Vows and Bullets
Chapter 88: Chung Seo-Hyuk (Part 2)

Chapter 88: Chung Seo-Hyuk (Part 2)

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[Still at Yoon-Ah POV]

"You talk like a prince," I chuckled. "The pleasure is mine, Mr. Seo-Hyuk," I continued, curtseying to match my statement.

After that, we laughed for a few seconds more and then went back to whatever we were doing. Later on, he finished his drink and left, politely saying goodbye to me. Haaah. I should’ve asked for a picture. I wanted to use him as a reference for one of the characters in the webtoon I’m making.

’Oh well, we could always meet next time. Maybe he transferred places and lives nearby, that’s why I encountered him twice now. But then, he looked rich, and this neighborhood is not for rich people, just average ones. Hmm... Or better yet, I could be judging him incorrectly. Maybe he’s an average person who pays bills. Anyway, enough acting like a detective today, Yoon-Ah. Back to work!’

And so, hours passed until finally, our forever-late part-timer was back! Actually, it was beyond the word "late" and more like he changed his shift completely. Now, I cover the morning shift, and he does the night shift. He comes whenever he pleases! Seriously, my parents were too kind to him. Anyway, it’s good he’s here now. He took over the counter, and I quickly changed out of my uniform and ran upstairs back to my drawing tablet to create another awesomeness!

"Yoon-Ah’ya!" mother called me again.

It hadn’t even been a few minutes when I got seated, and there she went calling my name again. I’m literally crying internally right now.

’What is it again? Why is it always me? Why don’t you ask my older brother to do some work instead? The unfairness of it all... Woe to me. Hu-hu-hu-hu.’

But of course, I’m a nice daughter. I couldn’t possibly say that to my mother.

"Yes?" I shouted back. She was downstairs, probably in the kitchen baking the pastries we sell.

"Can you go to the grocery store and buy some stuff for me? I need some flour and eggs and a couple of more things. I’ll list it down since you’re forgetful."

Ugh. I knew it. Another errand for me. Yay.

Despite my laziness seething in my bones, I got up and went down to get the list and money from my mother. She instructed me on the usual things she says when she asks me to buy something.

"Make sure to pick the best ones. Don’t just pick those on top."

"Check if there are any sales or discounts, okay?"

"Don’t forget your change."

Blah. Blah. Blah. I already memorized it—time to go.

It was around five in the afternoon that I went outside. My mother’s list was too long. I wonder if I would be able to carry it all on my own? I should bring the scooter with me since it had a basket in front and a storage box behind it.

Soon enough, I arrived at the grocery store and got the things I needed. Then, I packed them inside the storage box of the scooter and drove back home.

"Oh no. Is it seven already? Did I shop that long? I should hurry back."

By the looks of it, I’m probably staying up late tonight again.

On my way back, I suddenly passed by a group of men who seemed to be arguing with each other. Wanting to avoid and ignore them, I changed my direction and went to the other road on my right. It was a little farther but it would still lead me home, so it was fine.

But then, another group of men was scattered on my way—by the park. I tried to avoid them again, but when I turned around, I saw some of them walking towards me!

Ba-dump! Ba-dump! Ba-dump!

My heartbeat raised within me.

’Oh no. I’m surrounded. Relax, Yoon-Ah. Remember what Ye-Ji’ya said. In times like this, I should remain calm and think.’

I breathed deeply to calm myself.

’Haah... Haah... Right. M-Mythos. I should n-notify them.’

I reached out toward the phone in my pocket to press the emergency button—simultaneously pressing the volume down and power button. We set it up that way so Mythos would be alerted should anything dangerous happen. They could easily track my location and send people to help.

"Hey there, cutie," one of the men said.

I tried to drive away, but another man grabbed onto my scooter and stopped me. The other pulled my arm and snatched my phone away. I looked around, checking if there was anyone who could see and help but for some reason, there was nobody around.

The park was usually packed with people passing by at this time, but why was it suddenly empty? Was it because of these men? They found them dangerous, so they all avoided them as well?

"Haah... Haaah..."

I tried to breathe deeply and act calm, but my heart continued to hammer loudly in my chest. I started to break into sweat as shivers ran down my spine.

"W-What do you want?" I strengthened myself and asked. "If it’s m-money, I’ll give it. T-The bike, too, and my phone. J-just please, let me go."

My body trembled. I couldn’t control it. No matter how much I tried to remain calm and think logically, my own body betrayed me.

’I’m scared... sniff... I’m so scared.’

Someone... anyone... Please help me.

Alas, my eyes burst into tears.

The men didn’t let go of my arms and pushed me around towards I don’t know where. They were saying something to me, but I couldn’t hear them. I couldn’t understand. My mind was off somewhere, and I couldn’t process anything.

"Sniff... sniff... P-Please, let me go."

"You know what we want?" one of them said.

His mouth was so close to my ears, probably why it sank in my mind, making me jolt from his words.

"We want to f*ck you so bad. That’s what."

"Ha-ha-ha-ha!"

"Don’t worry. We will all have a good night."

Hearing those horrible words, I wanted to puke, scream, and run away, but my body stiffened.

’N-No... please no. Sniff... Ye-Ji’ya... help me... Hu-hu-hu-hu."

Then, my knees gave out, making me fall on the cold, dry ground.

"Get up!"

"Stop playing hard to get."

"If you don’t stand, we will—"

SMACK! THUD! DUGSH!

The sudden sound of a heavy punch reverberated in my ears. Then, kick, and another punch until all the men surrounding me shouted curses, and they all fought.

It was probably an agent of Mythos. Finally, they arrived.

"Waaahu-hu-hu-hu..." I sobbed as I tried to cover my ears, shut my eyes close, and hug my knees.

Soon enough, the sound died down, and the surrounding turned silent. Only the groans of the defeated men could be heard. I opened my eyes again and saw them all lying on the ground with blood and bruises on their faces. At last, I felt a little relieved, and my breathing returned to normal little by little.

"Ms. Yoon-Ah," the man who saved me patted my shoulders and called me. "Are you alright?"

But when I looked at him... he wasn’t a Mythos agent.

It was "him"...

"M-Mr. Seo-Hyuk?"