BECOMING HUMAN

CHAPTER 2

Early in the morning, Aurora drew her eyes open gradually. The tides of the waves returned to behind the shoreline, and the sun was bright. Thankfully, she was stationed under the bridge, so she didn't have to worry about her eyes burning from the sensation of bright light emitting on her. Sitting up, she rubbed her eyes and yawned. When she saw someone laying next to her in her peripheral vision, she jumped up immediately. She gasped, clenching her hoodie and exhaled deeply.

Jungkook was sound asleep next to her. He looked so peaceful, almost making Aurora forget that this male is actually a machine. Aurora ran her hand through her dirty hair and groaned. She suddenly realized that it would be dangerous for her to start traveling around with this beautiful pack of metal because The North Sea is known to be one of the most rundown neighborhoods and regions of York Seoul City. She'd have to move to an area that won't suspect her or target her to take him.

Maybe I should just let him go... She wondered. I've been by myself since I was born. I don't see why all of a sudden, this one decides to show up in my life now.

But then she realized, she was the one who brought him to her.

Scowling, she walked towards the sea. Staring out in the distance, the wind made her feel drawn to the wide body of water. Aurora frequently thought about how many times she tried to take her life here, but the waves always sent her back to shore. She'd wake up, coughing excessively until all the sea water escaped her lungs. With Jungkook now here, she wondered if things would be different. It didn't mean she wanted him around though.

Jungkook soon woke up, clenching his fingers. Not seeing Aurora next to him, he whispered, "...master?"

Aurora never told him her name which he was interested in.

Looking back, Aurora saw that he was finally awake, but didn't bother to walk over to him. Instead, he did. Standing by her, he decided to stare at the sea, and calculate its width and how deep it was and the contents within it. Turning to Aurora he asked, "Would you like to know the size of this ocean and how deep it is?"

"Sure."

"It exceeds across the East Coast, at least 400 miles. The depth of the ocean is limited, but humans cannot reach the bottom. Sharks and other possibly dangerous creatures dwell in this part, including..." Jungkook went on to describe the fishes that lived in that area. Aurora listened, but her mind soon closed out the knowledge he was offering her.

Jungkook kept talking until she put her hand up told him to stop. She had enough.

Jungkook eyed her with a blank expression and turned back to the ocean. "Understood."

After some time, Aurora wanted to get some food. But of course, she'd have to steal. Although Jungkook was just an AI, she almost felt uncomfortable wanting to do it in front of him. As he followed her up the sandy hill, Aurora turned back and stopped him. "I think it's best that you wait here until I return."

"Why?"

"It's not safe for either of us."

"And why is that?"

Aurora glowered at Jungkook. "I'm hungry. Plus, it'd be suspicious to see a dirty and ugly kid like me walking around with a clean-looking and handsome AI like you—although you still stink— following me everywhere."

"Why is that a problem?"

Taken aback by his question, Aurora scowled. "Listen—just obey me and stay here!" She pointed back to under the bridge. "I don't need any burden on me if I get caught stealing—" It was too late to catch herself.