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Transcript
00:00My fox shifter scratched me again.
00:02I went to the clinic alone.
00:04This cut is deep.
00:05It will definitely leave a scar.
00:08I bought my shifter to love him.
00:12He spent a whole year hating me instead.
00:15So today, I'm trading him in.
00:17She mutters that no properly trained beast man should be hurting their owner like this
00:21and asks if mine ever went through socialization training.
00:24He did.
00:26In fact, he graduated at the top of his class.
00:30My phone vibrates.
00:32Dorian.
00:33I already know what the messages say before I open them.
00:36It's just a scratch.
00:37Did you really need to go to the hospital?
00:39Come home and cook.
00:40I'm hungry.
00:41I've never been full since living with you.
00:44You take terrible care of me.
00:45I've spent an entire year waiting for him to change.
00:47Waiting 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.
01:01That gets her attention immediately.
01:04You've been registered with him for almost a year.
01:07You'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.
01:16About rings.
01:17About our future.
01:19He would only curl his lip and asked if I honestly thought I was worthy of him.
01:23He doesn't like me.
01:25Honestly, I think he hates me.
01:27It's been a year and that hasn't changed.
01:29A trained beast man is supposed to love their owner wholeheartedly.
01:33Problems like that shouldn't happen.
01:35But they do.
01:36And that's why I want a new one.
01:38She leads me through the available files.
01:40Foxes.
01:41Leopards.
01:42A few others.
01:43They're all attractive.
01:44Though none quite match Dorian's pedigree.
01:47I'd prefer a canine.
01:48I've heard they're usually more affectionate toward humans.
01:50No canines are currently available.
01:53Photograph slips from her folded and lands on the floor.
01:55I bend down to pick it up.
01:56The man in the picture has cold gray eyes with vertical pupils.
02:00A wolf.
02:01A werewolf.
02:02Honestly, he's the most obedient beast man we have.
02:05Then why is he still here?
02:06People are afraid of werewolves.
02:08The owner thinks keeping him is a financial loss.
02:10If nobody takes him today, he'll be sold to a fighting arena.
02:13He was raised to be gentle.
02:14An arena would be hell for him.
02:16But nobody wants him.
02:17I've heard what happens in those places.
02:19They tear beast men apart piece by piece.
02:22My eyes settle on the wolf's face.
02:24His gaze doesn't look gentle.
02:26It looks restrained.
02:28Like he's waiting.
02:29Waiting for one chance.
02:31Is he really obedient?
02:34Absolutely.
02:36I look at the photo one last time.
02:39I'll take him.
02:44The staff tells me the werewolf will arrive in three days.
02:47I carefully tuck the transfer agreement into my bag.
02:50On 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
02:59unreal, beautiful, perfect, like a piece of artwork.
03:02Bianca lives next door.
03:04She's a high-born human.
03:05Smart, 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.
03:19Now, I simply slow my pace.
03:22Bianca 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,
03:36you should really 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?
03:45I glance down at my t-shirt and jeans, then at her elegant dress.
03:49I think I look fine.
03:52Darian doesn't even look at me.
03:53She wouldn't look good even if she tried.
03:58Honestly, 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.
04:07Dorian, 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.
04:18Being bought by Lucy is the unluckiest thing that's ever happened to me.
04:21A year ago, that sentence would have ruined my entire night.
04:24I would have gone home wondering what I did wrong.
04:27Wondering how to make him like me.
04:29Wondering how to be better.
04:30Now, I only have one thought.
04:33Two more days.
04:34And none of this will be my problem anymore.
04:39The truth is, Dorian wasn't always like this.
04:43Back when I couldn't afford the expensive supplements a top-teal beastman was supposed to have,
04:48He never complained.
04:50Back when the cheap clothes I bought irritated his sensitive skin, he still smiled and told me,
04:56Meeting 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.
05:12Dorian immediately crouched down to help my pick them up.
05:16At that exact moment, a luxury car pulled over.
05:19The red fox stepped out and planted his foot directly on Dorian's hand.
05:24Dorian flinched.
05:25The fox smiled.
05:27Well, if it isn't Dorian, the most popular beastman of his generation.
05:30His eyes slid toward me.
05:32Then he laughed.
05:34How did someone like you end up with such an ugly, low-born human?
05:40Then again, I suppose it fits.
05:42A defective beastman and a low-born human.
05:45Perfect match.
05:46That night, Dorian locked himself in his room.
05:49I sat outside the door until sunrise.
05:53The ranking system was stupid.
