Phoenix

Two

5 April 2134

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Seraphina pov
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The young man, who still had a cold gaze, didn't look at me and said, "I believe you will need my help. The name is Hyunjin."

It felt peculiar engaging with another person after five years, let alone receiving assistance from one. When I attempted to rise again, Hyunjin's disappointed expression caught me off guard as he inquired, "How did you survive here for five years without any superpowers, and why do you have none?" The irritation in his voice was palpable.

"You know, Hyunjin, I'm not forcing you to help me; you came back to help me yourself," I replied, to which he retorted, clearly agitated, "Because I'm human too? I have feelings too, and I just felt bad for you. Clearly, you're not capable of surviving on your own." Observing my embarrassment, he sighed and decided to carry me on his back to a hiding place, as we were still not safe from the robots.

Once we arrived, he gently laid me down and checked for wounds on my foot. Suddenly, he apologized, "Sorry, I didn't mean to be so rude. I was just really worried and stressed." I accepted his apology, expressing, "I completely understand. These past five years have been extremely stressful. I miss my parents." Hyunjin sighed in agreement, admitting, "Me too, I miss my mom so much." When I asked about his father, he looked at me with a hint of sadness, and I immediately regretted my question. He reassured me, "You shouldn't feel sorry about that, and no, I don't miss my father."

Curious but cautious not to hurt his feelings, I remained silent. Hyunjin pulled down my trouser leg again, remarking, "You have no wounds. By tomorrow, you will probably be able to walk and run perfectly again." He sat beside me, offering a caramel candy, saying, "I know you couldn't eat because of me just now, so here, some candy." His smile made me stare at him involuntarily.

Noticing my gaze, he teased, "Am I that handsome?" Flustered, I looked away, and he whispered, "Cute." We sat in silence for a while, until he complimented, "I like your hair. It's beautifully braided." Shyly, I thanked him, admitting I did it that morning. Surprised, he touched my braids and asked, embarrassed, "This is strange to ask, especially since we've been here for a few hours and I saved your life, but what is your name?"

I reassured him, "Oh, that's okay. My name is Seraphina, but you can just call me Sera if you want." He smiled for the first time with his teeth showing, "Seraphina, we need to find a place to sleep for the night." Trying to stand up again, it went easily, and together, we sought refuge in an abandoned house, barricading the door with a cupboard.

As I lay down on the bed, Hyunjin hesitated, remarking, "There is only one bed. Does it bother you if I lie with you?" I encouraged him, "No, not at all. Come on." Eventually, we found ourselves lying together. "Hyunjin, don't you think it's a shame that we had to live a normal life? I was supposed to be in my junior year of high school. What about you?" I inquired. He revealed, "Normally, I would have already started my first year of university by now. I would have taken over my mother's business." His voice wavered, and I embraced him until we both drifted into sleep.

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