ikalyyy

[ikalyyy]

♡︎ㅤㅤ! 𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָstray bunny pt. 02⋆⭒˚.⋆

Where Kang Saebyeok is chased by another girl after they were fired from the games.

𖹭.ᐟ Warnings: angst ; fluff ; no callback to the games ; fem! reader

Part two

Arriving at Saebyeok's small home was a small respite, you entered before Saebyeok even told you, you smiled happy to at least have a roof over your head.

"Woah, your home is beautiful, Byeokkie" you murmured happily, letting out a high pitched squeal that made her want to put earplugs in, but what really threw her off was the nickname.

"Don't ever call me that again in your miserable life" she growled in annoyance.You pouted, ever since she told you her name just a few minutes ago, you had been racking your brains thinking of a good nickname for the cold girl.

"Okay, Byeokkie!" you jumped into the small kitchen, looking around.

"Now that I think about it, I have absolutely nothing to eat" she said but before she could say anything else, you came out -literally- from one of the low drawers in the kitchen, with a package of ramen in your hand.

"Tada~" you smiled happily and ran up to her, showing off your little accomplishment, but she seemed more confused by the fact that you had gotten into that small space to look for food.

"I guess we'll have to share" she sighed, she hated sharing her food, her space, absolutely everything, she was only shared with her little brother.

You both sat on the floor, opening the package and starting to eat it like that, as if they were cookies, because there was definitely no water and much less gas.

"It doesn't taste that bad if you imagine you're eating pizza" you murmured smiling, Saebyeok was starting to get uncomfortable seeing you smile 90% of the time.

"Byeokkie, where am I going to sleep?"Before she could scold you again for calling her that, she remembered that she only had a small mattress, some blankets, a pillow and that's it, she didn't even have a couch.

"I don't know, kid, eat" she said, she would fix that later.

"Okay, Byeokkie!" You smiled and obediently went back to eating. “By the way, don’t call me ‘little girl’ I already told you my name” you mumbled, pursing your lips.

“Will you stop calling me ‘Byeokkie’?” he asked, looking at you, you shook your head in denial with a mischievous smile “Then I’ll keep calling you ‘little girl’, now shut up before I throw you out the window.”

You gulped, before quickly nodding.

After their grand feast, the two of you fell silent, Saebyeok walked over to a small corner cabinet, pulled out a short sleeved shirt and a pair of baggy pants, without saying anything he dropped them on your head.

“What?” you looked at the old clothes and then looked at Saebyeok “Do you want me to go throw them away?” you asked innocently, making Saebyeok glare at you.

“No, you idiot. It's for you to take off that stupid skirt and put on something comfortable to sleep in" he said before walking a few steps, he dropped onto the mattress under your gaze.You quickly changed, your hands holding your pants so they wouldn't fall down.

Saebyeok took one of his blankets and dropped it in one of the corners of the room, pointing with his finger.

"Wait... I'm going to sleep there? You're treating me like a dog!" you whine, but walk over to where he dropped the blanket. "You suck at treating your guests."

"I never really invited you, I felt sorry for you. And no, I'm not treating you like a dog, you're more like a... a bunny" she said, there was something in her tone that was different, maybe less serious and more mocking.

"Ugh!" without being able to protest anymore, you settle down in the small corner, doing your best to get into the blanket and not touch the floor, but at the same time, covering yourself a little.

A few minutes passed, Saebyeok already had her pajamas on, she was lying on her back, her arms above her head, she was starting to fall asleep, but the little ball shaking in that corner, made her wake up.

"Idiot..." she muttered before standing up, she walked over to you and gave you a little kick "go to the mattress, I'll sleep here" she said reluctantly, you looked at her for a few seconds before running to the mattress and letting yourself fall.

Saebyeok took your place, the blanket barely covered his feet, he took a deep breath and turned around, looking at the wall, he was starting to close his eyes when he felt a warm presence behind her, she turned around just to see you, curled up and covered with a blanket, you were still shaking a little.

"Little girl, if you don't stop right now, I'm going to take the mattress and leave you here" she said, trying to sound threatening, but she couldn't help but think about how adorable you looked there next to her.

"Byeokkie..." again that stupid nickname that Saebyeok hated came out of your lips.

"Silly girl" she said before standing up, you thought she would keep her word and leave, but she took your arm and pulled you "if you kick me at night, you won't wake up" she said, both of you fell on the small mattress, covered themselves with the blankets and were so close that it was useless to turn your backs.

The night passed normally, until suddenly, Saebyeok felt something bury itself in her chest, she opened her eyes scared only to find a mat of soft hair.

"Damn girl" he muttered before resting his chin on your head and falling back to sleep.

I'm looking forward to seeing Saebyeok's development!!

Thanks for reading, and if you want mentions, I'll gladly add them!

ᥫ᭡ with lots of love and sugar, ika (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)

[ikalyyy]

♡︎ㅤ! 𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָstray bunny pt. 01 ⋆⭒˚.⋆

Where Kang Saebyeok is chased by another girl after they were fired from the games.

𖹭.ᐟ Warnings: angst ; fluff ; no callback to the games ; fem! reader

Saebyeok felt the cold pavement against her almost naked body, she cursed the world for the cold night and those damn heartless pink guards; shaking her head and rubbing it a little against the ground, she managed to take off the blindfold. She recognized a little of her surroundings, she had visited that place to steal a few times. She sighed exhaustedly as she tried to untie her hands, the cold was freezing her, and when she finally let go, she smiled a little, untied her feet and before she could get up, a small but sharp squeal startled her.

"Ah, damn cold!" you screamed, feeling your bones suffer from the low temperature.

"Shut up, girl" a cold and somewhat hoarse voice made you shut up a little, still with distrust you raised your chin and managed to sit down.

"Who are you?" you asked in fear.

"Turn around" was an order, cold and clear, you didn't even complain as usual, you just turned around and raised your hands as much as you could. Other cold hands made some contact with your back, making you gasp, you finally felt free and you took off the blindfold, to look at your savior.

"God, thank you!" you smiled so big it hurt, the girl in front of you, with short wavy hair, a look colder than the pavement, beautiful features, full lips... and half naked, you blushed looking down. "Wow, I think I saw you... yes, I saw you!" you said in a shrill tone, you had recognized her by her brave attitude.

"Uhm..." she let out a simple sound.

"I saw how you pulled that man's hair while we were playing, it was amazing! I liked hearing him beg" you carefully untied your feet and started to get dressed, that girl remained silent, you turned around to change "I also saw how they beat you up when we first arrived, and I thought 'this girl is such a troublemaker' I wanted to talk to you but the game started and I couldn't become your friend anymore, I guess it's lucky we met here and-" when you turned around you noticed that that girl was already dressed and was walking a few meters away from you, literally leaving you talking to yourself. You finished getting dressed in a second, and ran after her.

"Stop following me" she muttered, her hands stuffed into her green jacket.

"Uh, I just don't have anywhere to go..." you muttered, running beside her.

"I'm not a fucking babysitter, find your way" her rude and abrupt tone made you reconsider the idea of following her.

"You're right, babysitters are nicer," you huffed as you followed behind her, your little skirt swaying prettily, though it was awful for the weather and you regretted choosing it, though your fuzzy sweater helped.

"Stop it, stop following me," she turned around to look at you, but you just smiled.

"I don't want to. What are you going to do to stop it?" you walked closer, barely reaching her neck. Your mischievous smile disappeared when she pulled a small pocket knife out of her pocket, making you gasp. "Okay, I get it."

The pretty girl kept walking while you sat on a cold bench. She barely walked a few feet before turning back.

"Do you really have nowhere to go?" she muttered, as if she felt obligated.

"No, before I went to the games, I got kicked out of the apartment I was renting," you said, as if it wasn't even a big deal.

"Do you promise to shut up the whole way?" She asked looking at you "I don't want a jumping bunny around me" her aggressive tone made you smile.

"Tsk, I'll try my best" you smiled, putting a hand on your chest, as an oath.

"You'll only stay tonight" she said before walking, without waiting you followed her, like a stray bunny.

Bah, easy promises to break. By the way, at no point along the way you stayed quiet, you were even twice as loud, Saebyeok could only sigh and count numbers in his mind to avoid leaving you abandoned in that place.

They won't be returning to the games. because I really don't want to add angst hhahah, don't worry about it...

Tell me if you want me to mention you in the next chapter! :D

with lots of love and sugar, ika (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)

[ikalyyy]

𐚁 ֹ ִ Welcome to my blog ! ୧ ֹ ִ🥟

Hello beauties!

This blog is open to requests without any problem. Feel free to ask me to write a little...

Although I'm not new to this app, it's the first time I've spent some time on it, hehe, I ask for your patience because my first language is Spanish and my English isn't that good, but I hope that doesn't cause any problems!

I accept requests for:

⋆˚࿔ Squid Game 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

𖹭.ᐟ Kang Sae-byeok (Player 067)

𖹭.ᐟ SeMi (Player 380)

𖹭.ᐟ Kang No-eul (Guard 011)

𖹭.ᐟ Cho Hyun-ju (Player 120)

𖹭.ᐟ Cho SangWoo (Player 218)

𖹭.ᐟ Jiyeong (Player 240)

I will prioritize them first, sorry (˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶) .ᐟ.ᐟ

[ikalyyy]

NOWHERE GIRL

PART ELEVEN

kang sae-byeok x fem!reader

synopsis: after countless attempts of trying to reach out to you, you finally decide it’s time to meet up with your parents which leads to a bitter resolution. and not wanting to be alone with this grief, you decide to join cheol and sae-byeok to forget.

wc. 3.3k

warnings: hints eluding to homophobia, heavy angst in the first part, insecurities

(nowhere girl masterlist)

The first day of May was a bleak and cloudy, which subconsciously lowered your mood.

But the real reason you were in such low spirits today was because your mom had finally convinced you to meet her today at noon. Being a lawyer, she was always awfully good at persuasion and gave you the chance to talk to her and agreed that if things didn’t go well, you can stop by the house to officially collect your things and never look back.

It took you days to finally text her back since March, but you decided upon it since you desperately wanted your things back. And you know that nothing will change between you and your parents, they will still disapprove of you and you will still despise them for it. You just have to mentally prepare yourself to face them again.

As you got ready, your thoughts bring you back to that night when you sat them down in the living room, with your stuttering speech about finding out who you really are and hoping they’ll still love and accept you. When they didn’t, you stormed off to your room bawling your eyes out while they were pounding on your door furiously. Next thing you knew, you had a duffle bag and they just let you leave.

The music on your earbuds were on full blast to stop yourself from having any more pensive thoughts as you made your way to the cafe. But the worries of possibly crying or feeling more hurt than before were penetrating through the noise. You wanted to feel strong but you were so scared to see them again. It wasn’t until you opened the doors to the cafe when you come to the conclusion that your wounds are still fresh. So so fresh.

You glance around to look for your parents and your heart drops when you see your mom at the corner of the building. Her hair is tied up, adjusting her reading glasses as she types furiously on her laptop. You start to feeling disheartened, not even trying to reconcile with her daughter can stop your mom from working.

You take a deep breath and you tell yourself it’ll all be over soon.

Your mom peers up from her glasses and moves her laptop aside so she could see you fully as you sat across the table.

“Mom.” you greet her coolly before swallowing thickly. “Why couldn’t dad be here?”

“He has work, you know that.” she says, passing down a cup of hot coffee to you.

“He doesn’t have the decent to see his own daughter.” you laugh dryly. You were disappointed but definitely not surprised by your workaholic family.

“You don’t think he tried? He did his very best to get here but as always work is his first priority.” she says like it’s the simplest thing. “So, tell me where did you run off to?”

You snort at her sheer bluntness before taking long sips from the mildly warm coffee. The agitation of actually sitting in front of her is eating you alive. And you can sense that your mom might be onto your nervousness.

“I rent an apartment.” you answer simply.

“Where?”

“Twenty minutes away from the school.”

She gently removes her reading glasses and chortles. When she does this move, you know she’s in disbelief. “There’s no way you can afford an apartment near that area with that tiny salary from your internship.”

“It’s studio.” you frown. “Besides, why do you care? You kicked me out.”

“You’ve always been such a soft girl and you still are. Please quit acting like you’re made of armor and tell me what’s going on?” your mother says, her tone always calm and collected. It infuriates you. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” you reply flatly.

“You know me and your dad care for you—notice how we never cut your phone plan? That is because we knew you’d come back to us.”

“I didn’t come back for the reason you’re thinking of. You gave me a sweet deal I couldn’t pass.” you caught your legs start to shake aggressively. So, you quickly stop yourself and hope she didn’t notice. “Could you just take me home so I can get my stuff?”

“Oh my god,” she sighs. “don’t tell me you’re still going through this ridiculous phase?”

“For a highly educated woman you can be so dense when it comes to your own daughter. Shit.”

“Language.” she raises her tone, sparking the attention of customers sitting beside you two.

“Mom, seriously what do you want from me?”

“To come to your senses!” she responds with ease. “This act you’re putting on is distracting you from your education it’s worrying me. I can’t believe you let it get this far—look at you sweetie. Is this even you?”

“I don’t…” you trail off.

“I know how much love your long skirts and your ridiculous shirts, and—and I was never mad when you wore your bright colorful make up because I knew you’d eventually grow out of it. But I don’t know why it’s taking you so long…But you have to realize that now it’s time for you to grow out of this—“ she gestures at your Yoshitomo Nara printed shirt. “and start dressing your age because it’s time for you to start finding a partner. A male partner.”

You incline back in your seat and whine. “Mom—“

“I’m serious. Remember Moon Kyun-min’s daughter? Well, she’s around your age and she got just engaged she was just like you with your ridiculous outfits and crazy make up but she moved past those silly things and was able to find herself a husband. I want that for you! Everyone wants a comfortable and secure life and you can achieve that!”

“Mom, why would I choose to deliberately ruin my relationship with my parents and lose everything I had for a stupid phase? I lost you, dad, my old friends, and I am barely making it through college. This is who I am and I don’t think I’m changing anytime soon!” you say, even as your eyes began to gloss over. “But I’m far more happier than I was when I was living at home. And—And after thinking it over I realized my entire life I was just putting on an act…to you and everyone else and I can’t fucking do it anymore. I’m so tired of trying to make you happy because you’re one of the reasons why I was so miserable that I had to come out to you even if—if it cost me everything.”

“You’ve changed. What’s going on?” you mother whispers, tears also forming in her own eyes. This is a sight as rare as seeing a double rainbow in the sky.

“Do you still love me? Even after I said all this?” you ask bluntly. The cafe grew quieter and you could sense onlookers peeping into your conversation but you couldn’t care less. You’re just focused on your teary eyed mother. “Do you accept me for who I am?”

“I—I…”

It never came across your mind that your parents love for you would dwindle like this. It’s such a cruel slow death of emotions. And it leaves you scared for the worst, the truth.

There was so much more you wanted to say, to scream at her for but your mouth runs dry and you just feel utter hopelessness. There’s no point in saying anything else when you know they’ll never welcome the real you.

“Of course, I love you, honey,” she finally says, so quietly you thought you had made it up for a second. “but you’ve changed for the worst and it’s scaring me. It’s scaring us. You ran away to god knows where and you come back completely disrespecting your mother and you think I’ll be happy about this? You were such a sweet girl…”

You wipe the snort dribbling down your nose with the end of your sleeve, coming to a point where nothing around you matters. Only your mom’s words.

“I still am a sweet person.” you whisper. “I just don’t let people walk all over me anymore mom. Didn’t you tell me that? To not let anyone walk all over me and to speak up for myself and for others? And now you have the audacity to be upset with me when I am just doing what you told me.”

With your other sleeve you aggressively wipe off the tear streaks going down your chin and take another long sip of coffee. Earlier you told yourself not to cry, or to take her words by heart, or make a scene, but you failed at all of these things.

“This isn’t going to work out obviously.” you say after a couple of minutes of silence where you two just digested each other’s words. “I think it’s better if I move on and just get my things…”

“Honey—“

“And—And I just want to say one more thing before you no longer hear from me.” you say, your voice faltering and the tears coming back twice as hard. It was painful to look at your mom right now, but a part of you wants to have one last look at her before you start forgetting her face overtime.

“N—No, there’s no way you’re going to cut ties with us because of this.” your mom says strictly even when her face was wet with tears. “We need to continue to talk it out and your dad needs to be here—“

“Mom, I’m a lesbian.” you outright say and she freezes. “I’m a lesbian, okay? This isn’t something you can talk me out of doing.”

“No, I refuse to believe my daughter turned out like this.”

“Why you want me to live a miserable life mom? So you could be happy? That’s not what a mother should do…If you can’t be happy for me finally becoming myself then you will just have to move on from me.”

More and more tension came between you. Both of your expression mirror each others, puffy red eyes, trembling bodies, and broken hearts.

“I’m…I’m sorry I wasn’t the ideal daughter you or dad wanted me to be. But you have no idea how long I had to hide this part of myself before it started eating me alive. I tried to fight it I really—really did. So, I’m sorry and I hope one day you’ll learn that who I am isn’t unnatural…And I hope you will have some closure in knowing that I am going to be the best version of myself moving forward.”

✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

“Someone’s having a bad day.” Yong-sun cackles while peering out front window of the bakery.

Sae-byeok, who tossed her jacket over her shoulders ready to leave, scowls thinking he was aiming that comment at her.

“Yeah, because you were the first face I had to look at this morning.” she remarks quickly after he spoke.

“I’m not talking about you, idiot.” he grimaces. “I’m talking about that hot new neighbor that came in last month.”

Sae-byeok clenches her jaw. For the sake of keeping her job, she refuses to lay her hands on him. If she had a penny for every time Yong-sun made degrading comments to any woman he came across, she would be vacationing in Jeju island right now.

“You think if I pop by and swoon my way inside her apartment I could cheer her up?” he whistles, obviously checking someone out.

She doesn’t respond to him and merely keeps a mental note to tell Miss Ahn that her grandson is harassing her favorite tenant. However, on her way out of the bakery, she flicks the back of his head with as much force as she could muster. Yong-sun winces and she could hear his berating comments when she walked to the entrance leading to up your studio.

Sae-byeok struggles to open the door because it was caught on something. When she used more force she stepped on five miscellaneous objects that you kept dropping on your way up to the apartment. Raising a suspicious brow, she peers up and sees you struggling to pull up a laundry cart that’s filled to the brim with all sorts of knickknacks. You were struggling so much trying lift the cart up the stairs, you didn’t notice Sae-byeok down below observing you.

If it were anyone else, she would’ve stuffed the jewelry and CD cases sprawled on the floor in her jacket, but she bends down and pickes everything you dropped in your trail and marches up the stairs.

“Oh hey—sorry about this.” you say breathlessly when you finally noticed Sae-byeok.

For some reason, you looked agitated? Sae-byeok can’t pinpoint it but you didn’t look like your usual self. Your face was flushed, your completely hair disheveled, and your eyes were puffy and red. She wonders if you’ve been crying because that’s what it looks like you have been doing.

Your trembling hand struggles to type the right numbers in the pin-pad and you let out a huge sigh of relief when you manage to open the door after two failed attempts. You drag the cart inside and gesture Sae-byeok to enter.

“Thanks for the help.” you say, your hands resting on your hips while you concentrate on catching your breath. “You—You can toss them on the cart.”

