Through The Window

1. Meeting you

Yujin had just returned from the market and was walking through a dark alley on his way home when he noticed a girl sitting in the corner.

"Uh… hey, you alright?" he asked cautiously.

The girl looked at him with a furious expression.

"Please… d-don’t hurt me… I… I’ll do anything for you," she stammered.

"Hey, no, I’m not going to hurt you. Why are you sitting here all alone? You know it’s dangerous for a girl to be here at this time. It’s already past midnight."

"I-I…" she hesitated, her voice trembling.

"Relax. Take a deep breath… okay? What’s your name?"

"Wonyoung…" she whispered.

"Alright, Wonyoung. Can you tell me where you live? I’ll make sure you get home safely."

She shook her head.

"I don’t want to go home," she admitted, her voice quivering.

"Why?"

"My parents… they keep fighting and throwing things at each other, and I… I can’t be there right now," she said, tears spilling down her cheeks.

Yujin felt a pang of worry. Great… now she’s crying.

"H-Hey… don’t cry," he murmured, unsure what else to do.

"Uhm… Wonyoung, right? How about you come with me?" he offered.

She stopped sobbing and looked directly at him.

"Where…?" she asked cautiously.

"Uh… to my house?" he suggested.

"Are you sure? I don’t want to be a burden…"

"There’s no way you’re a burden. Come on, let’s go."

He reached for her hand, but she suddenly hissed in pain.

Quickly, he pulled back. "Did I hurt you?"

She nodded.

"Where? Can I check it?"

She nodded slowly.

Yujin’s eyes widened. A cut marred her arm, and scars ran across her legs and other parts of her body, partially visible under her top and pink jeans.

"Where… did these scars come from?!" he asked, his voice tight with concern.

She lowered her head, silent.

"Can you walk?" he asked gently.

She tried to stand but faltered immediately.

"I think you sprained your ankle… would it be okay if I carried you bridal-style?" he offered.

"No, no… I can walk…" she protested.

"No, you can’t, Wonyoung…"

"Nvm… I can carry you," he said firmly and gently lifted her into his arms, carrying her all the way to his home.

Once inside, he carefully set her down and unlocked the door. Carrying her again, he placed her on the sofa.

"You live alone?" he asked.

"Yeah… I just started living alone last year," she replied softly.

"Thanks for helping me…" she murmured.

"No worries… I’m glad I can help," he answered.

"Um… what’s your name?" she asked.

"Oh, sorry. I forgot to introduce myself… Yujin. Ahn Yujin."