Fox Sister

Bathed in moonlight, my younger sister’s face looked strangely beautiful.

Her pale skin glowed even whiter in the moonlight,

and her straight nose bridge and small lips resembled an intricate, beautiful sculpture.

I lost myself staring at her face.

Time seemed to stand still.

Carefully, so as not to wake her, I approached her slowly, barely breathing.

And when my lips touched her cheek, a soft warmth spread through me,

sending shivers down my entire body.

My heart raced and my face grew hot.

‘When we were kids, this was a common way of showing affection…’

I wondered,

could I really say there was no deeper meaning now?

I questioned myself.

Was this kiss truly pure affection?

Was it just familial love?

My heart remained uncertain.

Conflicting emotions swirled within me.

But for now, just having my sister by my side made my heart warm,

and that felt like enough.

Perhaps searching for answers was meaningless.

In this moment, having her here was all that mattered.

Smiling softly, I carefully lay down beside her and closed my eyes.

Her warmth enveloped me in the darkness.

When I opened my heavy eyelids at dawn,

the first thing I saw was Ryeonga,

her fox ears and tail out in full display as she slept soundly.

Her face was dangerously close,

her breath almost brushing against mine,

and her arms and legs were wrapped around me,

making my face flush instantly.

My heart began pounding wildly and my body went rigid.

“Wh-what should I do…”

An involuntary gasp escaped my lips.

After a moment, the silence was broken by the sound of the door opening.

Turning abruptly, I saw Yul standing there,

frozen with an odd expression upon seeing the scene.

Upon making eye contact, she briefly covered her mouth in surprise before

forcing a smile and quietly closing the door.

The sound of the door clicking shut echoed in the silent room.

Embarrassment and awkwardness filled me as I froze in place.

The sound woke Ryeonga, who stirred slightly before opening her sleepy eyes.

Looking up at me with a dazed expression,

she seemed like a pure, innocent little fox who had just woken from slumber.

Her moist, large eyes were still clouded with sleep,

and as they focused on me,

a strange tension filled the air.

She broke the silence first,

calling out to me in a sleepy, adorable voice.

“Sis…”

Her sweet voice sent shivers down my spine as she pressed her small frame against me.

The soft touch of her skin and the sweet scent wafting towards me made my heart race faster.

And then…unexpectedly, our lips met briefly.

Though just a light touch, it felt like a shocking jolt.

The softness, the warmth, the sweet breath…

Every sense became hyper-aware, sending goosebumps across my skin.

A strange warmth began spreading from deep within,

and my heart started pounding violently.

Sensing the danger, I quickly pulled away and stood up.

Trying desperately to put distance between us,

my heart pounded loudly in my ears.

Ryeonga blinked sleepily, confused by my sudden movement,

before yawning cutely and speaking in her usual cheerful tone.

“Good morning, sis.”

Hearing her innocent question filled me with guilt.

What had I been thinking about my own sister?

Unable to meet her eyes,

I replied with a trembling voice.

“Y-yes…”

My voice cracked and my face burned.

Awkwardness and guilt mixed with unfamiliar feelings as I froze in place like a statue.

The heavy silence filled the room.

Soon after, Yul and Hwang-Yeon called us for breakfast.

Ryeonga clung to my side as usual,

while Hwang-Yeon and Yul sat across from us.

Though some awkwardness remained between them,

the sharp tension from last night was gone.

Noticing Ryeonga’s ears and tail during breakfast made my heart sink momentarily.

Hwang-Yeon seemed completely unfazed, casually looking at them.

“Guess you’re a fox yokai. Thought you were just unusually strong.”

His nonchalant acceptance surprised me.

“Fearless living with celestial beings, huh?”

Shaking my head at his bold nature, I continued eating.

After finishing, I checked my ankle.

Thanks to Yul’s divine energy, the pain had miraculously disappeared.

“Sis, are you sure you’re okay?”

Ryeonga asked worriedly.

“Maybe stay one or two more days,” Hwang-Yeon suggested.

But the heavenly bells kept ringing in my mind, urging me to leave.

“Thank you, but I must go now.”

I started packing my simple belongings – talismans, clothes, glass vials – checking nothing was left behind.

Finally, grabbing Master’s sword, I prepared to leave.

In the yard, I bid farewell to Hwang-Yeon and Yul.

“Thank you very much.”

Hwang-Yeon laughed heartily, patting my shoulder.

“Hah! Don’t be silly! Oh, and be careful with that ankle!”

Grateful for his kindness, I nodded.

It was short, but I’d grown attached to these people.

As I turned to leave, I noticed Ryeonga and Yul still weren’t speaking.

Considering whether to tell Ryeonga to say goodbye,

I opened my mouth but before any words came out,

she turned her back and waved once at Yul.

I understood it was her way of saying farewell.

Taking her hand as we walked,

her fingers naturally intertwined with mine.

The soft, warm touch felt pleasant,

and I could feel a heartbeat through our joined hands – whose, I couldn’t tell.

“Ryeonga.”

She looked at me with those sky-blue eyes and sunlit orange hair.

“How do you see me?”

Without hesitation, she answered simply.

“Of course, as my precious sister.”

Smiling, I replied.

“And you are my precious sister too.”

Looking at the peaceful sky,

white clouds drifting lazily while birds flew overhead,

despite the worries about the Heavenly Nine Assemblies and curses,

just walking under the open sky with my sister felt peaceful.