05:55I told him the registry was wrong for labeling him defective.
05:59None of that determined his worth.
06:02And I meant every word.
06:04Hours later, the door finally opened.
06:07His eyes were red and swollen.
06:09He stared at me for a long moment before speaking.
06:13You've never been at the top.
06:15Of course you'd think being trash isn't that bad.
06:20That was the first time I realized something.
06:23Dorian had never truly seen us as equals.
06:27Not even once.
06:28Later, he met Bianca.
06:30Bianca had everything I didn't.
06:33Status.
06:33Money.
06:34Money.
06:35Connections.
06:35The ability to give Dorian the life he thought he deserved.
06:39The two of them grew closer every day.
06:42Sometimes I'd see them talking on the porch.
06:44Sometimes she'd lean against him.
06:47Sometimes he'd let her.
06:50I only brought it up once.
06:52Just once.
06:53You're my registered beast man.
06:56Could you maybe keep a little distance from Bianca?
06:59Dorian looked down at me.
07:00His eyes were cold.
07:02Worse than cold.
07:04They 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.
07:23There 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.
07:31Someone who calls being rescued, taking advantage, was never going to remember the truth.
07:37In this era, male beast men have taken over humanity's role in reproduction.
07:42Before everything went wrong, Dorian was considered one of the finest beast men on the market.
07:47At auction, he sold for an astronomical price.
07:50Then they discovered he was infertile.
07:52Everything changed overnight.
07:53A beast man who couldn't fulfill his intended function was suddenly worthless.
07:58Even after his price dropped to $500,000, nobody wanted him.
08:02To people looking for offspring, he was just defective merchandise.
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 beast man of my own.
08:18Dorian broke free from his handlers.
08:20Then he dropped to his knees in front of me.
08:23Please.
08:25Please save me.
08:27I'll be good to you.
08:28I'll be your family.
08:29I don't want to die.
08:31I grew up in an orphanage.
08:33I know what it feels like to be unwanted.
08:36I know what it's like when nobody chooses you.
08:39So I didn't walk away.
08:40I emptied my savings.
08:42Took out a small loan.
08:44Spent everything I had.
08:45And I bought him.
08:47Not because I acted on impulse.
08:49Not because I felt sorry for him.
08:51I knew exactly what I was doing.
08:53I simply chose to do it.
08:56Afterward, I never brought it up again.
08:58I 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.
09:05The day he said that, we ended up arguing.
09:09At some point, my hand brushed against his.
09:13The reaction was immediate, hard.
09:15My arm slammed into the sharp corner of a table.
09:18The wound split open so deeply I could see bone.
09:21For a moment, Dormian froze.
09:24Then he looked away.
09:25If you hadn't been touching me, you wouldn't have gotten hurt.
09:28This is your own fault.
09:31He didn't even offer to take me to the hospital.
09:34I'm going shopping with Bianca.
09:37Besides, 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.
09:45Stop blaming everything on me.
09:48Later, while the nurse stitched my arm.
09:50A wound this deep is definitely going to scar.
09:54It'll probably ache every time it rains.
09:56Then she glanced at me.
09:57The sympathy in her eyes almost broke me.
10:00You and your beast man don't seem right for each other.
10:02Maybe it's time to let go.
10:04The words hit me harder than I expected.
10:06Because she was saying something I'd been thinking for months.
10:09Something I never had the courage to admit.
10:11Maybe I could let go.
10:14Maybe Dorian and I didn't need to spend the rest of our lives tied together.
10:17And 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.
10:29Just as Dormian reaches for the door, I stop him.
10:33Dormian, he pauses.
10:35Do you really think being with me is that miserable?
10:38His body stiffens for a second.
10:42Then he turns around.
10:43The same mocking smile is still on his face.
10:46Of course.
10:47He leans against the doorframe.
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.
11:05I'm stuck with you for the rest of my life.
11:08There'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.
11:30Dorian raises an eyebrow.
11:33A gift?
11:35A 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.
11:44Then it's gone.
11:46The mockery returns immediately.
11:49What is it?
11:50What 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.
11:58I look up at him.
12:00This time, I'm completely honest.
12:02No.
12:05It's the thing you want most.
12:07Freedom.
12:08Dorian doesn't know that yet.
12:10It better be.
12:12It better be.
12:12Then he slams the door shut behind him.
12:25Bianca shows up early the next morning.
12:27Dorian 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.
12:37Lucy, you're not upset, are you?
12:38There'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.
12:55You're not mad?
12:57I shrug on my jacket.
