Page 142 of Wicked Fox

“This is none of your business,” Junu said through gritted teeth. He was bent low at the waist now, as Somin was so short and refused to let go of his hair.

“That’s the problem. I can’t seem to keep myself from getting involved in Miyoung’s business. I’m nosy like that.” Somin shrugged.

“Miyoung? Somin? What’s going on here?” Detective Hae asked as he approached them, his eyes taking in the scene.

“Ajeossi,” Somin said, finally releasing Junu and shoving her hands behind her back like she was hiding evidence.

“Young man, I think you should get going,” Detective Hae said, pushing his blazer back in a way that clearly revealed his badge. Miyoung wondered if he practiced the move to get it just right.

Junu’s eyes shifted back and forth between the detective and Miyoung.

“This is not worth what I’m getting paid,” he said. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” With that he stormed away.

“Is one of you going to tell me what’s going on?”

“We can’t find Jihoon,” Somin said.

“What?” Detective Hae’s eyes shot to Miyoung as if for confirmation.

“She’s back. She has him.”

Detective Hae’s face became stony, and Miyoung knew he understood her meaning. “Come on, I have my car.”

“Wait!” Somin called out. “What’s going on? Someone took him? How do you know?”

“I just do,” Miyoung said impatiently. “Wait here—we’ll find him.”

“How?” Somin demanded.

“I have a way,” Miyoung said. The line of red still shone beside her, pulsing with urgency.

“What way?” Somin asked, a stubborn frown settling on her face.

Miyoung glanced at the detective, but he shrugged.

“I can’t—”

“I have a right to know,” Somin said. “Please.” The whispered word was scared, almost desperate.

“Somin, what I’m about to say will sound ridiculous, but it’s true and you have to believe me.” Miyoung took a breath, then plunged headfirst into her confession. “I’m not human. Not fully.”

Somin laughed but sobered when Miyoung didn’t join in. “Okay, what are you?”

Miyoung hesitated. She’d never said it outright before, not like this, but she didn’t have time to think of the right words. She’d take a page from Jihoon’s book and be blunt. “A gumiho. So is my mother. Jihoon said you grew up with him, heard the same stories his halmeoni told. That means some part of you must have believed once. I’m going to depend on that part of you and ask you to trust me here. Jihoon has something my mother wants, and if she has her way, he could die.”

Somin stared at Miyoung a moment, her mouth hanging open. It was frustrating that Miyoung couldn’t read the other girl’s reaction. She looked past Miyoung, toward Detective Hae, who gave a slight nod.

“Okay then,” Somin said. “Bring him back safe.”

Miyoung frowned. She’d asked for Somin’s trust, but she realized now she hadn’t really been expecting it.

“I’ll make sure Jihoon doesn’t get hurt,” Miyoung promised.

“And you,” Somin said.

“What?”

“Make sure you don’t get hurt either.”

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