Masquerade of a Fox Spirit

s, and a pair of slippers. Her ginger curls still damp yet not dripping about.

As she stands just outside of the bathroom entrance, she finds herself alone and decides to take in her surroundings.

The air is scented with a blend of sandalwood, lavender, ylang ylang and has a pungent undertone.

Towards her left, by the far wall, is a large futon thats supported by a solid, wooden piece that doesn allow for space under the bed. The wood seems to match the flooring. The futon is covered in soft looking bedding and several fluffy pillows.

Kara can help wondering if it feels as nice as it looks.

Beside the bed, on the far side, is a side table with a lamp, alarm clock, and a charger.

Beyond the foot of the bed, directly to her left, is a kotatsu[3] with a spread of several dishes atop it. Plentiful rice, glistening fried chicken, colourful stir fried vegetables, several sides, assorted pickles, leafy greens, and some coconut soup are situated around a place setting. Theres also a bowl of three flavour ice cream.

Before indulging in the feast, Kara takes a moment to finish looking around.

To her right isn much aside from an open, carpeted area. The door leading out is on the far left side of the wall and theres a large television on the wall towards the right side. Adjacent and behind her, sharing a wall with the bathroom door, is the entrance to a large walk in closet. Further, in the corner to her right, is a small table laid out with some technological equipment that Kara hasn seen before.

Done looking around, Kara takes a seat in front of the place setting and begins to load up her plate with fluffy, fragrant rice and juicy chicken dripping with fatty oil from its tender yet golden skin. After a couple indulgent bites, she then adds some rainbow vegetables while eating various sides and crisp pickled mustards every other bite.

As shes eating, Ren quietly returns and sets a tray of tea on the opposite end of the kotatsu.

When Kara notices her, she abruptly stops stuffing her face and hurriedly tries to swallow her food to talk.

”You
e fine. Don mind me, ” Ren reassures her briefly while sitting down and then starts working on her special ice cream. She eagerly yet methodically scoops up an equal amount cherry and mint chocolate chip ice cream and two parts chocolate before bringing the spoon to her mouth. Indulgently she closes her eyes while savouring the bite. Mm ~ Who would have thought this combination would be so good!

Meanwhile, Kara continues to work on her food. When shes nearly full, she goes ahead and starts working on the soup. Its warm, creamy, slightly spicy and sweet goodness spreads warmth throughout her body.

”Would you like some tea before bed? ” Ren suddenly asks.

Not wanting to be rude, Kara nods in agreement. ”Sure, one cup. ” With some embarrassment, she confesses, ”I-Im pretty full. The food was too good. ”

Ren gives an affectionate smile and says while preparing the tea, ”Im glad. ”

A sweet, fruity tea was chosen to overpower the bitter sleeping aid. Honey was added for good measure before being passed to Kara. Having finished her ice cream, Ren also enjoys a cup.

When theyve finished, Ren urges her to brush her teeth and blowdry her hair before going to bed. As Kara dries her hair in the bedroom, Ren goes to bathe and unwind from the long day.