FIREFLIES: Sequel to The Man From Nowhere

Cuts Like a Knife

The knife cut right through her lightweight  jacket and sweater.

And he helped her to slowly take them off, leaving her clad only in a t shirt.

Ahjussi then carefully cleaned her wound and tenderly put some salve on.

The cut was long but not deep.

And to Tae-sik's experience, will heal in no time.

Still, he bandaged her arm to keep the wound clean and dry.

As he did that, So-Mi just looked at him over his bent head.

I missed you, she thought.

Did you miss me?

I purposely did not call you.

And I'm so happy you did, even if I did not pick your calls up.

I was confused and guilty ... of actually enjoying my outing with Min Sung-ssi.

But I thought of you every step of the way, Ahjussi.

And at times, wished that it was you with me, instead of him.

And that in turn, made me feel guilty towards Min Sung-ssi.

Wei gurre?

Is this how a person feels ... when they owe another person their life?

It's very disconcerting, you know.

< Are you in love with him? Your Ahjussi? >

Appa said that.

That's ridiculous, isn't it?

Is it even allowed in our context?

< But I don't hate you. Because if I do, I won't have anyone I like. Thinking about it hurts me here. So I won't hate you. >

I said that to you once. When I was 11. When I literally had no one in my life.

So, it was necesary that I have at least one person in my life.

One I can talk too.

Run to.

Be safe with.

But now, I have so many wonderful people around me.

Who loved me, took care of me and keep me company whenever I need them.

But thinking of you, still hurts. Sometimes.

Though this time, in a different way.

And I don't know what that means.

-----

She did not have any school work that night.

So, they both sat on the sofa. Reading.

It was strained between them, for a some strange reason.

The attack episode already discussed and analysed to death.

With no real answer to whom the perpetrators might be.

(Flashback)

"I'll send you home."

"No. Can I stay here tonight, if you don't mind?"

He stared at her a long while, debating with himself.

"Call your mother and let her know."

(End of flashback)

She did.

But she omitted the account of the attack.

Preferring to tell her parents face to face when she got home the next day.