“You look like shit.” Sae-byeok says. But her tone doesn’t have a tone of aggression, it exudes concern.

“Yeah.” you say, not faltered by the comment and shoot her a weary grin. “It’s been a weird day.”

Sae-byeok nods. “Where did you get these things?”

“My room.” you answer dully.

She has a lot of questions regarding your response but Sae-byeok remains tight lipped. There is this feeling she has in her gut that eventually, you will tell her the bigger picture. But she obviously has her guesses and she might be right about them.

You come back from the kitchen with a glass of water for you and Sae-byeok. While she slowly chugs it, she keeps observing your odd behavior. Your body language gave her the impression that you were anxiously waiting for a ticking time bomb to hit zero. Although she doesn’t directly want to push you to confess what’s wrong, she also thinks it will be a bad idea leaving you alone when you appear to be stressed.

“Cheol made two new friends.” Sae-byeok speaks up, her eyes get lost on the cup of water she’s swirling around.

“Aw, that’s good.” you say, smiling with less effort this time. “I’m glad to hear he’s coming out of his shell.”

“You sort of have a role in that actually.” she confesses.

“I do?” you blink in surprise.

“When you gave him your old oil pastels he started opening up more. He really likes to color with his friends.”

Your heart swells and your smile now truly becomes sincere.

“I’m taking him later today to an ice cream shop for a play date with his friends if you want to join us. I don’t want to seem like the friendless sibling.”

“Um,” you pause, adverting your gaze to your laundry cart. It’s not like your belongings are going anywhere, they’re all yours now. “sure.”

“Okay. I’ll text you the details.”

“Hold on wait!” you quickly said when Sae-byeok whirls around to leave the apartment. She freezes mid step and faces you again, eyebrows knit. “Can I join you but like right now? I don’t want to be—I don’t feel like being cooped up in my apartment right now.”

“Okay.” she responds blankly. “But it might rain.” she eyes your anti-waterproof attire.

“Oh. Right let me get my raincoat.”

When you go to your small drawer, you rummage through your clothes. Suddenly, your mom’s voice pops into your head at the moment she told you about your immature fashion choices.

That’s when you stare down at your shirt, fiddling with the bottom hem. You poke your head out of the second floor to ask the taller girl, “Do you think I…never mind. I’ll just go like this.”

You didn’t want to waste her time with your ridiculous questions so you just thrown on your coat and the two of you head back out.

By the time you stopped by their apartment and waited for Cheol to find the orange pastel crayon he lost, the rain has started to come down in the form of drizzles. What was originally the plan to walk to the ice cream shop now was booking it to the train station instead.

However, the rain was pleasant as it was sparkling down gently.

When Cheol spotted his friends, his face lit up brighter than you have ever seen before.

“I’ll pay by the way. For all of us.” you say the moment you all entered the shop.

“No, you won’t.” Sae-byeok says, throwing you a glare. “Don’t.”

“It’s what friends do.” you say, matter-of-factly. “Next time you can happily pay.”

As Cheol requested, you and Sae-byeok sat at the opposite end of the ice cream shop while he sat with friends on the other side.

You chuckle in amusement seeing Sae-byeok constantly throw her head back to check up on her brother. It was endearing seeing their unconditional love, but you keep that thought safe guarded as you eat from your shared ice cream sundae.

“Ji-yeong said she might not be able to come.” Sae-byeok sighs after picking up her phone to read Jiyeong’s text message.

“Is she still stuck at work?”

“No, she doesn’t work today but she had to do something important today that she can’t miss.”

“Ah.” you hum.

You and Sae-byeok silently eat the shared ice cream. Her eyes flicker back and forth to see your heavy lidded eyes gradually start to get cloudy. You were so lost in your thoughts, Sae-byeok had to find a way to get you to snap out of it.

“Earlier,” says Sae-byeok, trying to spark a conversation. “you were about to ask me something. It looks like you’re still bothered by it.”

“Oh, yeah.” you frown, poking the ice cream with your spoon. Your mom pops in your head again. “I just wanted your opinion on something.”

“Well, what is it?”

You drop the spoon and lean back in your chair. Deja vu from the events that took place this morning hits you like a wave. Time is a funny and bizarre thing. It felt like you broke things off with your parents years ago when it only happened today.

“Should I start dressing more maturely?”

You squirm in your seat, feeling self conscious when Sae-byeok shifts her gaze to look you up and down.

“You dress for your age.” she says. “And you’re an artist. You off all people should dress for self expression.”

“I feel like if I keep this up though I won’t be taken as seriously.” you bluntly admit, blush forming at the middle of your cheeks.

“You’re just overthinking it.” she says.

Sae-byeok stares directly at you to signal her firm belief. You could only look into her dark gaze for two seconds before shoving a spoonful of ice cream into your mouth.

“Where did this even come from?“

“Well,” you start off, feeling nervous again. “my parents never liked what I wore. Especially my mom—she said I need to dress more maturely or I won’t be able to get married. And I don’t know, I’ve just been thinking about it a lot more recently.”

Sae-byeok looks through her eyelashes and watches your behavior shift for the worst. You place your elbow on the table to rest your chin on top of your palm. Your relaxed shoulders were now slumped and you continue to stare at the ice creaming clearly pondering about everything but the desert in the middle of the table.

“I always thought you dressed cool.” Sae-byeok confesses quietly.

Your eyebrows, slowly but surely, raise up in surprise. “Really?”

Sae-byeok quietly nods and lowers her head to hide the pink hues forming on her cheeks. All while you try to fight off the butterflies in your stomach.

“You know,” you say, hesitantly. “you can always borrow my clothes.”

Sae-byeok’s face contorts in bewilderment. “Borrow your clothes?” she repeats like it’s the most redundant thing.

You shrug. “Yeah, me and my friends borrowed each other’s clothes all the time. And since you’re my friend now, you’re more than welcome to do that.”

“That sounds gross.”

“Obviously return it back clean.” you roll your eyes. “I’m serious though. I brought back a lot of my clothes I’m sure you might find something you like.”

Sae-byeok scoffs. “I doubt it. We don’t particularly have the same taste when it comes to wardrobe.”

“Would it kill you to experiment a little though? I feel like I always see you with your green jacket or an oversized shirt. You’re young, you should experiment around.”

“I can’t afford to experiment around and fashion isn’t really my thing.” she frowns.

You throw her a look. “Fine. But if you ever change your mind to you can come to me. And if you don’t like the clothes I have I’ll gladly take you to the best thrift stores I know.”

Sae-byeok’s face softens up. She glances out the window like she was really putting thought into your words before flickering her gaze back to see if Cheol is doing alright. Of course he is. He is having the time of his life eating ice cream with his newfound friends.

“It looks like the rain is getting worse.” you mumble seeing the mist of rain start to turn into heavy droplets. “We should probably head out soon.”

“Maybe if you stop playing with the food we could.”

🏷️: @monroesturnns @knfthxv @jumpedthenfell-13 @peelover25 @karli6 @kissedberries @bitchybananaflower @laurenkenss @saebyeokbliss @everly-summers-solace @we1rdth0ughts

[ikalyyy]

NOWHERE GIRL

PART ELEVEN

kang sae-byeok x fem!reader

synopsis: after countless attempts of trying to reach out to you, you finally decide it’s time to meet up with your parents which leads to a bitter resolution. and not wanting to be alone with this grief, you decide to join cheol and sae-byeok to forget.

wc. 3.3k

warnings: hints eluding to homophobia, heavy angst in the first part, insecurities

(nowhere girl masterlist)

The first day of May was a bleak and cloudy, which subconsciously lowered your mood.

But the real reason you were in such low spirits today was because your mom had finally convinced you to meet her today at noon. Being a lawyer, she was always awfully good at persuasion and gave you the chance to talk to her and agreed that if things didn’t go well, you can stop by the house to officially collect your things and never look back.

It took you days to finally text her back since March, but you decided upon it since you desperately wanted your things back. And you know that nothing will change between you and your parents, they will still disapprove of you and you will still despise them for it. You just have to mentally prepare yourself to face them again.

As you got ready, your thoughts bring you back to that night when you sat them down in the living room, with your stuttering speech about finding out who you really are and hoping they’ll still love and accept you. When they didn’t, you stormed off to your room bawling your eyes out while they were pounding on your door furiously. Next thing you knew, you had a duffle bag and they just let you leave.

The music on your earbuds were on full blast to stop yourself from having any more pensive thoughts as you made your way to the cafe. But the worries of possibly crying or feeling more hurt than before were penetrating through the noise. You wanted to feel strong but you were so scared to see them again. It wasn’t until you opened the doors to the cafe when you come to the conclusion that your wounds are still fresh. So so fresh.

You glance around to look for your parents and your heart drops when you see your mom at the corner of the building. Her hair is tied up, adjusting her reading glasses as she types furiously on her laptop. You start to feeling disheartened, not even trying to reconcile with her daughter can stop your mom from working.

You take a deep breath and you tell yourself it’ll all be over soon.

Your mom peers up from her glasses and moves her laptop aside so she could see you fully as you sat across the table.

“Mom.” you greet her coolly before swallowing thickly. “Why couldn’t dad be here?”

“He has work, you know that.” she says, passing down a cup of hot coffee to you.

“He doesn’t have the decent to see his own daughter.” you laugh dryly. You were disappointed but definitely not surprised by your workaholic family.

“You don’t think he tried? He did his very best to get here but as always work is his first priority.” she says like it’s the simplest thing. “So, tell me where did you run off to?”

You snort at her sheer bluntness before taking long sips from the mildly warm coffee. The agitation of actually sitting in front of her is eating you alive. And you can sense that your mom might be onto your nervousness.

“I rent an apartment.” you answer simply.

“Where?”

“Twenty minutes away from the school.”

She gently removes her reading glasses and chortles. When she does this move, you know she’s in disbelief. “There’s no way you can afford an apartment near that area with that tiny salary from your internship.”

“It’s studio.” you frown. “Besides, why do you care? You kicked me out.”

“You’ve always been such a soft girl and you still are. Please quit acting like you’re made of armor and tell me what’s going on?” your mother says, her tone always calm and collected. It infuriates you. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.” you reply flatly.

“You know me and your dad care for you—notice how we never cut your phone plan? That is because we knew you’d come back to us.”

“I didn’t come back for the reason you’re thinking of. You gave me a sweet deal I couldn’t pass.” you caught your legs start to shake aggressively. So, you quickly stop yourself and hope she didn’t notice. “Could you just take me home so I can get my stuff?”

“Oh my god,” she sighs. “don’t tell me you’re still going through this ridiculous phase?”

“For a highly educated woman you can be so dense when it comes to your own daughter. Shit.”

“Language.” she raises her tone, sparking the attention of customers sitting beside you two.

“Mom, seriously what do you want from me?”

“To come to your senses!” she responds with ease. “This act you’re putting on is distracting you from your education it’s worrying me. I can’t believe you let it get this far—look at you sweetie. Is this even you?”

“I don’t…” you trail off.

“I know how much love your long skirts and your ridiculous shirts, and—and I was never mad when you wore your bright colorful make up because I knew you’d eventually grow out of it. But I don’t know why it’s taking you so long…But you have to realize that now it’s time for you to grow out of this—“ she gestures at your Yoshitomo Nara printed shirt. “and start dressing your age because it’s time for you to start finding a partner. A male partner.”

You incline back in your seat and whine. “Mom—“

“I’m serious. Remember Moon Kyun-min’s daughter? Well, she’s around your age and she got just engaged she was just like you with your ridiculous outfits and crazy make up but she moved past those silly things and was able to find herself a husband. I want that for you! Everyone wants a comfortable and secure life and you can achieve that!”

“Mom, why would I choose to deliberately ruin my relationship with my parents and lose everything I had for a stupid phase? I lost you, dad, my old friends, and I am barely making it through college. This is who I am and I don’t think I’m changing anytime soon!” you say, even as your eyes began to gloss over. “But I’m far more happier than I was when I was living at home. And—And after thinking it over I realized my entire life I was just putting on an act…to you and everyone else and I can’t fucking do it anymore. I’m so tired of trying to make you happy because you’re one of the reasons why I was so miserable that I had to come out to you even if—if it cost me everything.”

“You’ve changed. What’s going on?” you mother whispers, tears also forming in her own eyes. This is a sight as rare as seeing a double rainbow in the sky.

“Do you still love me? Even after I said all this?” you ask bluntly. The cafe grew quieter and you could sense onlookers peeping into your conversation but you couldn’t care less. You’re just focused on your teary eyed mother. “Do you accept me for who I am?”

“I—I…”

It never came across your mind that your parents love for you would dwindle like this. It’s such a cruel slow death of emotions. And it leaves you scared for the worst, the truth.

There was so much more you wanted to say, to scream at her for but your mouth runs dry and you just feel utter hopelessness. There’s no point in saying anything else when you know they’ll never welcome the real you.

“Of course, I love you, honey,” she finally says, so quietly you thought you had made it up for a second. “but you’ve changed for the worst and it’s scaring me. It’s scaring us. You ran away to god knows where and you come back completely disrespecting your mother and you think I’ll be happy about this? You were such a sweet girl…”

You wipe the snort dribbling down your nose with the end of your sleeve, coming to a point where nothing around you matters. Only your mom’s words.

“I still am a sweet person.” you whisper. “I just don’t let people walk all over me anymore mom. Didn’t you tell me that? To not let anyone walk all over me and to speak up for myself and for others? And now you have the audacity to be upset with me when I am just doing what you told me.”

With your other sleeve you aggressively wipe off the tear streaks going down your chin and take another long sip of coffee. Earlier you told yourself not to cry, or to take her words by heart, or make a scene, but you failed at all of these things.

“This isn’t going to work out obviously.” you say after a couple of minutes of silence where you two just digested each other’s words. “I think it’s better if I move on and just get my things…”

“Honey—“

“And—And I just want to say one more thing before you no longer hear from me.” you say, your voice faltering and the tears coming back twice as hard. It was painful to look at your mom right now, but a part of you wants to have one last look at her before you start forgetting her face overtime.

“N—No, there’s no way you’re going to cut ties with us because of this.” your mom says strictly even when her face was wet with tears. “We need to continue to talk it out and your dad needs to be here—“

“Mom, I’m a lesbian.” you outright say and she freezes. “I’m a lesbian, okay? This isn’t something you can talk me out of doing.”

“No, I refuse to believe my daughter turned out like this.”

“Why you want me to live a miserable life mom? So you could be happy? That’s not what a mother should do…If you can’t be happy for me finally becoming myself then you will just have to move on from me.”

More and more tension came between you. Both of your expression mirror each others, puffy red eyes, trembling bodies, and broken hearts.

“I’m…I’m sorry I wasn’t the ideal daughter you or dad wanted me to be. But you have no idea how long I had to hide this part of myself before it started eating me alive. I tried to fight it I really—really did. So, I’m sorry and I hope one day you’ll learn that who I am isn’t unnatural…And I hope you will have some closure in knowing that I am going to be the best version of myself moving forward.”

✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

“Someone’s having a bad day.” Yong-sun cackles while peering out front window of the bakery.

Sae-byeok, who tossed her jacket over her shoulders ready to leave, scowls thinking he was aiming that comment at her.

“Yeah, because you were the first face I had to look at this morning.” she remarks quickly after he spoke.

“I’m not talking about you, idiot.” he grimaces. “I’m talking about that hot new neighbor that came in last month.”

Sae-byeok clenches her jaw. For the sake of keeping her job, she refuses to lay her hands on him. If she had a penny for every time Yong-sun made degrading comments to any woman he came across, she would be vacationing in Jeju island right now.

“You think if I pop by and swoon my way inside her apartment I could cheer her up?” he whistles, obviously checking someone out.

She doesn’t respond to him and merely keeps a mental note to tell Miss Ahn that her grandson is harassing her favorite tenant. However, on her way out of the bakery, she flicks the back of his head with as much force as she could muster. Yong-sun winces and she could hear his berating comments when she walked to the entrance leading to up your studio.

Sae-byeok struggles to open the door because it was caught on something. When she used more force she stepped on five miscellaneous objects that you kept dropping on your way up to the apartment. Raising a suspicious brow, she peers up and sees you struggling to pull up a laundry cart that’s filled to the brim with all sorts of knickknacks. You were struggling so much trying lift the cart up the stairs, you didn’t notice Sae-byeok down below observing you.

If it were anyone else, she would’ve stuffed the jewelry and CD cases sprawled on the floor in her jacket, but she bends down and pickes everything you dropped in your trail and marches up the stairs.

“Oh hey—sorry about this.” you say breathlessly when you finally noticed Sae-byeok.

For some reason, you looked agitated? Sae-byeok can’t pinpoint it but you didn’t look like your usual self. Your face was flushed, your completely hair disheveled, and your eyes were puffy and red. She wonders if you’ve been crying because that’s what it looks like you have been doing.

Your trembling hand struggles to type the right numbers in the pin-pad and you let out a huge sigh of relief when you manage to open the door after two failed attempts. You drag the cart inside and gesture Sae-byeok to enter.

“Thanks for the help.” you say, your hands resting on your hips while you concentrate on catching your breath. “You—You can toss them on the cart.”

“You look like shit.” Sae-byeok says. But her tone doesn’t have a tone of aggression, it exudes concern.

“Yeah.” you say, not faltered by the comment and shoot her a weary grin. “It’s been a weird day.”

Sae-byeok nods. “Where did you get these things?”

“My room.” you answer dully.

She has a lot of questions regarding your response but Sae-byeok remains tight lipped. There is this feeling she has in her gut that eventually, you will tell her the bigger picture. But she obviously has her guesses and she might be right about them.

You come back from the kitchen with a glass of water for you and Sae-byeok. While she slowly chugs it, she keeps observing your odd behavior. Your body language gave her the impression that you were anxiously waiting for a ticking time bomb to hit zero. Although she doesn’t directly want to push you to confess what’s wrong, she also thinks it will be a bad idea leaving you alone when you appear to be stressed.

“Cheol made two new friends.” Sae-byeok speaks up, her eyes get lost on the cup of water she’s swirling around.

“Aw, that’s good.” you say, smiling with less effort this time. “I’m glad to hear he’s coming out of his shell.”

“You sort of have a role in that actually.” she confesses.

“I do?” you blink in surprise.

“When you gave him your old oil pastels he started opening up more. He really likes to color with his friends.”

Your heart swells and your smile now truly becomes sincere.

“I’m taking him later today to an ice cream shop for a play date with his friends if you want to join us. I don’t want to seem like the friendless sibling.”

“Um,” you pause, adverting your gaze to your laundry cart. It’s not like your belongings are going anywhere, they’re all yours now. “sure.”

“Okay. I’ll text you the details.”

“Hold on wait!” you quickly said when Sae-byeok whirls around to leave the apartment. She freezes mid step and faces you again, eyebrows knit. “Can I join you but like right now? I don’t want to be—I don’t feel like being cooped up in my apartment right now.”

“Okay.” she responds blankly. “But it might rain.” she eyes your anti-waterproof attire.

“Oh. Right let me get my raincoat.”

When you go to your small drawer, you rummage through your clothes. Suddenly, your mom’s voice pops into your head at the moment she told you about your immature fashion choices.

