- 32 minutes ago
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Short filmTranscript
00:00My fox shifter scratched me again. I went to the clinic alone. This cut is deep. It will definitely leave
00:07a scar.
00:08I bought my shifter to love me. He spent a whole year hating me instead.
00:15So today, I'm trading him in. She mutters that no properly trained beast man should be hurting their owner like
00:21this,
00:21and asks if mine ever went through socialization training.
00:25He did. In fact, he graduated at the top of his class.
00:30My phone vibrates. Dorian. I already know what the messages say before I open them.
00:36It's just a scratch. Did you really need to go to the hospital? Come home and cook. I'm hungry.
00:42I've never been full since living with you. You take terrible care of me.
00:45I've spent an entire year waiting for him to change. Waiting for him to stop talking to me like this.
00:50Waiting for him to look at me and see something other than disappointment.
00:53I leave the hospital and head straight to the beast man registry center.
00:58I'd like to exchange my beast man. That gets her attention immediately.
01:04You've been registered with him for almost a year. You're only a short time away from forming a permanent bond.
01:10Why would you want to replace him now?
01:12I used to talk to Dorian about bond ceremonies. About rings. About our future.
01:19He would only curl his lip and ask if I honestly thought I was worthy of him.
01:23He doesn't like me. Honestly, I think he hates me. It's been a year and that hasn't changed.
01:30A trained beast man is supposed to love their owner wholeheartedly. Problems like that shouldn't happen.
01:35But they do. And that's why I want a new one.
01:38She leads me through the available files. Foxes. Leopards. A few others.
01:43They're all attractive. Though none quite match Dorian's pedigree.
01:47I'd prefer a canine. I've heard they're usually more affectionate toward humans.
01:51No canines are currently available. Photograph slips from her folded and lands on the floor.
01:55I bend down to pick it up. The man in the picture has cold gray eyes with vertical pupils.
02:00A wolf. A werewolf. Honestly, he's the most obedient beast man we have.
02:05Then why is he still here? People are afraid of werewolves.
02:08The owner thinks keeping him is a financial loss. If nobody takes him today, he'll be sold to a fighting
02:12arena.
02:13He was raised to be gentle. An arena would be hell for him. But nobody wants him.
02:17I've heard what happens in those places. They tear beast men apart piece by piece.
02:22My eyes settle on the wolf's face. His gaze doesn't look gentle.
02:26It looks restrained. Like he's waiting. Waiting for one chance.
02:32Is he really obedient? Absolutely!
02:36I look at the photo one last time. I'll take him.
02:44The staff tells me the werewolf will arrive in three days. I carefully tuck the transfer agreement into my bag.
02:51On my way home, I spot Dorian and Bianca from half a block away.
02:55The white-haired fox beast man is standing in the glow of the setting sun, looking almost unreal.
03:00Beautiful. Perfect. Like a piece of artwork.
03:02Bianca lives next door. She's a high-born human. Smart, elegant, and rich enough to never worry about money.
03:08Ever since she met Dorian, she's been bringing him expensive nutritional supplements.
03:13The two of them have become unusually close.
03:16A year ago, seeing them together would have made my stomach twist.
03:20Now, I simply slow my pace. Bianca notices me first.
03:24Lucy? Heading to another part-time job?
03:27She gives me a small smile that doesn't quite reach her eyes.
03:31I don't mean anything by it. But even if you and Dorian are about to form a bond, you should
03:37really make more of an effort with your appearance.
03:40Look at what you're wearing. Honestly, who would believe the two of you are together?
03:44I glance down at my t-shirt and jeans. Then at her elegant dress. I think I look fine.
03:51Hmph.
03:52Darian doesn't even look at me.
03:54She wouldn't look good even if she tried. Honestly, it's better if she pretends she doesn't know how to dress.
04:01That way people won't realize she's actually just ugly.
04:04Bianca lightly smacks his arm. Dorian, that's a terrible thing to say.
04:10You're trying to help her, and she'll just think you're being nosy.
04:13He finally glances at me.
04:14A low-born human could never understand how someone like Bianca thinks. Being bought by Lucy is the unluckiest thing
04:20that's ever happened to me.
04:22A year ago, that sentence would have ruined my entire night. I would have gone home wondering what I did
04:26wrong.
04:27Wondering how to make him like me. Wondering how to be better.
04:31Now, I only have one thought. Two more days. And none of this will be my problem anymore.
04:40The truth is, Dorian wasn't always like this. Back when I couldn't afford the expensive supplements a top-teal beastman
04:47was supposed to have, he never complained.
04:50Back when the cheap clothes I bought irritated his sensitive skin, he still smiled and told me,
04:55meeting Lucy was the luckiest thing that had ever happened to me.
05:01Everything changed after we ran into his old rival. A red fox.
05:06We were walking down the street when I dropped my bag.
05:10My things scattered everywhere. Dorian immediately crouched down to help my pick them up.
05:15At that exact moment, a luxury car pulled over. The red fox stepped out and planted his foot directly on
05:23Dorian's hand.
05:24Dorian flinched. The fox smiled.
05:27Well, if it isn't Dorian, the most popular beastman of his generation.
05:30His eyes slid toward me. Then he laughed.
05:34How did someone like you end up with such an ugly, low-born human?
05:40Then again, I suppose it fits. A defective beastman and a low-born human. Perfect match.
05:46That night, Dorian locked himself in his room. I sat outside the door until sunrise.
