same ground ✩ l.hs

十二

" we'd always pick up pieces of the people
we meet along the way. "

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" Heeseung? " Aera mutters. He glanced at her for a moment before looking down at the boy glaring as if there were no tomorrow. " You heard what she said earlier. Now, do it. " He commanded which they yet obeyed as they were faced by someone their size.

They left while glaring at them. Aera did not break eye contact until they were finally out of her vision. She rolled her eyes and walked toward the cashier. " Next time, Do not let any of this happen. If ever, immediately call the police as they are not the only ones who will be punished. You could be dragged by their mess you know. " She warned while he nods a few times before thanking her.

A glimpse of herself was seen as she recalled what happened earlier. Back when she was at college, she had a part-time job at a convenience store and one night she failed to catch a glimpse of a trio of teenagers stealing canned beers and they were caught by the police. She got accused as they presumed she had given it to them even though she didn't. And it resulted in her losing her job.

Heeseung was the one supporting her expenses throughout the whole semester and even suggested paying her rent. But she rejected not wanting the fact she was depending so much on something she should be independent about.

She glanced back at the cashier and smiled. " Be careful next time, Sunoo. "

Sunoo's eyes widened. " How do you know my- "

" Name tag. " She giggled and pointed at his name tag. Sunoo laughed and bowed to them for the last time as they left the store.

As Heeseung and Aera made their way outside, Heeseung spoke. " Wait. " He said and she stopped in her tracks and glanced at him confused as to why he was still talking with her.

He cleared his throat before saying, " Let me take you home. It'll be safer that way. " He suggested.

Aera gulped and looked the other way, " I don't think your fiance will like that sir. " She declined which resulted in him nods agreeing with her. She slightly bowed turning her back to him but before she could take a step he called with a calm voice.

" Give me your number and have a call with me until you get to your place. " He implied hoping she would agree this time. Aera pursed her lips together before giving him her phone number.

" You don't have to let me know when to hang up. Just make sure you're already at your place and that's the signal for me. " He typed her number on his phone and gave it back without looking at her.

The girl could only nod and they began calling each other once she started walking away and he got in his car.

It was awkward. Exceptionally awkward for both of them she could hear some beeps coming from him although she did not mind it. Eventually, she reached her grandmother's house. Despite what Heeseung said earlier, she nonetheless contemplated whether to let him know that she arrived or not.

But because of her grandmother's voice greeting her, Heeseung must've taken that as a signal and hung up before she did. And for some reason, she feels unfortunate?