Living with the Dangerous Beast-Chapter 52: Bad Luck

Gently, Dohwi ran his hand from her head to her tail. The silky fur was enchanting to the touch.

Where did such a beautiful fox come from?

Eventually, her excitement faded, and Sohwa settled down. Curling up into a foxball on his chest, she finally closed her eyes.

‘She must be tired after all that excitement.’

Burying her snout deeply, she looked like a ball of white and black fur. The feeling of her soft fur was so pleasant that Dohwi couldn’t stop touching her.

“If you’re happy, I’m happy too, my little pup.”

As he gently petted her, Sohwa started purring and soon fell asleep.

Thinking that ‘peaceful’ winter nights like this weren’t so bad, Dohwi followed Sohwa and closed his eyes.

* * *

Early in the morning, Sohwa woke to the gentle stroking of her back.

“Sweet dreams, sweet dreams.”

“....”

The sight before her was a mess. Dohwi’s shirt lay haphazardly, and his smooth skin bore clear scratches, undoubtedly from her claws.

Seeing that brought back memories of the previous night. Understanding the situation, Sohwa quickly closed her eyes and pretended to be asleep.

‘Oh no, what have I done!’

The previous night, after completely losing her head, Sohwa had transformed into her fox form, overwhelmed by the desire to cover herself in that lovely scent. And then....

‘Sohwa, you shameless fox! What have you done! Ugh....’

Already feeling embarrassed about losing her dignity in front of Dohwi, she couldn’t bear the thought of him seeing her in such an embarrassing state.

Her face burned with shame, and her entire body felt like it was on fire.

‘It must have been a streak of bad luck. It has to be!’

Humiliated to death, she wanted to crawl into a hole and just drop dead.

“Looks like my little pup is already awake.”

Sohwa flinched and yawned, pretending to have just woken up.

“Yawn....”

“Did you have a good dream?”

“Yes. Did you sleep well, Dohwi? You’re up early.”

Turning away to hide her embarrassment, Sohwa pretended nothing had happened last night.

“Seems you’re not having nightmares anymore. That’s a relief.”

His gentle touch as he removed her eye crust, wiped her drool and stroked her hair was tender. But Sohwa wanted to get out of this situation as soon as possible. Her body still felt like it was burning.

“Why is my little fox so warm? I think you have a fever.”

Sensing this, Dohwi examined her paws, snout, and nose with a serious look.

“I need to go to the bathroom.”

“Should I come with you?”

“No, it’s fine.”

Afraid he might hold her back, Sohwa slipped out of his grasp and ran outside.

But she didn’t head to the bathroom. Instead, she went to the hermitage, intending to ask the monk to pray for her streak of bad luck and misfortune to end.

“Monk! Monk!”

Seeing the familiar figure sweeping the yard, Sohwa hurried over.

“What brings you here so early?”

“Monk, I have a favor to ask.”

“A favor?”

The cute fox nodded urgently, and the monk couldn’t help but smile inwardly at the lovely scene.

“What is it?”

“I think I’m cursed with bad luck. I’m so embarrassed I can’t even walk with my head up! Please help me.”

Hearing her request for a prayer, the monk clicked his tongue and shook his head.

“I’m too weak for that. By the way, I’ll be leaving the hermitage for this winter.”

“What? Are you hurt, Monk?”

Seeing her innocent eyes blinking, the monk pictured a giant tiger superimposed over her. Thinking of Dohwi made him scowl.

“Ask your husband!”

Startled by his sudden anger, Sohwa took a step back.

“Monk. Y-Your eyes... Your eyes!”

The monk’s pupils had elongated like a reptile’s and slowly returned to normal. Realizing she had seen something she shouldn’t have, Sohwa yelped and ran away.

Watching the fox disappear into the distance, the monk felt a bitter feeling rise in his chest.

‘That cowardly fox probably wouldn’t set foot in this hermitage again.’

At least he wouldn’t have to see that tiger trailing behind her anymore. The monk felt both relieved and a bit disappointed.

Just then, a rustling sound came from behind.

“Did someone come by?”

It was Daebum. After enjoying a meal provided by the monk and sleeping through the night, he woke up to a lingering scent in the air and frowned.

“The tiger’s wife was here.”

“So... Does that mean....”

It was that sly fox he had seen before. Remembering Dohwi’s threat, Daebum quickly crouched and scanned the area. Fortunately, Sohwa was already gone.

Sniffing the air instinctively, Daebum’s face turned red.

“No, this scent...!”

He remembered Dohwi’s concern about his mate’s delayed heat.

‘The catnip seemed to have worked!’

“Tsk, I guess I still need more training....”

Muttering something incomprehensible, the monk headed for the shrine. Daebum, ignoring the lingering scent, followed the monk to pray.