05:53The ranking system was stupid.
05:56I told him the registry was wrong for labeling him defective. None of that determined his worth.
06:02And I meant every word.
06:04Hours later, the door finally opened. His eyes were red and swollen.
06:09He stared at me for a long moment before speaking.
06:13You've never been at the top. Of course you'd think being trash isn't that bad.
06:20That was the first time I realized something. Dorian had never truly seen us as equals. Not even once.
06:29Later, he met Bianca. Bianca had everything I didn't. Status. Money. Connections.
06:35The ability to give Dorian the life he thought he deserved.
06:39The two of them grew closer every day. Sometimes I'd see them talking on the porch.
06:44Sometimes she'd lean against him. Sometimes he'd let her.
06:50I only brought it up once. Just once.
06:54You're my registered beastman. Could you maybe keep a little distance from Bianca?
06:59Dorian looked down at me. His eyes were cold. Worse than cold. They were full of resentment.
07:06Lucy. If I didn't have a defect, do you really think you could have afforded me?
07:10The words hit harder than any claw ever had.
07:13You just took advantage of someone when they were vulnerable.
07:16So what exactly gives you the right to act like my owner?
07:21I never mentioned Bianca again. There was no point. Because I remembered something Dorian seemed to have forgotten.
07:28A year ago, he was the one who begged me to save him. Someone who calls being rescued, taking advantage,
07:34was never going to remember the truth.
07:37In this era, male beastmen have taken over humanity's role in reproduction.
07:42Before everything went wrong, Dorian was considered one of the finest beastmen on the market.
07:47At auction, he sold for an astronomical price. Then they discovered he was infertile. Everything changed overnight.
07:54A beastman who couldn't fulfill his intended function, was suddenly worthless.
07:57Even after his price dropped to $500,000, nobody wanted him. To people looking for offspring, he was just defective
08:05merchandise.
08:06The people in charge planned to send him to the Red Light District and recover what money they could.
08:12The day I met him was the day I went to buy a beastman of my own.
08:18Dorian broke free from his handlers. Then he dropped to his knees in front of me.
08:24Please. Please save me. I'll be good to you. I'll be your family. I don't want to die.
08:31Please. I grew up in an orphanage. I know what it feels like to be unwanted. I know what it's
08:37like when nobody chooses you.
08:39So I didn't walk away. I emptied my savings. Took out a small loan. Spent everything I had. And I
08:46bought him.
08:47Not because I acted on impulse. Not because I felt sorry for him. I knew exactly what I was doing.
08:54I simply chose to do it.
08:56Afterward, I never brought it up again. I didn't want to hurt his pride.
09:00I never imagined that one day I'd hear those same events described as me taking advantage of him.
09:06The day he said that, we ended up arguing. At some point my hand brushed against his.
09:13The reaction was immediate. Hard. My arm slammed into the sharp corner of a table. The wound split open so
09:20deeply I could see bone.
09:22For a moment, Dormian froze. Then he looked away.
09:25If you hadn't been touching me, you wouldn't have gotten hurt. This is your own fault.
09:31He didn't even offer to take me to the hospital.
09:33I'm going shopping with Bianca. Besides, me being there won't make you hurt any less.
09:41Then he looked back at me.
09:43You have your own hands and feet. Stop blaming everything on me.
09:48Later, while the nurse stitched my arm. A wound this deep is definitely going to scar.
09:54It'll probably ache every time it rains. Then she glanced at me. The sympathy in her eyes almost broke me.
10:00You and your beast man don't seem right for each other. Maybe it's time to let go.
10:04The words hit me harder than I expected. Because she was saying something I'd been thinking for months.
10:09Something I never had the courage to admit. Maybe I could let go.
10:14Maybe Dorian and I didn't need to spend the rest of our lives tied together.
10:18And in that moment, something that had been wrapped around my chest for an entire year finally loosened.
10:24I could breathe again.
10:27My thoughts return to the present. Just as Dormian reaches for the door, I stop him.
10:33Dormian, he pauses. Do you really think being with me is that miserable?
10:38His body stiffens for a second.
10:42Then he turns around. The same mocking smile is still on his face.
10:46Of course.
10:47He leans against the door frame.
10:49But someone like you finally got lucky enough to end up with someone like me.
10:55His eyes sweep over me.
10:58Can you really bear to let that go?
11:03A cold laugh escapes him.
11:06I'm stuck with you for the rest of my life. There's no getting rid of a clingy human like you.
11:11I don't argue.
11:13The more convinced he is that I can't leave him, the better this will be.
11:17When I don't respond, his tail flips impatiently against the floor.
11:21What are you trying to say?
11:22I lower my gaze and pick at my fingernail, hiding the smile threatening to appear.
11:28I got you a gift.
11:31Dorian raises an eyebrow.
11:33A gift?
11:35In a few days, you'll find out.
11:37For the briefest moment, something flashes across his face.
11:40It almost looks like anticipation.
11:45Then it's gone.
11:46The mockery returns immediately.
11:49What is it this time?
11:51Another one of those cheap supplements even dogs wouldn't drink?
11:55I'll probably have to waste my time pouring it down the toilet.
11:59I look up at him.
12:00This time, I'm completely honest.
12:03No.
12:05It's the thing you want most.
12:07Freedom.
12:08Dorian doesn't know that yet.
12:11It better be.
12:12Then he slams the door shut behind him.
12:25Bianca shows up early the next morning.