That’s when you stare down at your shirt, fiddling with the bottom hem. You poke your head out of the second floor to ask the taller girl, “Do you think I…never mind. I’ll just go like this.”

You didn’t want to waste her time with your ridiculous questions so you just thrown on your coat and the two of you head back out.

By the time you stopped by their apartment and waited for Cheol to find the orange pastel crayon he lost, the rain has started to come down in the form of drizzles. What was originally the plan to walk to the ice cream shop now was booking it to the train station instead.

However, the rain was pleasant as it was sparkling down gently.

When Cheol spotted his friends, his face lit up brighter than you have ever seen before.

“I’ll pay by the way. For all of us.” you say the moment you all entered the shop.

“No, you won’t.” Sae-byeok says, throwing you a glare. “Don’t.”

“It’s what friends do.” you say, matter-of-factly. “Next time you can happily pay.”

As Cheol requested, you and Sae-byeok sat at the opposite end of the ice cream shop while he sat with friends on the other side.

You chuckle in amusement seeing Sae-byeok constantly throw her head back to check up on her brother. It was endearing seeing their unconditional love, but you keep that thought safe guarded as you eat from your shared ice cream sundae.

“Ji-yeong said she might not be able to come.” Sae-byeok sighs after picking up her phone to read Jiyeong’s text message.

“Is she still stuck at work?”

“No, she doesn’t work today but she had to do something important today that she can’t miss.”

“Ah.” you hum.

You and Sae-byeok silently eat the shared ice cream. Her eyes flicker back and forth to see your heavy lidded eyes gradually start to get cloudy. You were so lost in your thoughts, Sae-byeok had to find a way to get you to snap out of it.

“Earlier,” says Sae-byeok, trying to spark a conversation. “you were about to ask me something. It looks like you’re still bothered by it.”

“Oh, yeah.” you frown, poking the ice cream with your spoon. Your mom pops in your head again. “I just wanted your opinion on something.”

“Well, what is it?”

You drop the spoon and lean back in your chair. Deja vu from the events that took place this morning hits you like a wave. Time is a funny and bizarre thing. It felt like you broke things off with your parents years ago when it only happened today.

“Should I start dressing more maturely?”

You squirm in your seat, feeling self conscious when Sae-byeok shifts her gaze to look you up and down.

“You dress for your age.” she says. “And you’re an artist. You off all people should dress for self expression.”

“I feel like if I keep this up though I won’t be taken as seriously.” you bluntly admit, blush forming at the middle of your cheeks.

“You’re just overthinking it.” she says.

Sae-byeok stares directly at you to signal her firm belief. You could only look into her dark gaze for two seconds before shoving a spoonful of ice cream into your mouth.

“Where did this even come from?“

“Well,” you start off, feeling nervous again. “my parents never liked what I wore. Especially my mom—she said I need to dress more maturely or I won’t be able to get married. And I don’t know, I’ve just been thinking about it a lot more recently.”

Sae-byeok looks through her eyelashes and watches your behavior shift for the worst. You place your elbow on the table to rest your chin on top of your palm. Your relaxed shoulders were now slumped and you continue to stare at the ice creaming clearly pondering about everything but the desert in the middle of the table.

“I always thought you dressed cool.” Sae-byeok confesses quietly.

Your eyebrows, slowly but surely, raise up in surprise. “Really?”

Sae-byeok quietly nods and lowers her head to hide the pink hues forming on her cheeks. All while you try to fight off the butterflies in your stomach.

“You know,” you say, hesitantly. “you can always borrow my clothes.”

Sae-byeok’s face contorts in bewilderment. “Borrow your clothes?” she repeats like it’s the most redundant thing.

You shrug. “Yeah, me and my friends borrowed each other’s clothes all the time. And since you’re my friend now, you’re more than welcome to do that.”

“That sounds gross.”

“Obviously return it back clean.” you roll your eyes. “I’m serious though. I brought back a lot of my clothes I’m sure you might find something you like.”

Sae-byeok scoffs. “I doubt it. We don’t particularly have the same taste when it comes to wardrobe.”

“Would it kill you to experiment a little though? I feel like I always see you with your green jacket or an oversized shirt. You’re young, you should experiment around.”

“I can’t afford to experiment around and fashion isn’t really my thing.” she frowns.

You throw her a look. “Fine. But if you ever change your mind to you can come to me. And if you don’t like the clothes I have I’ll gladly take you to the best thrift stores I know.”

Sae-byeok’s face softens up. She glances out the window like she was really putting thought into your words before flickering her gaze back to see if Cheol is doing alright. Of course he is. He is having the time of his life eating ice cream with his newfound friends.

“It looks like the rain is getting worse.” you mumble seeing the mist of rain start to turn into heavy droplets. “We should probably head out soon.”

“Maybe if you stop playing with the food we could.”

🏷️: @monroesturnns @knfthxv @jumpedthenfell-13 @peelover25 @karli6 @kissedberries @bitchybananaflower @laurenkenss @saebyeokbliss @everly-summers-solace @we1rdth0ughts

[ikalyyy]

ONCE MORE TO SEE YOU— PART III.

synopsis: on a cold january day, you were worrying about the reason your girlfriend wasn’t texting back. when she finally does and asks to meet at your apartment, you’re met with heartbreak as she ends your relationship. no explanation. two years later, you run into her at a cafe with someone new. what are you to do?

warnings: none

pairing: sae-byeok x fem!reader

Your hands trembled as you stared down at your coffee cup, the bitter taste still lingering in your mouth. The laughter and chatter of the cafe blurred into background noise as you tried to process what had just happened. Seeing her again—after all this time—was like reopening a wound you thought had scarred over. And then there was her, the girl sitting beside her, a stranger who felt too familiar in the picture of Sae-byeok’s life.

You couldn’t take it anymore.

Pushing your chair back abruptly, you grabbed your things and made your way toward the restroom. Your footsteps felt heavy, like you were dragging yourself through molasses, your chest tight and your throat aching with the threat of tears. You told yourself you just needed a moment. A moment to breathe, to escape the suffocating weight of her presence.

But of course, even that wouldn’t come easily.

The restroom had a small line—two girls ahead of you, chatting quietly as they waited. You exhaled shakily, crossing your arms and staring down at the tiled floor. The air here was quieter, calmer, but your heart still raced. You couldn’t get the image of Sae-byeok out of your head: her cold stare, her sharp words, the way she had turned away from you like you were nothing.

The door behind you opened, letting in the hum of the cafe again, and someone stepped in. You didn’t bother looking up, too wrapped up in your thoughts—until a voice behind you spoke.

“So, how do you and Sae-byeok know each other?”

You froze, your head snapping up. Standing directly behind you was the girl from their table. Her hands were tucked into the pockets of her jacket, her sharp eyes watching you with a mix of curiosity and amusement. You noticed the nose ring on her nostril, thinking it looked nice before focusing back on your shock. She tilted her head slightly, a playful smirk tugging at her lips.

“I mean,” she continued casually, “Cheol doesn’t just run up to random strangers, you know? You’ve got to be someone special.”

Her tone was light, teasing, but the question hit you like a punch to the gut. You looked away, your mind scrambling for an answer. “I—uh…” you stammered, caught completely off guard. “We…used to know each other.”

“‘Used to,’ huh?” The girl raised an eyebrow, her smirk widening. “Guessing it didn’t end well, judging by the way she looked at you back there.”

You frowned, your chest tightening. “Why do you care?”

She shrugged, leaning lazily against the wall as the line in front of you moved forward slightly. “I don’t, really. Just curious. Sae-byeok doesn’t talk about her past much, so it’s not every day someone pops up out of nowhere and gets Cheol all excited.”

Her words stung more than they should have. Sae-byeok didn’t talk about her past? About you? Not that you had any right to expect otherwise, but still—it hurt.

The girl must have noticed the shift in your expression because her smirk softened into something more neutral. “Sorry,” she said, though her tone was still casual. “Didn’t mean to pry. I just like to know what’s going on, you know? Helps me keep things…interesting.”

You glanced at her, unsure what to make of her. She seemed relaxed, almost too comfortable for someone who had just walked up to a stranger and started interrogating them. But there was something else in her eyes, something sharp and knowing, like she could see straight through you.

“So, what’s your deal, then?” she asked, crossing her arms as she studied you. “You a friend? An ex? Something more dramatic?”

Your stomach twisted at the word “ex.” You didn’t owe her an explanation, but something about her presence—the way she asked so bluntly, without any malice or judgment—made you feel like you couldn’t just brush her off.

“I’m…” you hesitated, the words catching in your throat. “I was her girlfriend. Couple years ago.”

The girl’s eyebrows shot up slightly, but she didn’t look surprised. If anything, she looked…amused. “Huh. That explains a lot.”

You furrowed your brows. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing bad,” she said quickly, holding her hands up in mock surrender. “It’s just…Sae-byeok’s not exactly the easiest person to get close to, you know? And yet, Cheol ran up to you like you were his favorite person in the world. That says something.”

Her words made your chest ache. You didn’t know how to respond, so you stayed silent, staring at the floor as the line moved forward again. Almost your turn.

The girl didn’t seem to mind the silence. She leaned against the wall again, watching you with that same unreadable expression. “For what it’s worth,” she said after a moment, her voice quieter now, “Cheol’s a good judge of character. If he likes you, you can’t be all bad.”

You glanced at her, surprised by the sudden shift in her tone. There was something almost…sincere in her words, a brief crack in her otherwise playful demeanor. But before you could respond, the door to the restroom opened, and the line moved forward again.

You stepped up to the front, your heart still racing. The girl straightened up, giving you a small nod. “Well, good luck with…whatever this is,” she said with a smirk, motioning vaguely toward the rest of the cafe. “Don’t let her scare you too much.”

With that, she turned and walked off, leaving you standing there, her words echoing in your mind.

When it was finally your turn, you stepped into the restroom and locked the door behind you, leaning against it as you tried to steady your breathing. Your mind raced, replaying everything that had just happened. Who was that girl? How did she fit into Sae-byeok’s life? And why did she feel the need to talk to you in the first place?

But most of all, one question lingered in your mind—the same question that had haunted you for the past two years.

Why did Sae-byeok leave?

You splashed cold water on your face, hoping it would clear your thoughts, but it didn’t help. When you finally left the restroom, the girl was gone, and the cafe felt emptier somehow, even with all the people still there.

And Sae-byeok? She didn’t even glance your way.

Here’s the next part of Chapter 3, picking up after the restroom scene and moving into the reader’s job interview at the diner. This section introduces a warm and kind character in the diner owner while subtly laying the groundwork for the reveal that Sae-byeok is the manager.

After leaving the cafe, you spent the rest of the morning trying to shake the encounter from your mind. The image of Sae-byeok sitting at the table with that girl—Ji-yeong, you had overheard her name—played on a loop in your head. No matter how hard you tried to focus on something else, the ache in your chest refused to subside.

But life didn’t leave much room for wallowing. You had a job interview to get to.

By the time you reached the diner, a quaint little place tucked into the corner of a bustling street, the knot in your stomach had shifted from emotional turmoil to nerves. The sign above the door read Haneul’s Diner in faded lettering, and the smell of frying bacon and fresh coffee wafted out every time the door swung open.

You took a deep breath, clutching your resume tightly in your hand as you stepped inside. The bell above the door jingled softly, and you were greeted by the warm hum of conversation and the clatter of dishes. It was cozy, with checkered floors and booths lined with red vinyl seats. The kind of place that felt like it had been around forever.

"Hello there! Sit tight, dear, I’ll be with you in a moment," a cheerful voice called out from behind the counter.

You looked up to see an older woman bustling around, her silver hair pulled back into a neat bun. She wore a crisp white apron over her dress, and her kind eyes crinkled as she smiled at you. She reminded you of the type of grandmother who always kept her cookie jar full and had a story for every occasion.

You nodded, taking a seat at one of the empty booths near the entrance. Your hands fidgeted with the edges of your resume as you waited, your nerves winding tighter with every passing minute.

After a few moments, the woman walked over, wiping her hands on a towel before tucking it into her apron pocket. "You must be here for the interview," she said warmly, her smile widening. "I’m Mrs. Haneul, the owner. It’s lovely to meet you, dear."

You stood quickly, offering a small bow. "Yes, it’s nice to meet you too. Thank you for taking the time to see me."

She waved off your formalities with a chuckle. "Oh, don’t be so stiff. Come on, let’s sit down and chat."

You followed her to a small table near the back, away from the noise of the other customers. She settled into the seat across from you, clasping her hands together on the table. "So, tell me about yourself. What brings you here?"

You handed her your resume, though she barely glanced at it before setting it aside. "Well, I’m a med student," you began, your voice a little shaky. "I’ve been juggling school and part-time jobs, but it’s been… a lot. I saw your listing and thought this might be a good fit."

Mrs. Haneul nodded thoughtfully, her gaze warm and understanding. "Med school, huh? That’s no small feat. You must be a hard worker."

You smiled faintly. "I try to be."

"And why this job?" she asked, leaning back in her chair. "What made you think a diner would be the right place for you?"

You hesitated for a moment, unsure how to answer. "I think I just… need something steady," you admitted. "Something that feels a little more… grounded, I guess. And I like working with people. I thought this might be a good change of pace."

Her smile softened, and she nodded again. "I like that answer. Honest and straightforward. We could use someone like that around here."

Your heart lifted slightly at her words, though you didn’t want to get your hopes up just yet. "Thank you. I really appreciate the opportunity."

Mrs. Haneul studied you for a moment, her expression thoughtful. Then she leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table. "I’ll be honest with you, dear. This place has been busier than ever lately, and we’ve been short-staffed for weeks. I was planning to take my time with interviews to find the right fit, but… I like you. You seem genuine. And we really need the help."

Your eyes widened slightly. "Does that mean…?"

"It means you’ve got the job," she said with a grin. "If you want it, that is."

Relief washed over you like a wave, and you nodded quickly. "Yes, I do. Thank you so much."

"Wonderful!" she said, clapping her hands together. "We’ll get you started tomorrow, then. You’ll mostly be helping out with serving and cleaning, but don’t worry—I’ll make sure you get the hang of it."

"Thank you," you said again, your voice filled with gratitude. This job wasn’t going to solve all your problems, but it was a step in the right direction. A little stability in the chaos of your life.

Mrs. Haneul stood, motioning for you to follow her as she walked back toward the counter. "Before you go, let me introduce you to the manager. She’s not here right now, but you’ll be working closely with her, so it’s good to know who she is."

You nodded, trailing behind her as she grabbed a small clipboard from the counter. She flipped through a few pages before speaking again. "Her name is Sae-byeok. She’s been with us for a couple of years now, and she runs a tight ship. Don’t let her cold demeanor fool you—she’s got a good heart."

Your footsteps faltered, your breath catching in your throat. For a moment, it felt like the world had tilted on its axis.

No. It couldn’t be.

"She’ll be in tomorrow to show you the ropes," Mrs. Haneul continued, oblivious to your sudden silence. "I’ll let her know you’ll be starting."

You managed a weak smile, your mind racing. "Thank you," you said quietly, though the words felt hollow.

As you stepped outside, the cold air hit you like a slap, but it did little to clear your head. The relief you’d felt moments ago was gone, replaced by a sinking feeling in your stomach.

Of course it’s her, you thought bitterly. Because why wouldn’t it be? The universe seemed to have a cruel sense of humor when it came to Sae-byeok. No matter how hard you tried to move on, she always found a way back into your life.

And now, she was going to be your boss.

taglist: @monroesturnns @everly-summers-solace

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[ikalyyy]

NOWHERE GIRL

PART TEN

kang sae-byeok x fem!reader

synopsis: just when you start to feel closer to Sae-byeok, she tries pushing you away after having doubts of her character.

wc. 3.8k

warnings. alcohol use and surprise surprise angst and comfort

(nowhere girl masterlist)

Recently, Sae-byeok has become quieter if that’s even possible. But this is a different type of quiet. It’s one filled with ease and content even. Although, her worry about not making enough money looms her mind every waking moment, right now she’s a tad less concerned. Maybe tomorrow she’ll have to regain focus, but once she gets off work she’ll have the entire afternoon to ease her anxiety ridden mind.

When you come back from a short shift at the art gallery, you stopped by the convenience store with a bag full of snacks for when you’re hungry at school and for you and Sae-byeok to share whenever you see her.

After last week, you noticed Sae-byeok’s ease towards you whenever you ran into each other as it began happening more often. She’d waved back to you through the window panes inside the bakery shop, subtly ask about your day, and yesterday morning she snuck a croissant that was meant for Yong-sun in your lunch bag while he wasn’t looking.

You eased into her reserved nature as well. Never pushing it when it came to asking her about personal details and accepting her silent responses.

“Got these bag of shrimp chips.” you say when you spot Sae-byeok sit crisscrossed on a plastic chair behind the bakery. You pull the chips out and toss them to her and pull up the astray chair across from her. “Also, soju but only for me—obviously.”

“Bad day?” Sae-byeok asks, opening the bag of chips and shoving a handful in her mouth.

“Guess so. I deal with a lot of high status clients and they’re so pretentious and out of touch I feel like an extraterrestrial whenever I have interact with them. Like today, this teenage child of a chaebol family demanded two of the same paintings and I had to explain to him for ten minutes straight that the artist passed away three years ago.” you sigh and take a swig of you soju before continuing to rant. “Not to mention my professor already assigned us a new big project right after we completed the last one. And I need to do extraordinary with this project after horribly losing the Hangaram prize.”

You never know what goes on in Sae-byeok’s mind whenever you ramble off. Or talk in general. She just keeps eating chips and nodding along to whatever you’re saying. You want to be careful when approaching her like walking on eggshells, however, you do wonder how far can you get to do something out of the ordinary in her routine life.

“You should help me it’ll be fun.” you suggest after careful consideration. A skeptical look expands across her face. “Only if you want to.”

“I’m not an artistic person. I don’t think I’ll be any use to you.” she says flatly.

“Have you ever tried?” you ask slowly, squinting your eyes hoping not to get a feisty reaction from her.

“I guess not.” she responds. “What are you planning on doing?”

You clear your throat hoping she didn’t catch the smile that was about to bloom your lips. But you couldn’t help the giddiness brewing in your stomach that she was actually going along with this.

“Um, well the project is called urban sketching. Basically, it’s painting a specific urban area. It sounds easy but it can get complicated since there are twenty of us in that class and the chances of us drawing a similar location is pretty high. I want to find the perfect unique place.”

Sae-byeok doesn’t seem convinced. “I doubt I can help you.”

You slouch on the chair in disappointment. “Awe. Come on, have you ever stumbled upon a place that you thought was cool?”

She stops digging in the bag of chips and thought to herself, before nodding no. That’s when you tell yourself not to prod her any further and let this conversation die out.

“Have you seen, Yen-ho, around your school lately?” she asks suddenly.

“No, actually.” you hum. “I think he got banned from the property from what I heard. I hope it’s true. Why?”

Sae-byeok puffs out a air of hesitation. She debated telling you the truth for a while, wondering if you’ll quickly rise to panic. But maybe the soju you were drowning on will ease your reaction. This worry has been eating Sae-byeok alive, she needed to tell someone.

“Him and his dad are looking for me.”

“What?” you murmur. “W—Why?”

