Hye-jin.
After a long day at work, I shut down my computer and packed my things. Soo-kyung had left early because a family issue came up. As I left my area, I saw Mr. Park with noticeable dark circles under his eyes.
"Mr. Park?... Are you alright?" I asked.
"Ah?... Yes, I'm fine, Miss Kang, just a little tired..."
"I see... You shouldn't drive in that condition; you could have an accident and get hurt."
"Don't worry, I'll be careful. And you're not with Miss Shin this time?" Mr. Park asked, turning to see if Soo-kyung was there.
I shook my head. "No, Soo-kyung left early because her father was in an accident, so she had to leave."
"I see... So you'll be going alone..." he said, looking away, trying to maintain a serious expression. "Miss Kang... Let me take you home..."
"Excuse me?... Take me home?" "I asked, looking him in the eyes, "Don't worry, Mr. Park, I can go alone. Besides, my house is a bit far."
"It doesn't matter, please let me take you... Besides, it's late, and the streets are usually dangerous late at night."
"You're right," I replied, adjusting my bag. "Okay." We both headed to Mr. Park's car. When we arrived, he opened the passenger door for me. Thanking him, I carefully got in. He closed the door and got in on the other side. This was a little strange. Mr. Park, kind? Maybe he was always kind but reserved with everyone.
"And... How are you feeling, Miss Kang?"
"Fine... Everything's fine so far..."
"You don't look happy... Could you tell me about it? Of course, if you want. I won't pressure you." "You see... Mr. Choi... cheated on me with a coworker a few weeks ago... And that's why I called off our engagement... And I still feel terrible about it... I dreamed of having a family... But it's not possible anymore," I said, sobbing as a single tear escaped my eye.
Mr. Park offered me a handkerchief to dry my tears, which I gratefully took carefully.
"So that's why you called off your engagement..."
"I'm truly sorry, Miss Kang... I suppose I shouldn't have asked that... I didn't want to make you relive everything that happened."
"Don't worry... I'm fine. I'll just try to forget Mr. Choi and start over... I guess..."
"Don't be discouraged, Miss Kang... Things happen for a reason... Maybe fate has something better in store for you... Believe me, have hope."
"You're right... Maybe that's why this happened... Thank you so much, Mr. Park."
"Don't thank me, Miss Kang... I'm just telling you the truth," he replied with a small smile.
"I've never seen you smile, Mr. Park... You don't look bad, let me tell you."
Mr. Park, surprised, tried to look serious again, a slight blush rising to his cheeks. "Thank you, Miss Kang... for your compliment." I chuckled softly, gazing out the window. The night view was beautiful; I couldn't stop looking at her until we arrived at my house.
"You can drop me off here. I live in an apartment on the third floor, so I have to walk now," I explained as I unloaded my things. "Thank you so much, Mr. Park, for bringing me." "You're welcome, Miss Kang. It was a pleasure helping you... See you tomorrow, and take care."
"Likewise, Mr. Park. Take care and drive carefully."
Mr. Park said goodbye and started the car, disappearing into the distance. I went into the building, took out my keys, and headed to my apartment. I arrived at the elevator, which had a "out of order" sign.
How convenient... I had no choice but to take the stairs. As I climbed the stairs, for some strange reason, I felt unsafe, as if someone was watching me.
"Kang Hye-jin..." My eyes widened. I recognized that heavy voice anywhere... It was Eun-ho.
"W-what are you doing here?... Go away. You have no business here... Go away..."
"Please, Hye-jin... Don't be afraid. You know... You brought what happened at the company on yourself by trying to act tough." You know you're nothing without me. A woman alone is a failure. You don't have a man by your side. What will everyone say when they find out you left your fiancé?
Don't you think... they'll despise you? - he emphasized with a threatening smile and gleaming eyes. I felt like I was in a horror movie. The damsel fleeing a killer.
"I don't care. I don't need a man, much less a jerk like you!" I yelled, trying to open my apartment door.
"Oh no, darling... You won't run away from me. You'll come back. You'll marry me, and I'll be the one to make you a woman. Do you understand?!" he growled, pinning me against the wall. What can I do? I'm trapped... Only a miracle will save me...
"H-help... Please."
"No one will save you, Hye-jin... You're mine~ and no one else's~" Eun-ho started kissing my neck as if it were nothing. I tried to push him away, but I couldn't. I wasn't strong enough. I tried to kick him in the groin, but he covered himself with his leg.
"Think you're so clever, darling? I don't think so..."
Suddenly, someone kicked Eun-ho in the side, sending him sprawling backward.
"I told you to stay away from Miss Kang. Now you not only want to hit her, but you also want to rape her, you pervert?!"
"Mr. Park?" I asked, confused. Why did he come back, and how did he know which apartment was mine?
"Miss Kang... Are you alright?"
"Y-yes... don't worry," I stammered, still shaken by what had just happened. "What are you doing here?"
Eun-ho carefully got up, wincing from the blow. "You again, you idiot? You like to meddle in things that don't concern you."
"Anything that has to do with Miss Kang is my business!" he exclaimed, throwing Eun-ho to the ground and grabbing his shirt. "Get out of here, you damn dog... Before I kill you..."
"This isn't over, Hye-jin... You'll come crawling back to me," Eun-ho said, backing away, panting in pain. "Miss Kang, are you alright?"
"Yes... I already told you I am... Just a little scared, don't worry."
"You can't stay here... That idiot might come back. Don't you have any relatives nearby where you could stay?"
"No," I replied, shaking my head. "My family moved to Gangneung (a city in Gangwon Province, South Korea)."
"I see..." Mr. Park said, looking away.
"Miss Kang... Why don't you stay with me tonight?"
"W-what?... Oh no, Mr. Park, it's not necessary. I can stay here. I can lock the door securely."
"I insist, Miss Kang... Your safety is important to me... Trust me."
Mr. Park finally convinced me. I got into his car, and he drove to his house.
"By the way... Why did you come back? And how did you know which apartment was mine?"
"I came back because you dropped this." Mr. Park pulled out an earring I had dropped in my haste.
"Oh... My earring..." I took the earring gratefully. "Thank you so much, Mr. Park..."
"You're welcome... And if you're wondering how I knew where your apartment was... It was thanks to your shouting. I could sense where it was coming from and recognize your voice."
"Really?"
"That's right... Miss Kang... By the way... I think you should pay me for saving you. I've saved you twice already," he joked, flashing a playful smile. Hearing that, I let out a small laugh. It had been a long time since I'd laughed at a joke. I was also surprised that Mr. Park was joking; it's not something you see every day.
"We've arrived, Miss Kang... Welcome to my house."