Round Three (KBTBB FF)

24 - Hayami Na (Part 1/4)

Content warning:
Grooming, Violence, Emotional Abuse

October, 2010

"I'm surprised Yejoon bought us all ice cream." Yireum says.

"Yeah, that's because he has a crush on you!" I tease her.

"He's trying to get to you through us." Hanni reasons.

"That's not true, guys." Yireum blushes. "He just wants to be friends."

Eunji laughs, "Oh yeah? Then tell me why when Hayami asked for notes, he ignored her, but when you asked, he was so happy to give them to you with a can of juice."

"H-here Yireum. If you need help, just tell me and I'll teach you. Actually are you free later? We can get Americano and study together." I mock him, hugging Yireum's arm. "He likes you."

Yireum is totally embarrassed, and I kinda feel bad, but I'm having fun. So are the other girls, pretending to be in love with her, too.

"Oh no, Hayami! It looks like we're splitting up now." She pretends to be sad as we reach the corner.

"You're just trying to get rid of her since she jokes too much." Hanni laughs.

"Are you good to walk home alone? It's kind of late." Yireum asks.

Should I ask them to walk me home? I feel like someone's been following me lately.

Not wanting to take up their time, I decline. "I've been doing it forever, I'll be okay. Bye, guys!"

The three say bye and walk toward their building, and I cross the street, trying to ignore my worries with my vanilla cone. I'm lucky I have long legs to walk fast, but I'm feeling like I should run.

...That feeling is back again. If I stop really fast, will I finally catch someone behind me?

Going with my plan I snap around, but no one is there. I huff, continuing my path home.

"There's nothing there, Hayami." I mutter to myself. "It's just in your head-" The click of a shoe scares me.

I throw my cone behind me, but am devastated when it just crumples onto the ground, not actually hitting anyone.

"Not my ice cream." I whine, stomping over to it to throw it away.

While I pick it up, a shadow blocks the light from the light behind me. I turn around and am taken by a man. He grabs my mouth to keep me quiet, and his other arm is wrapped around me. I try to scream and struggle, but he's too strong as he drags me into an alley.

"Shh! Don't scream!" He whispers in my ear.

Tears burn my eyes, and my attempt at escaping get desperate when I remember what Mr. Yoo taught me.

Kick in between his legs, then break his nose or hurt his eyes to distract him while you run!

I lunge forward and kick my leg back as hard as I can. The man groans and falls next to me, letting go of my mouth. I gasp and cry out, hoping someone hears.

"Help me!"

"Hayami, stop!" He shouts.

He knows me?!

I turn around but can't see his face, it's too dark. I scramble onto my feet, ready to fight him if he keeps going.

"How do you know my name?!" I shout.

"You don't remember me, Mimi?" He groans, curled up into a little ball.

Mimi?? There is no way.