“I used to work for his dad before I went rogue on him.” she explains and doesn’t think it’s wise to add further details.

“Do you think they’ll keep their word?” you ask and Sae-byeok nods. “Fuck.”

“Yeah. But hey—listen to me carefully.” she says in a threatening manner. You pause your drinking and look at her with wide frightened eyes. “Don’t tell another living soul I told you this. Especially not, Ji-yeong. Okay?”

“I won’t…” you say lowly.

She maintains a close eye on you, trying to read your body language until her phone alarm started ringing. It was time for her to go back to work. She claps her hands to wipe the chip crust on her fingers and throws you the half eaten bag before heading back to the kitchen.

You don’t know how much longer you can be around this mysterious girl anymore.

✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

After doing some research, you found a place called Ihwa mural village that you heard about a while back but never got the chance to see. To you, it sounds like the perfect and unique place to get inspiration for your upcoming project. So, you decide to check it out during sunset hours to get a picture perfect scenery.

You thrown on a light brown jacket you bought last week at a thrift shop and triple check to see if all the drawing utilities are in your tote bag before heading out the door. Luckily, the mural village is only a few train stops away from you and by the time you arrive, the number of tourist and visitors should dwindle.

After a ten minute walk, the first mural you came across was the koi fish staircases. You grab your phone and carefully snap pictures, trying to find a perfect angle that has the sunset reflecting down the koi fish stairs. As beautiful as it was, it felt wrong to step in them so you trudge forward hoping to find a hidden gem.

Most of the walls in this village were covered in mural art. And you particularly liked the simple animal murals as they resembled child drawings but clearly done by adults. There were also a lot murals that told a sequence of stories—one of them covered three buildings that will take you a longer time admiring and studying.

There were a few people admiring the large murals with you, but it felt like it was just you and the art alone.

Until your peace was disturbed when you spot someone staring straight at your profile a little too long. The sketchbook and pen on your hands dropped and your shoulders slumped when you meet face to face with, Park Yoon.

“Hey—“

“Fuck off, Yoon.” you groan, slamming your sketchbook hard and shove it back in your bag.

Just when you were getting an influx of inspiration, of course it had to be ruined by her. You used to be so good at hiding your disappointment and anger to appease the ones you wanted to keep close. But you are at a point in your life where you can’t hide your true intentions anymore. Your outburst clearly shocked Yoon since her eyes grew wide in bewilderment. You even shocked yourself for being so straightforward.

“Shit. You’re here for the next project too?” she asks, genuinely taken aback.

“Yeah, but you beat me to it…Just like that Hangaram prize.” you mutter the last sentence underneath your breath.

You toss over your hoodie and check the map on your phone to figure out how to get out of this mural labyrinth.

“Don’t leave because of me.” she says, lowering your phone so you can look at her. She smiles in her known poised fashion, her lip gloss blinding you. “Why don’t you hang out with us?”

“Us?”

“Yeah, Hyunji and Chaeun are on their way they’re just stopping to get soju. They’ll bring enough for us to have two bottles for ourselves and then we are going to have a little photoshoot. It’ll be fun!”

You press your lips into a thin line, putting thought into her invitation. If she asked you three months ago, you’d merrily tag along—probably go help the other girls buy more soju too. But now it feels wrong to be around the people you used to call friends.

If Yoon is inviting you though, could she have possibly overcome the disdains she felt towards your sexuality? You study her facial expression carefully, seeing if you can see any signs of ill-intent.

Maybe, deep down you’re so desperate to fit in with them again that your brain refuses to see the signs or she is actually being genuine towards you.

“Only because I made the journey here.” you say quietly.

Yoon claps cheerfully and starts leading you by the small of your back up a set of painted flowers staircases, claiming that she found a beautiful mural she wants to use for her project.

“It looks just like my living room I have that exact same couch!” she explains point at the painting of a living room with a long blue sofa and a bookshelf above it. “My ex—not Yen-ho the guy before remember?—he bought me the couch after his trip to Italy. I thought about throwing it out after breaking up but it’s a perfectly good couch I was just so—“

“What’s the deal with your recent ex?” you interrupt, your mind going back to earlier today when you spoke to Sae-byeok and her threat. It’s not like you will mention her to Yoon though…

“Uh…What?” she lets out a nervous laugh and slowly starts walking away.

“I’m not going to judge you. I just think his dad is going to be after…” you trail off. A shiver goes down your spine, it’s like you can feel Sae-byeok sharp eyes on you.

Yoon does the same thing you did to her earlier, study your face. Eventually, she just sighs in defeat because she knows you aren’t going to let this conversation die.

“I didn’t know about his past at first. He hid it all from me but not very well. Three months after dating I began seeing some signs. A lot of signs actually—he really sucked had hiding things. And he always mentioned how much he hated his dad especially when he got drunk.”

“Is his father a criminal or something?”

“He’s more than just a criminal. He is a leader of a gang. And Yen-ho was—no is a part of it.”

Your eyebrows furrow. Suddenly the pieces you collected of Sae-byeok’s life start forming into a solved puzzle.

“He won’t come looking for you anymore though.“ Yoon assures you.

“How can you be sure of that?”

“You don’t remember?” she frowns. “I went to stop him from hurting you the day I texted him to leave you alone. My father is a very big donor to the school so security is going to be extra vigilant on him.”

You pull on the strings of your hoodie, feeling extra vulnerable. “But security can’t protect me when I’m not on campus.” you murmur.

Silence hits you both. You don’t want to speak and Yoon is hesitant to find the right words to say as she knows she can’t help you beyond school property. She would’ve reached her hands to touch your shoulder if you both didn’t hear hysterical laughter at the end of the block.

Lee Hyunji and Im Chaeun, your other old friends, reveal themselves coming around the corner with a bag of soju bottles in their hands. They briefly exchange skeptical glances when they saw you before covering it with a cheery facade.

“Hey, I didn’t know you were coming?” Hyunji’s squeaky voice chimes beside you.

“She arrived here before I did we didn’t plan it out but now we are. Right?” Yoon says, nudging you.

“We got enough soju to pass around.” Chaeun shrugs and hands you a bottle.

What was going to be an enriching experience visiting the mural village became a drunken stupor with the girls that ditched you at your lowest period. After finishing half the bottle, you are filled with resentment and shame for even being around them.

While they skipped around and pointed out murals they found hilarious you followed behind them like a rag doll, a dreadful discarded one.

At some point, you’re sitting on a curb on the opposite end of where the girls are, who having a photo shoot behind an angel wing mural. That’s when you pop open your second bottle of soju. The you who was in denial of being a lesbian back then would have loved to join in with them.

At this time, the sun was long gone and all visitors besides the four of you have also left. The art was ideceptable in the darkness, so you had to basically stare at a dark wall while preparing yourself to drown in more alcohol.

Then the weird sensation of goosebumps trailing down your arms came and you wonder if it’s the alcohol in your system. That is when you hear footsteps, so you look up to see a tall hooded figure emerge from the top of the staircase. For some reason, you thought it was that familiar cold faced girl who happens to work at a bakery.

“This is so weird I think I’m seeing things.” you laugh to yourself and take your first sip of your second round of soju.

You expected the passerby to keep on walking, but instead they stood in front of you, their shadow casting darkness over you.

You throw yourself backwards, almost spilling contents of your alcohol when you saw it was Sae-byeok with her usual stoic demeanor.

“You’re actually here?” you gasp.

“Yong-sun mentioned you were going to be here. I always wanted to visit the Ihwa murals.” she says. “I’ll look around by myself since you got company.”

“No, I don’t—not really.” you admit, as shameful as it is. “I ran into them and I think they just want me to tag along because they look at me like I’m some wounded puppy.”

Sae-byeok’s tired eyes look between the distanced classmates and you then lets out a sigh. She sinks down beside you in the sidewalk, her hands classically stuffed in the pockets of her jacket.

“I told you to look after yourself and you’re here up late.” you say.

“I told Miss Ahn I’m taking the day off tomorrow.”

You give me a sincere smile, not expecting to hear “day off” come out of Sae-byeok’s mouth. “That’s good.”

She nervously shoots glances at you. “Do you have school tomorrow?” she asks after momentary silence.

“And work.” you add.

Although Sae-byeok went silent briefly as she normally does, it was the stillness in her body movement that spoke volumes. She felt regret.

“I shouldn’t have taken that money from you.” she whispers.

“Stop.” you whine, throwing your head back to face the night sky. “I can handle pity from those girls but not from you. Besides, I prefer being busy nowadays it keeps my mind at bay.”

“Didn’t you complain to me about your job earlier?”

“Everyone complains about their job.” you roll your eyes.

The girls roaring laughter died down just then. You watch them inspect each others pictures taken in their phones. Then Chaeun points to something in the distance and the rest all follow suit, forgetting that you were supposed to be there with them. Unknowingly, your face becomes crestfallen at the second silent betrayal from your classmates.

You should’ve known what you were risking being around them, but you can’t control the swelling in your chest by how hurt you felt. Maybe a small part of you hoped that things would’ve gotten better.

“Sae-byeok, are we friends?” you blurt out. You aren’t sure if it was the bit of alcohol in you system or the desire not to feel alone right now that spoke for you.

“I don’t know.” she admits plainly, fidgeting with her hands. “We barely know each other to consider each other friends.”

“Yeah.” you mutter. “I want to but…”

“But?”

“We have this sort of push and pull thing going on and I’m confused.”

She finally looks directly into your eyes and you can finally see her face underneath the street light that illuminated her. Your breath hitches by the proximity of her face close to yours.

“I know you wouldn’t want to be my friend if you knew everything.”

“I sort of do. Bits and pieces of them.” you say and she shakes her head in disbelief. “You and Cheol are defectors and you joined Yen-ho’s fathers gang to earn some income before you—“

Sae-byeok snatched your bottle of soju before you could finish talking.

“Hey, watch it, you drunk.” she spat. She gets up from the pavement ledge and you quickly follow suit.

You don’t know why you said it when you knew from the start that she wouldn’t like hearing it. Maybe you’re finally tired of receiving her mixed emotions. But you must’ve opened up a fresh wound, because she took a large swig from your drink.

“Sae-byeok—“

“You don’t get it do you? After you figured it out, you really don’t get it?” she removes her hoodie in a frustrated manner and gets closer to your face. So close that you can smell the alcohol she consumed. “I’m not the good person you credit me to be. And if you get too close to me bad things will start happening to you. I took your money when you clearly needed it and now you have a target on your back with a gang because you’re affiliated with me.”

“No, you don’t get it!” you retort, poking her roughly in the chest making her stumble back slightly. “There’s a difference between a bad person and a person who did bad things. If you were truly a bad person you wouldn’t have left that gang to overwork yourself at a fucking bakery to raise your little brother.”

Before you could see her reacting, you turn around to catch your breath. Sae-byeok’s enigmatic energy is something you don’t think you can handle anymore.

To make matters worse, Yoon’s horrible timing struck again when she leaps in front of you, her cheeks rosy from the alcohol. She grabs you by your shoulders to balance herself. “Found you! Oh, hey aren’t you that girl that fought off my ex?”

You didn’t Sae-byeok was still here, assuming she stormed off in a heat of rage. But you heard her scoffing.

“Woah, wait—did I interrupt something?” Yoon points at you and her, dumbstruck.

You slap her finger out of your face. “I’m leaving it’s getting late.” you announce, brushing past Yoon.

“No, I’m sorry if I did I’m seriously not judging whatsoever!”

“Bye, Yoona!” you say sarcastically, hoping she gets the hint to back off.

A part of you wishes to be alone to process the heated conversation you just had with Sae-byeok but another other part of you was hoping she was only a few feet away. When you got into the subway station, you whip your head back and saw Sae-byeok stand there—guarded as ever. Your cheeks dust a light pink at the heaviness of her stare on your figure.

When you slide your metro card to go through the turnstile, you were ready to hand over Sae-byeok your card until she swiftly pulls one out and passes through.

The rest of the journey home was quiet as it always is when Sae-byeok is around. Her stop is after yours, but she got off with you and there was no energy left in your body to question her behavior so you let her get her way.

It’s not until you walk up the stairs to your apartment when she stands still. Curiously, you peek to see if her eyes still had that tension in them but no. She just looks tired.

“Thanks for walking me home.” you say, still sulking. “Bye.”

“I know we did kind things for each other but other than that I don’t get why you want to get close to someone like me.” Sae-byeok admits in one breath. Like she was holding these thoughts the entire journey here.

You let go of the doorknob and face her fully. For once, you towered over her since she was still standing two stair flights away from you.

“Someone like you?” you question her, puzzled.

“At the end of the day, I’m still a criminal no matter how good my intentions are.”

Those words felt like a hit to your stomach. You don’t speak right away, thinking carefully of your word choices.

“Sae-byeok, there are people in this world who do cruel and inhumane things for money and power. They laugh and mock people like us while they do the same criminal acts. The only difference is they have the money to get away with it…You’re a good person, okay?”

Sae-byeok doesn’t look away from you this time. A small unsuspecting smile crept on her chapped lips. However, her intense gaze was too much for you and you peer down at your feet—your blush reaching up to your ears now.

A tiny folded piece of paper enters your field of view making your eyebrows furrow. “What’s this?”

“My phone number.” Sae-byeok says like it’s nothing. “You know, since we’re friends now.”

You slowly take the piece of paper, looking dumbfounded when you heard her say the word friends.

“Have a good night.”

“Night.” you mumble, hiding the smile that appeared soon after you unfolded the paper. You wait for her to leave the walk-up before entering your studio.

After removing your shoes by the door, the first thing you did was fall face first on your pillows and whine loudly. Your head was pounding, you still felt woozy from the alcohol, and you aren’t sure when will be a good time to text Sae-byeok if ever.

🏷️: @monroesturnns @knfthxv @jumpedthenfell-13 @peelover25 @karli6 @kissedberries @bitchybananaflower @laurenkenss @saebyeokbliss @everly-summers-solace

[ikalyyy]

NOWHERE GIRL

PART NINE

kang sae-byeok x fem!reader

synopsis: you reunite with the ones who helped you from the start, hoping for a fresh start.

wc. 2.2k

warnings: bit of angst and a splash of comfort

(nowhere girl masterlist)

You reach over to gently tap Sae-byeok’s arm to lull her awake. She let out a low grumble before flinching back. You gasp when she threw herself back, pressing her back on the wall of the bakery and threw you a look of horror with her bloodshot eyes. She breathes heavily and begins to wonder if you were just a figment of her imagination.

Perhaps the week you stayed with them (or the entirety of March) the colors were drained from your body. Now it’s like you’re back in full spring.

Your natural blush is more pigmented, your muscles are relaxed back, and you’re dressed in more brighter attiring. The way you were looking at Sae-byeok now was different. Instead of a scared young girl, you had a glint of confidence in your eyes.

Sae-byeok feels like she is looking at a new version of you, and just like that she felt like she was meeting you for the first time again.

But she didn’t want to think too much about your brighter appearance when you’ve been avoiding her.

“What the hell are you doing here?” she asks, still catching her breath.

You blink. Almost forgetting what you came here to do. “Right. I came to give you these. As a final thank you for everything.” you laugh nervously and reach over to hand her the bouquet.

Sae-byeok quirks an eyebrow. No one has even given her flowers. What use will she have for them? Her eyes flicker back and worth to you and the flowers. You wait patiently for her to grab them but she still looks too tense to grasp the fact that you were here.

You lower your arm and sigh at your failed attempt. “I specifically chose yellow lilies because they stand for happiness and new beginnings. And lavender because they represent silence and calmness but they’re also uniquely cool—kind of like you.”

Sae-byeok blinks at them, her expression unreadable. That’s when an alarm on her phone went off. She went to go shut it off and you watch her walk to the kitchen leaving you astray with the rejected bouquets.

As hurt as you felt, you took a deep breath and dragged your foot out the bakery. A part of you expected this, you did disappear without warning. Maybe the rejection was well deserved. You wanted a fresh start, but you had to pick yourself back together again before making amends but maybe you took too long. These past two weeks did feel like an eternity.

You headed over to the entrance leading up to your quaint studio next to the bakery but got taken aback when someone slams the door just as you were about to enter it.

“Have you been avoiding me?” Sae-byeok asks quietly but her voice slightly quivers in frustration.

You frown at her even as she avoided looking at you. “I was giving you space. And I was hoping that after I got my act together maybe we could start over. That’s what I came over to do.”

Although you have a small roof over your head now, you spent most of your days cooped up in the school library trying to catch up on all the homework and projects that got destroyed in the hands of that devil they call,Yen-ho. If you weren’t in class or school, then you were at work. You’ve never been this busy in your life, you actually surprised yourself these past two weeks.

And the few breaks you gave yourself in the day, it was only to ponder on your choices and decisions. Even you have some resentment for your parents, you miss your mom’s home cooked meals and car rides with your dad when he dropped you off at school or work. It’s hard not to think about them everyday even if it’s an over thought.

You miss home. You miss your room, and you always wonder if they got rid of everything in your room by now or kept in just in case their baby makes it back home enveloped in their arms. Your new apartment lacks the warmth you had before. Everything feels cold and estranged.

By the time you were caught up on everything, your neck is constantly sore from always looking down and you have trouble sleeping most nights with the looming thoughts of perhaps forgetting to do one assignment or thinking about your family.

“I had a rough start obviously but I’m caught up on all of my classes now. Caught up in life in general actually.” you say softer. “How are you—Cheol and Ji-yeong? How’s everyone?”

Sae-byeok didn’t budge. She turns to look at you blankly so you wouldn’t guess her true feelings, like some sort of defense mechanism. You wonder if she was putting up her walls again.

“Do you actually care or are you saying that in case you need our help again?”

You force a slight smile to pretend her words didn’t sting you a bit. “I’m not the selfish person you think I am.” you say and Sae-byeok scoffs. “You know, it’s not wise to judge someone you only knew for a week.”

Without any further comment, she stuffs her hands into her pockets and starts walking in the opposite direction.

“Where are you going?”

“To pick up, Cheol.” she says. You watch her dumbfounded. Sae-byeok swiftly turns around with a sly look etching her face. “Are you going to prove me wrong?”

You send her a quizzical look. She raises both her eyebrows waiting for you to get what she was asking from you. Was it was her subtle way of asking to get to know you?

”I will.” you say more confidently. Sae-byeok nods slightly, her cold expression remaining on her face. “Actually, you guys should pop up by my place today if you’re all free. I’m cooking dinner.”

“…We’ll think about it.” she responds after a minute of thinking long and hard about your invitation. You nod and gently wave her goodbye before entering the stairs leading up to your apartment.

You have a feeling they will arrive so panic begins to set in your body. Truthfully, you didn’t actually plan to make dinner today.

✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

Sae-byeok leans against the wall, quietly observing the personality of your studio apartment . It was definitely small, resembling an attic. With the living room, bathroom and kitchen being close together and upstairs just big enough to fit your mattress that doesn’t have a bed frame yet. However, it seems as if you were dedicated to make this place look alive and livable.

You had your handcrafted art pieces and sculptures scattered around the walls, kitchen counter and even on the floor since you had no real piece of furniture yet. Apart from the plastic table that seated three by the only small rectangular window, you also had an oversized peace lily by the entrance that was gifted to you by Miss Ahn, who is a known plant connoisseur. Sae-byeok didn’t understand why you had so many multicolored fairy lights scattered around the ceilings, but she guesses it’s because there is a lack of natural lighting here.

