The pale glow of his room danced softly across the silver walls, and Boo lay still, floating just a little above his misty bed. His tiny arms were folded behind his head, and his round cheeks puffed up as he stared at the ceiling.
Everything was quiet.
It always was.
No one to rush him to bed. No footsteps in the hallway. No whispered goodnights.
Only the cold hum of the Ghost Tower and the faraway voices of council elders, echoing faintly like forgotten lullabies.
But Boo wasn't sad.
At least, not all the time.
He had his own little tricks to keep from feeling too empty. He hugged his pillow, kicked his legs like he was swimming in the air, and whispered stories to himself that no one else had time to hear.
His eyes grew heavy as the gentle mist swirled slowly around his bed. He rubbed them with one small hand, letting out a tiny yawn, Although ghosts don't sleep, his body still needed rest. The elder had warned him, 'You must save your strength.'
"Tomorrow…" he whispered softly, his baby voice slow and sleepy. "I'll tell Miss Alina all the gossip I know... when everyone runs off for breakfast…"
He gave a small giggle to himself, a sound so light it barely stirred the air.
"She seems to listen to me," he mumbled. "Even when I talk too much."
His lips curled into a sleepy smile.
And then, as if remembering something even funnier, he added in a whisper, "Luna thinks she's scary... Hehe. Who told her that? Ghosts are way more scary."
He giggled again, this time covering his mouth like it was a secret joke.
But his eyes turned soft and a little wet.
Because even if ghosts were scarier…
Even if he could disappear and float and haunt and prank…
No one tucked him in.
No one kissed his forehead.
No one ever waited for him with warm arms.
But Miss Alina smiled at him.
She looked him in the eyes.
She called him "sweetheart" even when he floated upside down and glittered everywhere.
That was enough.
Enough to feel like maybe tomorrow would be better. Enough to make the lonely night a little warmer.
And as he closed his eyes, still smiling, a single glowing tear floated off his cheek…sparkling like a tiny star as if the ghost of a wish had been made.
Boo fell asleep giggling,
his heart full of stories,
and his arms waiting
for the hug he never had.
***
Kitsune were magical fox spirits, known for their beauty, mystery, and strong bond with nature.
They lived in a place called the Peach Forest—a place so peaceful and lovely, it felt like a dream.
Tall trees stood proudly all around, their bark smooth and pale. The leaves glowed with soft colors—green, rose gold, and light pink. Ripe peaches hung from the branches like glowing lanterns, filling the air with a sweet smell that floated gently with the wind. And right in the middle of the forest was a wide, open field covered in tall grass. It looked like a blanket under the sky.
During the day, the grass waved softly in the breeze, full of light and butterflies. But at night, when the moon rose above the treetops, the whole field shined like silver threads. The wind blew slowly, making everything move together like the land itself was breathing.
Above the forest, the sky glowed with soft shades of orange and pink. Peach petals drifted through the air like falling snow. Hidden behind the trees was the House of Yukihana.
Three stories high and built from pale spiritwood that gleamed in the evening light, the house looked like it had grown from the forest itself. Its roof curved like rising fox tails, silver wind chimes hung from each corner, singing softly in the breeze. Fox-shaped carvings guarded the front, while paper lanterns glowed with a cool blue light along the wide veranda. Everything smelled faintly of peach blossoms and something sweet.
Right now, Felix stood at the front gate, holding his bag tightly. His fluffy tails moved behind him with slow uncertainty as he stared at the tall doors of his childhood home. It was too quiet. Too clean. Too… suspicious.
He was dropped off at kindergarten every day and picked up by his father's trained warriors.
And then—
"MY SON HAS RETURNED! THE UNIVERSE REJOICES!"
A loud voice cracked through the peaceful evening like thunder through silk. The calm shattered instantly as a glowing rift burst open above the garden. Petals rained down from nowhere, pink mist sparkled in the air, and a woman appeared, twirling through the sky as if it were a stage made just for her.
It was Aine. The Goddess of Mischief and fox. Also known as Felix's mother.
She floated down with an extravagant spin, her long silk ribbons fluttering like wings, her jewelry glowing with enchantments. Nine golden tails curled behind her like swirling curtains, and her bright smile nearly lit up the entire porch.
"MY DARLING LITTLE CUB! Did you miss me? Did someone hurt you? Want me to curse your teacher? I'll turn her hair into noodles!"
Felix blinked slowly. "…No."
"No??" she gasped, clutching her heart like it had been stabbed. "You've grown so cold! So emotionless! Just like—like—"
"Like his father," a calm, deep voice finished from above.
Perched quietly on the roof, a tall man stood like a shadow made of moonlight. His long white hair floated in the breeze, and his silver eyes showed not a flicker of surprise. Robed in silver armor that glinted beneath the fading light.
He wore his usual battle robes even at home, because "comfort is weakness" (his words, not Felix's).
He was Yuki—the Fox General. Felix's father.
He floated down with the grace of a falling leaf and landed beside Felix like a silent storm cloud.
"Why is she shouting again?" he asked, straight-faced, without looking at her.
"Because our son refuses to show love!" Aine wailed, already spinning dramatically. "He used to be soft and chubby, and now he's tall and cold and polite!"
(For the record, Felix was still short. But no one dared say that out loud.)
Yuki, unmoved, gave Felix a single approving nod. "Survived the day?"
"Yes."
"Wounded?"
"No."
"Emotional disturbance?"
"…Mild."
"Good. Sword training resumes at dawn."
Aine clutched her ears, gasping again. "Let him rest! Let him dream! Let him chase butterflies in the garden!"
But Yuki only replied, "He is the heir of Yukihana. He must learn restraint. And blade balance."