He’s a Fox Ch 82

Chapter 82

“To be honest, I thought it wasn’t such a serious problem.”

“…Huh?”

While Hohyun blinked blankly, Kangwoon continued in a calm tone.

“It happened in the past, and I believed it would never happen again. So I brushed it off. But now…”

Even knowing trafficking was a crime—and that Hohyun had been a victim—he had dismissed it. He thought it won’t happen again. But seeing his fox unconsciously scratching his throat, the regret hit hard.

Of course, he couldn’t have prevented something that had happened before they had even met. But at the very least, he shouldn’t have let it slide. His face darkened in belated regret as he gently stroked the fox’s throat.

Realizing what triggered this suddenly heavy mood, Hohyun quickly shook his head.

“No! It wasn’t a big injury. And it’s been healed for a long time now.”

“Even if the wound healed, it can still hurt.”

There was something called phantom pain. Kangwoon had seen people who felt pain in limbs long gone. In this case, the pain wasn’t physical but memory itself. And that was what mattered—not the size of the wound, but his attitude toward it.

The tiger pressed his forehead lightly to Hohyun’s and sighed:

“…I’m sorry. Far too late to be saying that.”

“….”

The apology left Hohyun hesitating. The truth was—he hadn’t even realized he’d been scratching his throat until Kangwoon caught his hand just now. And he wasn’t one to dwell on past scars; his nature was always to focus on the present and the future.

Back when he had first escaped, perhaps he would have burned with stronger feelings. But now? There was no rush of rage, no hatred clawing his chest. At that time, Kangwoon had been practically a stranger; by the time the restraints were cut, he had shown kindness. So all the fox felt now was mild embarrassment, even as the tiger’s eyes darkened.

Still, seeing regret and apology etched on that powerful face stirred something in him all the same. His tail slipped free, wagging softly, as he suddenly hugged Kangwoon tight.

“It’s really fine. Truly. That choker image earlier just made my neck itch. But what I learned in this life is—given enough time, everything heals.”

“….”

Even pain that once felt like death eventually turns to nothing but scars. No matter how long it takes, that was truth.

The fox, unlucky enough to have endured one bitter turn after another, spoke it softly as a life lesson: that time redeems all. Watching him smile in reassurance, the tiger’s expression tangled with emotion.

Held there quietly, he finally chose to reveal what had been gnawing at him:

“…Actually, Amur is bent on tackling that issue right now.”

“…Wait—the trafficking case?”

“Mm. That’s his line of work. Which is why… would you like to meet him? Speak with him, at least?”

“…Talk.”

If Amur’s job meant national bureau-level responsibility, then yes—that answered much. For a moment Hohyun bowed his head, deeply thinking.

For people like Kangwoon and those in his circle, his heart was soft. But traffickers? That was different. Especially that dog. He still remembered working under one—a canine beastman who said there was “demand” for old and young alike, then snatched victims and sold them for pets. He should burn in hell, honestly.

And then, suddenly, Hyunseok came to mind. Hohyun spoke hesitantly.

“…Sir, about Kim Hyunseok.”

“Hyunseok? What about him?”

“I… I heard once that his cousin was linked to trafficking.”

Yes—one of the first days they met, he’d caught that name: Kim Kyungseok, Hyunseok’s cousin, was profiteering in the trade. If he remembered right, that meant trouble. His friend’s cousin was the criminal—and he himself was the victim.

“…So what does that mean, isn’t that too close? Isn’t it a problem for you?”

Kangwoon’s reply was dry. “Oh, it’s true. But those two hate each other. Honestly, if Kyungseok goes to prison, Hyunseok would probably cuff him personally.”

“…Oh. Mm. I see.”

That was the wolves for you—pure-blood obsessed, to the point of cruelty. Hyunseok’s grandfather’s line still demanded purity, dividing the children of wolf–wolf lineage from those with human blood. Kyungseok, favored heir, basked in love regardless of his flaws. Hyunseok, with a human father, ace marks and all, was scorned anyway.

So he had every reason to despise his cousin. If Kyungseok suffered punishment, Hyunseok really would cheer it. Especially since his silence so far had only been to avoid bringing shame directly onto his house.

The fox’s mouth fell silent. The Beom family is chaos. The wolves, too. Are all predator clans this dysfunctional?

Still, at least it meant no conflict with Kangwoon’s circle. Relieved, Hohyun smiled, and accepted the earlier suggestion.

“…Then, yes. I’d like to meet and speak.”

“Good. Any day works?”

“Yes!”

He had plenty of time. Caring for Yuri aside, he had no other duties. Besides—his employer, his tiger, would arrange things. Surely, they’d be fine.

Buoyed by that conviction, he nodded brightly. Kangwoon swept him into a crushing hug. And so, without Amur even knowing it, the three-way meeting was set.

The very next morning, Kangwoon phoned his cousin. Amur expected good news—that his introduction request had been accepted. And at first, he answered in overly cheerful tones. But when Kangwoon dropped the unexpected demand for direct confrontation, Amur was rattled. Still, Kangwoon had spoken clearly. The arrangements were made.

Even as Kangwoon hung up, Hohyun sat beside him, hand clutching his tightly. He pricked his ears when—faintly—another voice spoke on the line. Not Amur’s. Someone else.

Kangwoon lowered the phone against his chest before asking quietly:

“They said this weekend. That work?”

Hohyun nodded fast. Agreement sealed, the call resumed.

And so the date was set.

—

That weekend came quickly. Tense, Hohyun woke without alarm, lips pressed tight all morning. Since Kangwoon had difficulty leaving, Amur promised to bring his people to the mansion in the afternoon.

The clock ticked. At 5:30 sharp, as the numbers turned, the bell rang.

The crocodile servant answered the door, ushering in a familiar gleaming Westerner. Amur lit the room like a mirror, stepping inside.

But then—from behind him—another shadow followed.

A broad, towering man, clad in plain black jumper, short black hair, dark eyes matching—large enough that even Kangwoon wasn’t far ahead of him in size.

And canine. Yes—by scent, a canine, surely a dog. But that frame? That height? That’s no dog, that’s a bear!

Hohyun stiffened. He knew that face wasn’t one of the household staff.

The stranger stepped forward on long legs, crisp and precise. Extending a hand, he introduced himself first to Kangwoon:

“Jeong Yuwol. Field Unit 5, working alongside Amur Luntie.”

“Beom Kangwoon. Cousin to that one, as you likely know.”

“Yes.”

Polite nod exchanged, the black dog turned and offered his hand to Hohyun.

For a moment, the fox hesitated—then quickly grabbed and shook. The big dog’s eyes studied him with sharp intensity, hesitating before at last opening his mouth—