“Wow, this place looks good already.” Ji-yeong says after roaming the apartment for ten minutes now. She stares up at the fairy lights in awe, reaching to tap one gently. “We lived in our apartment for three months now and it still looks the same since when we moved in. Right, Sae-byeok?”

“Thanks.” you say bashfully as you began platting the garlic spam fried rice. It’s your first time cooking for other people apart from Miss Ahn who you taught you how to make this easy cheap dinner last week. “I’m thinking of going to a thrift store soon to look for a nice couch.”

“Meh, you shouldn’t rush furniture shopping.“ she advises and sits across Cheol who was busy coloring in your old sketchbook. “When we finally moved in and found out how much a mattress cost my heart seriously fucking dropped—oh! Sorry, Cheol.”

“It’s okay. Noona swears all the time in our room.” he says innocently.

Ji-yeong looks over at Sae-byeok who was still by the wall studying your apartment. “Hey. Dinner is almost ready.”

“There’s only three chairs. I’ll just stand and eat.” she says coolly.

“Nonsense. Come and sit I have to submit an assignment that’s due tonight so you guys eat while I do that in my bed.” you reassure her, place the plates of hot food on the table. “Also, I forgot to buy drinks but I can give you water.”

“Sure!” Ji-yeong chirps and starts digging a spoonful of rice into her mouth. She groans in satisfaction. “You might just beat Sae-byeok as the better cook.”

“Shut up.” you laugh, pouring water into each of their cups.

“I’m serious. Sae-byeok hurry and try it.” she urges when the stone faced girl finally sat down.

Embarrassed to see her reaction you quickly excuse yourself to march up to your bed. You take a quick peek at the three guests before kneeling down to lift your mattress off of the floor. You pull out the cash filled envelope and shove in deep into the pocket of your sweatpants. You were going to use this money to buy a new laptop but you can hold on and use the library computers for now. Now you just sit on the edge of your bed and extra few minutes to not raise suspicions although you doubt they’ll suspect you of anything.

“Eight out ten.” Ji-yeong says when you came back downstairs. “A little bit salty but still delicious.”

“I’ll take it.” you smile and look at Sae-byeok. “What do you rate it, huh?”

Sae-byeok takes another spoonful to make a decision. “Seven out of ten.”

“Alright next time you have to cook for us since you’re so picky.” you say, playfully.

“It’s an eleven out of ten for me, Noona!” Cheol says, grinning ear to ear something you haven’t seen before.

“Oh wow, thank you, Cheol! You were the only one I cared to know what they thought about my food.” you beam. You didn’t know if you were hearing things, but you could’ve sworn Sae-byeok let out a quiet snort.

“Thanks for inviting us. It’s good to see you’re doing better.” Ji-yeong says, smiling slightly.

“I hope next time you visit I’ll have more to show you other than my seven out of ten cooking though.”

“If you’re a seven out of ten then I’m down in the gutters.” she murmurs, scratching the top of her head.

The three visitors mingled for another hour or so helping you clean the dishes and wipe down the kitchen before deciding that it was time to head home when the sun left the horizons. However, you quietly ask Sae-byeok to speak in private while she was putting on her coat. She threw you an odd look before hesitating to accept your request. Ji-yeong gave you both skeptical glances but remained quiet as she took Cheol with her out the apartment.

“Woah. What the hell are you doing?” Sae-byeok says when you pull out the envelope of cash. Her eyes grew wide and fearful. “Stop. I didn’t do it for money.”

“I know, I know but I want to help. You already work so much and also take care of Cheol and—you look so tired. I’m concerned.” you say, giving her a pleading look. “Come on, you didn’t even take the flowers that I brought you earlier.”

“I’m not taking your money.” Sae-byeok says, backing away. “This isn’t what I meant when I asked if you cared!”

“Do you really want me to give you a speech? When Ji-yeong and Cheol are waiting outside?” you cross your arms. Sae-byeok reaches for the door knob. “Stop! Hey—look after what you’ve done for me you truly earned my respect!”

Sae-byeok freezes when she twisted the knob. Her eyes get darker and narrower. “What are you talking about?”

“I don’t know much about you or your past but I can tell you had to do cold and heartless things to survive and no person deserves that. Especially being so young. So, just take this it’s—it’s not a lot but as long as you aren’t overworking yourself to death for a bit will make me content.”

You reach to grab Sae-byeok’s hand and place the envelope on her palm, she gently curls her fingers around it.

“Can I be honest with you?” you ask. She lets out a faint sniffle but shakes her head. “I used to live life in a bubble wrap. I have—I had two loving parents, a group of friends and school. That was it—and it was easy. I’ve never known real hard work until I had to leave everything behind…and I was ready to give up but you and Ji-yeong and even Cheol gave me strength. I don’t know what it was about you guys that did but maybe one day I’ll figure it out and I’ll let you know when I do.”

The tension in the air was killer. You hold your breath afraid that even your faint breathing will disturb whatever was on Sae-byeok’s mind. She was your enigma. Never have you met someone as confusing as her.

“Thank you.” she says barely above whisper, staring down at her shoes.

“Thank me by taking care of yourself.” you say in a light tone hoping that she will be comfortable looking at you. “You should probably go now before Ji-yeong and Cheol get worried. I’ll see you around?”

“Yeah.” she croaks. “Bye.”

To your disappointment, Sae-byeok’s head remained lowered till the moment she walked out the door. But you hope that over time you get to know what underneath her hard cold surface.

🏷️: @monroesturnns @knfthxv @jumpedthenfell-13 @peelover25 @karli6 @kissedberries @bitchybananaflower @laurenkenss @saebyeokbliss

[ikalyyy]

NOWHERE GIRL

PART EIGHT

kang sae-byeok x fem!reader

synopsis: you’ve gone off the grid. however, your short lived presence finds a way to haunt sae-byeok.

wc. 2.1k

warnings: none

(nowhere girl masterlist)

“Don’t worry, Miss Kang! I will keep you updated the second we hear from your mother’s whereabouts. Of course, it just takes some time so please be patient!”

Sae-byeok’s about had it with this North Korean agent. His blind optimism makes her jaw clench. This is not a fairytale where Sae-byeok will spontaneously stumble across hoards of wealth—it’ll take mental and physical sacrifices to get her mother to South Korea. And this agent has the audacity to sip his cup of coffee comfortably lying to her. Just like that too tight suit is lying to him.

Before he tosses her more vexing lies, she rises up from the couch and walks off the tiny worn down agency.

It’s the start of rush hour when she gets back on the streets. Sae-byeok purposefully walks on the busier end of the sidewalk to hit shoulder blades with passerby’s who all seem to be in a hurry. It’s a free for all to pickpocket and Sae-byeok is desperate. Whatever valuables she takes from these strangers could mean seeing her mother sooner. By the time the waves of people start dwindling, her shoulders are sore and her pockets full to the brim with whatever knickknacks she stole.

When she reaches Cheol’s school, her heart swells in content when she notices he was giggling and chatting with another peer. Sae-byeok knows she’s long gone, she could never bounce back to fit in with society now. But Cheol has a chance to do everything she couldn’t and that might be enough.

“Noona!” her brother squeals. He waves his friend goodbye and sprints to her. “I thought you said you couldn’t pick me up today!”

“I got off work extra early today.” she explains and grabs Cheol’s school bag to sling it over her shoulders. “Is that your first ever friend I saw you speaking with?”

Cheol rolls his eyes, his cheeks dusting pink.

“I’m only teasing, Cheol.” she laughs, nudging him playfully. “I’m glad you’re making new friends.”

Cheol huffs and cross his arms, sulking. “He’s my second friend actually.” he states matter-of-factly.

“Oh? Who is the first? Me?”

“As if! You’re my sister!” he says then scratches the back of his head. “But I kind of forgot the first friend’s name. She is the artist noona.”

“You mean, Ji-yeong’s friend?”

Cheol nods. “Yeah, she said we were friends—so, hah!”

“Alright, you got me.” Sae-byeok says, she clears her throat trying to find a different topic to talk about with Cheol on their journey home.

Luckily, Cheol was the one who did that for her and started talking about his first ever project for science class. As long as he kept chatting he wouldn’t hear the clanking noises going on in her pockets.

✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

Sae-byeok plops on the couch beside Ji-yeong who was currently engrossed in filing her nails. The tall girl peers over her shoulders to make sure Cheol entered the room before emptying out her pockets and stuffing whatever dollar bill, piece of jewelry, or wallet she managed to pickpocket, underneath the couch cushions. She could see Ji-yeong from the corner of her eyes observe her amusingly, she lets out a little sigh, then goes back to grooming her nails.

Sae-byeok slips off her jacket and tosses it to the side. Now, she’s really comfortable and ready to nap the rest of the evening. But it isn’t an easy task when her mind is buzzing with activity.

Eye bags were a normal trait in Sae-byeok’s face, she always remembered having prominent eye bags but lately they’ve become more darker and even more prominent. At night, while Cheol is sleeping merrily beside her, she tends to spend her nights staring at the ceiling with her concerns. But it has gotten worse these past few weeks.

“You look like hell.” Ji-yeong chirps, her eyes however now staring at the small television screen propped up by a plastic kids table. Sae-byeok turns to scowl at her. “It’s obvious something is going on, Sae-byeok might as well spill it now that we are finally in the same room for once.”

Talking about her concerns is the last thing she wants to do. “I’m just having trouble sleeping.”

Ji-yeong scoffs but a smile crept her lips. “Yeah, because you’re obviously stressed out something duh.”

Sae-byeok can’t tell Ji-yeong that Jang Deok-su, his good-for-nothing son, and his gang could possibly be on the lookout for her. And if they are, then Ji-yeong and Cheol are their number one targets too.

And Sae-byeok swore to her that she had put it all behind her. So, she sacrifices her sleep to hear every movement in her apartment just in case Deok-su and his gang do find them. And she’ll be prepared.

Ji-yeong snaps her fingers in her face, breaking her from this overthinking trance. “Fine. If you don’t wanna tell me at least get some eye cream for those dark circles.” The shorter girl lays back down on the couch. “So, I’ve been thinking.”

“About?”

“Visiting my dad. In prison.” she says and no words are exchanged briefly.

Sae-byeok’s eyebrows furrow. “Why?”

“I don’t know—closure I guess?” Ji-yeong fiddles with the hem of her shirt. “It’s a shitty idea, isn’t it?”

“Not if it’s for closure. But do you think he’ll give it?”

“Who knows. I want him to look guilty when he sees me and to fucking beg for my apology and explain himself but—“ she pauses after croaking. “but—but…it won’t change anything. Right?”

Sae-byeok was so lost in her own worries she forgot Ji-yeong was battling her own struggles too. Now she feels like an asshole. She wonders how long these thoughts were looming in her head before she finally decided to speak them out loud.

“It won’t.” Sae-byeok tells her. “But if you keep thinking about seeing him then maybe you should. You might not get closure but at least you can finally move forward and he’ll remain stuck in prison. I think that’s satisfaction enough.”

Ji-yeong’s eyes grow wide. She clearly wasn’t expecting Sae-byeok to answer in such a thoughtful manner. “Hey, since when did you become, Yoda?”

Her face contorts in confusion. “Yoda?”

“Yeah, you know that little wise green goblin from Star Wars.” she explains. Sae-byeok still doesn’t seem to understand her reference. “Oh right, you couldn’t watch that growing up. Sorry.”

She rolls her eyes and slides off the couch.

“No, I’m sorry come back, Sae-byeok!” Ji-yeong calls out to her, pouting. “I take it back! Come on we are having such an insightful chat!”

“I’m going to take a nap in my room.” Sae-byeok announced followed by a long yawn as she makes her way over to her room.

Cheol is sprawled on the floor, still wearing his school uniform and coloring in his notebook. Right as Sae-byeok was about to throw herself on their shared bed, she spots a familiar folded piece of paper by the foot of the bed. She bends to pick it up and unfolds it when she lays down on the mattress.

She stares at the sketch you drew of her for who knows how long. Absorbing every detail, every pen scratch, every strand of hair you drew astray on her head. She didn’t notice it when you first gave it to her, but your name is signed at the bottom corner of the paper.

It’s been two weeks since Sae-byeok has seen you.

Although you’re now the bakery’s new upstairs neighbor, Ji-yeong mentioned to Sae-byeok out of the blue a few days ago that you’ve consumed every single minute of every day into school and work. Since you’ve gone AWOL from the rest of the world, one can assume that you didn’t let the disparity of that rainy Thursday afternoon ruin your entire semester.

It really bothers Sae-byeok how you still linger in their lives, even in the of smallest ways, when you aren’t physically around.

But it’s her fault. She did risk exposing herself to Jang Yen-ho to save you from his wrath now she has to pay the consequences. It irks her that you just disappeared though—leaving her to deal with this mess when she went out her way to help clean up yours. That’s something she normally will never do for anyone. But she did it for you and she will never make that mistake again.

✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

The next day Sae-byeok notices something odd.

It wasn’t normal to see a bouquet of wildflowers by the cash register. But Sae-byeok didn’t ask any questions, she just wanted to get this shift over with in time so she can book it to Cheol’s school. She might be paranoid, maybe Deok-su isn’t looking for her. But what if he is and his plan is to kidnap Cheol to get back at her? The thought makes her want to throw up.

“Ugh!” Yong-sun gags at the sight of the bouquets. He goes to cover his nose with the inside of his shirt. “Sae-byeok, I swear if you put these here—I’m fucking allergic to pollen.”

“I didn’t, you prick.” she scowls. “But now that I know, I’m possibly tempted to contact my florist.”

He points a menacing finger at her only for it to be swatted off by Miss Ahn.

“You are supposed to be working in the kitchen and the kitchen only!” Miss Ahn scolds her grandson.

“But—“

“That’s what you get for trying to scare away my customers with your nasty flirtations. Now go away!”

Sae-byeok flips him off while Miss Ahn wasn’t looking. He does it back before entering the kitchen.

“Oh, how beautiful.” the elder lady ogles at the bouquet.

She grabs it and takes a large whiff, savoring the floral scent and offers Sae-byeok to smell them but she quietly declines.

“That child. I swear.” she tuts. “I told her the other day about how my late husband would always assemble bouquets for me and here she goes leaving me a bouquet! Next time I see her I’m going to offer her a meal…You know, I’ve been too hard on that child ever since she moved in because she reminds me so much of myself. Young and impulsive but her heart must be in the right place to do this—just like yours.”

Miss Ahn pats Sae-byeok’s cheeks and goes off about how she needs to look for her vase somewhere in the kitchen. She could hear Yong-sun screech, telling his grandma to keep the flowers away from him. But this commotion is drowned out by the thought of the girl Miss Ahn is talking about potentially being you. Sae-byeok knows Yong-sun is her only grandchild and since you live right upstairs all clues point to it being you.

Sae-byeok is here almost everyday how coincidental is it for you to show face when she isn’t present? It’s so obvious now. You’re avoiding her.

She fights the urge to march up to your door and demand answers but she swore to herself not to repeat history.

For the rest of her shift, she keeps herself busy by wiping down the counter, organize the pantry, and ice some cupcakes to keep her mind at bay.

By the time she had thirty minutes left, she stayed by the register. Her chin resting on her hands that were propped on top of the counter. She was fighting sleep, slowly closing and opening her eyes. The lack of activity today at the bakery didn’t help her drowsiness. At some point she shut her eyes and kept them closed longer than usual, accidentally bringing herself to sleep.

You entered the bakery and the first thing you see is the taller girl sleeping on the job. The little ring at the door didn’t phase Sae-byeok. You freeze up when you spotted her and wonder if it’s a good idea or not to approach her after two weeks of no contact.

The closer you got, the more you saw how weary she looked. Her usual freckled cheeks lack color, her eye bags became more sunken and dark, and her eyebrows remained furrowed even during slumber.

You start to clutch tighter onto the bouquet you were holding without realizing because the guilt of seeing her like this was almost unbearable to watch. Maybe if you didn’t disappear you could’ve helped her like she helped you. There is a moment where your legs took a a few step back to walk away. You only have a few seconds to decide to stay or leave before Sae-byeok inevitably wakes up.

🏷️: @monroesturnns @knfthxv @jumpedthenfell-13 @peelover25 @karli6 @kissedberries @bitchybananaflower @laurenkenss @saebyeokbliss

[ikalyyy]

NOWHERE GIRL

PART EIGHT

kang sae-byeok x fem!reader

synopsis: you’ve gone off the grid. however, your short lived presence finds a way to haunt sae-byeok.

wc. 2.1k

warnings: none

(nowhere girl masterlist)

“Don’t worry, Miss Kang! I will keep you updated the second we hear from your mother’s whereabouts. Of course, it just takes some time so please be patient!”

Sae-byeok’s about had it with this North Korean agent. His blind optimism makes her jaw clench. This is not a fairytale where Sae-byeok will spontaneously stumble across hoards of wealth—it’ll take mental and physical sacrifices to get her mother to South Korea. And this agent has the audacity to sip his cup of coffee comfortably lying to her. Just like that too tight suit is lying to him.

Before he tosses her more vexing lies, she rises up from the couch and walks off the tiny worn down agency.

It’s the start of rush hour when she gets back on the streets. Sae-byeok purposefully walks on the busier end of the sidewalk to hit shoulder blades with passerby’s who all seem to be in a hurry. It’s a free for all to pickpocket and Sae-byeok is desperate. Whatever valuables she takes from these strangers could mean seeing her mother sooner. By the time the waves of people start dwindling, her shoulders are sore and her pockets full to the brim with whatever knickknacks she stole.

When she reaches Cheol’s school, her heart swells in content when she notices he was giggling and chatting with another peer. Sae-byeok knows she’s long gone, she could never bounce back to fit in with society now. But Cheol has a chance to do everything she couldn’t and that might be enough.

“Noona!” her brother squeals. He waves his friend goodbye and sprints to her. “I thought you said you couldn’t pick me up today!”

“I got off work extra early today.” she explains and grabs Cheol’s school bag to sling it over her shoulders. “Is that your first ever friend I saw you speaking with?”

Cheol rolls his eyes, his cheeks dusting pink.

“I’m only teasing, Cheol.” she laughs, nudging him playfully. “I’m glad you’re making new friends.”

Cheol huffs and cross his arms, sulking. “He’s my second friend actually.” he states matter-of-factly.

“Oh? Who is the first? Me?”

“As if! You’re my sister!” he says then scratches the back of his head. “But I kind of forgot the first friend’s name. She is the artist noona.”

“You mean, Ji-yeong’s friend?”

Cheol nods. “Yeah, she said we were friends—so, hah!”

“Alright, you got me.” Sae-byeok says, she clears her throat trying to find a different topic to talk about with Cheol on their journey home.

Luckily, Cheol was the one who did that for her and started talking about his first ever project for science class. As long as he kept chatting he wouldn’t hear the clanking noises going on in her pockets.

✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

Sae-byeok plops on the couch beside Ji-yeong who was currently engrossed in filing her nails. The tall girl peers over her shoulders to make sure Cheol entered the room before emptying out her pockets and stuffing whatever dollar bill, piece of jewelry, or wallet she managed to pickpocket, underneath the couch cushions. She could see Ji-yeong from the corner of her eyes observe her amusingly, she lets out a little sigh, then goes back to grooming her nails.

