“How about it? Come with me~ I’ll take good care of you, my little beauty~”

Leaning close to Class Rep Hanhan’s ear, I whispered softly. With every inch I closed the distance, her cheeks flushed deeper crimson. My body acted like a magnet, pulling hidden emotions to the surface.

This overwhelming feeling—entirely new to Class Rep Hanhan—surged through her mind and body, leaving her confused. She didn’t know how to react. She wanted to push me away, but her hands refused. Instead, an impulse to hold me tighter stirred within.

“What… what did you do to me?”

Biting her lip, Class Rep Hanhan finally wrested control back. Suppressing the urge, she shoved me away, stumbled back two steps, and gasped for breath.

She’d only meant to help Yushan—never imagining she’d get dragged in too.

“I did nothing,” the Fox Demon drawled, still teasing. “I simply unlocked the emotions you’ve buried deep. Stop resisting… or it’ll only hurt more.”

Just as she’d said: maximize the blood curse. Shatter this cold-as-ice beauty. Mold her into a devoted slave. That was the bloodline curse’s true purpose—enslavement.

But watching Class Rep Hanhan struggle… my conscience twisted.

“Hey… enough already…” I muttered.

The Fox Demon ignored me, reaching out again.

“I SAID—ENOUGH!”

My roar startled both the Fox Demon mid-move and Class Rep Hanhan. Hearing my real voice, she recognized me instantly.

“Su Su?”

“Yes, Class Rep! It’s me! A fox demon’s possessing me—she’s trying to drain your spiritual energy! Run!”

I hadn’t meant to reveal myself so soon. Draining energy? Maybe I could stomach that. But hurting *her*? Unthinkable.

“I can help—”

“You can’t! You’re drugged—you’ll lose control soon. Leave! If you’re truly a demon hunter’s descendant… find a way to save me. Go. Now.”

Clutching my splitting-headache skull, I forced the words out. Luckily, the Fox Demon was drained from holding my body—just enough for me to seize control back.

“But… what about you?”

Seeing my pain, a flicker of emotion crossed Class Rep Hanhan’s usually impassive face. Blood curse? Something else? Who knew.

“Don’t worry—I’m safe for now. Just go! I’m… losing control.”

“Okay. I *will* find a way to exorcise her.”

After a hesitant pause, she gave me one deeply meaningful look—face flushed—and turned away.

*“Why defy me? What do you gain?”* the Fox Demon’s voice echoed in my mind.

*“At least I won’t let you hurt my class rep. Everything else? Doesn’t matter.”*

I figured: just hold out until the blood curse fades. What I didn’t know? Only the caster—or someone stronger—can lift it. Otherwise… it never ends.

*“Fine. I’ll let that girl be… for now. But you cost me prey today. I’m in a foul mood. Can’t take it out on you… so someone else will do.”*

Oddly calm, the Fox Demon turned my head toward Yushan running our way. A slight, wicked smirk curled her lips.

Uh-oh. Forgot about him. Sorry, buddy. For my sake… you’ll have to endure this. She… *shouldn’t* hurt you, right?

“What’s wrong, Su Su? You look awful. Where’s Class Rep Hanhan?”

“I… heatstroke… dizzy… take me home?”

The Fox Demon made me collapse weakly into Yushan’s arms, whimpering in a soft, cooing voice.

“Right away!”

Without hesitation, Yushan hoisted me onto his back and hurried off. Hands fumbling, brushing my legs the whole way… well, lucky you, buddy.

***

“Why… no exorcism techniques in Grandpa’s books?”

In Lü Hanhan’s bedroom, the bookshelf lay toppled. Yellowed ancient texts scattered across the floor. Sweating, breathless, she frantically flipped pages.

“My head… so dizzy… why is it… all *him*…?”

Her body burned hotter. Even with the AC blasting, the heat wouldn’t fade. Uncontrollably, she peeled off her outer layers.

“Can’t… think… need to rest…”

His face filled her mind. Unable to focus, she stumbled toward bed, murmuring:

“Su Su… Su Su… Su Su…”

With each step, clothing pooled at her ankles. By the bedside, she stood completely naked, her flawless body bare.

“Su Su…”

She clutched her stuffed animal tighter with every whispered name.

On her smooth, fair back, a crimson symbol slowly surfaced—a faint mark glowing softly, identical to the one the Fox Demon had drawn.