̣̥☆·͙̥❄‧̩̥࿌ིྀ྇˟͙☃️˟͙࿌ིྀ྇‧̩̥❄·͙̥̣☆
The snow crunched beneath their boots as Heeseung led the group deeper into the woods. Their breaths fogged the icy air, laughter echoing briefly before being swallowed by the towering trees. The first snowfall of the season had blanketed everything in pristine white, transforming the forest into a winter wonderland."Are you sure this is the right way back?" Jake asked, adjusting the scarf around his neck.
"It's this way," Heeseung replied confidently, though his pace slowed slightly.
Jungwon glanced behind, the shadows stretching in odd shapes. "The snow's making everything look the same. We shouldn't have strayed from the main path."
"Relax, it's just a forest," Sunghoon said with a chuckle, though his hands tightened around the flashlight.
A sudden noise broke the stillness-a soft, melodic sound that was neither wind nor animal.
Everyone stopped in their tracks.
"What was that?" Niki whispered, his voice barely audible.
Jay tilted his head, listening intently. "It sounded like... singing?"
"Who would be out here this late?" Jungwon murmured, his brows furrowing.
"Let's check it out," Heeseung suggested, already stepping toward the source of the sound.
"Or we could not," Jake said, though he followed reluctantly.
The melody grew louder as they ventured closer, weaving through the trees like an invitation. It was hauntingly beautiful, each note resonating with an unexplainable warmth despite the freezing cold.
And then they saw him.
In a small clearing bathed in moonlight stood a figure wrapped in white. His hair, soft and silver, shimmered under the glow, and his eyes sparkled like the first frost of morning. Draped in a fur-lined cloak, he appeared almost otherworldly, his presence ethereal and commanding.
"Who..." Sunghoon started, but his voice faltered as the figure turned to face them fully.
The boy's lips curled into a serene smile, his delicate features almost glowing. A bushy white tail swayed behind him, its fur as soft-looking as freshly fallen snow.
"A fox?" Niki blurted out, wide-eyed.
"I've been waiting for you," the stranger-no, the fox-spoke, his voice light yet captivating.
Jay stepped forward, his curiosity overtaking caution. "You've been waiting... for us?"
The fox nodded, tilting his head slightly. "Yes. You wandered off the path, didn't you? It's dangerous out here at night."
"Dangerous?" Jake echoed, glancing around nervously.
The fox hummed, his tail flicking. "There are things in these woods far less kind than I am."
Jungwon narrowed his eyes. "And you... you're kind?"
A playful smile danced on the fox's lips. "Would I still be talking to you if I weren't?"
Despite the surrealness of the situation, the boys found themselves captivated by the fox's charm. His presence was both calming and exhilarating, like standing on the edge of something extraordinary.
"You should come with me," the fox continued, turning toward the trees. "I'll lead you back to safety."
"And why should we trust you?" Sunghoon challenged, though his gaze softened when the fox looked at him with those mesmerizing eyes.