A Year in Juvenile Detention : Carl Gallagher

Best thing to ever happen to Areum.

Areum sat in the common area, a place that once felt suffocating, now a little brighter. The sun streamed through the barred windows, casting patterns on the floor, and she watched as the other inmates played cards and talked among themselves. But her focus was on Carl, who sat across the room, engaged in a game of basketball with some of the other guys.

Every time he moved, she felt a flutter in her chest. The way he laughed, the way he interacted with others, the way he had stood up for her against Kyle—all of it chipped away at the walls she had built around her heart. It was frustrating and confusing, but there was no denying the warmth spreading through her whenever Carl was around.

As the game wrapped up, Carl jogged over to her, his face flushed from exertion. "Hey, Areum!" he called, a wide grin on his face. "You see that shot I made? Pure magic!"

Areum couldn't help but smile back at him. "Yeah, I saw it. You were showing off."

"Just trying to impress the ladies," he said with a wink, a playful smirk on his lips.

Her heart raced at his teasing, and she felt a familiar warmth creeping up her cheeks. "I think you need to aim a little higher if you're trying to impress me," she shot back, trying to keep her tone light.

Carl laughed, and the sound felt like music to her ears. "Challenge accepted! Next time I'll aim for the top of the hoop."

As they talked, Areum couldn't shake the feeling that there was something different brewing beneath the surface of their banter. She found herself leaning into their conversations more, her heart racing as Carl engaged with her, teasing but never crossing a line. Each interaction chipped away at the ice around her heart, and it both excited and terrified her.

Later that day, Areum found herself alone in the library, a sanctuary where she often escaped to read or think. She picked up a book but couldn't concentrate. Her mind kept drifting back to Carl—his laugh, his confidence, and the way he made her feel safe. It was a feeling she hadn't experienced in a long time, and she wasn't sure how to handle it.

A part of her wanted to push those feelings aside. She had spent so much time building up walls to protect herself from pain. But the more she thought about Carl, the more she realized he was different. He had stood by her, had fought for her, and he had never given up on her even when she had felt lost.

Just then, the door swung open, and Carl walked in, a playful grin plastered on his face. "Hey, Areum! Whatcha reading?"

"Nothing," she said quickly, trying to mask the emotions swirling inside her. "Just some random book."

"Mind if I join you?" he asked, already plopping down beside her without waiting for an answer.

"Sure," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

They sat in silence for a moment, the tension in the air palpable. Carl shifted slightly, leaning closer. "You know, I've noticed you've been a lot quieter lately. Everything okay?"

Areum swallowed hard, trying to find the right words. "Yeah, I'm just... thinking. About stuff."

"Like what?" he asked, genuinely curious.

She hesitated, the truth teetering on the edge of her lips. "About life, I guess. And people."

Carl raised an eyebrow, leaning in even closer. "People? You mean me? Are you finally ready to admit I'm the best thing that ever happened to you?"

She laughed lightly, a nervous sound that surprised even herself. "You wish. You're just a troublemaker."

"But I'm your troublemaker," he replied, his tone playful but something deeper lurking in his eyes.

Areum felt her heart race at his words. Did he really think of her that way? It was almost too much to bear, the weight of unspoken emotions hanging between them.

"Carl..." she began, her voice wavering. "You've really helped me through this... all of this. I don't think I would've made it without you."

His expression softened, and for a moment, the teasing facade slipped away, revealing a glimpse of sincerity. "I just want you to be okay. You deserve it."

Areum looked away, her heart pounding in her chest. Could it be possible that he felt something more for her, too? But just as quickly as the thought came, doubt followed. What if she misread everything? What if her feelings for him were just a response to the vulnerability she had faced during her therapy?

As if sensing her internal struggle, Carl leaned back, giving her space. "You know, if you ever want to talk about anything... I'm here. No pressure."

"Thanks, Carl. I really appreciate that," she replied, her voice steadying slightly. "I just... need some time."

He nodded, understanding flickering in his eyes. "Take all the time you need. I'll be around, causing trouble."