12:28Dorian and I are going shopping today.
12:29She smiles sweetly.
12:31We have similar taste.
12:32It's easier to shop with someone who understands these things.
12:35Then she looked at me.
12:36Lucy?
12:37You're not upset, are you?
12:39There's a hint of expectation in her eyes.
12:41Normally, I would have been.
12:42For an entire year, it bothered me that Dorian never wanted to go anywhere with me,
12:46but always had time for Bianca.
12:48I cried over things like that.
12:50Not anymore.
12:52I don't mind.
12:53Dorian looked shocked.
12:56You're not mad?
12:57I shrug on my jacket.
12:59No.
13:00Go wherever you want.
13:01Bianca immediately hooks her arm through Dorian's.
13:04See?
13:05She's fine with it.
13:06Let's go.
13:06I watch them leave together.
13:08Surprisingly, I don't feel that familiar ache anymore.
13:11I just put on my shoes and head out myself.
13:14The shopping center is having a huge seasonal sale today.
13:16I need to buy supplies for the werewolf before he arrives.
13:20The mall is packed.
13:21Most of the shoppers are ordinary humans with ordinary beastmen.
13:24Families.
13:25Couples.
13:26Friends.
13:27The aisles are crowded, noisy, and full of laughter.
13:30Everyone looks happy.
13:32Without meaning to, I find myself smiling too.
13:34Maybe that's what my life will look like soon.
13:36Maybe having a new beastman will feel different.
13:38If I hadn't met Dorian that day, I probably would have had that life already.
13:42I won't have to listen to Dorian complain that cheap people should buy cheap things.
13:46I won't have to watch him sneer at places like this before walking away and leaving me standing there alone.
13:50I didn't have to bear his arrogance.
13:52Honestly, all I'd ever wanted was a warm relationship.
13:55It didn't have to look fancy.
13:56If it weren't Dorian, I probably would have had it a long time ago.
14:01Please.
14:05By the time I get home, the sky is dark.
14:08To my surprise, Dorian is already there.
14:11Usually she and Bianca don't come back until late at night.
14:14He's sitting on the couch with his arms crossed.
14:16The anger on his face is impossible to miss.
14:18Where were you?
14:19You didn't even make dinner.
14:21Living with you is miserable enough already.
14:24Now I can't even get a decent meal.
14:26You take terrible care of me.
14:28I take a sip of my iced coffee and set my shopping bags down.
14:32Oh, I assumed you'd eat at Bianca's place.
14:35Besides, I thought you didn't want my cooking.
14:38Dorian frowns.
14:39On your birthday, I spent an entire afternoon making dinner.
14:44You threw all of it in the trash.
14:47For the first time all evening, he has nothing to say.
14:52I focus on unpacking the things I bought for the werewolf.
14:55Chew toys.
14:56A grooming brush.
14:58Fish oil supplements.
15:00Basic necessities.
15:01At some point, Dormian appears behind me.
15:04I don't even notice until he picks up the brush.
15:06What is this?
15:07You planning to raise me like a dog?
15:09I don't use cheap products like this.
15:11And this fish oil isn't even premium grade.
15:14Whatever.
15:14Since you already bought them, I guess I can try them.
15:16They're not for you.
15:18Silence.
15:19Dorian's hand freezes around the brush.
15:22What?
15:23I turn to face him.
15:24That perfect face.
15:25The face I spent a year trying to please.
15:27I can't give a high-class beastman like you the life you deserve.
15:30My voice is calm.
15:32There's no self-pity in it.
15:33No insecurity.
15:34After all, those are just words he's repeated to me countless times over the past year.
15:38Now I'm simply giving them back.
15:40I've already filed a transfer request.
15:43His expression goes blank.
15:44For a second, it's like he doesn't understand what I mean.
15:47The color drains from his face.
15:50In two days, you'll never have to see me again.
15:58The clock ticked steadily between us.
16:01Dorian and I stared each other in silence.
16:05After a long moment, the tension in his brow eased.
16:09Bianca was right.
16:10About what?
16:11You saw how close she and I are, so now you're pretending to let go to make me come back
16:14to you?
16:15First the act, now this nonsense about replacing me.
16:17His expression turned confident.
16:19She said you're manipulative.
16:21Looks like she was right.
16:23You think threatening me will make me wag my tail like some cheap beastman?
16:26I didn't bother arguing.
16:27If that's what you want to believe, believe it.
16:30My calmness only seemed to irritate him more.
16:32A fluorescent heart was drawn around the 20th of next month.
16:36You just want the bond ceremony, don't you?
16:39You started asking what kind of ring I wanted six months ago.
16:42Hmm.
16:43You kept pushing for us to live together.
16:45If you want me, just say it.
16:47Using tricks like this is pathetic.
16:53Let me make this clear.
16:54Even if I bond with you, I'll keep seeing Bianca.
16:59If you want to get close to me, you'll need my permission first.
17:02And when we're outside, nobody is allowed to know we're together.
17:05He looked at me, annoyed, as though he had plenty more to say.
17:08But I had never felt calmer.
17:11No wonder they called you defective.
17:13I spoke slowly, making sure he heard every word.
17:16Buying you was the worst investment I ever made.
17:19Dorman's golden eyes widened.
17:21His fluffy white tail shot upright.
17:25The Beast Registry staff arrived exactly on time.
17:28Dorian's eyes locked on the wolf standing beside them.
17:30Caleb was tall.
