And maybe, YJH thought, as KDJ leaned on his shoulder and said, “You know, you’d make a terrible exorcist but a decent boyfriend."
he didn’t mind being terrible at his job after all.

The end.

"Just trust me, it ruins the flavor."
---
And that was how the aspiring demon hunter Yoo Joonghyuk accidentally started dating a gumiho.
He was supposed to hunt a monster.

Instead, he’d found someone who laughed like starlight and smelled faintly of foxfire and roasted chestnuts.

I guess I owe you another tea."

YJH glanced at him. “Or dinner.”

“Oh? A date, then?”

“I didn’t say—”

KDJ’s tails twitched, smug. “You didn’t not say it.”

YJH sighed, defeated. “…Fine. A date.”

KDJ’s grin was pure sunlight. “Good. I’ll cook. Don’t bring holy water.”

“Why would I—”

thing anyone’s said to me all century.”

Later that night, YJH found himself walking home with KDJ beside him, their shadows stretching together under the streetlights.

“Are you going to report me?” KDJ asked softly.

YJH shook his head. “No.”

KDJ smiled, the corner of his mouth curling up. “Then

that, and I might start believing you.”

“Maybe you should.”

The silence that followed was… comfortable.

KDJ tilted his head, tails curling around them like a lazy halo. “You’re not bad for a human."

“And you’re not bad for a nine-tailed menace.”

He laughed—bright and real. “That’s the nicest

turning his eyes molten moonlight.

“Why do you keep saving me?” he asked quietly.

YJH hesitated. “…Because you’re not the monster I thought you were.”

KDJ blinked. For once, he had no quick retort. His tail flicked, uncertain.

Then, slowly, he smiled. “Careful, hunter. Keep saying things like

YJH darted in, slicing through the burning charms before they could catch. The fire fizzled out, leaving only a faint wisp of smoke.

KDJ stared at him. “…Show-off.”

“You’re welcome.”

"I could’ve handled it.”

“You didn’t have to."

There was a pause. The lantern light flickered across KDJ’s face,

He came back two days later.

The next time they met, YJH was the one to reach out first.

It happened during the festival, when KDJ was helping with a booth selling charms. A group of kids accidentally knocked one of the candles over, sending flames licking toward the paper banners.

dangerous.

KDJ broke it with a quiet laugh. “You’re blushing.”

“I’m leaving,” YJH muttered, standing up too fast and nearly knocking over a chair.

“You’ll be back,” KDJ called after him.

“Don’t count on it!”

YJH froze. “I am not—”

He was interrupted by KDJ reaching over and tucking a stray hair behind his ear. The touch was gentle. And unnecessary. Yet, it made YJH’s entire brain stop working.

For a heartbeat, neither moved. The air hummed faintly between them—something shimmering, sweet, and

watching YJH struggle to pick a book. “If you’re looking for something educational, we have ‘Demon Hunting for Dummies.’”

“Stop talking.”

“Or maybe a romance? ‘How to Tame a Fox Spirit’? Very relevant.”

“I said stop.”

KDJ’s grin softened. “You’re adorable when you’re flustered.”

“Relax, hunter. I’m teasing.”

“You—” YJH’s ears went red. “You really are a menace.”

“And yet,” KDJ said, voice low, “you keep coming back.”

By the time YJH admitted to himself that he liked him, KDJ had already known for weeks.
The gumiho leaned over the counter one afternoon, chin in his hands,

through his body—soft, tingling, and absurdly pleasant. His breath hitched.

KDJ looked up at him with a small, mischievous smile.

“There. Dry now.”

YJH blinked. “You—used magic on me.”

“Consider it a favor. Or foreplay, depending on your interpretation.”

“What?!”

KDJ grinned, all teeth.

dripping on my floor.”

“I’m—” YJH hesitated. “Fine.”

"You’re shivering.”

“I’m—”

“Fine, yes. You said that already.” KDJ stepped closer, tails swaying. “You humans and your stubbornness. Come here.”

Before YJH could protest, KDJ pressed a hand to his chest. Warmth spreads instantly

One rainy evening, YJH showed up soaked and shivering.

KDJ, who was stacking books, raised an eyebrow. “Are you hunting in the rain or just trying to look dramatic?”

YJH scowled. “The trail of a banshee—”

“Right, right, tragic wails, dripping hair, impending doom.” KDJ tossed him a towel. “You’re

pastries KDJ made, claiming they were “heart-free.”
By the time he realized that he was dropping by just to see KDJ smirk and say, “Welcome back, hunter,” it was

too late.

He was fond.

He even started bringing KDJ new books, pretending it was “evidence collection.”

smile softened. “I like stories better now. They’re full of hearts too—but you can consume them without killing anyone.”

YJH blinked. “…That’s unsettling.”

“Thank you. I try.”

Over the next week, YJH kept returning.

At first it was for “monitoring purposes.” Then it was for tea. Then for the

realized there were faint shadows under his eyes. Despite the sharp grin, he looked older than he appeared. Ancient, even.

“You’re not hurting anyone?” YJH asked finally.

KDJ arched a brow. “Define hurting.”

YJH frowned.

“Relax. I haven’t eaten anyone in… well. A long time.” KDJ’s

“Admirable,” KDJ said, sipping his tea. “And very tiring.”

“I don’t get tired.”

“You will.” KDJ smiled faintly, tails coiling behind him like lazy smoke. “Mortals always do.”

Something in his tone made YJH’s stomach twist. There was no malice—only… tired amusement.

He looked at KDJ again and