A Year in Juvenile Detention : Carl Gallagher

No games, I promise

The rest of the day continued much like any other, with the usual routines and activities in the juvenile detention center. After the lunch incident, Carl couldn't help but replay Areum's reaction in his mind. It had been a breakthrough, albeit a messy one.

Carl changed into dry clothes and headed to the common area. He spotted Areum sitting alone again, this time without her book. She seemed more guarded than usual, her eyes darting around the room as if expecting another confrontation.

He approached her cautiously, trying to suppress his usual smirk. "Hey, Areum," he said, keeping his tone neutral.

Areum glanced up, her expression hardening. "What do you want now, Carl?"

"I just wanted to apologize," he said, surprising himself with the sincerity in his voice. "I went too far earlier. I'm sorry."

Areum studied him for a moment, as if trying to gauge his honesty. "Fine. Apology accepted. Just don't do it again."

Carl nodded, taking a step back. "Fair enough."

The day dragged on, and during the afternoon recreation time, Carl found himself unable to shake off the events of lunch. He was used to getting under people's skin, but Areum's reaction had been different—raw and real. As much as he enjoyed pushing her buttons, he didn't want to alienate her completely.

As the group gathered for a mandatory counseling session, Carl took a seat in the back, observing the room. Areum sat across from him, her eyes fixed straight ahead, her expression unreadable.

The counselor, a middle-aged woman with a kind but firm demeanor, began the session with a usual question about how everyone was feeling. Carl zoned out, his thoughts wandering back to Areum. He knew he had to find a way to make things right, or at least not make them worse.

After the session, Carl waited until Areum was alone, then approached her again. "Hey," he said softly, "can we talk?"

Areum sighed, clearly exasperated. "What now, Carl?"

"I know I've been annoying," he admitted. "I just...I don't know, I guess I wanted to get to know you. But I realize I've been a jerk about it."

Areum crossed her arms, her expression skeptical. "Why do you even care?"

Carl shrugged. "Maybe because I see something in you. You're different from everyone else here. You don't let anyone in, and I respect that. But I just wanted to say I'm sorry for being such a pain."

Areum's gaze softened slightly, but she didn't uncross her arms. "Look, Carl, I don't know what your deal is, but I don't want to be your project. I'm here to do my time and get out. I don't need complications."

Carl nodded slowly. "I get it. I'll back off. But if you ever need someone to talk to, I'm here. No games, I promise."

Areum seemed to consider his words, then gave a small nod. "Alright. Thanks."