Sae-byeok slips off her jacket and tosses it to the side. Now, she’s really comfortable and ready to nap the rest of the evening. But it isn’t an easy task when her mind is buzzing with activity.

Eye bags were a normal trait in Sae-byeok’s face, she always remembered having prominent eye bags but lately they’ve become more darker and even more prominent. At night, while Cheol is sleeping merrily beside her, she tends to spend her nights staring at the ceiling with her concerns. But it has gotten worse these past few weeks.

“You look like hell.” Ji-yeong chirps, her eyes however now staring at the small television screen propped up by a plastic kids table. Sae-byeok turns to scowl at her. “It’s obvious something is going on, Sae-byeok might as well spill it now that we are finally in the same room for once.”

Talking about her concerns is the last thing she wants to do. “I’m just having trouble sleeping.”

Ji-yeong scoffs but a smile crept her lips. “Yeah, because you’re obviously stressed out something duh.”

Sae-byeok can’t tell Ji-yeong that Jang Deok-su, his good-for-nothing son, and his gang could possibly be on the lookout for her. And if they are, then Ji-yeong and Cheol are their number one targets too.

And Sae-byeok swore to her that she had put it all behind her. So, she sacrifices her sleep to hear every movement in her apartment just in case Deok-su and his gang do find them. And she’ll be prepared.

Ji-yeong snaps her fingers in her face, breaking her from this overthinking trance. “Fine. If you don’t wanna tell me at least get some eye cream for those dark circles.” The shorter girl lays back down on the couch. “So, I’ve been thinking.”

“About?”

“Visiting my dad. In prison.” she says and no words are exchanged briefly.

Sae-byeok’s eyebrows furrow. “Why?”

“I don’t know—closure I guess?” Ji-yeong fiddles with the hem of her shirt. “It’s a shitty idea, isn’t it?”

“Not if it’s for closure. But do you think he’ll give it?”

“Who knows. I want him to look guilty when he sees me and to fucking beg for my apology and explain himself but—“ she pauses after croaking. “but—but…it won’t change anything. Right?”

Sae-byeok was so lost in her own worries she forgot Ji-yeong was battling her own struggles too. Now she feels like an asshole. She wonders how long these thoughts were looming in her head before she finally decided to speak them out loud.

“It won’t.” Sae-byeok tells her. “But if you keep thinking about seeing him then maybe you should. You might not get closure but at least you can finally move forward and he’ll remain stuck in prison. I think that’s satisfaction enough.”

Ji-yeong’s eyes grow wide. She clearly wasn’t expecting Sae-byeok to answer in such a thoughtful manner. “Hey, since when did you become, Yoda?”

Her face contorts in confusion. “Yoda?”

“Yeah, you know that little wise green goblin from Star Wars.” she explains. Sae-byeok still doesn’t seem to understand her reference. “Oh right, you couldn’t watch that growing up. Sorry.”

She rolls her eyes and slides off the couch.

“No, I’m sorry come back, Sae-byeok!” Ji-yeong calls out to her, pouting. “I take it back! Come on we are having such an insightful chat!”

“I’m going to take a nap in my room.” Sae-byeok announced followed by a long yawn as she makes her way over to her room.

Cheol is sprawled on the floor, still wearing his school uniform and coloring in his notebook. Right as Sae-byeok was about to throw herself on their shared bed, she spots a familiar folded piece of paper by the foot of the bed. She bends to pick it up and unfolds it when she lays down on the mattress.

She stares at the sketch you drew of her for who knows how long. Absorbing every detail, every pen scratch, every strand of hair you drew astray on her head. She didn’t notice it when you first gave it to her, but your name is signed at the bottom corner of the paper.

It’s been two weeks since Sae-byeok has seen you.

Although you’re now the bakery’s new upstairs neighbor, Ji-yeong mentioned to Sae-byeok out of the blue a few days ago that you’ve consumed every single minute of every day into school and work. Since you’ve gone AWOL from the rest of the world, one can assume that you didn’t let the disparity of that rainy Thursday afternoon ruin your entire semester.

It really bothers Sae-byeok how you still linger in their lives, even in the of smallest ways, when you aren’t physically around.

But it’s her fault. She did risk exposing herself to Jang Yen-ho to save you from his wrath now she has to pay the consequences. It irks her that you just disappeared though—leaving her to deal with this mess when she went out her way to help clean up yours. That’s something she normally will never do for anyone. But she did it for you and she will never make that mistake again.

✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

The next day Sae-byeok notices something odd.

It wasn’t normal to see a bouquet of wildflowers by the cash register. But Sae-byeok didn’t ask any questions, she just wanted to get this shift over with in time so she can book it to Cheol’s school. She might be paranoid, maybe Deok-su isn’t looking for her. But what if he is and his plan is to kidnap Cheol to get back at her? The thought makes her want to throw up.

“Ugh!” Yong-sun gags at the sight of the bouquets. He goes to cover his nose with the inside of his shirt. “Sae-byeok, I swear if you put these here—I’m fucking allergic to pollen.”

“I didn’t, you prick.” she scowls. “But now that I know, I’m possibly tempted to contact my florist.”

He points a menacing finger at her only for it to be swatted off by Miss Ahn.

“You are supposed to be working in the kitchen and the kitchen only!” Miss Ahn scolds her grandson.

“But—“

“That’s what you get for trying to scare away my customers with your nasty flirtations. Now go away!”

Sae-byeok flips him off while Miss Ahn wasn’t looking. He does it back before entering the kitchen.

“Oh, how beautiful.” the elder lady ogles at the bouquet.

She grabs it and takes a large whiff, savoring the floral scent and offers Sae-byeok to smell them but she quietly declines.

“That child. I swear.” she tuts. “I told her the other day about how my late husband would always assemble bouquets for me and here she goes leaving me a bouquet! Next time I see her I’m going to offer her a meal…You know, I’ve been too hard on that child ever since she moved in because she reminds me so much of myself. Young and impulsive but her heart must be in the right place to do this—just like yours.”

Miss Ahn pats Sae-byeok’s cheeks and goes off about how she needs to look for her vase somewhere in the kitchen. She could hear Yong-sun screech, telling his grandma to keep the flowers away from him. But this commotion is drowned out by the thought of the girl Miss Ahn is talking about potentially being you. Sae-byeok knows Yong-sun is her only grandchild and since you live right upstairs all clues point to it being you.

Sae-byeok is here almost everyday how coincidental is it for you to show face when she isn’t present? It’s so obvious now. You’re avoiding her.

She fights the urge to march up to your door and demand answers but she swore to herself not to repeat history.

For the rest of her shift, she keeps herself busy by wiping down the counter, organize the pantry, and ice some cupcakes to keep her mind at bay.

By the time she had thirty minutes left, she stayed by the register. Her chin resting on her hands that were propped on top of the counter. She was fighting sleep, slowly closing and opening her eyes. The lack of activity today at the bakery didn’t help her drowsiness. At some point she shut her eyes and kept them closed longer than usual, accidentally bringing herself to sleep.

You entered the bakery and the first thing you see is the taller girl sleeping on the job. The little ring at the door didn’t phase Sae-byeok. You freeze up when you spotted her and wonder if it’s a good idea or not to approach her after two weeks of no contact.

The closer you got, the more you saw how weary she looked. Her usual freckled cheeks lack color, her eye bags became more sunken and dark, and her eyebrows remained furrowed even during slumber.

You start to clutch tighter onto the bouquet you were holding without realizing because the guilt of seeing her like this was almost unbearable to watch. Maybe if you didn’t disappear you could’ve helped her like she helped you. There is a moment where your legs took a a few step back to walk away. You only have a few seconds to decide to stay or leave before Sae-byeok inevitably wakes up.

🏷️: @monroesturnns @knfthxv @jumpedthenfell-13 @peelover25 @karli6 @kissedberries @bitchybananaflower @laurenkenss @saebyeokbliss

[ikalyyy]

NOWHERE GIRL

PART SEVEN

kang sae-byeok x fem!reader

synopsis: things start crumbling down.

wc. 2.1k

warnings: violence, blood, lots of profanity, angsty af, small comfort | authors note: omg im so sorry yall the worst is almost over soon i promise lololololol

Rain droplets start hitting your skin so you hope that’s reason enough for Yen-ho and his gang to leave you alone. Maybe just maybe, Yoon did something right by telling him to back off but you can never be too safe. Instead of heading to the dining hall, you make your way towards the library and weigh out starvation. Much better than a beating.

Today you’re hyper aware of your surroundings until the first spring showers have finally started. In the worst time possible. You try booking it to the other end of campus before you get drenched head to toe. Of course you forgot to pack a jacket the day your parents decided to disown you.

“Get her!” a muffled voice shouts from a distance.

Your breath hitches but your fight or flight instincts kept telling you to run so you started running till your legs were sore. However, running while trying to keep your belongings in your person was no easy feat as you kept having to adjust the strap of your portfolio tote so it wouldn’t slip off. But the adrenaline was kicking. Your heart race kept increasing, and you lost sensation in your legs. You think you can make it to the library hall and call for security.

“Gotcha!” a male voice snarls. He hooked his arms around your waist knocking the air out of your windpipe and lifted you off the ground from behind. “Yen-ho, I got her!”

You tried using all your body parts to push Yen-ho’s friend away but the more you fought back the tighter his grip on you became. Now you had trouble breathing.

“Shit, it’s a fucking rainstorm today.” the other friend complains as he and Yen-ho sprint towards you.

“Let’s her to the alleyway before anyone sees!” Yen-ho orders, using his hands to block the rain from his eyes. He gives you a malevolent smirk before his friend carry’s you over his shoulder.

“Stop it you bitch!” the guy barks as you tried to punch his back. It was no use, he’s as solid as a rock.

He pins you against the wall of the alley and grabs your left arm while the other guy grabs your right. You are forced to stare up at Yen-ho, who’s looking you up and down like a predator eyeing their prey.

“Thought you could get away huh? Yoon texted me this morning.” he begins his monologue. “She said to leave you alone. Thanks to you, now she thinks I’m some woman beating prick.”

“No, really? Because that’s exactly what you are.” you say brusquely.

He knees you right in the stomach. The pain is searing in your middle and you can feel your lips begin trembling, unable to hold back tears.

“Quiet! I’ll teach you what happens when you keep disrespecting your elders.” he barks. His teeth flare like a wolf. “Hey, pass me those.” he points at his friends to your tote and laptop scattered on the ground. Your heart drops to the pit of your bruised stomach.

“No, don’t do it! No fuck you—fuck you!” you cry out when he breaks your laptop by folding it on its wrong side. You hear the loud snapping sound it made, even through your louder cries. “Stop it, stop it please stop it!”

You feel yourself bellow out more profanities but aren’t sure if you said them out loud or if it was just in your head. The pain of watching him stomp and tear every work in your tote was so unbearable. His friends got a tighter grip on your arms when you start dropping on the ground, unable to hold yourself together anymore. You just want to curl down and sob. Everything was gone now. Everyone is gone.

Instead of watching anymore further, you drop your head to the ground letting your soaked hair conceal your face.

“No, no, no, you have of watch.” Yen-ho’s minion says and grabs a chunk of your hair to pull your head up giving you no other options but to look. You can’t fathom how quickly all of your years worth of work can just be gone in seconds.

When Yen-ho is finished he wipes the rain and sweat off his forehead and eyes. He turns to look at you and cackles at how defeated you look. It amuses them how you’re slumped on the ground shaking with tears pooling your eyes. They made you become a person who is nothing but drenched, pathetic and hopeless.

“Hey, don’t look so innocent now.” Yen-ho says. He bends down to meet you at eye level, grabbing your chin so you will look into his eyes. “I told you that I would bring justice into my own hands, didn’t I?”

“Yen-ho. Let her go.”

You hear a familiar husky voice ring past your ears but you can’t help but think that it’s just your imagination. Afraid to look deeper into Yen-ho’s dark eyes you close your eyes and silently sob some more.

“Kang Sae-byeok? No fucking way. It has been forever how you’ve been?” Yen-ho gapes, eyeing the taller girl then down at your trembling one. He roars with laughter yet again after connecting the dots. “Oh no, don’t tell me this your little girlfriend! Fuck I should’ve known you were a fucking lesbian too with the way you kept rejecting my moves on you!”

Sae-byeok doesn’t do nor say anything except maintain strict eye contact with Yen-ho. He sighs and signals for his friends to drop you. When they do, you don’t pick yourself off—Sae-byeok’s breath hitches when she sees your weakened state from the corner of her eyes.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing here?” he scowls. “You’re going to slice my neck open with that little thing?”

Sae-byeok’s grip on her pocket knife tightens.

“Just wait until my dad finds out you’re still alive. You’re in deep shit, Kang so make sure you got his money before we come and find you.”

“When your dead beat father does come I can’t wait to tell him about the time you called the cops on him just so you can go pop his clients pills.”

Yen-ho trembles in rage while his friends hold back their laughter. His face gets so red the rain hitting his skin could evaporate. “Hey, shut your mouths and get her!”

One of the minions snatches the pocket knife from Sae-byeok giving Yen-ho the opportunity to use his foot to kick her square in the chest. When he lands on the ground he uses this opportunity to jump on top of her and start getting in his furious punches in. Some Sae-byeok was able to dodge but most she had to endure. She can taste the familiar metallic taste of blood in her mouth.

“Yen-ho, stop it! Leave her alone!”

The heavy rain only was able to let Sae-byeok see a blurry figure of a poised looking stranger desperately approach Yen-ho. She holds him back by his chest and shouted in his face some more to level with him but all Yen-ho saw was red. Red in the form of Kang Sae-byeok.

The minions stand by confused when Yen-ho stops, not realizing that it was by force but it gives Sae-byeok the perfect opportunity to reach for you.

You were sprawled on the floor when you hear Sae-byeok call out your name, bringing you back to reality. You too only saw red in Sae-byeok’s face, not from fury but from blood.

“Sae-byeok, your—your face.” you were able to croak.

“No time. We have to run.” she says breathless and lifts you up by both your forearms.

You didn’t have time to register what just happened, you just know that Sae-byeok is the one holding you firmly by your wrist helping you sprint out of campus grounds. Although the rain was cooling off your agitated body, it blinded you from seeing where she was taking you.

“Sae-byeok, I can’t—can’t anymore.” you wheeze after running for who knows how long. She slows down when you do and leads you to the back of nearest building. You throw your back on the moistened bricks of the restaurant you’re hiding behind to catch your breath, but it hurts to breathe. It felt like you were inhaling fire.

It might’ve been five minutes, hours, or days of you just catching your breathl until you regained some of your composure. Eventually you did regain some of your senses back, that’s when your eyes adjusted to the sight in front of you.

Sae-byeok was also breathing heavily, short hair disheveled, looking down at the ground and kept wiping the blood dripping down from her nose with the end of her sleeves. You’re having a hard time believing that she is here in front of you, saving you from a fate that could’ve been much worse. But you didn’t have time to think about what just happened to both you when you know that she is here enduring pain caused by your adversity.

“We have to go to a pharmacy.” you breathe out. “You’re bleeding too much.”

It was like Sae-byeok reduced in size, feeling so small letting you see her in this broken down state.

“Okay.” she manages to say.

This time you were the one having to guide her. Luckily, you were familiar with this town as it’s still near campus so you’ve wandered them countless times. It was a ten minute journey to the nearest pharmacy but neither of you walked with urgency. Not even the spring day rain made either of you hurry due to exhaustion and dehydration.

You guide Sae-byeok by the small of her back underneath the awning of the pharmaceutical building. She slowly crouches down on the sidewalk. When she sits down, she starts clutching her stomach and her face begins to contort when the adrenaline goes away. Now all she can feel is sharp throbbing pain.

“I’ll be back quick just hold on.” you reassure her with a quivering voice.

Sae-byeok can only groan in pain so you bolt into the pharmacy and grab anything that could help soothe her aches. Tissues, pain killers, an ice pack, water bottles, all crammed in your arms as you make your way to the counter.

“At least those idiots didn’t take my wallet. Fuckers.” you scowl when you patted down your jean pockets and pulled out your thin wallet case.

The cashier throws you a skeptic glance while quietly scanning the items. You didn’t notice the concern in their eyes when all you kept doing was looking through the door to see if Sae-byeok was still sitting there conscious.

You sit next to her, placing the shopping bag in between your thighs and start pulling everything out. You take out a handful of tissue paper and reach over to wipe the blood dripping down Sae-byeok’s nose when she flinched back.

“It’s okay, I’ll do it.” you say reassuringly.

Sae-byeok stares at you, and you wonder what could she be thinking. The tension in her shoulders start subduing so you hesitate to try again. To your relief, she stays still while you wipe the blood that reached all the way down to her chin.

She stares over the rain hitting the pavement and lets the noise of the droplets tapping the ground soothe her. When she didn’t feel your body heat near hers she peers over at you. You’re holding out a bottle of water and pain killers to pass it over to her. Deja vu overcomes her.

Swallowing the pain killers and chugging the water, she savors the feeling of hydration until she hears the quiet sounds of someone sobbing.

When she observes you, she realizes that you must’ve gotten a lot taken away from you today. Not just your paintings and sketches, your dignity and hope could be gone with them.

You tried to conceal yourself from Sae-byeok by having your back facing her and covering your face hands with your hands. But you couldn’t control the cries that dared to escape your lips. Sae-byeok’s fingers start twitching, fighting the urge to reach over and find a way to console you.

Cheol is the only person she knows how to comfort. With anyone else it feels wrong, but she is aware that this moment is bigger than her. She knows that feeling of having everything you loved and worked hard for get taken away. The feeling is like a void swallowing you inside out and all you can do is watch as everything comes crumbling down. Sae-byeok yearned for the warmth of another and for them to tell her everything will be okay. But it never came for her.

You hear your name being called out mid sob.

You feel Sae-byeok gently turn your body to face her and without warning she just wraps her arms around you. Her wet strands of hair sticking to the side of your face when she kept pulling you closer like it was her mission was to extract all the pain you were feeling by this embrace. You accept this kind gesture by letting yourself melt into her touch.

“I’m so sorry for all the trouble I caused. I’m so deeply sorry.” you whisper sincerely, tears still streaming down your face. Sae-byeok responds by rubbing your back, but you quickly understand it’s her special way of accepting your apology.

She hopes that you will feel a little elated with the news that she might’ve found a place for you to stay. But she’ll wait as she is aware that you need to feel comforted more right now.

🏷️: @monroesturnns @knfthxv @jumpedthenfell-13 @peelover25 @karli6 @kissedberries @bitchybananaflower @laurenkenss @saebyeokbliss

[ikalyyy]

NOWHERE GIRL

CHAPTER SIX

kang sae-byeok x fem!reader

synopsis: you confront your classmate, determined to make her ex leave you alone.

wc. 1.7k

warnings: none

(nowhere girl masterlist)

When you got kicked out of your house you only had time to bring a few sets of clothes, your toothbrush, and your school supplies. While you were getting ready this morning, you had to watch a video tutorial online on how to tie your hair up with a pencil not minding the tall short haired girl who was eating breakfast just a few feet away in their tight knit apartment.