17:32So tall I had to tilt my head to look at him.
17:34His fitted t-shirt stretched across broad shoulders and muscle.
17:36Sharp brows, slightly upturned eyes, and a scar near his tepel gave him a dangerous look.
17:40This was my first time meeting a predator-cleed Beastman.
17:42A black collar circled his neck, a leash attached to the front.
17:45Registry issued, for Beastmen without owners.
17:48Caleb looked at me.
17:49Then, to my surprise, he dropped to one knee so he would be lower than me.
17:53Master, my name is Caleb.
17:55From now on, all you have to do is hold the leash.
17:57He gently placed the other end into my hand.
18:00The moment I took it, he lowered his head and rubbed his cheek against the back of my hand.
18:05A soft, satisfied rumble came from his throat.
18:08For such a large and intimidating wolf, he surrendered himself completely.
18:12The staff member was Stella, the same woman who had helped me before.
18:15She grinned.
18:16Don't worry, I practically watched Caleb grow up.
18:18He's very well behaved.
18:20Unfortunately, the registry is being renovated, so Dorian's transfer won't be processed for another two weeks.
18:25Would it be possible to foster him until then?
18:27The registry will cover all expenses.
18:29As Stella folk, I felt Caleb's fluffy tail brush against my ankle, wagging with barely restrained excitement.
18:34I didn't answer immediately.
18:35Dorian had remained silent the entire time.
18:38Only when Caleb looked up and nuzzled my hand again, could Dorian finally speak.
18:43Pathetic mutt.
18:44Caleb lifted his head and glanced at him.
18:46There was no fear in that look, only a warning.
18:50A second later, he lowered his gaze again and settled beside my knees, curling his large frame into a compact
18:56ball.
18:57Master, he keeps glaring at me.
18:59I'm scared.
19:00Despite his words, the arms stretched protectively in front of my legs never moved.
19:04The last of my worries disappeared.
19:06Who said wolves were difficult?
19:08This was exactly the kind of beastmen I wanted.
19:10Loyal.
19:11Protective.
19:12Kind.
19:13Stella's smile vanished instantly.
19:15She pulled out her registry identification.
19:17Fox Beastman.
19:18Registration number 4561.
19:20Dorian, correct?
19:22The color drenned of Dorian's face?
19:24Yes.
19:25I am here on behalf of the beast registration to formally notify you that your owner has requested a transfer.
19:30We are extremely disappointed with your performance.
19:32Two weeks from now, you will be reclaimed by the registry.
19:35Please prepare yourself accordingly.
19:44After Stella left, Dormian immediately grabbed Caleb and yanked him away from my side.
19:49You pathetic mutt.
19:51What do you think you're doing?
19:52Having fun playing house?
19:54Caleb hit the floor hard.
19:55His hand struck the corner of the table.
19:57A red bruise immediately bloomed across his skin.
20:00He didn't fight back.
20:01He simply climbed to his feet and returned to my side.
20:04Looking up at me cautiously, my heart tightened.
20:08I pushed past Dormian and knelt beside Caleb.
20:14Are you okay?
20:15Lucy!
20:16I know what you're doing.
20:17You brought this mutt home to force me into bonding with you.
20:20Go withdraw the transfer request right now and send him back.
20:23Otherwise, I will never bond with you.
20:26I turned around.
20:27My patience had finally run out.
20:30Dorian.
20:32I'm only going to say this one more time.
20:35I don't want you anymore.
20:41Dorian stormed out.
20:43I stayed behind to treat Caleb's injured hand.
20:47The moment I reached for him, he turned his face away and kept inching backward.
20:52My heart sank.
20:54Are you having second thoughts?
20:56I didn't want another Dorian.
20:58Better to be honest now.
21:00If you stay with me, there won't be expensive supplements.
21:03My income is enough for ordinary things, nothing more.
21:05I work two jobs.
21:06In the summer, I come home sweaty.
21:09I'm not particularly pretty, either.
21:11If you're disappointed, I can take you back.
21:14I forced a smile and quietly wiped my damp palms against my clothes.
21:18Caleb finally looked at me.
21:20His gray eyes were shining.
21:23I'm sorry.
21:23My stomach dropped.
21:25So it was true.
21:28My stomach dropped.
21:30So it was true.
21:32I'm sorry.
21:33I'm just...
21:33too happy.
21:34I was so happy about staying with you that I couldn't control my expression.
21:38I was afraid I looked ridiculous so I didn't dare look at you.
21:42I thought I was going to the fighting pits.
21:44Then suddenly they told me someone wanted me.
21:47At night, I held your podo and kept staring at it.
21:50I couldn't believe it.
21:51Someone actually chose me.
21:53I was afraid I was dreaming.
21:55I've never been happier in my life.
21:57I think you're beautiful.
21:58I'm not embarrassed.
22:00I'm so happy I could cry.
22:01Oh.
22:02He was such an idiot.
22:04He was already crying.
22:06Could someone really be happy simply because they had me?
22:09I reached for his hand.
22:10His palm was damp with nervous sweat.
22:12Hot.
22:13Real.
22:14Not a dream.
22:16Don't call me Master anymore.
22:18Call me Lucy.
22:19He froze.
22:20Then he carefully pressed my hand against his cheek and nodded hard.
22:25Lucy.
22:30Dorian came back with Bianca the moment he entered.
22:33He started noisily packing his things.
22:35Bianca stood in the doorway, looking around with obvious disdain.
