Love Parade

_5_

"She was just emotionally stressed, she'll be fine. On another note, we need to extend her physical rehab"
"Thanks doctor", my mom said as she left with me to the car

The ride was silent throughout, I wasn't even looking forward to discussing anything.

"You'll be schooling in the states. Your dad and I have already agreed and made arrangements for necessary things. You can't argue with it, you're going to have to go with it"

Who was I to disagree, a perfect plan to run away from all my problems. I nodded and went up to my room once we pulled into the porch.

"You alright?"
"Dude you scared me, why aren't you at school anyways" I asked my brother
"Screw that. You're more important" I scoffed at that statement
"You should go before dad finds out"
"Hae-Jeong! are you good?"
"You already know the answer"
"I heard what happened at school, I'm sorry I wasn't there to protect you"
"It's fine, I handled it in the best way I could"
"Ni-ki doesn't deserve you eitherways, neither does Eunchae"
"Can we not discuss it"
"Sis, you can't run away from everything, at least talk about it with someone. Don't bottle all your emotions, you'll explode in tears if you do"
"Look, I'm already stressed"
"I understand, just don't blame yourself for something others are responsible for okay?"
"Sure"
"And also, think of the states as a new beginning. You'll do fine. I have to go now, i'll see you in the evening sis"
"Have fun"

I screamed into my pillow out of frustration, i'll take my brother's words and think as positive as I can.

_ _ _Later that evening_ _ _

"I need to get somethings from the store, I'll be back"

I walked down the dark alley way to one of the convenient stores nearby. It was quite cold and i didn't take a jacket with me so I just endured it all and bought what I needed. As I was munching on my favorite chocolate bar, I popped on my ear pods and strolled back home, then I realized there was barely anyone on the road, where was I? I questioned myself. The road didn't seem familiar.

I turned around to see if I could find my way back but it was like I just circled back, the road seemed like a maze and I took different turns trying to trace my way back. Suddenly, I heard a shrill creaking, was I close to a store or something. I followed the sound trying to see if it'll lead me back to a place with people.

Oh yes it did but not friendly looking people. It was like those motorbike gang you'd see in films. Before any of them caught sight of me, I turned back and tried to walk as fast as I could.

"Hey!" one of them called me. I ignored it and began to pick up the pace on my injured leg once again. I could hear the footsteps following me and I could see the shadow of the person watching my figure. It then brought flashbacks of the forest where I was traumatized. I was terrified, I stopped and fell to the ground immediately and the world started spinning. I could hear the howls of that night on repeat, I was struggling to clear out my mind and be sane. I became breathless.

"Chill out, you're fine, you're okay, you're safe" A voice said as it's icy fingers gripped my hands in the darkness sending chills down my spine

I looked up to meet a pale face who cupped my cheeks telling me it's going to be fine. My mind fixated on his appearance. With those long legs of his crouched down to meet me on the floor, I could tell he was tall. He helped me up and wore jacket around me.

"What were you thinking? a teenage girl going into an empty dark alley alone"

I was inaudible still trying to gain consciousness. He let go of my hands and I almost fell because I lacked his support.

"Where do you live? I'll get you there"
"Who are you?"
"I should be asking you that question. I've never seen you on this road neither have my guys"
"I don't know how I got here, I jj..ju..jus-"
"Ugh, look. I don't do pity parties, where did you come from?"
"A convenient store"
"Then how did you get to a dark alley? Just go right and keep your eyes on the road"
"Thank you", I replied and limped my way away from him

Just then, I felt myself being carried from the ground onto a stable and fit back. The attractive guy carried me on the path he told me to go.

"If you're handicapped how did you come this far?"
"I'm not handicapped, I just have a rusty balance for now"
"That's even worse" he chuckled "Ouch"
"That's for laughing at me"
"Hey! I'm carrying you, I can let go of you anytime. Be careful"
"Whatever"
"This is what I get for being a gentleman"
"True, I didn't ask for your help" he paused "What happened, keep moving"

He sighed and kept walking. We soon came to a familiar path and I gave him directions to my residence.

"Thank you" I said seeing him off
"Nice building you have here"
"Uhm Thanks, now shoo"
"Where are your manners? You owe me"
"That can't happen, I won't be in Soeul from tomorrow"
"Awn that's sad but I don't care. I have a feeling we'll meet again" he smirked and walked away

"I'm Hae-Jeong", I yelled to him
"It's Park Sunghoon", He yelled back

P a r k S u n g h o o n, hope to see you again.