It was easy not to talk to Sae-byeok. She was like smoke, easy to spot but can’t grasp as it’s already dissolving away. She left ten minutes earlier than you did without a single uttering to you. You try not to think about it too much because you will be gone soon.

“Noona.” you hear a voice behind you peep while you were done tying your hair back. Cheol pops up from his room, handing you his tie timidly. “I accidentally loosened my tie. Could you tie it for me again?”

You walk over to Cheol and kneel on the hardwood floor to help adjust his uniform tie.

“Did someone hurt you?” he asks, pointing at your cheek.

“No, never. I just tripped.” you lie. You feel the weight of his stare on your bruised up cheek. “Do you always go to school by yourself?” you say to advert the topic.

“Yes. Sometimes my sister takes me if she doesn’t go to work early but she usually does.” he explains, rubbing his tired little eyes with his fist. “Ji-yeong noona isn’t a morning person so I’m scared to ask her.”

“Done. You look nice.” you ruffle the top of his head and stand up. “I would be scared to wake up Ji-yeong too by the way.”

A fatigue little giggle escapes Cheol’s mouth.

“Have a good day at school, Cheol.” you say and walk over to the door to slip on your sneakers only to look over at Cheol who pokes his head out his room once more.

“Are you staying with us forever, Noona?” he asks. The confused expression you gave him startled him. “I want you to!”

“No, I know what you meant to say it’s just—“ you scratch the top of your head. You don’t think it’ll be appropriate to say that tomorrow morning you’ll be long gone to a sensitive boy like Cheol. “I don’t know actually. Maybe one day I’ll have to leave but we’ll still be friends, okay?”

“Seriously?”

“Absolutely. Maybe in the summer you can come visit me at the art gallery I work at.”

“That’ll be cool.” he says quietly. “Bye, Noona.”

You wave him goodbye and exit the apartment.

The bus ride to your campus is serene on this cloudy spring morning and you wonder when this moment of calm will end. Maybe it’ll end when you get to your first class of the day where you will confront Yoon about her ex-boyfriend’s attempted assault on you yesterday.

✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

One thing Sae-byeok had to get used to was having a routine. Before working at the bakery, her days of pickpocketing were irregular and her income would be inconsistent. It was strange at first and she wasn’t the best on arriving to work on time at first, but by some miracle Miss Ahn never complained about her tardiness. Sae-byeok is almost certain Ji-yeong told her about her past so Miss Ahn could take it easy on her.

Her first month working at the bakery she didn’t think she would last. She was told to memorize kneading techniques, how to spot expired flour, and go grocery shopping in the middle of a rush because they ran out of eggs. It was all too foreign. But now she can barely remember her life without this job. However, today her mind is back to the days she used to be Jang Deok-su’s little apprentice. Everyday was violence, theft, drugs, and more violence. Sae-byeok can’t believe she survived it all.

For her midday break, Sae-byeok stepped outside to the back alley of the bakery and leaned her back against the wall to ponder some more.

“Hey, Kang!” Ahn Yong-sun, Miss Ahn’s eldest grandson, calls out to her from the back door. She slowly turns her head to look at him. “Where the fuck did you put Kim Yeoreum’s cake order? I can’t fucking find it anywhere!”

“On the top shelf! Asshole.” she mutters the last word underneath her breath.

“Just because you’re two inches taller than me doesn’t mean we can all fucking reach the top shelf!”

“Yong-sun, watch your mouth child!” Miss Ahn hisses as she arrived back from her grocery errands. She fans her grandson with her hands in a shooing motion. He mumbles an apology and cowers back inside but not before throwing Sae-byeok a glare. “Don’t let that brat get into your head, dear. He’s become so spoiled—of course he has, he was raised by my own spoiled son!”

Sae-byeok reaches over to grab her bag of groceries.

“Ah, look at you always being so attentive with me.” Miss Ahn coos. “I’m telling you if I fell down the stairs my grandson wouldn’t even bat an eye.”

They enter the kitchen and the aroma of fresh bread hits their nostrils. As Sae-byeok reaches over to shut the door for some odd reason the smell makes her think of you and the croissant you offered her last night. While she unloads the bag of groceries she keeps thinking of you and the last thing you told her last night.

Sae-byeok turns to peer down at the elder lady beside her jotting down another list of groceries. “Miss.” she says out of the blue.

“Yes, dear?”

“Is the apartment above the bakery still vacant?”

Miss Ahn’s looks up past her reading glasses and raises a brow. “Why? Did you and Cheol get booted off?”

“No, it’s for a friend.”

“Ah.” she hums and continues to write her list again. “I’m in the process of having a couple of people visit the space. However, it’ll make my life easier if you got your friend to come first—just make sure she doesn’t ask too many questions. You young kids love doing that.”

“Okay. Can she come tomorrow?”

Sae-byeok could sense that the older lady is skeptical. But she remains stone faced and calm hoping that she won’t raise further questions. It’s bad enough she’s doing this for your sake.

“I don’t see why not. Tomorrow afternoon.” she pats her on the shoulder. “Now, can you help me finish icing this cake for me? The customer will arrive later today.”

Sae-byeok walks around the other side of the island counter and sneakily pulls out her phone to send Ji-yeong a message.

✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

You drop your belongings at your usual spot, next to the large window panes in the studio and march over to Yoon who was currently chatting with a friend. Without noticing, your jaw clenches seeing how content Yoon looks giggling with her friend while your mind is in torment over the chaos that ensued yesterday.

When she sees your rigid figure march up to her she hushedly says something to her friend that made her go silent. She avoids your eye contact the closer you approach them.

“Can I talk to you in private?” you ask her, irritated.

Yoon stiffly nods while still avoiding your intense eye contact and follows you out the classroom. When you reach the end of the hall you cross your arms and narrow your eyes at her.

“So—“

“I’m really sorry.” Yoon interrupts quickly with guilt written all over her face. “I didn’t think Yen-ho would…”

“Try to beat me up?” you scoff.

“I was just confused about this whole situation an—“

“Situation? This isn’t a situation, Yoon this is my life! I get it if you don’t want to be around me anymore. It fucking sucks that I know what you will decide but to go around and tell people…” you choke back tears. “it’s just making my life harder than it already is.”

“Fuck. I’m so deeply sorry.”

Breathless with anger you take a couple of seconds to compose yourself before continuing. “Whatever, Yoon. Could you just tell me if he’ll be here today so I know when to leave?”

“He doesn’t go to school here he just likes to wander.” she mutters. “But I’ll text him—tell him to back off.”

Before you could speak your professor appears. “Ladies, class is starting now could you head to your seats please. And can I speak to you after class about your project?” he points at you.

“Yes, I’m sorry.” you mumble, lowering you head and scurry with Yoon to the class.

“Don’t apologize.” he chuckles.

It was hard to pay attention in class when all you could do is shoot daggers at Yoon across the room. You could see the anxiousness in her behavior, how she would pick up and put down her phone, and only reply to her friends in short sentences.

At one point you heard the professor cough in your direction leaving you no choice but to try and concertante on the piece you are working on. But by the time class was finished, you barely finished what you started with.

You wait until everyone leaves before dragging your feet up to the professors desk.

He greets you by your name and folds his hands, thinking deeply. “So, you’re the only one that hasn’t shown me their piece. Could you show me and explain to me what your piece is about?”

“It’s a textile piece that will, um, resemble a fashion designers sketchbook. I’m using textile, watercolor, fashion magazines, and my own sketch designs for this piece…” you quietly explain as you show him the piece, frowning at the disapproval on his face.

“That sounds…marvelous.” he says to your surprise. “I like the use of watercolor to depict paper fading yellow.”

“Thank you, professor.” you bow.

“Is there a story behind this?”

“I’m still trying to get around it.”

“Okay.” he hums. “Recently, I’ve noticed your lack of concentration in my class however. I stated from the start that students that consistently keep lacking won’t succeed in my class. This is the first big project and you will have two bigger ones these next upcoming weeks. I don’t want you to fall behind already—especially since I can already conclude that you’ll be one of the runner ups in the Hangaram prize.”

Your heart begins to swell. This is the first good news in a while you aren’t sure how to react. So you just stare at your professor with wide eyes and a gaped mouth.

“So please, focus on this project and I am excited to see the end results next class.”

“Of course, thank you professor!”

You walk out of class in high spirits only to be crushed with the realization in knowing that a potential group of loiterers are waiting for you outside these walls.

🏷️: @monroesturnns @knfthxv @jumpedthenfell-13 @peelover25 @karli6 @kissedberries @bitchybananaflower @laurenkenss

[ikalyyy]

NOWHERE GIRL

PART FIVE

kang sae-byeok x fem!reader

synopsis: your late night talk with the stone face girl unexpectedly turns sour.

wc. 1.5k

warnings: mentions of violence, more angst lol

(nowhere girl masterlist)

The cafe is surprisingly buzzing with late night customers. Sae-byeok assumes most of them are college kids, since most if not all, are glued to a book or laptop screen probably cramming some last minute studying.

“I told you I didn’t want anything.” Sae-byeok frowns when you ordered another croissant after she turned down your offer.

You hand the cashier your credit card then briefly smile up at the taller girl. “I heard your stomach is rumbling. It’s okay—you don’t owe me anything.”

Sae-byeok forgot that she hasn’t eating anything all day. So, instead of giving you another remark she shakes her head at you and examines the cafe for a place to sit.

Luckily she found two seats in the mere corner of the cafe. Sae-byeok goes to sit down while you still wait for the order and pulls out her phone and goes to Ji-yeong’s contact. She texts her that you are safe and you both will be home in an hour.

You push a plate with the croissant to Sae-byeok and she whispers a small thank you. When you go to sit down she can see the more visible scraping around your arms now inside the dimly lit cafe but stealthily adverts her gaze back to the warmed up pastry.

It’s been thirty minutes of nothing but silence and Sae-byeok came up with the conclusion that you’re annoying. She noticed the way you lift your foot up and place it on your chair, the scratching of your pencil as you sketch and how you take short loud sips of your caffeinated drink—it all irritates her.

When she finishes eating her pastry she grabs a napkin and wipes the corners of her mouth. Then in her field a view appears a torn piece of paper, passed to her across her end of the table.

“I drew you. I hope you don’t mind.”

Sae-byeok peers up at your sleepy grin then back down at your drawing. It was a pencil sketch of her, perfectly shaded with all of Sae-byeok’s features captured right. Her sharp eyes, freckled cheeks, and frowny plump yet chapped lips. You did it all in just thirty minutes.

You were hoping to get some reaction of out her or maybe another dry thank you would suffice. Instead, Sae-byeok sighs and folds your drawing to a small square and stuffs it in her pocket.

Sae-byeok thought you would scowl for her lack of reaction, however your gentle smile remained on your lips. What are you playing at?

“Does it still hurt?” she asks coolly, the huskiness in her voice is deeper from fatigue.

“A little.” you admit and go back to sketching something else.

Just then, you get a call from your mom and Sae-byeok noticed the contact name before you flipped your phone on its back. Her eyes narrow as she thought for a second. You can tell she’s plotting something so you clear your throat.

“I didn’t run away.” you say in a whim, scratching the nape of your neck. “From home.”

Sae-byeok leans back in her chair and rolls her eyes, impatient as ever. “Could you just finish your drink so we can leave.”

“You’re the one who wanted to tag along.”

She throws you a look. You hide your face with your hair and go back to sketching.

“Did you start it?” Sae-byeok blurts out. You hum in confusion. “The fight.”

You have a deadpan expression for a second before bursting into laughter. Sae-byeok confused, raises an eyebrow.

“Why would I purposefully start a fight with a group of guys?” you laugh.

Sae-byeok forgot that that is normal only in her worldview.

“If you saw how he looks you wouldn’t even dare look at him. Actually…I could probably find him on social media to show you.” you pull out your phone and start tapping away. It only took a minute to find him after stalking through Park Yoon’s page. You show her the most recent picture of him, and expect her to simply agree. But her reaction was off. “What? Do you know him?”

Sae-byeok’s face started to get pale. You put your phone back down and survey her strange reaction.

“You fought him?” she says like the wind has gotten knocked out of her system.

“Not fight. I had to get him off of me before…I don’t know something really bad would’ve happened.” you explain in a ramble. Sae-byeok leans on the table, studying your face closer making you go red. “What you want the details? Fine, I kind of burned his hand with a cigarette and spit on him so I could escape. I know it’s bad.”

“That’s, Jang Yen-ho.” she whispers like someone is listening in. “He’ll come after you again.”

“I had a feeling but I can’t skip anymore of my classes.”

“You have to.”

“You don’t understand if I skip one more time I’m going to get dropped from all my classes and lose my scholarship!”

Sae-byeok pinches her nose bridge and mutters curses at herself.

“How do you even know this guy?” you ask.

“You’re fucked.”

“Excuse me?”

Sae-byeok drops the hand on her face and shoots daggers at you for what feels like the fiftieth time today. “You’re. Fucked.” she grits through her teeth. “Why did you even rile him up in the first place?”

“I didn’t they did it because they found out I’m a lesbian.” you blurt out without meaning to. Sae-byeok is crestfallen and you hold your breath.

The silence in the air couldn’t have been more still. The two of you shared the silence filling the space to register your words. And you didn’t dare to look at the expression on Sae-byeok’s face any longer as you are certain she is probably repulsed.

“Let’s just go.” Sae-byeok says quieter than ever.

You blink back the tears that were blurring your vision and clumsily pack your things while Sae-byeok already made her way out of the cafe. The entire walk back to the apartment was filled with once again more silence with the only noises filling the empty streets were the sound of you sniffling. It made you uncomfortable how far Sae-byeok was walking behind you. You wonder if she’s plotting a similar fate like the one you faced earlier. But you’re at a point where you’ve become numb to pain.

However, nothing happened and you two arrived at the apartment. You dropped your things by the couch and went to the kitchen to dispose the pack of cigarettes that you stole from Jang Yen-ho. From the corner of your eyes you see Sae-byeok rush to her room.

Then the next thing you know, you feel a warm embrace cocooning your back.

“I haven’t seen you these past two days you had me worried sick.” you hear Ji-yeong’s weary voice whisper. When she spots the pack of cigarettes on the counter she removes her arms from you. “Woah these are a fancy pack of cigarettes. How much was it?”

“I took them from someone.” you admit. Frowning deeply still replaying the events that happened at the cafe. “I don’t smoke so you can have them.”

“Cool.” Ji-yeong smirks. You turn around to face her completely, forgetting the huge bruise on your cheek causing her eyes grow twice their size and let out a huge gasp. “What the fuck happened to you?!”

You bring your finger to your lip to signal for her to quiet down. Ji-yeong clamps her mouth with her free hand and surveyed the hall hoping that she didn’t disturb her roommate. Then she pulls you to the living room. You silently thank her as she pulled a duvet over your back and waits for you to talk.

You tug on the duvet and let out a forlorn sigh.

“One of my classmates spread the truth about me and a group of guys confronted me about it. They accused me of—awful things I can’t even comprehend them right now. I’m just so tired. Of everything. Lately I’ve been wondering if it would’ve been easier to have kept my identity a secret and marry the guy my mom set me up with.”

“Do you think they’ll come after you again? You shouldn’t go to school if that’s the case.”

“I know his ex so I’ll have to have a word with her tomorrow. I can’t miss anymore days.”

Ji-yeong rubs your back reassuringly while you glance over at Sae-byeok’s room. You sigh in relief that she didn’t come out to shout at the pair of you.

“Also, I told, Sae-byeok. I don’t think she took it well.”

Ji-yeong’s shoulders and facial expression relaxed. “Shit, I’m sorry. I was the one that assured you she wouldn’t do that. Do you want me to talk to her?”

“No, there’s no point I’ll be gone by tomorrow.”

“I could try to negotiate with her for you to stay longer.”

You send her a weak smile. “No, you’ve done enough.”

Ji-yeong purses her lips.

“Sorry for making you stay up.”

“Don’t apologize I was genuinely worried for you.” she says and pokes the tip of your nose playfully. “Go to sleep though seriously. And if you need ointment for that bruise I have it stored in the bathroom cabinet.”

“Thanks. Good night.” you say and watch her disappear in the narrow hallway to her room.

Just then your phone buzzes again. You scowl at the text your mom sent. ‘When you’re ready to admit to yourself that you were just in a state of confusion call me. I’ll be waiting.’ You delete the message but your fingers hover over the block button. You can only bring yourself to shut off your phone and sink down on the couch.

You lay down face up because your cheek is still sore from the punch you took from Jang Yen-ho.

🏷️: @monroesturnns @knfthxv @jumpedthenfell-13 @peelover25 @karli6 @kissedberries

[ikalyyy]

NOWHERE GIRL

PART FOUR

kang sae-byeok x fem!reader

synopsis: after facing an intense altercation, it leads you to another one of sae-byeok’s interrogation.

wc. 1.8k

warnings: homophobia, acts of violence, smoking, angst

(nowhere girl masterlist)

The sun was right above your head, scorching it. The brightness of the sun blinds your vision as you make your way to the dining hall. Although everyone around you couldn’t stop talking about how hot the weather is today, your mind couldn’t stop thinking about your brief encounter with Sae-byeok two nights ago.

You kept replaying your time with her at the convenience store. It was an uneventful experience funnily enough; you two sat down in front of the store window quietly eating your food. It seems like there is nothing to analyze about this exchange, but to you, you liked it because of the sheer tranquility. No talking which meant no bickering, you both just sat down sharing the serenity that comes with midnight. You haven’t felt that much peace this past month. A part of you hopes to get that feeling again soon.

Just as you turn a corner into the alleyway you feel yourself bump into a person twice your size.

“Sorry.” you quickly apologize to whoever you collided into and try to usher around them only for them to block you with their body. Eyebrows furrowed, you peer up to see who’s preventing you from walking away.

The guy who is blocking you is tall and buff, freshly buzzed cut, tattoos littering around both his forearms and a cigarette between his teeth.

“You’re Yoon’s friend, right?” he asks, his voice exuding mockery. Two of his friends appear behind him like a couple of bodyguards. You scowl but your mouth refuses to open to talk.

“Yoon told me she let you sleep over at her dorm because—I don’t know you got kicked out of the house or something? Do you mind telling me and my friends why that is, hm?”

“You know the answer to that. Don’t mock me.” you whisper, voice trembling. Your little act of bravery isn’t working.

“Don’t talk to me like that, you fucking pervert.” he sneers. “You came up with that bullshit excuse of getting thrown out by your parent’s house so you can watch Yoon and her roommates change.”

“What?” you gape.

“That’s the problem with people like you…Well, I can’t in good conscience let you go around harassing women for your sick pleasure. Can’t I?” he looks at his friends who grunt in approval.

“Fuck you I never did any of that shit!”

You try walking backwards to escape the situation only to have the guy grip on your arm and squeezing it tightly. The grip he had on you was so tight you were beginning to feel afraid that he might actually rip your arm off of your body. Tears brim from the corner of your eyes and you begin to cry out for help.

“Stop acting so innocent now. You know what you did—and we are the only ones who can fight this injustice your inflicting upon people.”

“Let me go!” you cry, basically plead. “I never did anything you said. P—Please.”

