptions about other people's relationships.
19:29I love her.
19:30Chase only sneered, his words turning even more vicious.
19:33What do you mean, assumptions?
19:35Even her own mother does not like her.
19:37Said she is ugly and nowhere near as good as this power.
19:40Emma knows it too.
19:41Always hiding behind a mask.
19:42What could you possibly like about her?
19:44Let me guess.
19:45You are just after her money.
19:47More and more students gathered around us.
19:49I felt exposed, like I had been stripped bare and dragged into the center of a public trial.
19:54Then, in the next second, Finn's fist slammed straight into Chase's face and knocked him flat onto the grass.
20:01His voice shook with restrained anger.
20:03I said I love her.
20:05Do you not understand English?
20:06His fist came down again, hard and unrelenting.
20:09Just like the first time I had ever fought back against being judged for my appearance.
20:13But back then, my mother had scolded me for it.
20:16So I started to doubt myself.
20:17Did being unattractive mean I deserved this kind of mockery?
20:20I tried again and again to make peace with myself.
20:23Only to be dragged back into this cruel judgment every time.
20:26Drowning in that deep ocean of insecurity.
20:28Struggling to breathe.
20:30Then suddenly, a soft hand grabbed mine tightly.
20:32What kind of nonsense are you spewing?
20:34You think you look that great?
20:35You look like a potato and still have the nerve to judge someone else?
20:38Voices of support began rising all around me.
20:40Oh my god.
20:41Is he seriously body shaming her?
20:43What is wrong with him?
20:44How someone looks is none of his business.
20:46He is obviously jealous.
20:47Total loser behavior.
20:48I can speak on this.
20:49I saw Professor Emma without her mask once in the lab.
20:51She looks like a cute girl next door.
20:53Not ugly at all.
20:54I agree.
20:55She taught me before.
20:56She is incredibly kind.
20:57And even brought us donuts during midterms.
21:00Great personality.
21:01Great presence.
21:02This guy is just making things up.
21:03Guys, this is not even about what she looks like.
21:06The issue is that he is insulting someone's appearance in such a disgusting way.
21:10He is just a terrible person.
21:11Stop talking and help break it up.
21:13If Finn goes too far, it will only hurt him.
21:15A few fraternity guys finally rushed in.
21:17Under the pretense of separating them, they managed to land a few solid kicks on Chase.
21:21The girl holding my hand pulled me behind her.
21:23We need to call campus security and get this trash off campus.
21:26Years later, Chase and I found ourselves standing in an office again.
21:29But this time, behind me stood a group of students filled with a sense of justice.
21:33And Finn, unwavering at my side, the university's vice president reviewed the surveillance footage.
21:39After watching Chase smoke in the hallway and then come back to provoke us, he turned on the staff in
21:43charge of recruiting.
21:44Have you all lost your minds?
21:46How did a company like this even get approved?
21:48Revoke his recruiting privileges immediately.
21:50His company is banned from any collaboration with our university.
21:53Get security to remove him from campus.
21:55Chase's ingratiating expression instantly twisted.
21:58On what grounds are you canceling me?
21:59He assaulted me.
22:01I'm going to sue this university.
22:02The vice president looked at him coldly.
22:04Because I am in charge of this recruitment event.
22:07And I am the vice president of this university.
22:09And we have one of the top three law schools in the country.
22:12Along with a legal team that has never lost a case.
22:14He turned and walked away.
22:15Leaving one final sentence behind.
22:17We will be expecting your lawyer's letter.
22:19I wiped away my tears.
22:20Surrounded by kindness and support.
22:22I finally felt like I could breathe again.
22:24Like I was truly alive.
22:25That night, Finn and I sat on the beach.
22:27The waves rolled in.
22:28Again and again.
22:29Washing over our ankles before retreating back into the ocean.
22:32I looked up at the star filled Miami sky.
22:34Then turned to look at him.
22:35He was already looking at me.
22:37His gaze soft.
22:38And full of warmth.
22:39Thank you Finn.
22:40I said.
