Are you ok?

Chapter 1 (maybe)

This takes place before he found Monkey King's staff

MK was wrapping up his noodle delivery for the night, much later than usual. The sun had set a couple of houses ago. He couldn't wait to get home, get in bed, and turn on a Monkey King movie. He wanted to rewatch the–

Something caught his eye. Well, someone.

It wasn't unusual for him to be easily distracted, but something about a girl sitting in a dark alley didn't seem right to him. He stopped the delivery cart and hopped out. The girl was looking at him, her face void of expression.

"Hey, are you–" he began. She seemed to be glaring at him, but it was like she was looking past him. He sighed. "What are you doing back here?"

She just glared at him.

"Why are you here alone?"

"None of your business," she said coldly.

MK looked confused. He glanced at his cart, then back at her. "You're probably right. But... like..." He took a couple of steps closer. "Are you ok?"

"Yes." Her expression didn't change. Cold, hard... She opened her mouth to say something but decided not to and looked away.

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Ok, well I can give you a ride home if you need it, or some noodles, or–"

"No. My dad will come get me soon." She didn't look at him.

"Ok..." MK turned to leave but stopped. "I don't know, this isn't right..."

She was staring at him again.

"I don't think you should be here alone."

She tilted her head slightly.

"It's not safe."

"Yeah, it is. Go away."

"It's an alley. It's like–the definition of not safe!"

She shrugged.

"Well unless you tell me what you're doing here, either you can come to my place and get some food until your dad comes to pick you up, or I'll stay here with you until he gets here."

"No. Leave me alone."

"Then tell me what's going on!" Then MK had a thought. "Oh, no." He whispered, "Are you being threatened by someone?"

She seemed to not have heard him.

"I said, are you–"

She glared at him.

He took a deep breath. "Do you trust me?" he asked.

"No."

"Would you feel safer here, or with me?"

No reply.

"Seriously, are you ok with coming with me?"

She nodded slightly, nervously biting her lip.

"Then come on."

He walked back to his delivery cart, and she followed, trembling. They got in and MK put his hands tensely on the steering wheel. "We're going to my place, ok? My employer can help. Ok?"

All she could do was nod.

"Should I call the police?" he asked casually, a little ways through the drive. She didn't reply. She couldn't.