22:39Lucy, you've been working all these years and this is all you could afford?
22:42Have you ever considered that maybe you just don't work hard enough?
22:45Dorian told me you want to replace him.
22:47You really don't know how lucky you are.
22:49If I had a beast man like him, I'd do anything to keep him.
22:53What would a low-class human know about quality?
22:56You replaced me with some mutt?
22:58This whole place reeks now.
23:00There were only two days left.
23:02I wasn't interested in arguing.
23:04Instead, I continued brushing Caleb's tail.
23:07The registry had barely taken care of him while he sat unsold.
23:10His fur was tangled in several places.
23:13Caleb naturally settled at my feet, resting his head on my knee to make my job easier.
23:18Whenever strangers were around, he always stayed close to me like this.
23:21Bianca and Dorian continued criticizing me.
23:24Then Caleb suddenly spoke.
23:26Foxes smell worse.
23:28What did you say?
23:32What did you say?
23:34Caleb rose to his feet and stepped in front of me.
23:36I said you're a smelly fox.
23:38You have an owner and still spend your time chasing after other people.
23:42No loyalty.
23:43No shame.
23:44If you didn't hear me the first time, I can repeat it ten more times.
23:47For someone so timid, Caleb's words were unexpectedly sharp.
23:50He defending me, a warm feeling spread quietly through my chest.
23:54Lucy, if you dislike Dorian this much, then you won't mind him staying at my place instead?
23:59I don't mind.
24:01Lucy, you've wanted to get rid of me for a long time, haven't you?
24:04The shirt he'd thrown cost over a thousand dollars.
24:06I was still wearing clearance sale sweatshirts.
24:09Dorian, weren't you the one who wanted to leave me?
24:12That's right.
24:13I want to leave you, not the other way around.
24:16I wouldn't spend another minute in this dump.
24:19Don't worry, Dorian.
24:20Come home with me.
24:22I'll give you the best of everything.
24:24But Dorian didn't answer.
24:25The only sound in the room was his tail thumping against the floor.
24:28After a long silence, he took two steps forward, then stopped, then looked back at me.
24:32I lowered my head and pretended not to notice.
24:34Diane?
24:38I don't want to stay here, but the registry assigned me to Lucy's house until the transfer is complete.
24:43I'd rather not violate regulations.
24:46Bianca, come find me after I'm officially listed for reassignment.
24:49Caleb watched Dorian's ridge back for a moment,
24:53before leaning close votes to my ear.
24:58Lucy, let's go back to the bedroom.
25:00It's getting late, time to sleep.
25:03His warm breath brushed against my ear,
25:06making my skin heat unexpectedly.
25:08They were perfectly innocent words.
25:11Yet somehow, they didn't sound innocent at all.
25:16You're sleeping together?
25:17Caleb draped an arm over my shoulder,
25:19easily pulling me against his broad chest.
25:21The gesture looked natural, almost possessive.
25:24He blinked innocently.
25:25Of course.
25:26A beastman sleeping beside his owner is completely normal, isn't it?
25:30Mr. X.
25:35I fluffed up the new bedding and spread it neatly across the floor.
25:39Sorry about this.
25:41Once Dorian leaves, I'll clean out the other room for you.
25:44At least it's warm now.
25:46You won't get cold sleeping down here.
25:48Besides, you're a wolf, so I guess...
25:50Caleb was standing by the door, fiddling with his fingers.
25:53His ears drooped.
25:55What's wrong?
25:56You don't want to sleep on the floor?
25:58Then you can take the bed.
26:01I'll sleep down here.
26:04His tail sank lower.
26:07His grey eyes shimmered.
26:12Did I do something wrong?
26:14Caleb suddenly dropped to his knees.
26:16The small room felt even smaller with his large frame inside it.
26:18Under the warm light, his usually intimidating face looked expectedly helpless.
26:22He shuffled forward on his knees and wrapped his arms around my legs.
26:25Tears streamed down his cheeks.
26:26Master, if I did something wrong, I'll fix it.
26:30Please don't make me sleep alone.
26:33I learned how to take care of humans at the registry.
26:37Heat rushed to my face.
26:39Was he crying because we weren't sharing a bed?
26:42I instinctively reached out to wipe away his tears.
26:46Caleb leaned into my touch, rubbing his cheek against my palm.
26:51Can I?
26:53I... I just thought...
26:55We barely know each other.
26:57I didn't know if he'd want that.
26:59I stumbled backward and sat down on the bed.
27:01I could feel the heat of his hand against my leg.
27:04Caleb moved closer, kneeling beside the bed.
27:07His tears hadn't stopped, but there was a quiet determination in his gaze.
27:12Please...
27:12Just give me a chance.
27:14My thoughts were a mess.
27:17In the end, all I could do was nod.
27:33I drifted in and out of consciousness, only faintly aware that it had started raining outside.
27:38No wonder the room felt so hot and heavy, so damp.
27:42I reached out, trying to turn off the light, but he pulled me back.
27:46My voice came out horrors.
27:50I think someone's knocking.
27:53There's someone outside.
27:55Let's stop for a second.
27:57Even now, you're still thinking about him?
28:00You still like him more, don't you?
28:04I don't.
28:07I don't.
28:10Then who do you like more?
28:19I like you, I like you, okay?
28:33The next morning, I was sore all over when I got dressed.
28:37Honestly, I thought to myself, he's really just like a dog.