22:40He pulled me into his arms.
22:42Then he kissed me.
22:43The kiss lingered.
22:44Deep.
22:44And unhurried.
22:45Even after it ended.
22:46He did not let go.
22:48His blue eyes stayed fixed on mine.
22:50Filled with an emotion that overflowed without restraint.
22:52He said.
22:53Emma.
22:54I'm sorry I wasn't there for you growing up.
22:56I should have been the one protecting you.
22:57But now that I found you.
22:58It's not too late.
22:59Finn suddenly pulled out a small Tiffany box from behind his back.
23:03Like a magician revealing a trick.
23:04Happy birthday.
23:05I opened it.
23:06Inside was a delicate pearl necklace.
23:08Where did you get the money for this?
23:10You give me a pretty generous allowance.
23:12I saved most of it.
23:13And invested in some tech stocks in cryptocurrency.
23:16It paid off.
23:17I laughed softly.
23:18So you're secretly a Wall Street prodigy.
23:20I can make money.
23:21I can cook.
23:22And I can take care of a home.
23:23So.
23:24He leaned closer.
23:25His warm breath brushing against my neck.
23:27Emma.
23:27I love you.
23:28Will you give me a chance to be your boyfriend?
23:30I blinked at him.
23:31Stunned.
23:32Wait.
23:32I thought we were already together.
23:34You started sleeping in my bed.
23:36Remember?
23:36That night.
23:37The little fox held me tightly.
23:39Kissing me over and over.
23:40Tireless and earnest.
23:41His fluffy tail swaying so fast.
23:43It felt like it might lift him off the ground.
23:45After Finn and I officially started dating.
23:47He handed over his entire investment account to me without hesitation.
23:50I looked at the balance.
23:52It was nearly as much as my own savings.
23:54After a moment of resolve.
23:55I bought the beach house we had been renting.
23:57In class.
23:57I finally took off my mask for good.
23:59The students burst into applause and cheers.
24:01A few guys even whistled.
24:03To hype up the moment.
24:04Professor Emma is the best.
24:06Life kept getting better.
24:07Until I ran into Brian again.
24:09He was waiting outside the lab building.
24:10The moment I walked up.
24:11He held out a Cartier bracelet.
24:13That had been sold out for a long time.
24:15It was the same one Isabella had worn back in our senior year of high school.
24:18The one Logan gave her for her birthday.
24:20I remembered staring at it for a long time back then.
24:22I had once said to Brian.
24:24Can you give me a birthday gift too?
24:25You don't have to spend money.
24:26Even a handmade card would mean everything to me.
24:28But until the day I left.
24:30I had never received anything from him.
24:31Now.
24:32Looking at this gift.
24:33That had arrived over a decade too late.
24:35I did not take it.
24:36I simply asked.
24:38Calmly.
24:38Brian.
24:39What do you want?
24:40He lowered his head.
24:41His voice almost pleading.
24:43Emma.
24:43I searched everywhere for something you liked.
24:45I finally got this through a reseller.
24:47Please.
24:48Don't leave me.
24:49I shook my head.
24:50He rushed forward and grabbed my wrist.
24:51Why not?
24:52We've been together for 13 years.
24:5513 years Emma.
24:57I know I neglected you before.
24:58After you left.
24:59I even went to Los Angeles to find Isabella.
25:02But I realized I was wrong.
25:03What I felt for her.
25:05It was just instinct.
25:06Wolf B's skin are drawn to beautiful things.
25:08I don't love her.
25:10Emma.
25:10The one I love has always been you.
25:12I yanked my hand free and looked straight at him.
25:14Do you even realize that in those 13 years.
25:17Aside from the first day I carried you out of the black market.
25:19And the time I tried to grab your tail.
25:21And you slapped my hand away.
25:22This is the closest we've ever been.
25:24Brian froze.
25:25Then stiffly.
25:25He lifted his tail toward me.
25:27It won't be like that anymore.
25:29I won't push you away again.
25:31Emma.
25:31You can touch it however you want.
25:33I took a step back.
25:34Putting distance between us.
