Morning light slipped through the gap in the curtains.
I opened my eyes groggily.
My head still felt heavy.
I remembered staying up late to review last night—
And then—
My entire body froze.
A girl was lying next to my bed.
Sleeping quietly.
She wore an oversized white shirt.
Her long hair spread over her shoulders.
Her breathing was slow.
Steady.
Her skin was pale—almost translucent—
glowing softly under the morning sunlight.
Her face was delicate, almost unreal.
But between her brows…
There was a stubborn familiar look.
One I somehow recognized.
"W-Who…?"
My heart skipped a beat.
Cold sweat broke out instantly.
Who was she?
Why was there a girl in my room?
Where was the fox?
I instinctively leaned back.
Just a little movement—
But it woke her up.
Her eyes opened slowly.
Clear.
Deep.
Like they carried something hidden inside.
Something I couldn't understand.
"You're awake," she said softly.
Her voice sounded like it came from far away.
"Who are you?"
"Why are you here?"
The words came out fast, filled with panic.
She didn't answer immediately.
She just sat up slowly, studying my face.
"Relax," she said.
"I'm Ah Li. The fox you saved."
The air froze.
"…Ah Li?"
My mind stalled.
"The fox…?" I stared at her.
"That fox?"
"That's right."
She nodded calmly.
"That's impossible…"
I murmured weakly.
"Yesterday you were still a fox.
And now you're a human?"
She tilted her head slightly,
a hint of playfulness in her eyes.
"Mhm."
"How is that even possible…"
I rubbed my temples, desperate to stay rational.
She paused for a second.
"There are things I can't tell you yet," she said seriously.
"But remember this—
no matter what happens…
I'll stay by your side."
My heart jolted.
My mind was still full of questions…
but strangely—
That familiar feeling returned.
Like she had always been there.
Somewhere.
"So…
you're really a fox?" I asked carefully.
She smiled faintly.
"Yes."
"And starting today…"
"I'll stay with you.
I'll help you get through all of this."
A warm current spread through my chest.
Maybe because…
For the first time in a long while,
someone was choosing me.
No conditions.
No mockery.
Just staying.
"Thank you…"
My voice came out broken.
She shook her head gently.
"No," she said.
"You're the one who saved me."
"We don't need formal thanks between us."
Outside, the wind stirred the leaves.
Sunlight danced across the messy room.
For a brief moment…
The world felt quiet.
Peaceful.
Like none of the pain existed.
But I knew—
Reality was never that kind.
And it wouldn't let us stay like this for long.