12:59No, go 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.
13:19The 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.
13:39If 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.
14:04By the time I get home, the sky is dark.
14:08To my surprise, Dorian is already there.
14:11Usually he and Bianca don't come back until late at night.
14:13He'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.
14:37Dorian 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.
15:13Whatever.
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.
15:31There'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.
15:42His 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 stare at 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.
16:22You 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.
16:29My 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.
16:43You 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.
17:01And when we're outside, nobody is allowed to know we're together.
17:04He looked at me, annoyed, as though he had plenty more to say.
17:08But I had never felt calmer.
17:10No 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.
17:18Dorman's golden eyes widened.
17:20His fluffy white tail shot upright.
17:24The Beast Registry staff arrived exactly on time.
17:28Dorian's eyes locked on the wolf standing beside them.
17:30Caleb was tall, so 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.
17:52Master, 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.
18:19Unfortunately, the registry is being renovated,
18:22so 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,
18:32wagging with barely restrained excitement.
18:33I didn't answer immediately.
18:35Dorian had remained silent the entire time.
18:38Only when Caleb looked up and nuzzled my hand again,
18:41could 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,
18:54curling his large frame into a compact ball.
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?
19:07This 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
19:29a 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, Dorian immediately grabbed Caleb and yanked him away from my side.
19:49You pathetic mutt.
19:50What 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.
20:34I 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.
20:51My heart sank.
20:54Are you having second thoughts?
20:56I didn't want another Dorian.
20:58Better to be honest now.
20:59If you stay with me, there won't be expensive supplements.
21:02My income is enough for ordinary things.
21:04Nothing 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.
21:22I'm sorry.
21:23My stomach dropped.
21:25So it was true.
21:28My stomach dropped.
21:30So it was true.
21:31I'm sorry.
21:32I'm just too 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.
21:41I thought I was going to the fighting pits.
21:43Then 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.
21:54I'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, he was such an idiot.
22:04He was already crying.
22:05Could someone really be happy simply because they had me?
22:08I 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.
22:31The moment he entered, he started noisily packing his things.
22:35Bianca stood in the doorway, looking around with obvious disdain.
22:38Lucy, 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.
23:17Whenever 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?
23:31What 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, no 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?
23:51A 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?
23:58I don't mind.
24:01Lucy, you've wanted to get rid of me for a long time, haven't you?
24:03The 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.
24:18Don't worry, Dorian.
24:20Come home with me.
24:21I'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.
24:45Bianca, come find me after I'm officially listed for reassignment.
24:49Caleb watched Dorian's ridge back for a moment,
24:53before leaning close boats to my ear.
24:58Lucy, let's go back to the bedroom.
25:00It's getting late.
25:02Time to sleep.
25:03His warm breath brushed against my ear, making 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, easily 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 gray eyes shimmered.
26:12Did I do something wrong?
26:14Caleb suddenly dropped to his knees.
26:15The 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 just thought we barely know each other.
26:57I didn't know if you'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, just 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.
27:45My voice came out whores.
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?
27:59You still like him more, don't you?
28:04I don't.
28:06I don't.
28:09Then 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.
28:58The 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?
29:13Fox, 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.
29:22The two male shifters felt ready to fight.
29:27He'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.
30:04I fell silent for a moment, then shifted the topic entirely.
30:07You know, I grew up in an orphanage.
30:09So 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, but 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.
30:38But why do I feel like you're jealous and angry?
30:42Dorian, can you tell me why?
30:44Clouds 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, so I took Caleb's hand and walked past him.
31:02Dorian grabbed my other wrist.
31:03I turned back.
31:04His 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!
31:25Caleb 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.
31:44You're the homewrecker.
31:47Caleb let out a furious roll and kicked him again.
31:50This time, Dorian didn't move.
31:51Alarmed, I hurried over.
31:53Dorian gritted his teeth in pain, but his eyes were full of hope.
31:56You 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, then Caleb be put down.
32:06Dorian grabbed my wrist. There was desperation in his voice.
32:10I don't need to go to the hospital. Lucy, you heard me, didn't you?
32:13I really do love you. You wanted to bond with me, didn't you?
32:17We were supposed to pick out our rings together. We can do it now, okay?
32:22Dromian, I gently pulled my hand away.
32:26Bianca already promised she'd buy you. You 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. I'm not pretending. I've loved you since the day we met.
32:45You're nice. You work harder than anyone. How could I not fall for you?
32:50My first reaction was almost laughter. After everything he'd done,
32:54how could he possibly call that love? So that's how you treat someone you love?
