𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁𝘀 | Park Seonghwa

three.

You gathered the items he couldn't purchase, selecting snacks and bandages while leaving the bottle of alcohol on the shelf. Instead, you grabbed a bottle of water, making a mental note to leave cash for the items you took. Your arms were full, and you struggled a bit as you made your way back to the other room. Fortunately, you arrived just in time, catching the sleeping boy's body once again right before he dropped to the side.

With one hand, you held him in place, scanning the room for something to support his head. Your eyes eventually landed on the hoodie you had taken off earlier. After pushing the boy back slightly, giving you just enough time, you snatched it up. It wasn't the ideal makeshift pillow, but it would have to do.

You did your best to arrange it as comfortably as possible, adjusting his head to the side. He grunted in displeasure and furrowed his brows as you moved him, but you stayed still until he relaxed against the wall. A few seconds of silence assured you that he was now fully asleep.

You were about to reach for his pockets, intending to find his cellphone and call someone who could pick him up, when the jingle of the door made your eyes widen. How could you forget to lock it? Brushing aside that lapse in judgment, you hurried out of the room, offering a polite smile to the three men who had just entered.

"Hello, how can I help yo-" You were rudely cut off by one of them, causing a slight frown to crease your forehead. "Did you see a boy? Younger and shorter than me, with black hair...worn-out clothes. No?"

The man appeared agitated as he spoke, raising his tone when he noticed your cluelessness. It seemed unwise to mention the man who perfectly fit the description, especially when there was only a wall separating him from these newcomers. "I'm really sorry, I haven't seen the person you're searching for," you replied with an apologetic smile, denying any knowledge of the boy's whereabouts.

They eyed you with suspicion but eventually left. As soon as they were out the door, you locked it and released a sigh you hadn't realized you were holding. Those men had looked shady, and you were relieved they left without causing any trouble. Now all you needed to do was hope your boss wouldn't scold you for temporarily closing the store, that is, if he ever found out.