I WILL TAKE YOU HOME

{5}

Ni-ki and Eun Hee arrived at a beach. The beautiful night breeze blew through the cool air. Eun Hee stood facing the ocean, her eyes looking sad and gloomy. Ni-ki wanted to help Eun Hee feel more at ease, which is why he chose to bring her to the beach.

"If you want to cry, just let it out. Life isn't easy; everyone needs someone to be there for them, someone who can witness when things aren't going well."

"I'm fine, there's nothing on my mind."

"People who are sad often know how to pretend they're okay. But I'm not easily fooled by your fake words."

Eun Hee tried to smile in front of Ni-ki, but tears started flowing down her cheeks.

"You can rely on me. I'm not a bad guy like you think. If there's something you want to share, go ahead."

"I'm tired, Ni-ki. Everyday, I think about why my life has been so unlucky since my dad passed away."

Ni-ki listened to Eun Hee's story, realizing that her past wasn't as easy as he thought.

"So that scar on your neck really is from your mom?"

"I never want to expose her bad side to anyone, but I've suffered for two years because of the physical and mental bullying from my sister and mom."

"It's not easy to stand up to them, right? I get it, because you still see her as your mother.You still feel indebted to her, even though she treats you cruelly to the point where your life hangs by a thread."

"I'm scared to leave that house, but at the same time, I'm relieved because you're not a bad person, and I'm glad you won't hurt me. I'm relieved that I can rely on you. I was really afraid my life would get worse if I stayed with you, but it's the opposite. I can't just judge you by your outside. Anyway, I've started to feel comfortable with you."

"I'm not asking you to think of me as completely good, you still don't know my bad side. So I hope you don't put too much hope with me. I might make mistakes just like everyone else, right? If that really happens, will you come back to me? Or will you just walk away?"

"At that time, I might try to remember all the good sides of you and the promises I made. I hope you won't disappoint me because you're all I have. You know my mom and sister have already thrown me away. I don't have anywhere else to go except your place."

Ni-ki looked into Eun Hee's eyes and tried to comforts her.

"Eun Hee, I'll do my best to help you and take you somewhere more comfortable, a place where you'll be valued and where you truly belong. By then, maybe we'll have gone our separate ways, and hopefully, my issues will be resolved too. You'll be able to stand on your own without me, right?"

"Why do you talk like you've already planned to leave me?"

"I'm saying this because I'm afraid I won't get another chance to. And that's my promise."

"Alright, but make sure I get your last words before we go our separate ways."

"That's for sure... Oh, before I forget."

Ni-ki took out a necklace from his pocket and handed it to Eun Hee. The letters E&N were engraved on it.

"A necklace? What's this for?"

"I went to buy a lollipop and saw this necklace. It caught my eye, and I thought it would look good on you. So, I bought it, so you won't feel alone anymore with this necklace with you."

"Are you hinting that this is your last gift to me?"

"Not at all, it's way too soon for that. It's just a gift with no real meaning. I just liked how it looked."

"I really appreciate this gift... it's beautiful. Can you put it on me."

Ni-ki put the necklace on Eun Hee. His face looked a bit sad, but he managed to hide those feelings.

"It suits you."

"I'll wear this necklace all the time so I can always remember you."

Ni-ki wanted to smile again but pretended to clear his throat to avoid showing it.

"Let's go home, it's getting late. You need to get some sleep."

"Okay, tall dummy kid, let's go home."

Eun Hee gave Ni-ki a hard pat on the shoulder while standing on her tiptoes because of how tall he was.