Blood And Lullabies

CHAPTER 01: The Angel In The Alley

The soft clinking of cups, murmurs of happy families, and the smell of freshly baked cookies filled the small café. A little girl-tiny compared to the towering counter and grown-up customers-carefully carried a tray to one of the tables. She wore a uniform two sizes too big, her sleeves rolled up and apron almost touching the floor.

This was Lee Yn, just 11 years old.

"Here's your hot chocolate, sir," she said, gently placing the mug on the table.

"Thank you, sweetheart," the man said kindly.

Yn smiled and turned around, hiding the sadness in her eyes.

Around her, children sat laughing beside their parents. She loved seeing them happy, but it made her heart ache. She didn't have that kind of happiness waiting for her at home.

She was tired-her small legs ached, and her eyes were heavy from lack of sleep. But she had no choice. Her school fees were covered by a scholarship, but everything else-books, clothes, and food-was her responsibility. She worked here after school every evening to help herself.

A warm voice called out behind the counter.

Manager: "Yn, sweetie, your shift's over. You've done enough for today. Go home and get some rest."

Yn: blinking her sleepy eyes "Really? Thank you, ma'am."

Manager: "You're such a hard worker. If I had a daughter, I'd want her to be just like you."

Yn gave a small, tired smile. The manager always treated her like family, and tonight, that kindness meant the world.

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The air outside was cooler, quieter.

Yn walked alone through the narrow streets toward her small apartment. She wasn't scared of the dark anymore. She had grown used to walking alone.

But tonight... something felt different.

She turned into the alleyway she always crossed-it was the shortest way home. But halfway through, she stopped.

A strange sound echoed through the empty alley.

A low groan.

She looked around, heart pounding. The sound came again-this time closer. Someone was in pain.

Carefully, she followed the sound until she saw a man sitting on the ground near the wall, clutching his leg. Blood stained his pants.

Yn gasped softly and rushed forward.

Yn: "Hello?! Mister-are you okay?"

The man's eyes flew open. His face was pale with pain, but his voice was sharp.

??: "What are you doing here, kid? It's late."

Yn: "I'm going home... My apartment is just over there. But you're hurt! Please, let me help!"

The man hesitated. There was something about the way she looked at him-wide, worried eyes and a tiny hand already reaching into her backpack.

Yn: "I carry a small first-aid kit... just in case. My school nurse taught me how to use it."

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Jimin's POV:

I messed up. Got my leg sliced during the mission. Hyungs are on their way, but until they get here, I'm stuck in this dirty alley bleeding like an idiot.

I was trying to stay still when someone tapped my shoulder.

Reflexes kicked in-I was alert.

But when I looked up, I didn't see an enemy.

I saw an angel.

A small girl, her eyes full of concern.

Her: "Hello?! Mister-are you okay?"

Me: "What are you doing here at this hour, kid?"

Her: "This is the way to my apartment. But please, let me help you."

Before I could say anything else, she was already kneeling beside me, inspecting my leg with such serious focus that I almost forgot the pain.

Her: "Sir, your injury isn't too deep, but it could get infected. Wait-here it is!"

She pulled out a small first-aid pouch from her backpack like it was treasure. Her fingers trembled a little as she opened it.

Me: "You sure you know what you're doing?"

Her: nodding firmly "Yes! I helped my friend when she scraped her knee once... and I watched the nurse do this a lot."

She began cleaning the wound with surprising care. I winced, but she apologized instantly.

Her: "Sorry! I'll be gentle. Um... what's your name, mister?"

Me: "Jimin. And yours?"

Her: "Lee Yn."

Lee Yn.

What a soft, delicate name. Just like her.

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Yn's POV:

I cleaned the wound slowly, just like Nurse taught us during first-aid class.

He looked strong, maybe even dangerous, but I wasn't scared. I didn't like seeing anyone in pain-not even strangers.

Jimin: "You're really brave, you know that?"

Me: shrugging shyly "I just don't want anyone to hurt."

I finished wrapping the bandage neatly and looked up.

Me: "Okay! It's done. But you still need to rest. No running or fighting or whatever it was that got you hurt in the first place."

He chuckled-his voice softer now.

Jimin: "You're bossy for such a tiny person."

Me: "I get that a lot."

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Author's POV:

Time had passed faster than Yn realized. Her eyes widened when she checked her old watch.

Yn: "Oh no! I'm late! I have school tomorrow!"

She stood up quickly, brushing the dirt off her skirt.

Yn: "Please take care of yourself, Mister Jimin. Don't walk too much, okay?"

Before Jimin could ask her anything else, she gave a little bow and ran off into the night, her ponytail bouncing behind her.

Jimin watched her disappear around the corner, still stunned.

Just then, a sleek black limo pulled into the alley.

The doors opened, and several men jumped out, rushing toward him.

But Jimin's eyes remained fixed on the path where the little girl had vanished.

Jimin (murmuring): "We'll meet again, little angel..."

He smiled-just a little-as the night swallowed her footsteps.

To Be Continued...