Risky Masquerade

8

The morning saw heavy showers which were now a usual occurrence. Weekends were rather chaotic in Do-bong, with civilians visiting the beach, or breakwaters, spending a wholesome day out.

However, the rain forced everyone in. That is, everyone other than the Devil. Wearing a loose-fitting cardigan and pants, he walked about the rain with an umbrella. After all, the rain was his doing.

He walked through the residential quarters. Watching petty humans was among his favourite pastimes. The buildings were short in height and severely unkempt. This particular one was among those people tended to avoid.

The reason for that may have been the fact that most of its inhabitants belonged to the lower-middle class, usually families of factory workers, shopkeepers and servants.

"You've learnt to talk back now, haven't you?", a man's voice boomed, stopping the Devil on his tracks. He looked through the glass window to notice his Class President, Jimin being the victim of his father's rage.

"Get to your part-time job this instant! How else do you think we're planning to survive?", the older man pushed the boy against the wall.

"The factory is very dangerous during rains, appa. Why can't I take a leave today? I go there everyday.", Jimin whimpered, tears threatening to stream down his face.

"Kids these days just don't want to work!", the man chuckled.

"Then why are you sitting in the house and stuffing bread bought from your son's money?", the Devil thought.

"Please, appa.", a tear travelled through Jimin's cheek as his father stormed off to another room, slamming the door.

The Devil saw the poor boy. Jimin was a straight-A student, the most responsible one class, and clearly overworked by the teachers until He came along. The young boy deserves a break.

Jimin walked out of his house in frail clothes, shivering silently, just as the sky cleared instantaneously and birds began chirping. Dumbstruck by the sudden change in weather, he looked up and dried his tears.

"Hello Jimin!", the Devil waved naturally as the young boy smiled softly.

"Hi Taehyung. How are you?", he asked.
The Devil smiled in response. "You seem to be having a bad day.", he commented instead.

Jimin's eyes widened. "Yeah, family problems.", he spoke in a whisper.

"Wanna talk about it?", the taller man asked as Jimin looked into his eyes, as if it were a luxury he couldn't afford.

He smiled, "Sure Tae! Let's go for a walk."