A Year in Juvenile Detention : Carl Gallagher

Harrasment

The atmosphere in juvie had shifted into something tense and hostile, and Carl could feel the weight of it pressing down on him. He had done his best to keep Areum safe from Kyle's relentless pursuit, but it seemed like every time Carl turned around, Kyle was right there, making his move. Carl's patience was wearing thin.

It was a cloudy afternoon when Carl spotted Areum sitting on a bench, her nose buried in a book. He felt a small wave of relief. At least Kyle wasn't around. But as Carl approached, he caught sight of Kyle lurking a short distance away, watching Areum with a predatory gleam in his eyes.

"Hey, Areum," Carl said, trying to keep his voice casual as he slid onto the bench next to her.

She looked up, a faint smile crossing her lips. "Hey, Carl."

But before Carl could say more, he noticed Kyle striding over, a smug look plastered on his face. "Well, well, if it isn't the lovebirds," Kyle said, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

Carl's stomach twisted. "What do you want, Kyle?"

Kyle leaned in closer to Areum, ignoring Carl. "You know, Areum, I've been thinking... Maybe you should give me a chance. Just one kiss to see what it's like."

Areum recoiled, her face hardening. "No. I told you I'm not interested. Stop it."

"Aw, come on," Kyle pressed, stepping even closer, invading her personal space. "What's the harm in a little kiss? You'd probably enjoy it."

Carl's fists clenched at his sides, his heart racing. This was it. He couldn't just stand by and let Kyle bully Areum like this.

"Get away from her, Kyle!" Carl shouted, his voice booming across the yard.

Kyle turned to Carl, feigning innocence. "What's your problem, Gallagher? We're just talking."

"You're harassing her," Carl said, his tone low and dangerous. "You need to back off."

"Or what?" Kyle sneered, stepping closer to Areum, completely disregarding Carl's warning. "You think you can intimidate me?"

"Trust me, I don't want to have to show you," Carl shot back, stepping forward, his body tense and ready.

But Kyle didn't take the hint. He turned to Areum, his face too close to hers, a predatory smile on his lips. "You know you want to, Areum. Just one kiss, and I'll leave you alone."

In that moment, something snapped in Carl. He couldn't watch Kyle pressure her like this any longer. Without thinking, he surged forward and swung a fist at Kyle's face, connecting with a sickening thud.

Kyle stumbled back, shocked, his hand flying to his face where Carl had hit him. "What the hell, man?" he shouted, his voice a mixture of disbelief and anger.

Carl stepped forward, ready for a fight. "You don't get to pressure her like that. Not now, not ever."

Kyle wiped the blood from his lip, his expression shifting from shock to fury. "You're gonna pay for that, Gallagher!"

Carl didn't care. He was fueled by adrenaline, ready to defend Areum no matter the consequences. "Bring it on, Kyle," he growled, his fists raised, eyes locked on his opponent.

Before they could throw punches, the sound of a whistle pierced the air. A couple of guards rushed over, their faces grim as they assessed the situation. "Break it up!" one of them shouted, stepping between Carl and Kyle.

Carl glared at Kyle, who was still nursing his injury but looking far from defeated. "This isn't over," Kyle spat, his eyes filled with hatred.

"It is for now," Carl shot back, his chest heaving with rage. The guards pulled him away, forcing Kyle in the opposite direction.

Once the guards had Kyle under control, Carl turned to Areum, who was staring at him, her eyes wide with a mix of surprise and admiration. "Are you okay?" he asked, his voice softer now.

Areum nodded slowly, her expression shifting to something more serious. "You didn't have to do that, Carl."

"I had to," Carl replied, his voice firm. "He was crossing a line. I won't let him pressure you like that. Ever."

"Still," Areum said, her tone gentle. "You could've gotten into serious trouble."

"Maybe," Carl admitted, running a hand through his hair, trying to calm the anger still simmering inside him. "But it was worth it to see you safe. I can't just stand by."

For a moment, they stood in silence, the chaos of the yard around them fading into the background. Areum's expression softened, and she stepped closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you, Carl. That means a lot."

Carl felt his heart race as their eyes locked. He wanted to say something more, but before he could, the guards were barking orders, forcing the inmates to disperse and move on with their day.

"Let's get out of here," Carl said, taking Areum's hand and guiding her away from the chaos.

As they walked, Carl couldn't shake the feeling that things were shifting between them. He had crossed a line to protect her, and in that moment, he realized just how much Areum meant to him.

But with Kyle still lurking, Carl knew the battle was far from over. He would have to stay vigilant, not only to keep Areum safe but also to confront whatever Kyle had planned next. And no matter what happened, he wouldn't back down. Not for her. Not ever.