A Year in Juvenile Detention : Carl Gallagher

Under your skin

The days had settled into a cautious rhythm, the calm before the next storm. Carl was doing his best to stay out of trouble and to keep Areum from slipping back into her darker moods. But life in juvie was never simple, and tensions always simmered just beneath the surface.

Carl noticed it first during free time in the yard. Kyle had been keeping his distance since their fight, but now he was making a point of being around Areum. At first, Carl thought it was a coincidence, but it quickly became clear that Kyle had a new target in mind.

Carl watched from across the yard as Kyle approached Areum, a predatory smile on his face. She was sitting alone, her book in hand, oblivious to the approaching threat. Carl's fists clenched involuntarily, but he forced himself to stay calm. He had to see how this played out.

"Hey there, Areum," Kyle said, his tone dripping with false charm. "Mind if I join you?"

Areum looked up, her expression guarded. "Do whatever you want," she replied, her voice flat.

Kyle took a seat beside her, leaning in slightly. "I've been meaning to talk to you," he said, his voice low and smooth. "You're different from the others here. Smarter. Stronger."

Areum raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Is that your idea of a compliment?"

Kyle chuckled. "Just stating the facts. I've noticed you. You don't let anyone get to you."

Areum's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Kyle?"

"I just thought we could get to know each other better," he said, his smile widening. "I mean, we've got time. Why not spend it with someone who appreciates you?"

Carl watched, his anger simmering. He knew Kyle was up to something, trying to get close to Areum for his own twisted reasons. But he also knew that storming over there would only make things worse. He had to trust Areum to handle herself.

Areum closed her book, staring at Kyle. "I'm not interested in whatever game you're playing."

Kyle leaned back, his smile never faltering. "No games, Areum. Just a chance to get to know you. To show you that not everyone here is out to get you."

Areum stood up, her expression cold. "Stay away from me, Kyle. I don't need your fake kindness."

Kyle's eyes flashed with anger for a brief moment before he masked it with another smile. "Alright, I can respect that. But if you ever change your mind, you know where to find me."

As Areum walked away, Carl couldn't hold back any longer. He approached her, trying to keep his voice calm. "You okay?"

Areum glanced at him, her expression softening slightly. "Yeah. Just annoyed."

Carl nodded, feeling a mixture of relief and anger. "If he bothers you again, let me know. I'll handle it."

"Don't do anything stupid, Carl," Areum warned. "He's just trying to get under your skin."

"I know," Carl said, forcing a grin. "But I've got your back. Always."

The rest of the day passed uneventfully, but Carl couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't over. Kyle was up to something, and he needed to be ready for whatever came next.

The next day, Carl saw Kyle trying again. This time, he found Areum in the library, where she was looking for a new book. Kyle approached her with a swagger that made Carl's blood boil.

"Hey, Areum," Kyle said, leaning casually against the bookshelf. "You find anything good?"

Areum didn't even look at him. "I'm busy, Kyle. Go away."

Kyle moved closer, lowering his voice. "Come on, why you gotta be like that? I'm just trying to be friendly."

"Friendly?" Areum scoffed, finally turning to face him. "You don't know the meaning of the word."

Kyle smiled, unfazed. "Maybe you could teach me."

Before Carl could stop himself, he walked over, stepping between Kyle and Areum. "Back off, Kyle," he said, his voice low and dangerous.

Kyle raised his hands in mock surrender. "Relax, Gallagher. Just having a conversation."

"Yeah, well, she doesn't want to talk to you," Carl shot back.

Areum placed a hand on Carl's arm, her touch light but firm. "Carl, it's okay. Let's just go."

Carl glanced at her, seeing the plea in her eyes. He took a deep breath, nodding. "Fine. But if he bothers you again, let me know."

As they walked away, Carl could feel Kyle's eyes burning into his back. This wasn't over, not by a long shot. But for now, he was just glad Areum was safe.

Later that night, as they sat in the common area, Areum turned to Carl. "Thanks for stepping in earlier. But you need to be careful. He's dangerous."

Carl nodded, his expression serious. "I know. But I'm not gonna let him mess with you. Not while I'm around."