28:41Lucy, you smell so good.
28:43No, that's not it.
28:44The next morning, I was sore all over when I got dressed.
28:47Honestly, I thought to myself, he's really just like a dog.
28:51Lucy, you smell so good.
28:53No, that's not it.
28:54You smell sweet.
28:55Can we sleep together again tonight?
28:57Cut it out, I can barely walk.
28:59The words died in my throat the moment I saw Dorian.
29:01The leather armhast beneath his hand was wrinkled because he'd been gripping it so tightly.
29:04His eyes were dark with anger.
29:06The way he was staring at me sent a chill down my spine.
29:08Lucy, have you no shame?
29:14Fox, if I hear you say one more thing against Lucy, I'll tear your throat out.
29:18You can try, I'm not exactly fond of you either.
29:21The room instantly filled with tension.
29:23The two male shifters felt ready to fight.
29:28He's not worth it.
29:29He'll be gone soon anyway.
29:33He was being so mean, Lucy.
29:35He scared me.
29:36I rubbed one of his ears.
29:38It was surprisingly soft.
29:40That's just how he is.
29:41Just ignore him.
29:42Come on, let's go buy you some pajamas.
29:46Darian's body swayed slightly, his arched back slowly relaxing.
29:50He stood rigidly blocking the doorway.
29:53Lucy, don't choose him.
29:54You like me, don't you?
29:56Anything he can do for you, I can do too.
29:58Send him back now, and I'll pretend none of this ever happened.
30:01Behind me, Caleb's body tensed instantly.
30:03I fell silent for a moment, then shifted the topic entirely.
30:07You know, I grew up in an orphanage.
30:10So what?
30:11So I'm very good at reading people's moods.
30:14When you first came, I could tell you were happy, content.
30:19Later, I could feel it change into irritation, and disgust.
30:23I tried to please you.
30:25I did a lot.
30:26But you always hated you.
30:28You thought I was lowly, thought I didn't deserve you.
30:31Those things were all real.
30:33So I made the decision to transfer ownership.
30:36I thought you would be happy and looking forward to it.
30:39But why do I feel like you're jealous?
30:40And angry?
30:42Dorian, can you tell me why?
30:45Clouds covered the sunlight, and the room fell dim, making his expression hard to read.
30:49His fingertips turned pale, probably from the cold.
30:53For a long time, Dorian said nothing.
30:57I felt it was a waste of time.
30:59So I took Caleb's hand and walked past him.
31:02Dorian grabbed my other wrist.
31:04I turned back.
31:05His perfect face had cracked for the first time, like a porcelain doll breaking.
31:10Lucy, if I say now that I like you, is it already too late?
31:17This was ridiculous.
31:18It wasn't until Caleb had nearly beat Doris unconscious that I finally snapped out of my shock.
31:23Stop!
31:24If he dies, you'll go to prison!
31:26Caleb finally backed off, breathing hard.
31:28His knuckles were covered in blood.
31:29You shameless bastard!
31:31How dare you tell my master you love her!
31:33Homewrecker!
31:34If I see you again, I'll beat you again!
31:37Dorian struggled to prop himself up.
31:39He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with his hand.
31:43I was here first.
31:45You're the homewrecker.
31:47Caleb let out a furious roll and kicked him again.
31:50This time, Dorian didn't move.
31:52Alarmed, I hurried over.
31:53Dorian grinted his teeth in pain, but his eyes were full of hope.
31:57You still care about me, don't you?
31:59After making sure he wasn't in any real danger, I finally relaxed.
32:03I'm worried you'll die.
32:04Then Caleb be put down.
32:07Darren grabbed my wrist.
32:08There was desperation in his voice.
32:10I don't need to go to the hospital.
32:12Lucy, you heard me, didn't you?
32:14I really do love you.
32:15You wanted to bond with me, didn't you?
32:17We were supposed to pick out our rings together.
32:20We can do it now.
32:21Okay?
32:22Dromian.
32:24I gently pulled my hand away.
32:26Bianca already promised she'd buy you.
32:28You won't be sent to a red light district.
32:30So you don't have to force yourself because you're scared.
32:33You don't have to pretend to like me.
32:35No. No, that's not it.
32:37Dorian looked more helpless than I'd ever seen him.
32:40I really do love you.
32:41I'm not pretending.
32:43I've loved you since the day we met.
32:45You're nice.
32:47You work harder than anyone.
32:48How could I not fall for you?
32:50My first reaction was almost laughter.
32:52After everything he'd done,
32:54how could he possibly call that love?
32:56So that's how you treat someone you love?
32:58By calling her disgusting?
33:00Call her a low class?
33:01Tell her to stay away?
33:02And you hurt her?
33:03Blame her all the time?
33:04The color drained further from Dorian's face with every question.
33:08Dorian.
33:09I don't want that kind of love.
33:11And honestly, I don't believe you love me at all.
33:14Stop lying to yourself.
33:16I took Caleb's hand and walked out.
33:20I took Caleb straight to the hospital.
33:22The nurse turned out to be the same one from before.
33:25She looked at Caleb with obvious disdain.
33:28So this is your shifter?
33:30The one who got you hurt three times in a single month?
33:32And who never once bothered to come with you to the hospital.
33:34Now you're the one bringing him in.
33:36Isn't that something?
33:37No, you've got the wrong person.
33:39This is my new shifter.
33:40I'm sorry.
