Wicked Fox (Gumiho #1)(76)

“I’m not old enough to drink,” Jihoon reminded her.

“When I was your age, five-year-old kids could drink wine.” She held out the vial, and Jihoon graciously accepted it, bowing low.

“Oh, and there was someone looking for you earlier.”

“Changwanie?” he asked.

“No, cuter.” She winked.

He frowned, hoping it wasn’t more creditors.



* * *



? ? ?

The restaurant’s front windows were dark. Chairs turned over, stacked on top of the empty tables. A handwritten sign was taped to the door: CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. If Jihoon concentrated hard enough, he could imagine the scent of one of his halmeoni’s jjigaes permeating the air, the clatter of dishes, the laughter of customers. But he didn’t. Because the memories stung, knowing he’d always taken that life for granted. Taken his halmeoni’s presence for granted.

Bujeoks fluttered along the door frame of the apartment as he let the door swing shut. He took off his shoes and laid them neatly next to his halmeoni’s, her favorite pair of worn black work shoes.

Though it had only been a month, it felt like the space missed Halmeoni’s presence as much as Jihoon did. Nothing had been moved but everything felt a little duller. He almost expected to see Dubu come running down the hall, barking her happy greeting. She was better off at Somin’s, where she’d get daily attention. Jihoon spent more nights in Halmeoni’s hospital room than in the apartment.

“This place is a mess.”

Jihoon whipped around as a shape emerged from the dark kitchen.

“Who are you?” Jihoon raised his fists, ready to defend.

“I’m not your enemy,” the voice said. It was definitely male.

“If you’re not my enemy, then let me see your face.”

The boy who stepped forward was barely older than Jihoon. Perhaps twenty years old with a chiseled face and clear eyes.

“Nice to meet you. Name’s Junu.” The boy grinned a dazzling smile.

“I’d introduce myself, but I don’t often meet people trying to rob me.”

“Do I look like I’m here to steal from you?” Junu asked.

It was a valid question. The boy looked like he’d walked out of the pages of a fashion magazine. Dark pants and a long wool coat hung off his tall frame. A gold watch peeked out from under his long sleeve. Probably expensive enough to pay off some of the bills stacked on the table.

“Why are you here?” Jihoon glanced toward the couch, where he’d flung his jacket. His cell phone was in the pocket.

“Sometimes I ask myself that. Why do I get myself into these situations?” Junu sat next to Jihoon’s jacket, crossing his legs comfortably. “I think it’s because of my face. It’s beautiful, so people want to be around me. And I’m a sucker for good company.” He gave a saucy wink.

Who was this boy?

“I’m a good listener. So people think they can spill their guts to me. It’s only a matter of time until they’re telling me all of their deepest secrets. You’d think more people would be afraid of a dokkaebi.” Junu gave a shrug.

Jihoon jerked back. He stared at Junu with a more critical eye. Dokkaebi were supposed to be as ugly as sin, like the beast he’d seen in the woods. There was nothing similar between that rutting goblin and the beautiful boy that sat in front of him now.

“Why would a dokkaebi be in my house?” Jihoon’s eyes darted around, looking for a good weapon.

“Why do you think?” A smile quirked at Junu’s lips like he was asking a riddle.

“Yena?”

“Ddaeng!” Junu sounded gleefully. “Wrong gumiho.”

Flutters winged through Jihoon’s stomach, like dragonflies taking flight.

“Miyoung?” He whispered her name, like he was afraid of hoping.

“She’s worried about you.”

Jihoon’s eyes hurt like he’d held them open too long on a cold day. Then he realized he hadn’t been blinking.

“She’d kill me for telling you that,” Junu said. “She asked me to make sure you weren’t living in squalor. Didn’t think you’d be back so soon, but I’m not one to hide.”

“Where has she been?”

“Around.” Junu flicked his wrist, like that was explanation enough.

Jihoon decided he hated this boy.

“Well,” Junu said, standing. “It’s getting late. I am starving. Do you think there are still kids at the playground?”

Jihoon’s eyes widened in horror, and Junu broke into raucous laughter.

“Oh, the look on your face.” He slapped his knee. “Dokkaebi don’t eat people. I have a delicate stomach. I must treat my body like a temple.”

Jihoon stared at him, speechless.

“I should get going. I wasn’t joking about being hungry. Should I get jjajangmyeon or jjamppong?” he wondered aloud as he sauntered to the door.

“Tell her to come herself,” Jihoon blurted out.

“Huh?” Junu gave him a curious look.

“If she’s so worried about me, then she should come check on me herself.” Jihoon gripped the sides of his pants so he wouldn’t fidget with the nerves that raced through him.