He’s a Fox Ch 58

Chapter 58

Yes, it was true—only those brave enough could win a beauty. Of course, in this case, the “beauty” happened to be a near two-meter-tall tiger built like a fortress, but with a face dazzling enough to stun the world, the saying still applied.

The young fox, who had zero experience with flirting, wore a grave expression as he pondered. It seemed impossible to attempt anything in his human form, so at the very least as a fox, he would try to act cute.

Had his family known what he was thinking, they would have been dumbfounded. It was one thing not to know that puppies fear tigers; this was closer to a child pushing aside a docile cat to climb the kitchen stove—recklessly bold. But for better or worse, Hohyun was alone.

His target? The tiger, slouched half-asleep on the living room sofa.

The fox cautiously approached, tense muscles taut. Only when he neared did he realize how flimsy his plan was. What even is “acting cute”? Lifting one paw, he froze mid-thought. Kangwoon’s gaze fell on him. For a moment, silence. Then, the tiger chuckled lowly.

At the sound alone, the fox jumped, regaining shaky focus. Wait. He’s a feline predator… then it must be correct to imitate feline-style appeal!

Recalling cats he had seen in the manor gardens, he immediately flopped onto his back, belly bared.

But while he intended it as imitation, the problem was that Kangwoon had long since learned many nuances of canine body language from living with fox and cub both. A dog showing its stomach meant submission. His eyes scanned the fox carefully—checking paws, fur between pads, scratch marks—concern whispering through him. Perhaps the fox had cut himself on stones or brambles?

His gaze was considerate, protective. After all, the poor creature stumbled and fell if you took eyes off him a moment. But today Hohyun was uninjured and fluffily warm, nothing wrong at all.

Soon, realizing there was no wound, the tiger’s softness turned to indulgent affection; he petted thoroughly, everywhere. The one who touched and the one touched both found great satisfaction.

The fox, dazed under steady strokes, shook himself awake belatedly. No—if showing his belly didn’t work, then another tactic was needed. Slowly blinking up at the tiger, he tried instead to mimic a feline’s “eye-smile.” Kangwoon only tilted his head and scratched more firmly at the unusually plush chest fur.

This isn’t it either, is it? Yet it felt too good—his tail wagged helplessly, beating furiously like a flag. To the tiger, though, this looked like normal happy-dog behavior. Oblivious to the plan beneath it, Kangwoon finally asked:

“Did Yuri ask to see the Moong-moo again?”

“…Kiing.”

The tiger cub adored his fox form, yes. But she was still asleep. She hadn’t begged just now. But admitting the truth—that this was fox’s effort at seduction—was impossible. Exhausted, he finally collapsed into pitying silence. The “bravery mission” failed with little effect.

He tried again, and again. The feline-imitations discarded, the fox reverted to canine attempts: sitting close, nuzzling his palm, gently gnawing his fingers. But none of it made a dent. The great tiger never once imagined his fox might harbor personal affection. Not even once.

Perhaps… he simply didn’t see him as a partner at all.

The doubt darkened him.

—

Then, news arrived from the Tiger’s Den. The patriarchal household would be free next week, so Kangwoon invited: come, eat, and return the same day.

This time, no elaborate excuse of “dog phobia.” He prepared to go alone in the morning, return in the afternoon.

Yuri, however, had other plans. Looking gravely determined, she tugged her brother’s sleeve:

“Oppa, call Daddy.”

Ah. So it begins. Kangwoon smiled knowingly, digging out his phone.

Rr-ring. Instantly, the line connected. A deep rumble vibrated through.

[Yes. What is it.]

The tiger cub piped proudly into the receiver:

“Daddy, it’s Yuri.”

At once, the entire timbre changed.

[Ohh? My little princess, calling her father—what a miracle!]

A voice once icy as stone melted into sugar. The doting of a man hopelessly weak for his late-born daughter.

The cub declared firmly:

“Daddy, can Yuri bring her friend this time?”

Hohyun almost choked. Bring… what?! She hadn’t even asked first!

[…Friend?]

“Yes. Moong-moo Oppa!”

[The Moong-moo, hm? Haha! If it’s our princess’ friend, then of course. Daddy will even prepare gifts for your friend.]

“Really? Daddy can’t bully my friend. If Daddy bullies, Yuri will be mad!”

[But of course, would I ever hurt the princess’ dear friend?]

“Promise!”

[Promise.]

They pledged warmly, and the fox turned pale. Wait—did he think she meant an actual puppy? Did he not even know I was a grown fox beastman?

Furtively, he whispered aside to Kangwoon: “Are we really sure it’s okay I go…?”

“It’ll be fine. Father’s a man of his word once he promises. And, besides—our little lady here seems firmly resolved.”

Last time, “dog phobia” had been the excuse to dodge. But this time, the cub was resolved—even if mistakenly, believing her father’s issue was “fear” rather than prejudice. She had vowed to shield her beloved fox. To the father hopelessly whipped for his daughter, siding with her was inevitable.

And so it was settled: if any hostility arose, little Yuri herself would charge to his rescue.

Still, Hohyun trembled. He hadn’t even confessed yet—and suddenly he was going to his crush’s family mansion. He’d barely climbed one hill, now a mountain range loomed.

Sighing, he resolved firmly. So be it. I survived once as a mute fox in the Tiger’s Den. I’ll just face it head-on again.

…But 57 hours later, he already regretted everything.

—

The car ride took thirty minutes. They arrived. The fox’s jaw nearly fell off.

Even Kangwoon’s luxurious manor had been overwhelming. But this—it was beyond scale.

Palace was the only word. A home where, if one got lost inside, it might take a week for someone to find them.

And this wasn’t hidden deep in countryside mountains; this sat on premium land in the capital. The sheer value of the estate was staggering.

His tail drooped in defeat.

Yuri’s eyes glared up strictly. She demanded: “Moong-moo Oppa, carry me.”

He lifted her quickly. She perched on his arm like a tiny guard, glaring at surroundings as if protecting him. Under her little shield, he followed nervously behind Kangwoon inside.

The first to greet him inside—an elevator. With glass fittings.

“…Why is there an elevator inside the house?” he muttered without thinking.

Kangwoon replied casually, “There used to be stairs. But after Mother tripped once, Father had them all replaced with elevators.”

Ah. Tiger species-trait: excess of love. Just like when he was younger, Kangwoon had cut carbs for his sister. Such was the breed.

And the elevator was only the beginning. Endless corridors stretched with priceless paintings and vases everywhere. Hugging Yuri tightly, peeking around nervously, he followed—until an elderly feline beastman appeared.