32:58By calling her disgusting? Call her a low class? Tell her to stay away?
33:02And you hurt her? Blame her all the time?
33:04The color drained further from Dorian's face with every question.
33:08Dorian, I don't want that kind of love. And honestly, I don't believe you love me at all.
33:14Stop lying to yourself. I took Caleb's hand and walked out.
33:20I took Caleb straight to the hospital. The nurse turned out to be the same one from before.
33:25She looked at Caleb with obvious disdain.
33:28So this is your shifter? The one who got you hurt three times in a single month?
33:32And who never once bothered to come with you to the hospital. Now you're the one bringing him in.
33:35Isn't that something?
33:37No, you've got the wrong person. This is my new shifter. I'm sorry. Last time I had a hypoglyphremic attack,
33:43Lucy threw herself underneath me so I wouldn't hit the ground. She's such a good person. I thought you were
33:49the one making her suffer.
33:50Lucy, I felt for you.
33:53I've always been the type to move on quickly. When Dorian treated me badly, I assumed I simply wasn't good
33:59enough for him.
34:00So I worked harder. Of course I was hurt. But I learned to swallow those feelings.
34:05To grind them down and turn them into something that made me stronger. I thought nothing could affect me anymore.
34:11Not other people's contempt. Not the wounds left by my own sister.
34:17But then Caleb said he felt sorry for me. Sorry for my injuries. Sorry for how hard I worked.
34:22And he kept telling me that I was his favorite in the world. He saw me. Really saw me.
34:27Something warm and aching welled up inside my chest, rising so fast it threatened to spill out through my eyes.
34:33Let's do the treatment first.
34:36Only they 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. The person I'd waited so long for. And he never loved me at all.
34:50Maybe all those hardships had led me here. So that, in the end, Caleb could find his way to me.
35:00For the next few weeks, Caleb and I came to an agreement. We simply ignored Dorian. Caleb found a job.
35:08I've got hands and I'm a grown man. I 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. He 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. But you won't even look at me.
35:31Lucy, I really know I was wrong. But everyone makes mistakes.
35:35Why can't you forgive me just once?
35:37I don't blame you. I understand. You're a high-end shifter, I'm a low human. The fact that I was
35:44able 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? I'll treat you right this time. Tomorrow we'll take that mutt back and-
35:57No. Caleb isn't going anywhere. I think you're confusing fear with love. You're just afraid of the red light district.
36:06That's all this is. Once the reassignment is complete, everything will go back to normal.
36:14No. No. No, that's not it. Lucy, what do I have to do to make you believe me? I really
36:20do love you.
36:23Watching him fall apart, I suddenly remembered the person I used to be. The girl who had begged for his
36:28love.
36:28The girl who had lived for every scrap of his approval. Looking 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. You're just a low
36:40human.
36:41My pride wouldn't let me. So I insulted you. I said things I didn't mean.
36:44It was easier to convince myself I was being forced into it. Easier than admitting I'd chosen someone beneath me.
36:49I liked how much you tried to love me. Every time you tried harder, I felt better. I got to
36:53stay on top.
36:54I got to keep pretending I was still that admired, high-ranked shifter.
36:59But I forgot something. I'm not that shifter anymore. I'm just a defective nobody.
37:06A reject. The only reason I ever felt valuable.
37:11Was because you loved me.
37:12Tears slipped through his fingers and splashed onto the pavement.
37:16Now I truly understand. Dorian had never been able to accept that he'd fallen for a low human.
37:22He'd needed my devotion to reassure himself. To convince himself that loving me wasn't a choice.
37:28Lucy? What's wrong?
37:30Nothing. I'm fine.
37:36Dormian.
37:39We're really over. This 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.
38:01Then he looked at me expectantly.
38:04Right, Lucy?
38:06Yeah. Most of the time.
38:09Most of the time? I'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. His nose had been pink from crying, tears and happiness mixed
38:28together in his eyes. He'd looked so cute that I'd found myself staring.
38:33Sorry. I'll make myself look better.
38:36You already look good.
38:38How?
38:39That was one of the few times I'd ever seen him smile.
38:43I remembered it clearly. When he smiled, he would curve his lips. His slightly longer
38:49fang on the left side would show. I shook my head, as if I could shake the memory away with
38:54it.
38:55He wasn't that person anymore. Inside the bedroom, Dorian lay staring blankly at the ceiling.
39:00Come with me right now.
39:05I used to think this bed was uncomfortable. Funny. Now it feels pretty comfortable.
