My boyfriend is a nine-tailed fox

Chapter 29: Testing Anita’s Resolve

The cafeteria was unusually lively, with laughter and chatter echoing off the walls. At the center of it all was Leo, seamlessly blending into the social dynamics of Anita’s classmates. In just a few days, he had become the star of their grade—charming teachers, cracking jokes, and even helping Max fix a glitch in his science project.

Anita watched from her usual table, her unease growing. Max and Claire were laughing at something Leo had said, completely unaware of his true nature. She fiddled with her fork, trying to focus on her food, but her stomach churned with unease.

“You can’t let him win them over,” Jace muttered, sliding into the seat beside her. His voice was low, but his words carried a sharp edge.

Anita glanced at him, whispering back, “What am I supposed to do? Shout, ‘Hey, everyone, Leo’s a spirit here to steal my fox bead’? That’ll go over well.”

Jace frowned, his gaze locked on Leo. “He’s playing the long game. The closer he gets to your friends, the easier it’ll be for him to manipulate you.”

Across the room, Leo caught Anita’s eye and waved, his smile as friendly as ever. Anita forced a small wave back, her hand trembling slightly.

At the library after school, Claire gushed about Leo. “He’s so nice! And smart. Did you know he already finished that history essay Mr. Harris assigned?”

Max nodded, adding, “Yeah, he even gave me some tips on my project. Honestly, Anita, you should try talking to him more. He’s not as intimidating as he looks.”

Anita bit her lip, forcing herself to smile. “Yeah, maybe.”

But the truth was, every interaction with Leo felt like walking a tightrope. At lunch the next day, Leo sat directly across from her, his gaze steady and unnervingly intense.

“You seem stressed, Anita,” he said softly, his voice barely audible over the cafeteria noise. “Is everything okay?”

Anita hesitated, feeling the weight of his question. Was this a trap? A genuine attempt to probe her weaknesses? She couldn’t let him see her fear.

“Just school stuff,” she said lightly, shrugging. “You know how it is.”

Leo tilted his head, his smile faint but calculated. “Of course. Let me know if you need help. I’m good at solving... complicated problems.”

Jace’s warning replayed in her mind as she forced a laugh. “Thanks, but I think I’ve got it covered.”

Later that evening, Anita sat in her room, the fox pendant resting against her chest. “How do I keep him from getting to them?” she asked Jace, who leaned against the doorframe.

“You need to outsmart him,” Jace replied, his tone serious. “He’s testing you—seeing how much you’ll bend before you break. Don’t give him the satisfaction.”

Anita nodded, her resolve hardening. Leo might be cunning, but she wasn’t about to let him manipulate her—or her friends. Still, as the shadows deepened outside her window, she couldn’t shake the feeling that the fight was just beginning.