The night felt endless.
But Seo-yoon kept walking.
No home.
No plan.
No one.
Just forward.
Her steps slowed as exhaustion finally caught up to her.
Her body still weak from the fever.
Her mind still heavy.
"…I can't…" she murmured softly.
Her vision blurred.
The streetlights flickered in her sight.
And just as her knees began to give in—
A hand caught her.
"Careful."
A calm voice.
Steady.
Seo-yoon's eyes lifted slowly.
A girl stood in front of her.
Older.
Maybe by a few years.
Her gaze was sharp.
But not cold.
"…You look like you're about to collapse," the girl said.
Seo-yoon tried to steady herself.
"…I'm fine…"
The girl raised an eyebrow slightly.
"…You're not."
A pause.
"…And you're alone."
Seo-yoon said nothing.
Because it was true.
🌙 A Stranger… or Something More?
The girl studied her for a moment.
Not judging.
Not rushing.
Then—
"…Come with me."
Seo-yoon blinked.
"…Why?"
The girl turned slightly, as if already expecting her to follow.
"…Because staying here isn't safe for you."
A pause.
"…And I don't think you want to be found."
Seo-yoon froze.
"…How do you—?"
The girl glanced back at her.
"…I know enough."
Silence.
Seo-yoon hesitated.
But something in her…
Trusted it.
Just a little.
🖤 Lee Sang An
The place was small.
Simple.
But safe.
Seo-yoon sat quietly, holding a warm cup in her hands.
The girl leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
"…Name," she said.
Seo-yoon looked up.
"…Seo-yoon."
The girl nodded slightly.
"…Lee Sang An."
The name settled in the room.
🌑 The One Who Helps
Days passed.
Seo-yoon stayed.
She didn't ask for much.
Didn't say much.
But Sang An—
Stayed.
She made sure Seo-yoon ate.
Rested.
Recovered.
And most importantly—
Stayed out of danger.
"…You're being watched," Sang An said one night.
Seo-yoon didn't look surprised.
"…I know."
Sang An's eyes narrowed slightly.
"…Then you also know they won't stop."
Seo-yoon looked at her.
"…That's why I left."
A pause.
"…I won't go back."
🔥 Protection
Sang An stepped closer.
"…Good."
Her voice was calm.
But firm.
"…Because I won't let them take you either."
Seo-yoon blinked slightly.
"…Why?"
A simple question.
But Sang An didn't answer immediately.
Then—
"…Because I've seen what happens to people like you."
Her gaze hardened slightly.
"…And I'm not letting it happen again."
🌙 A New Bond
Seo-yoon looked at her carefully.
Not fear.
Not doubt.
Just understanding.
"…Then help me," she said quietly.
Sang An's expression didn't change.
"…I already am."
🌑 Final Moment
That night—
For the first time in a long time—
Seo-yoon slept.
Not perfectly.
Not peacefully.
But… safely.
And outside—
In the quiet shadows—
Someone watched.
"…She's not alone anymore…"
A pause.
"…That complicates things."