25:35It's too late Brian.
25:37Being with you hurt me more times than I can count.
25:39You were a block of ice I tried to warm for 13 years.
25:42And it never melted.
25:43Looking back now.
25:44All I can remember are the countless times he rejected me.
25:47Over and over again.
25:48The coldness.
25:49The indifference.
25:50Bren's voice trembled as he pleaded.
25:51I can make it up to you.
25:53I can spend the rest of my life making it up to you.
25:55I shook my head again.
25:57I already have Finn.
25:58He lowered his gaze and fell silent for a long time.
26:00His lips quivered before he finally spoke.
26:03I don't mind him.
26:04We could.
26:04But I mind.
26:05My voice was steady.
26:06I want someone who is completely loyal to me.
26:08I want to be the only one in his life too.
26:10Brian.
26:10If you had just told me from the beginning that you chose Isabella.
26:13I would never have forced you to stay.
26:15I would have let you go.
26:16I even wish you had told me sooner.
26:17Then we would not have wasted so many years hurting each other.
26:20I wiped the tear from the corner of my eye with the back of my hand.
26:23And gave him a quiet, relieved smile.
26:25Brian.
26:26If we could not end things well.
26:27Then at least let us end them cleanly.
26:29Finn arrived a little later than usual.
26:31He stood not far away.
26:32Holding a large bouquet of red roses.
26:34I ran toward him.
26:35And threw myself into his warm embrace.
26:37Let's go home.
26:38Behind us.
26:38Brian followed in silence for a long stretch.
26:41Finn lowered his voice.
26:42Did he upset you again?
26:43No.
26:44I just said goodbye.
26:45For real this time.
26:46Brian stood outside our yard for three days and three nights.
26:49In the end.
26:50I had no choice but to contact Logan.
26:52And ask him to fly to Miami.
26:54And take his twin brother away.
26:55After being injected with a strong sedative by a veterinarian.
26:58Brian struggled and managed to say one last sentence.
27:01Logan.
27:02Please.
27:03Don't separate me from Emma.
27:05Logan tried to persuade me as well.
27:06Brian really does care about you.
27:08That bracelet he gave you.
27:09He spent a long time learning in a jewelry studio to make it himself.
27:12I let out a helpless laugh.
27:14Do you think I have not made things for him all these years?
27:16Did he ever cherish any of it?
27:18Even once.
27:19As Logan left.
27:19He kept shaking his head.
27:21How did things end up like this?
27:22But some people.
27:23Once you lose them.
27:24Are gone forever.
27:25After contacting Logan.
27:26I had already prepared myself for the possibility that my parents in California would find me.
27:31I just did not expect it to happen so quickly.
27:33Late one night.
27:34I was half asleep.
27:35When my iPhone rang sharply.
27:37Pulling me out of my dreams.
27:38Annoyed.
27:39I kicked Finn lightly.
27:40Didn't we agree to silence our phones before bed?
27:42Finn loosened his arm around me.
27:44Found the phone.
27:45And placed it in my hand.
27:46It's yours.
27:47I cleared my throat.
27:48A little embarrassed.
27:49And answered the call.
27:50There was a long silence on the other end.
27:52I said hello a few times.
27:53No response.
27:54Just as I was about to hang up.
27:55An older man's voice finally came through.
27:57Emma?
27:58Is that you?
27:58It was a voice that had filled the first 18 years of my life.
28:02My hand trembled slightly.
28:03But behind me.
28:04Finn's warmth pressed close.
28:06He held me tightly.
28:07As if silently telling me not to be afraid.
28:09I took a deep breath.
28:10Dad?
28:11Just tell me what this is about.
28:12A heavy sigh came from the other end.
28:14Your mother had a severe stroke.
28:15She does not have much time left.
28:17She wants to see you one last time.
28:18I had never been able to forgive my mother.
28:20But I could not refuse the final wish of someone who was dying.
28:23After the call ended.
28:24I sat up in bed.
28:25Finn sat up with me.
28:27And wrapped his arms around my waist from behind.
