Personal Sunrise

A Dangerous Road

Key’s POV

                I wrapped my arms around my knees and stared at the TV screen. It was a drama, some crappy American soap opera that a cheap Korean TV studio had tried to dub. The main character had lipstick that was much too dark and hair that was much too poofy. It looked like it was from the 80s. God, I hated the 80s. Even in Korea, it was considered the darkest time in fashion history.

                I grabbed the remote and hastily changed the channel. Cooking shows with washed-up celebrity chefs were mixed in with strange Japanese game shows and educational programs for kids. I kept searching until I found a variety show starring U-KISS. I laughed when I saw Kevin dancing “Gee” in front of the camera. He was good, but I couldn’t help thinking that I was just a tiny bit better.

                I glanced over as a light knock sounded against the door. It opened smoothly to reveal Jonghyun, wide-eyed and frantic. He looked like he had sprinted the entire way. The sight of him made me instantly angry.

                “Go home,” I muttered, turning back to the TV.

                He ran up to my bedside and fidgeted for a few seconds, as if he was unsure of what to do. He settled for running his hands through his hair and leaning against the wall.

                “Are you okay?” He asked, his voice weak and tired.

                I kept my eyes glued to the variety show, where Eli was imitating a pigeon. “I’m fine.”

                “My appa-,” he began, staring at me warily.

                “What does your appa have to do with this? Just go home and stop worrying about me. It doesn’t matter.”

                “It does matter!” He shouted.

                 I was shocked to see that his eyes had filled with tears and his hands were shaking. What on earth was he so upset about?

                “My appa was there, Key! He’s the police chief! He saw everything, so don’t even try lying about it! I know what happened…and… I really… I can’t take it…”

                I froze. There was no way I was going to let Jonghyun get pulled into this. So I resorted to the one thing that always saved me; the sin that had become my closest friend and my darkest enemy: I lied.

                “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Jonghyun,” I said casually.

                I saw him grind his teeth in frustration. He took a deep breath and unclenched his fists.

                “Don’t lie to me, Key. I’m tired of it! I understand that you’re afraid, but we’re all here to help you! Do you not trust us?”

                “I’m not afraid of anything, Jonghyun. I really have no idea what you mean. Whatever crazy idea your appa put into your head, it’s best if you just forget about it.”

                “My appa has been a police officer for fourteen years,” Jonghyun replied coldly. “He knows child abuse when he sees it.”

                I flinched reflexively at the word “abuse”. Yes, that’s exactly what my parents did to me, but hearing it aloud made it seem so much worse.

                I laughed lightly, but my shaking voice betrayed my worry. “Child abuse? Jonghyun, I think you’re confused about something. My parents don’t abuse me.”