What are Humans?

“She’s not like us. She could be dangerous.” The weight of their scrutiny pressed down upon her, self-doubt swirling in her stomach. Would she be embraced, or was she destined to be feared? Taking a step back, she instinctively clutched her tail, forcing herself to stand her ground, her ears perked up, her body poised but not threatening. “I am not dangerous!” she wished to declare, embodying her mother’s protective spirit. “She looks friendly!” the boy chimed in, his innocence cutting through the tension. “Wait!” he said, stepping closer despite his mother’s caution. The Kitsune felt a flicker of hope ignite within her. In that moment, she chose to take a daring leap of faith. Releasing her grip on her tail, she lifted her hands and conjured a small illusion—a radiant orb of light that danced above her palm, shimmering in hues of pink and red and casting playful shadows on the ground. The boy’s eyes widened in awe, and he reached out, captivated. “See? She can make magic!” he exclaimed, his excitement rippling through the gathered crowd. For a precious heartbeat, the barriers of fear erected by the adults began to dissipate. The mother hesitated, her gaze wavering as she observed her son’s unfiltered joy.

The Kitsune’s heart raced with the intoxicating possibility of acceptance. But just then, the spell was broken as an unexpected force gripped her hand, yanking her away from the warmth of the crowd. The figure was cloaked in a black hoodie, obscuring their features. In a low, urgent voice, they admonished her, “You are a fool! How could you use magic in the streets like that? Are you trying to get yourself and others killed?” Beneath the harshness lay a current of concern for her safety. Panic surged through her as questions flooded her mind. What was so wrong with revealing her gifts? She meant no harm; she only wished to share joy. The stranger pulled her down a dim alley, their grip firm and unyielding, finally slamming her against the cool wall. “Have you no idea where you are? Magic beings like you are hunted. Even lower-class humans face death for using magic without the permission of the factions,” they cautioned sharply. The figure's piercing eyes scanned her attire, clearly ill-suited for this world. Their irritation flared as they swiftly removed their hoodie and thrust it toward her. He was a young man, somewhere in his twenties. “Put that on,” he commanded, concern threading through his tone. Without protest, she donned the oversized garment that enveloped her like a comforting cocoon. Lifting the hoodie to her nose, she inhaled his scent—lush and sweet, tinged with the salt of youthful exertion.

It felt warm, as if it had been worn throughout the day, and she found solace in its embrace. The boy’s grip softened as they continued through the alley, their pace quickening. “Can you hide your ears and tail?” he asked pointedly. With a nod, she focused her energy and effortlessly made her ears and tail vanish from sight, transforming into an ordinary girl walking beside him. Though he appeared to be human, a shadow of uncertainty lingered. Who was he? She had always interacted with spirits and her family, never truly mingling with outsiders like him. Battling her thoughts, she followed closely as he led her through winding streets, determined to ensure her safety. Finally, he came to a halt, and she accidentally bumped into his back, her nose colliding against his solid frame. “Ow,” she murmured, looking up at his broad shoulders, feeling both small and protected. “Where are we?” she asked, her curiosity growing as she rubbed her nose. “My apartment,” he replied, gesturing for her to enter through a vibrant red door marked with the number 9. As he unlocked it and stepped aside, she hesitated for a heartbeat, then crossed the threshold into his world, a myriad of emotions swirling within her. Inside, the air felt different—tinged with warmth and the faint scent of spices and home-cooked meals. She took in her surroundings, her heart racing with anticipation, realizing that in this strange new world, her journey had only just begun.

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***