28:29He said nothing.
28:30He had heard everything.
28:31But he still left the decision entirely in my hands.
28:33In the end.
28:34I booked a flight back to Los Angeles.
28:36When I saw my mother.
28:37She was lying weakly in a hospital bed.
28:39A breathing mask covering her face.
28:40Her voice was faint.
28:41And slurred.
28:43I'm sorry.
28:43My father stood beside her.
28:45His eyes red as he tried to explain.
28:47Emma.
28:47Your mom saw the news about what happened at your university.
28:50About Chase.
28:50That's when she realized.
28:52She was wrong back then.
28:53In the principal's office.
28:54After the funeral.
28:55My father and I stood in front of her grave.
28:57A breeze passed through.
28:58I pulled my black coat tighter around me.
29:00And spoke calmly.
29:01Dad.
29:02I know the truth.
29:03She never really regretted anything.
29:05She never believed she was wrong.
29:06She just knew she was dying.
29:08And wanted peace before the end.
29:10So she used that to bring her daughter back one last time.
29:13I paused.
29:13Then continued.
29:14You're the same.
29:15You don't think you were wrong either.
29:16When I graduated college.
29:18I transferred everything you spent raising me.
29:20With interest.
29:21Back to your account.
29:22You never really cared about me growing up.
29:24So from now on.
29:25Don't contact me again.
29:26And one more thing.
29:27You used to call me useless all the time.
29:29So don't pretend now.
29:30Don't call me Emma like you suddenly care.
29:32It sounds fake.
29:33For the first time in my life.
29:34The way my father looked at me held no disgust.
29:37No disappointment.
29:38Only shock.
29:39And something like grief.
29:40I turned and walked away without hesitation.
29:42After all.
29:43Finn was waiting for me back in Miami.
29:45Probably cooking a pot of stew.
29:47Our beach house by the ocean slowly transformed.
29:49Finn filled the yard and the fence line with roses and hydrangeas of every color.
29:53In the warm Florida spring.
29:55They bloomed all at once.
29:57Turning the space into a sea of flowers that felt like it belonged only to me.
30:01One breezy afternoon.
30:03Finn composed.
30:04He knelt on one knee.
30:05His eyes red.
30:06His voice unsteady.
30:08When I was thrown into the ocean.
30:10I think part of me died that day.
30:12The Finn that came after was just.
30:14Drifting.
30:15Like a ghost.
30:16Emma.
30:17You were the one who chose me.
30:18You gave me a second life.
30:20I want to spend the rest of my life loving you.
30:22Emma.
30:23Will you marry me?
30:24Will you stay with me always?
30:26I will.
30:27The custom diamond ring slipped onto my left hand.
30:29Finn pulled me into his arms.
30:31Overjoyed.
30:32Like he had just been given the entire world.
30:34I had once walked alone through a long stretch of darkness.
30:36Shaped by everything the world had thrown at me.
30:39Then I found light.
30:40And Finn was the brightest warmest part of it.
30:42After we got married.
30:43My colleagues and friends at the university often said the same thing.
30:46They say a good relationship is like tending a garden.
30:49Finn has taken such good care of you.
30:51You can see it.
30:52You're more confident now.
30:54More radiant.
30:56Whenever Finn heard that.
30:57He would hold my hand tightly.
30:59And gently correct them.
31:00Emma is the one who healed me first.
31:02Later on.
31:03Finn secretly published a novel on Amazon.
31:05Inspired by our story.
31:07I only discovered it by accident in the study.
31:09I bought a copy and brought it to my office to read.
31:11On the last page.
31:12He had written.
31:12Even though I wish everyone could only experience warmth and kindness in this world.
31:17The truth is that we all encounter cruelty and prejudice as we grow.
31:20To the pain.
31:21I hope we can all be like sunflowers.
31:23Turning toward the light.
31:24And blooming again.
31:25And to anyone who has ever doubted themselves because of how they look.
31:28Stand tall.
31:29Every person has something that makes them unique.
31:32You are worthy of love.
31:33The end.
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