collateral damage 🔞 - COMPLETE

•sixteen• before (M)

⚠️⚠️ TRIGGER WARNING! Scenes of violence and forced sex. If you are sensitive to this subject matter, please skip this chapter. ⚠️⚠️

~~~~~Naeun

I feel like a stalker, but following Haerin home from the bakery is the only way I can find out where she's staying. That day I went to pick her up for the doctor, she came and packed her bags. I tried to speak to her, but she just kept saying it was 'for the best' to move closer to the bakery. I wanted to make her see that man for what he is, but she wouldn't listen.

I have visited the bakery a few times, but I'm always told she's not there by the girl at the counter. I know she's lying because she sucks at it, and Haerin's famous cookies are always available. I don't want to make trouble for the scaredy-cat girl, so I never insist. This is how I've ended up here... I'm standing in the alley across from the bakery, waiting for Haerin to leave so I can follow her.

I don't have to wait long when I see her come through the door. She locks everything up, and turns to walk down the street. I follow at a distance, but run to catch up whenever she turns a corner. It's only a few blocks when she enters a building, and I have to try to get closer to find which apartment she's in.

I walk inside, looking everywhere for which way she went, but don't see her. I go back to the mailboxes and check for her name, but it's not there. Frustrated, I'm about to leave when a voice startles me.

"Are you looking for something dear?"

I turn to see a friendly middle aged woman. I bow politely and offer her a smile.

"Ah... I was looking for the manager's unit."

"Are you looking for an apartment?"

"Yes... Are there any units for one person?"

"Actually, that's all I have left. When are you looking to move?"

"As soon as possible. I had a roommate sharing expenses in my current place, but she moved out for a man."

"Tch... That's never fair is it? Well, I can take you up to show you what I have if you want?"

I agree and follow the woman to an elevator. When we get to the 4th floor she brings me to a cute loft style studio. I'm about to tell her I'll think about it because I wasn't really looking for an apartment to begin with. Before I can speak, she says something that changes everything.

"The young lady that moved in next door, not long ago, is pregnant and due any day. I'm sure when the babies come, there may be occasional night crying. I want to be honest so you're not surprised. If it would bother you, I'll take your name and let you know when something else opens up."

"Oh no... I don't mind. My friend that moved out was expecting also, so I've been preparing my nerves for babies crying."

She chuckles at what I said, and we head back down to her unit to fill out the paperwork. I sign the lease and tell her I'll return tomorrow with the deposit. She's fine with that because most of the people she's shown the apartment to, don't want to live next to newborn babies. I smile at her, and count my lucky stars that I'll be able to be close to Haerin in case she needs me.

As I'm leaving the building I see Beom-seok heading in my direction. I hide in an alley as he passes. I'm holding my breath, hoping he doesn't turn his head, or he'll see me. Who knows what he'd do if he found me. When he's inside, I almost run to get back to a well lit area. My heart racing, I hustle to the bus stop to get away. I'm suddenly scared of what Beom-seok will do if he finds out I moved in next door to Haerin. He can't find out...