POISONED YOUTH: TWISTED

CHAPTER 8

The scorching heat from the blazing sun seemed to seep straight through Yeoreum's umbrella. Even the wind offered no relief, carrying a heat that felt far too warm against her skin.

It felt like walking through the depths of hell. Her skin burned beneath the summer heat, and for a moment, all she could see was red.

Blood.

Yeoreum's eyes widened as panic rushed through her body. A warm drop of liquid slipped down her skin and passed over her upper lip.

She immediately recognized it.

A nosebleed.

The sudden metallic taste made her gag, and she fought the urge to throw up. The last thing she wanted was to faint in the middle of Seoul's busy streets with people gathering around her.

Frantically, she pulled out her handkerchief and pressed it against her nose. With her umbrella shielding most of her face, she carefully made her way through the crowded sidewalk, her vision lowered to the endless stream of moving feet.

She had only gone out to buy groceries. They were running out of a few things at home, and she had decided to cook something for herself and, if she was lucky, make Yoonoh proud by proving that she could get through one meal without burning down the kitchen.

Unfortunately, her body seemed to have other plans.

As she made her way toward the nearest clinic, a sudden, strong collision knocked the hood of her umbrella aside. The force sent her stumbling backward until she landed hard on the sidewalk.

Yeoreum hissed at the impact. Her umbrella flew several feet away, and her bloodied handkerchief slipped from her fingers and landed on the dusty pavement.

"Watch where you're going."

Confused and slightly dazed, Yeoreum looked up.

The sunlight behind the person standing in front of her made it difficult to see his face. She squinted, trying to make out his features.

The boy's eyes widened when he finally noticed the blood running from her nose.

"Oh my gosh, you have a nosebleed!"

He immediately crouched in front of her and pulled out his own handkerchief, carefully wiping away the blood.

"I'm sorry. Here, let me help you."

Before Yeoreum could even protest, he gently pulled her to her feet and retrieved her umbrella. He opened it again, holding it above both of them as he guided her toward the clinic.

Thankfully, it was only a few steps away.

The boy casually slid the door open and walked inside with her.

"Hey, we should have an appointment—"

"Shh, watch."

The boy suddenly stopped talking.

As if on cue, a tall woman stepped out from one of the cubicles. She was dressed professionally, with a doctor's gown folded over one arm.

Her eyes immediately landed on the boy.

"Chenle?"