39:11He pushed himself up and followed Stella outside. He walked slowly, but neither Caleb nor I looked
39:17at him again. I saw a video where someone trimmed their shifter's ear fur into little round puffs.
39:22It looked adorable. I want to try it. But 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. Dorian was gone.
39:39Much later, I heard from Stella what had happened to Dorian. Bianca never bought him?
39:44She found out he couldn't have children, so she threw a huge fit at the agency. A defective
39:50acted like he's too good for everyone was how she put it.
39:52I was stunned. I didn't know Bianca never knew about Dorian's condition.
39:57What happened to Dorian? Had he been sent to the red light district after all?
40:03Stella hesitated. Well, he got sick. Depression. It got so bad he could barely talk to people.
40:09The agency was preparing to retire him. But these days, he's working at an orphanage. He seems calm
40:15around the children. After I hung up, I sat there for a long time. Caleb wrapped his arms around me.
40:23Are you worried about him? If you're really worried, we could always bring him back. I wouldn't mind.
40:29He said he wouldn't mind. But his arms were crushing my waist. When are you going to be
40:33honest about your feelings? I am honest.
40:37Caleb was so good in almost every way. The only problem was that he was always trying to please me.
40:43Sometimes I worried that if I ever did something terrible, he'd clean up the mess for me instead
40:47of stopping me. I wanted him to relax, to express his true feelings. I pinched his cheek harder,
40:53hoping he'd finally learn to stop me. But even after his face turned red, he didn't resist. He just
40:58looked at me with bright, happy eyes. I sighed in defeat. Why don't you ever tell me no?
41:05You can say no, you know. You pinch me, but not anyone else. That means you like me. I'm happy
41:12about it. So it doesn't hurt. I didn't know how to react. You really are. How could you be so...
41:21adorable. The atmosphere changed. The air suddenly felt heated. His tail wouldn't stop wagging. I tried to
41:29run. Unfortunately, he'd already caught my ankle. Our child would be even cuter than I am.
41:37Want to find out? No. It's the middle of the day. You told me I need to learn how to
41:43say no to you.
41:44So I'm saying no to your no. That is not what I meant. I...
41:51Stop kissing me. Fortunately, 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. Later, she went to reception. Nobody ever wanted me. So she was
42:09always worried about me. The day before, I was sent to the fighting pits. She came running over. She was
42:16vibrating with excitement. Caleb, someone wants you. Someone wanted me?
42:23She's an incredibly sweet girl. Her previous shifter was Dorian.
42:31I knew who Dorian was. Everybody did. He'd been the pride of the agency. Then they found out he was
42:38defective. And suddenly, nobody wanted him anymore. I'd heard a low human had saved him. I paused.
42:45Such a nice person. And Dorian didn't love her. Stella told me not to act like a wolf.
42:51Be a cat. Be a tiger. Be a little puppy caught in the rain. I love you. I like you.
42:58You're wonderful.
42:59I want to build a family with you. Then she grabbed my shoulders and told me.
43:03Don't let her go. She's a really good person. Turns out Stella undersold her. Lucy isn't just a good
43:09person. She's adorable. She's got big round eyes like grapes. Her nose was tiny. Her mouth was tiny.
43:16And her whole face was tiny. She's so cute that sometimes I want to swallow her whole and hide
43:21her where nobody else can see her. Even her name is beautiful. Lucy. Lucy sounds like moonlight.
43:26Maybe that means our future will be bright too. We sleep together now. She smells so good. She's so
43:32sweet. Lucy cried at the hospital. She thought I didn't notice. Why was she crying? Did I do
43:39something wrong? I need to love her even more. That stinky fox Dorian. Troublemaker. Homewrecker.
43:46I got off work five minutes late. And he used those five minutes to corner my Lucy outside the
43:51apartment. Too bad. One day, seriously, I'm going to bite him. Yay! Dorian's gone. Lucy says I need to
43:57learn how to tell people no. In fact, I do say no. But never to her. She's my treasure. Besides,
44:04she has no idea how cute she is when she's asking for something. Her eyes sparkle. Her little hands rest
44:10on
44:10me all soft and warm. Nope. Can't think about that anymore. Now I want to nibble on her again.
44:15I have a baby now. And Lucy and I bonded early too. Everything's good. Dorian doesn't stand a chance
44:21anymore. We had a daughter. She looks just like Lucy. Lucy keeps telling me to stop crying because
44:27it's bad for my eyes. But I can't. I'm so happy. And I hope you're happy. Too.
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