A Wistful Summer's Night

Chapter 10: Stitches

"Did you fill out that order for the costume department?"

"Yeah, should be coming Friday," Jin says, handing me another box from the truck we're currently unloading.

I nod my head "Ugh, how many more boxes?"

"Just ten," The chipper delivery guy says. You could help you know!

"Careful this one is heavy," Jin says.

"I got it-shit!" I almost topple over from the weight but I steady myself.

"You okay?"

"Fine!" I strain and set the box down without killing myself.

"How about I do the rest?" Jin offers.

"G...ood...plan." I pant and sit down on the box.

I look past the delivery truck and see someone I don't recognise. A newbie? But I didn't hear anything about any new runners. A girl who looks to still be at high school stands awkwardly next to one of the buildings with a large black hoodie over what could be a school uniform. Her face is obscured by her hood and face mask but in her hand is a gift bag.

Hang on...they're not a fan, right?

I tap Jin and he looks up at me "Do you know who that is?" I gesture to the girl.

He shakes his head, "No clue."

"Looks too young to be a runner right?"

"Yeah."

I stand up and brush myself off "Where are you going?"

"I'm gonna go talk to her."

Jin grabs my arm "Hang on, let's just call security."

I pull a face "It's just a kid, they'll be harmless."

"Wait then, I'll come with you."

We walk towards her and I wave my hand "Yo!"

"Subtle Layla," I roll my eyes at Jin.

The girl notices us and looks unsure about what to do "Are you lost?" I ask but she doesn't say anything.

Jin and I look at each other "Look I know there are some celebrities here and that's exciting and all but if you're not a staff member then you can't be here." Jin says.

"...I'm sorry." She says quietly and looks down at her feet.

"No harm done," I smile. "If you go home now we won't even tell anyone you were here."

She looks at the bag in her hands and starts to fidget "Is it a present for someone?"

She nods her head eagerly "F-for...J-Jimin!"

"I can give it to him if you want?"

"Wait, Layla-"

"Shh." I wave Jin's concerns away. "Sound like a good deal?" I ask her.

She raises the bag slowly and then abruptly thrusts it into my hands "T-thank you!" She spins on her heel and runs off.

"Hey!" Jin calls after her.

"Leave it. I don't think she'll be coming back."

Jin sighs "Are you gonna give that to Park Jimin?"

I stick my hand in the bag and look at Jin "Probably not-ah!" I gasp and the bag falls to the floor with glass shards spilling out of it.

I look down at my hand and see that it's red.

"Layla!"

The metallic smell of blood hits my nose and makes me feel sick as pain shoots across my palm and fingers. I cradle my hand and a few other staff notice the situation and run over to help.