33:41Last time I had a hypoglyphremic attack, Lucy threw herself underneath me so I wouldn't hit the ground.
33:47She's such a good person.
33:48I thought you were the one making her suffer.
33:50Lucy.
33:52I felt for you.
33:53I've always been the type to move on quickly.
33:55When Dorian treated me badly, I assumed I simply wasn't good enough for him.
34:00So I worked harder.
34:01Of course I was hurt.
34:03But I learned to swallow those feelings.
34:05To grind them down and turn them into something that made me stronger.
34:08I thought nothing could affect me anymore.
34:11Not other people's contempt.
34:13Not the wounds left by my own sister.
34:17But then Caleb said he felt sorry for me.
34:19Sorry for my injuries.
34:21Sorry for how hard I worked.
34:23And he kept telling me that I was his favorite in the world.
34:25He saw me.
34:26Really saw me.
34:27Something warm and aching welled up inside my chest.
34:30Rising so fast it threatened to spill out through my eyes.
34:33Let's do the treatment first.
34:36Only that I realized that I could have a happy ending.
34:40The only family I had ever known took everything from me.
34:43Then Dorian came along.
34:45The person I'd waited so long for.
34:47And he never loved me at all.
34:51Maybe all those hardships had led me here.
34:54So that, in the end, Caleb could find his way to me.
35:00For the next few weeks, Caleb and I came to an agreement.
35:04We simply ignored Dorian.
35:06Caleb found a job.
35:08I've got hands and I'm a grown man.
35:10I can't let you alone support me forever.
35:12If we both work, our lives will only get better.
35:15Then I realized that life can be built by us too.
35:18Dorian sat on the couch every day.
35:20He watched us leave for work and come back home.
35:23The night before he was due to leave, he stopped me.
35:26Lucy, I wait for you at home every day.
35:28But you won't even look at me.
35:31Lucy, I really know I was wrong.
35:33But everyone makes mistakes.
35:35Why can't you forgive me just once?
35:38I don't blame you.
35:40I understand.
35:41You're a high-end shifter, I'm a low human.
35:43The fact that I was able to buy you in the first place was already an incredible stroke of luck.
35:47So if you weren't happy with your life, or with me, I understand.
35:52Then you've forgiven me?
35:54I'll treat you right this time.
35:56Tomorrow we'll take that mutt back and-
35:57No.
35:59Caleb isn't going anywhere.
36:01I think you're confusing fear with love.
36:04You're just afraid of the red light district.
36:07That's all this is.
36:09Once the reassignment is complete, everything will go back to normal.
36:13No!
36:14No, that's not it!
36:16Lucy, what do I have to do to make you believe me?
36:20I really do love you.
36:23Watching him fall apart, I suddenly remembered the person I used to be.
36:26The girl who had begged for his love.
36:28The girl who had lived for every scrap of his approval.
36:31Looking back on it now, it really was pathetic.
36:34No wonder Dorian had always looked down on me.
36:36I realized a long time ago that I'd fallen for you, but I couldn't accept it.
36:40You're just a low human.
36:41My pride wouldn't let me.
36:42So I insulted you.
36:43I said things I didn't mean.
36:44It was easier to convince myself I was being forced into it.
36:47Easier than admitting I'd chosen someone beneath me.
36:50I liked how much you tried to love me.
36:51Every time you tried harder, I felt better.
36:53I got to stay on top.
36:54I got to keep pretending I was still that admired, high-ranked shifter.
36:59But I forgot something.
37:01I'm not that shifter anymore.
37:03I'm just a defective nobody.
37:05A reject.
37:07The only reason I ever felt valuable...
37:10was because you loved me.
37:12Tears slipped through his fingers and splashed onto the pavement.
37:16Now I truly understand.
37:18Dorian had never been able to accept that he'd fallen for a low human.
37:23He'd needed my devotion to reassure himself.
37:25To convince himself that loving me wasn't a choice.
37:28Lucy? What's wrong?
37:32Nothing. I'm fine.
37:37Dormian.
37:40We're really over.
37:42This time it's for good.
37:50When Stella arrived, she was all smiles.
37:54Lucy, Caleb's been a good boy, hasn't he?
37:59Of course I have.
38:02Then he looked at me expectantly.
38:04Right, Lucy?
38:06Yeah, most of the time.
38:09Most of the time?
38:10I've been good all the time.
38:13For someone so tall and intimidating, he was unexpectedly adorable.
38:18Stella handed me the transfer confirmation forms the day I bought Dorian.
38:22We'd been sitting side by side.
38:24His nose had been pink from crying, tears and happiness mixed together in his eyes.
38:29He'd looked so cute that I'd found myself staring.
38:33Sorry.
38:34I'll make myself look better.
38:36You already look good.
38:38How?
38:40That was one of the few times I'd ever seen him smile.
38:43I remembered it clearly.
38:45When he smiled, he would curve his lips.
38:48His slightly longer fang on the left side would show.
38:51I shook my head, as if I could shake the memory away with it.
38:55He wasn't that person anymore.
38:57Inside the bedroom, Dorian lay staring blankly at the ceiling.
39:01Come with me right now.
39:05I used to think this bed was uncomfortable.
39:08Funny.
39:09Now it feels pretty comfortable.
39:11He pushed himself up and followed Stella outside.
39:14He walked slowly.
39:15But neither Caleb nor I looked at him again.
39:18I saw a video where someone trimmed their shifter's ear fur into little round puffs.
