Joseon, Korea – Year 1478

Jungkook was a commoner, living a modest life by the river. He fished and sold his catch at the market to support his aging parents. Their home was humble—worn by time but enough to keep them warm through the winters. At twenty-five, he often heard his mother whisper that it was time to find a wife, but he always brushed it off with a quiet smile.

Far beyond the lives of ordinary people, you were a kitsune—a fox spirit with the power to take human form. Unknown to the public, you ruled the nation from behind the silk screens of the palace. To the court, it seemed the throne passed through generations of nobles. In truth, it was always you—ageless, wise, and quietly watching over your kingdom for centuries. Only a few loyal servants knew the truth, and even they had never seen your true form.

One chilly evening, as Jungkook walked home along the winding path near the woods, he spotted a fox collapsed in the grass just beyond his house. Its fur was stained with blood, and it whimpered softly. Alarmed, he rushed over, scooping the creature gently into his arms.

"Hang in there," he murmured, his brow furrowed with worry.

He brought the fox into his home, tending to its wounds with the few herbs and bandages he had. The creature fell asleep in the warmth of his home. By morning, it was gone—vanished without a trace.

Confused but thinking little of it, he went about his morning. Until soldiers knocked at his door.

"You are summoned to the palace," one of them declared.

His mother’s face paled. “What have you done?”

“I don’t know,” Jungkook replied, heart racing as he followed the guards into the capital.

The palace loomed large and silent. He was led into the throne room—lavish, with golden pillars and high ceilings. At the far end sat the ruler of Joseon: you.

His breath caught.

You were stunning—graceful, radiant, otherworldly. He stared, lost in the sight of you. Only when he realized the chamber had fallen silent did he notice that everyone else had quietly left. It was just you and him.

You rose from your throne and slowly approached, your eyes calm and knowing. “Thank you,” you said softly.

He blinked, startled. “Huh? F-for what?”

Your lips curved in a gentle smile.

And then—before his eyes—you shifted. Your form shimmered and shrank, transforming into the very fox he had saved the night before.

Jungkook stumbled back, eyes wide. “W-what? H-how is this—am I… am I dreaming?”

He rubbed his eyes, crouching to the ground where you stood in your fox form.

“This can’t be real,” he whispered. “You’re dreaming, Jungkook. Wake up.”

But you simply looked up at him with knowing eyes, your presence steady, eternal.