Page 18 of Wicked Fox

Miyoung continued taking notes as if nothing had happened.

“Ya,” Jihoon said again, his voice the urgent gravel of a whisper-shout.

A foot dropped on top of the note, and Jihoon grimaced as the teacher picked it up.

“Gu Miyoung, it seems Ahn Jihoon would like you to meet him after class,” Mr. Hong said. It earned muffled laughter from the other kids. “The two of you, follow me outside.”

In the hallway, they sat on their knees, their hands raised in the air. A punishment they’d have to continue until the class period was over. Already, Jihoon’s arms ached.

“You should have caught it,” he said.

Miyoung ignored him, staring straight ahead.

“Youcouldhave caught it. I’ve seen your reflexes.”

She still didn’t answer.

In the sunlight filtering through the windows, she was striking. Almost delicate looking. But Jihoon remembered how fierce she’d been in the forest, effortlessly squaring off against the monstrous dokkaebi.

He tried again. “About the other night in the woods—”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Miyoung interrupted him.

“But—”

“I just moved here. I don’t know the area. Why would I be in the woods?” Miyoung’s face was set, her eyes clear. She seemed so sure of herself, he almost believed her over his own memory.

He started to speak again.

Mr. Hong tapped on the glass and mouthed,No talking.

Jihoon lowered his head and tried to ignore the ache in his shoulders.

The bell rang, a shrill noise that broke the silence and marked the time for gym. It hurt to lower his arms after holding them up for so long. When Jihoon stood, his legs trembled, the pricks of a thousand needles creating a shiver of pain.

As he struggled to his feet, a group of girls descended upon Miyoung, who didn’t seem to have any issues shaking off the physical effects of the punishment.

“Your face is so small. You could be a model,” one of them cooed. “I’m jealous.”

“Your skin is so clear. What foundation do you use?” asked another.

“I don’t wear any,” Miyoung said, her voice cold and dismissive.The other girls didn’t seem to get the hint as they continued to pepper her with questions.

“Ahn Jihoon.” One of the girls zeroed in on him. “Hitting on the transfer on her first day? It’s so unlike you.”

Jihoon shrugged by way of answer.

“Does Lee Somin know you’re crushing on the transfer?” Jihoon glanced over to see Miyoung’s reaction, but realized she’d taken this opportunity to disappear.

“Lee Somin knows you’re talking about her behind her back.” Somin stepped out of the classroom, her arms crossed. The girls jerked upright, like army privates faced with their colonel.

“You should change for gym class,” she said. The girls nodded and scurried away.

“Somin-ah, if you keep doing that, no one will ever talk to us again.” Jihoon threw an arm around her shoulder in a light choke hold. The movement was more to support his still-weak legs than anything else, but no one had to know.

“Is that a bad thing?” Somin jabbed him in the side so he loosened his grip. “What did you want with the transfer?”

“Just trying to be friendly,” Jihoon said. He didn’t want to discuss the confusing mystery that was Gu Miyoung right now.

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