39:22It looked adorable, I want to try it.
39:24But fair warning, if I mess it up, don't get mad.
39:27As long as you're the one doing it, I'll love it.
39:33The front door closed.
39:35Dorian was gone.
39:39Much later, I heard from Stella what had happened to Dorian.
39:43Bianca never bought him?
39:44She found out he couldn't have children, so she threw a huge fit at the agency.
39:49A defective acted like he's too good for everyone was how she put it.
39:53I was stunned.
39:54I didn't know Bianca never knew about Dorian's condition.
39:57What happened to Dorian?
39:59Had he been sent to the red light district after all?
40:03Stella hesitated.
40:04Well, he got sick.
40:06Depression.
40:07It got so bad he could barely talk to people.
40:09The agency was preparing to retire him.
40:12But these days, he's working at an orphanage.
40:14He seems calm around the children.
40:17After I hung up, I sat there for a long time.
40:21Caleb wrapped his arms around me.
40:23Are you worried about him?
40:26If you're really worried, we could always bring him back.
40:28I wouldn't mind.
40:29He said he wouldn't mind, but his arms were crushing my waist.
40:33When are you going to be honest about your feelings?
40:36I am honest.
40:37Caleb was so good in almost every way.
40:39The only problem was that he was always trying to please me.
40:42Sometimes I worried that if I ever did something terrible, he'd clean up the mess for me instead of stopping
40:47me.
40:48I wanted him to relax, to express his true feelings.
40:51I pinched his cheek harder, hoping he'd finally learn to stop me.
40:55But even after his face turned red, he didn't resist.
40:58He just looked at me with bright, happy eyes.
41:02I sighed in defeat.
41:04Why don't you ever tell me no?
41:06You can say no, you know.
41:08You pinched me, but not anyone else.
41:10That means you like me.
41:12I'm happy about it.
41:13So it doesn't hurt.
41:15I didn't know how to react.
41:17You really are.
41:18How could you be so...
41:21adorable.
41:23The atmosphere changed.
41:25The air suddenly felt heated.
41:27His tail wouldn't stop wagging.
41:29I tried to run.
41:31Unfortunately, he'd already caught my ankle.
41:35Our child would be even cuter than I am.
41:38Want to find out?
41:39No, it's the middle of the day.
41:42You told me I need to learn how to say no to you.
41:44So I'm saying no to your no.
41:46That is not what I meant.
41:48I...
41:51Stop kissing me.
41:53Fortunately, I've always been good at looking on the bright side.
41:55Maybe this was Caleb's first step towards learning how to be in a relationship.
42:01Stella used to be my supervisor.
42:04Later, she went to reception.
42:06Nobody ever wanted me.
42:08So she was always worried about me.
42:11The day before, I was sent to the fighting pits.
42:14She came running over.
42:15She was vibrating with excitement.
42:18Caleb, someone wants you.
42:21Someone wanted me?
42:23She's an incredibly sweet girl.
42:27Her previous shifter was Dorian.
42:32I knew who Dorian was.
42:34Everybody did.
42:35He'd been the pride of the agency.
42:37Then they found out he was defective.
42:39And suddenly, nobody wanted him anymore.
42:41I'd heard a low human had saved him.
42:43I paused.
42:45Such a nice person.
42:47And Dorian didn't love her?
42:48Stella told me not to act like a wolf.
42:51Be a cat.
42:52Be a tiger.
42:53Be a little puppy caught in the rain.
42:55I love you.
42:57I like you.
42:58You're wonderful.
42:59I want to build a family with you.
43:01Then she grabbed my shoulders and told me.
43:03Don't let her go.
43:04She's a really good person.
43:06Turns out Stella undersold her.
43:08Lucy isn't just a good person.
43:10She's adorable.
43:12She's got big round eyes like grapes.
43:14Her nose was tiny.
43:15Her mouth was tiny.
43:17And her whole face was tiny.
43:18She's so cute that sometimes I want to swallow her whole and hide her where nobody else can see her.
43:23Even her name is beautiful.
43:24Lucy.
43:25Lucy sounds like moonlight.
43:27Maybe that means our future will be bright too.
43:29We sleep together now.
43:30She smells so good.
43:32She's so sweet.
43:34Lucy cried at the hospital.
43:35She thought I didn't notice.
43:37Why was she crying?
43:39Did I do something wrong?
43:40I need to love her even more.
43:42That's stinky fox Dorian.
43:44Troublemaker.
43:45Homewrecker.
43:46I got off work five minutes late.
43:48And he used those five minutes to corner my Lucy outside the apartment.
43:52Too bad.
43:52One day, seriously, I'm going to bite him.
43:55Yay!
43:55Dorian's gone.
43:56Lucy says I need to learn how to tell people no.
43:59In fact, I do say no.
44:00But never to her.
44:02She's my treasure.
44:03Besides, she has no idea how cute she is when she's asking for something.
44:07Her eyes sparkle.
44:09Her little hands rest on me all soft and warm.
44:11Nope.
44:12Can't think about that anymore.
44:14Now I want to nibble on her again.
44:15I have a baby now.
44:17And Lucy and I bonded early too.
44:19Everything's good.
44:20Dorian doesn't stand a chance anymore.
44:22We had a daughter.
44:23She looks just like Lucy.
44:25Lucy keeps telling me to stop crying because it's bad for my eyes.
44:29But I can't.
44:31I'm so happy.
44:33And I hope you're happy, too.
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