HER || [Chaerji]

{30}

*6 years later*

< "Chaeryeong-ah, could you come over to the company today? I need your help on something." >

< "Hi, Jisu unnie! I'd be glad to help you but I can't make it today, I have somewhere to go soon. Maybe I'll go on... Wednesday?" >

< "*chuckles* Alright, alright. See you then." >

After the call ended, Chaeryeong tidied up and checked herself in the mirror. She wore a white, cotton turtleneck sweater and a beige cardigan coat, matching with a long brown skirt. The outfit just suits the autumn so well.

She looked at the time shown on her phone screen and muttered after a soft sigh, "It's about time."

A dark grey car arrived in front of Chaeryeong's house and a driver came down to open the backseat door for the girl to get in. Before driving off to their destination, the driver passed a cup of coffee to the latter, "Here's your drink, Miss."

"Thank you."

•=•=•=•=•

The journey was filled with calming music playing from the car's radio, with no noisy noises whatsoever. However, Chaeryeong couldn't settle her nervousness, her hands held tight together, fingers rubbing each other from time to time. No matter how calm the music is, it's just not helping her to relax.

"Miss, we've arrived." the driver looked at her through the rear-view mirror.

Chaeryeong nodded with a smile and stepped out of the car. She walked towards the prison centre, to in front of it, to the reception.

"How can I help you, Miss?" the receptionist questioned.

"Hi... I'm here for my friend. I heard that they will be released today."

"What's their name?"

"Shin Ryujin..."

"Hold on... Yes, they will be released at noon. Please wait for a while."

Chaeryeong looked at the time once again, 11:52 am shown on the clock that was hung on the wall. She thanked and smiled at the receptionist and went out of the centre, to wait for Ryujin to come out.

As the time ticks, Chaeryeong's heartbeat went faster, and louder. Her lips turned dry slightly due to her nervousness. She walked back and forth as her heart beat loudly non-stop while waiting for the time to come.

The 8 minutes felt long and short at the same time, and it finally hit twelve.

The entrance door of the centre opens, revealing that one slight boyish-looking, short-haired friend who was freed from the prison. Ryujin grinned as she walked to where Chaeryeong was and greeted happily, "It's been a while, my friend."

Chaeryeong chuckles and they shared a friendly hug. Ryujin uttered lightly in a joking tone, "Missed me?"

"Of course I did, Ryujin. Of course."

"Alright, let's go now. Quick." Ryujin said and turned Chaeryeong around suddenly, which startled the girl for a bit before the short-haired drags the girl to walk away like she was in a hurry.

"Yah, both of you." another voice appeared, stopping the two girls.

Chaeryeong turned back to face the entrance's direction, and there, her heart started beating fast, again. She swallowed a lump that formed in her throat, her breathing went a little unstable, and she whispered under her breath—