Everything around you suddenly turned white and when you got your field of vision back to normal suddenly you were on the floor. Realization quickly crept up—you just got punched by the main guy, hard. As his friends roar with laughter, he uses one hand to pull you back up by your collar.

“I don’t like liars.” he tuts and with his free hand he grabs the cigarette between his teeth. “I don’t have anywhere to light off this cigarette.”

“Really?” one of his friends speak up, faking an act of innocence. “You got something right here.” he points at you.

They all begin to laugh again while you’re still squirming and hyperventilating. Your vision becomes blurry as you whip your head around hoping that a bystander notices you are in danger and come to rescue you but you see no one. The only thing you can do is think quickly or this situation will turn out even uglier.

You take a deep breath and look in the direction of the three guys, past their shoulders. “Officer right over here!” you shout to no one in the distance.

The guys all whip their heads behind them in fright, thinking they just got caught. That’s when you use your free hand to snatch the cigarette from the main guy and press the burning end of the cigarette on the hand that’s gripping yours. Instead of letting go though, the guy yelps and trips on air causing you both to collapse. You quickly spit in his face, making him flinch back and shout curses at you. He was cursing so loudly that his own spit struck your face.

You manage to wiggle your way out of his grasp. As you crawl away from him, you grab the pack of cigarettes that fell from his pockets then absolutely book it.

Run, run, run is all your mind is thinking. Run, run, run and don’t look back for a second.

✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

Sae-byeok thought it was nice of her to spend her only free time to walk to the convenience store with you the other night. After that quiet excursion, she expected you to start coming back to the apartment at a reasonable time.

But no one, not Sae-byeok, not Cheol, or even Ji-yeong has seen nor heard from you today.

Before Ji-yeong pointed fingers at Sae-byeok again she hurriedly explained that she actually settled things down with you, which was a half-lie half-truth situation. Of course, she didn’t buy it. In order to prove herself, Sae-byeok joined Ji-yeong who sat outside the apartment to wait for you. But it was almost one in the morning and Ji-yeong had work in the morning so she dialed your phone one last time, if you didn’t answer she’d go back to the apartment and report you as missing the next night. However, Sae-byeok decided to wait a little longer seeing as she doesn’t have to do anything but drop off Cheol at school tomorrow.

Thirty minutes later, Sae-byeok watches a shadowy figure walk in the direction of the apartment building. She holds her breath, anticipating it was you. When the person got closer she saw the familiar portfolio tote and laptop, that’s when she knew.

Sae-byeok’s face morphs into confusion when notices how you were stumbling, like it was hard for you to walk.

“Are you alright?” she asks. You just kept trudging until you made it to the staircases where you inevitably sat down. Slowly, Sae-byeok makes her way towards you. Something was off she could sense it.

“Yeah.” you say barley above whisper. But she isn’t buying it. She sits beside you, trying to look at your face but you look the other way before she can notice something. “What’re you doing?”

“Are you sick or something?”

“No, it’s just—hey!”

Sae-byeok pushes strands of hair back and caught the purple shiner imprinted on your cheek. You gasp and clumsily cover yourself again.

“Shit.” she says breathily. “What happened?”

You hug your chest and stare down at your knees in shame. Sae-byeok of all people shouldn’t have seen you like this. Now there’s no way around this.

“Some guys from my school cornered me in the alleyway.” you reply weakly.

“Why?”

“Long story.”

Sae-byeok doesn’t pry any further. You didn’t tell her some bullshit excuse like slipping and hitting a table. You actually sounded…truthful?

Besides, she can sense you’re still in pain and talking about the reason why you’re in pain isn’t going to help you. So, she rises to sprint back to the apartment. You wonder if she’ll come back with Ji-yeong so they can get an answer out of you. Instead, she comes back with an ice pack, two pain killers pills, and a bottle of water and quietly passes it off to you.

“Thanks.” you mumble and swallow the pain killers while pressing the ice pack on your cheek, wincing. You both sit in silence like this for a minute, that’s when you start to feel your chest grow heavy. “…Is the bruise that bad?”

Your vulnerability and pleading made Sae-byeok’s heart sink. She won’t admit it—but something about how fragile you sounded reminded her of a younger Sae-byeok, back when she first came to South Korea.

“Yeah.”

Sae-byeok doesn’t approve of your attire. Only because even though it’s spring time, the night breeze is still cool enough to make someone shiver. You were currently wearing a green frilly skirt that sat above your knees paired with an oversized graphic shirt. The scrape on your knee was still dry with blood, you kept looking at it and tried pulling your skirt to cover it, it was obvious you weren’t comfortable.

“Where are you going?” Sae-byeok asks when you got back up and started walking away.

“I don’t wish to bother you so I’ll just be at the twenty four hour cafe that’s a few blocks away.”

Sae-byeok doesn’t get you. She feels like she’s about to go mad.

“Hey, what’s your deal?” Sae-byeok asks. You pause walking and spin on your heels to look at her. “Could you quit being reckless?”

You don’t understand her. Sae-byeok isn’t obligated to look after you. You actually feel quite bad for making her stay up this late.

“I’m not—I don’t think I am.” you murmur and lower the ice pack cooling your bruised cheek.

“You are.” she says bluntly. “You’ve been acting suspicious from the start, you keep running away and now all of a sudden you came with bruises and now that I’ve seen them you try to run away again?”

That’s the most you heard her speak. You don’t know if you should feel honored or embarrassed.

Sae-byeok stands up, her guards are up you just know it. Her posture straightens and her dark sharp eyes bore right into your skull like she’s trying to get into your head. Your breath hitches so you take a few steps backwards.

“I’m trying not to disturb you more than I already have these past few days. I feel like I’m breaking everything I touch so...” you trail off. Sae-byeok remains immovable.

Apart from the suspicious bruising littering your body, it hits Sae-byeok that she has nothing on you. She can’t risk living dangerously anymore now that she has Cheol under her care, but could you really threaten their way of living?

“You’re limping.”

“I should be fine these are my comfiest sneakers.” you say. “I’ll be back in an hour. I promise.”

Sae-byeok rolls her eyes. “I have to come with you now.” she says like it is the most obvious option. “Or Ji-yeong will blame me again.”

You have a feeling that she’s hard headed when it comes to decision making. So silently, you let her trail behind you as you make your ways towards the cafe in the brisk of midnight.

🏷️: @monroesturnns @knfthxv @jumpedthenfell-13 @peelover25 @karli6

[ikalyyy]

NOWHERE GIRL

PART THREE

kang sae-byeok x fem!reader

synopsis: sae-byeok gets a concerning call from her brother while you start to get paranoid of yesterdays events.

wc. 2.3k

warnings: one mention of murder, mentions of bullying

(nowhere girl masterlist)

There is a lot Sae-byeok should thank Ji-yeong for in her life. They both met purely by chance. Whilst Ji-yeong had to do community service by cleaning up the park, she couldn’t help but notice a little pickpocketing thief roaming around. It amused her. When she approached Sae-byeok, the North Korean was the most guarded she’s ever been. It took Ji-yeong a year to finally get a name from her and her revealing where she truly came from and why she is living a life of crime.

Although Ji-yeong didn’t have much either, she felt bad for the girl who felt like the world had already given up on her. So, she gave Sae-byeok the opportunity to work at her old bakery job. Soon after, Ji-yeong suggested they should move in together as it would financially be beneficial since they can cut the cost of necessities like groceries. Surprisingly, Sae-byeok agreed but only with one condition: she will bring her little brother Cheol with her. Ji-yeong didn’t know that she had a sibling, nor that Sae-byeok was saving as much as she could through her job at the bakery and pickpocketing to have Cheol under her wing again. But she agreed nevertheless.

Sae-byeok knew that it would be hard for Cheol to transition from a children’s home to being under her guardianship and go to a proper South Korean school. Cheol, although naturally introverted, had a hard time getting along with the other kids at the children’s home. With all the trauma and isolation he had to endure at such a young age, he felt like otherworldly to the other kids. And he lets his accent slip from time to time so it worries Sae-byeok sometimes.

She thought that that the hard part was over, but new challenges arise everyday and she feels like she can never rest.

Sae-byeok was jotting down a customers cake order when the phone began to ring. The owner, Miss Ahn popped up from the kitchen to pick it up. At first she answers the phone with her usual warm tone which soon wavers into a worrying one. Sae-byeok takes a quick glance at Miss Ahn but didn’t have time to notice her concerned expression as she was still taking an order.

“Sae-byeok,” Miss Ahn says, cupping the side of her face with her hand and passing the phone to Sae-byeok when she finished helping the customer. “it’s…for you, dear.”

She mumbles a thank you to her and brings the phone up to her ear. “Hello? Who’s this?”

“N—Noona.” she hears a sniffling Cheol on the other end of the call and her stomach churns.

“Cheol, what happened? Are you alright?” she asks, her voice trembling.

“Can you come pick me up…I’m not feeling well.” he says weakly.

Sae-byeok’s breath hitches. “I’m on my way just stay put I’ll be there as fast as I can, alright?”

“O—Okay.”

Sae-byeok hangs up the phone and peers down at Miss Ahn, they both exchange a look of distress.

“Go. Don’t worry—and I won’t cut your pay for today.” she rubs the sides of Sae-byeok’s shaking arms, smiling weakly.

Sae-byeok isn’t used to kindness. “Thank you.” she whispers, although she isn’t sure if she actually said it out loud. Miss Ahn urges her to leave quicker, so she grabs her keys and wallet and sprints out the bakery forgetting that she still has her apron wrapped around her upper body.

She pulls out her phone to check whether taking the bus or running would get her to Cheol quicker. When the map shows that she’ll arrive five minutes earlier by bus she rushes to the nearest bus stop.

Although the bus arrived in a few short minutes, every second that Sae-byeok isn’t with Cheol feels like an eternity. When she got on and found a seat in the back corner, she stared out the window while bouncing her legs uncontrollably. She’s certain that people are throwing weird looks at her behavior but she doesn’t care.

When she makes it to the school, Sae-byeok has to wait another agonizing five minutes for the staff to retrieve Cheol and the anticipation was slowly killing her.

Cheol’s eyes were glued to the ground as he and a school staff walk side by side to the front lobby. When Sae-byeok spots him coming she kneels down and lightly grabs him by the sides of his face.

“Cheol, are you okay? Are you sick?” she presses the back of her hand on his forehead, he was warm but not enough to signal that he has a fever. But Cheol nods. “Are you able to walk or do you want me to carry you on my back?”

Cheol purses his lips in thought. “On…your back?” Before Sae-byeok spins around to carry him, he quickly speaks up. “Is it okay if we can get something to eat? I didn’t have lunch—but it’s okay if you can’t. I know we can’t ask for much.”

“Yeah, we’ll get some food want to stop by a food vendor?” Sae-byeok says without further thought. Cheol bashfully nods. “Hop on my back.”

Sae-byeok did her best not to show any signs of exhaustion as she carried her brother on her back so he wouldn’t second guess himself. Although the sun was beaming, it’ll all be worthwhile by the time they make it to the park with their lunch.

The two siblings found a bench shaded underneath a large tree. Sae-byeok handed Cheol the cup of tteokbokki from the street vendor.

“I already ate.” she lies, knowing that that’s the reason why he’s so hesitant to eat the food. He looks up at her, with round doe eyes then back down on the tteokbokki and to her relief he slowly starts eating. Sae-byeok’s eyes wander around the park while contemplating if she should ask Cheol the real reason why he wanted to skip school today. She already has her suspicions.

She waits for him to finish eating before she talks with him. “Cheol.”

“Hm?”

Sae-byeok exhales. “You aren’t sick, right?” Cheol bats his eyes up at her, cheeks burning red. “I’m not mad so you can tell me the truth. Why didn’t you want to stay in school?”

Cheol’s eyes start to gloss over and his bottom lip quiver. Sae-byeok rubs his back reassuringly.

“They’re all so mean here, Noona.” he whispers, wiping the tear streak with the hem of his sleeve. Sae-byeok’s heart drops to the pit of her stomach. This is what she was afraid of.

“Are they…bullying you?” she asks carefully.

Cheol shrugs. “They keep making fun of my accent.”

“Did you tell a teacher?”

“Yes but…they only do it during recess time.”

That’s why he said he was hungry. He wanted to skip recess time.

“But,” Cheol says hopeful. Sae-byeoks peers away from the ground to look at him. “I think I made a friend. He defended me the other day.”

Sae-byeok wants to be happy for Cheol, but things like kindness and empathy isn’t a luxury they tend to experience. But she tries her best to form a smile for him.

“That’s great, Cheol.”

He takes a final bite off the rice cake then speaks again. “He also likes to color so during lunch time we color with the oil pastels your new friend gave me.” he lets out a gasp of remembrance and starts rummaging through his bag. He hands his sister a drawing. The drawing was of him, Sae-byeok, and their parents all holding hands smiling.

Sae-byeok didn’t notice how hard she was clutching onto the sides of the paper, or how her eyes began to form tears.

“Noona? I’m sorry—“

“Don’t. Don’t apologize.” she quickly says. “It’s amazing. You’re really talented.”

The Kang siblings share an embrace. After years of feeling isolated by this new world, slowly but surely they are getting there.

They spent another hour or so at the park until they decided to get back home, Sae-byeok carrying Cheol on her back the entire way home since she used her last bit of disposable income for the bus and Cheol’s lunch. By the time they arrived, Ji-yeong already made it back and she spoke loudly on the phone with someone until saw the two arrive so she tones herself down.

“Go get changed.” Sae-byeok tells her brother. He nods and scurries to their room.

She leans her body on the kitchen counter, waiting for Ji-yeong to end her phone call.

“My uncle.” Ji-yeong says when she tosses her phone across the counter. “He gave my piece of shit dad this address so now I’m receiving his letters.” she points with her chin at the stack of letters on the living room coffee table.

“What is he saying?”

“I don’t know—I haven’t opened them. Probably some bullshit excuse about why he murdered my mom.”

Sae-byeok doesn’t say anything. It always astounds her how freely Ji-yeong speaks of her past traumas. But they’ve spoken about them so many times it no longer takes a toll on them to say the words aloud.

“Why did you pick up, Cheol early from school?” she asks.

“Some kids kept making fun of him.”

Jiyeong purses her lips. “It’ll get better for him over time.” her roommate just shakes her head in agreement. “Also, this might be a bad time, but we need to get groceries.”

“Yeah, I know.”

It was easy to tell how defeated Sae-byeok appears to be. Her bangs still clinging to the sweat on her forehead, she still has on her work apron on, and her breathing is still unsteady.

“Actually,” Ji-yeong chuckles nervously. “nevermind. You can stay here with Cheol I will just go.”

“Okay.” Sae-byeok says, too tired to retort back.

When Ji-yeong leaves the kitchen to go get dressed in her room, Sae-byeok pulls out a folded piece of paper from her apron pocket and starts to unfold it. She grabs the kitchen magnet and hangs Cheol’s drawing on the fridge then makes her way to the couch where she lies face down.

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

As long as you had your internship at the art gallery, your sanity will remain intact. Or so you hope.

However, today was a heavier workload at the art gallery with majority of your morning being unpacking and installing a new exhibition. And by the time you and your co-workers finished the morning task, it was lunch time and you both agreed to eat outside rather than in the break room.

“So, now can you tell me what happened?” your college friend and co-worker Mi-Cha asks once you guys found a secluded area in the outdoor dining hall of the gallery.

“Yoon came up to me in class and asked me if the ‘rumors’ were true.” you explain with fervor in your voice, stabbing your salad with a plastic fork. A gasp escapes Mi-Cha’s lips. “And I didn’t say anything but I guess she saw the look on my face which gave it away then after she went to tell her friends. So, yeah, I’m probably screwed.”

“No, you aren’t screwed. This is a very developed school—we go to an art school for goodness sake!” she says to soothe your anxious mind. “I’m sure no one will care, especially with finals season coming up.”

“You’re right.” you mumble. “But Yoon is so kind. Do you really think she’s—?”

“I don’t know. She seems cool but you can never really tell what people’s intentions are, it’s scary.”

“Well, I’d rather not try to figure it out. I just have to avoid her and her friend group for the rest of the semester.“ next thing you know, you let out a laugh. “This is so ridiculous! You would think that we are past bullying and mean girl cliques by now? The fact that I have to be afraid of running into Yoon of all people is so childish.”

“Some people just can’t let go of their high school years. It’s sad.” your friend sighs.

You two sit in silence for a bit to finish your food before it’s time to go to work again.

“Hey.” Mi-Cha says out of the blue. While still chewing on your salad, you raise both your eyebrows to signal to her that you have her attention. “How is that new place you’re staying at going?”

“Eh.” you shrug. “Ji-yeong, my old classmate, is nice. A little aloof but she’s really nice overall and keeps packing my lunches hence this salad. Her roommate though...”

“Ah. Bitchy?”

“Not bitchy more like—how should I put this—guarded? I’m pretty sure her and her brother are defectors so maybe that explains why she doesn’t trust me. Because she definitely thinks I’m going to steal their shit or something. But I’m only staying with them until Friday so.” you shrug.

“Where are you staying once you leave?”

“Oh, I don’t know.” you admit shamefully. “Maybe a shelter.”

“What?” Mi-Cha’s eyes widen. “No, come stay with me at my dormitory again—“

“I can’t it’s too risky. All the resident assistants recognize me now so if I get caught one more time I could lose my scholarship and then everything really go to shit. I just need to weight it out until this semester and summer break so I can live in the dorms in the fall.”

You two sit in silence to process the stressful situation you’re currently in. Your cheeks bloom red in embarrassment.

“Wow…I’m sorry you have to deal with this.” Mi-Cha mumbles.

Her pouty lips make you chuckle. “Hey, don’t cry before we have to go back to work. Again.” you say to lighten the mood.

“That was so embarrassing last time.” Mi-Cha facepalms. “That poor old lady endured my venting when all she wanted was to buy an art piece—I’ll never live that down.”

“At least she agreed that your ex was being a complete asshole.” you add.

“Yeah and she snuck a twenty dollar bill to my pocket. Gosh…sometimes old people are truly the best.”

You hum in agreement and wipe your hands with a napkin. Since there were only five minutes left till lunch is over the two of you start packing up your things and head over to the break room.

🏷️: @monroesturnns @knfthxv @jumpedthenfell-13

[ikalyyy]

NOWHERE GIRL

PART TWO

kang sae-byeok x fem!reader

synopsis: time is ticking but sae-byeok seems to grow more irritated by your existence meanwhile you come face to face with the secret you’ve been holding onto.

wc. 1.9k

warnings: hints of homophobia | authors note: thanks for the love on part one! enjoy part two and let me know if you want to be added onto my taglist.

You decided to get ready early in the morning to stay in your school campus for the entire day just to avoid staying at Ji-yeong and Sae-byeok’s apartment. Your new plan was just to stay here to sleep so wouldn’t bother them as much. Especially, Sae-byeok.

Because there was only so much you could pack in your duffle bag, you only brought your laptop, portfolio tote and your small portable supply container.

Before you head out, you go on your phone to find your new route to school for the week. And because you were concentrating, you failed to hear someone come out their room and walk towards you.

“Hey.” Sae-byeok hisses.

You shot your head up wondering why she’s up so early. Sae-byeok must also start her days early seeing as she has on her utility jacket, a pair of baggy jeans, and her unruly hair was more styled. The apartment was dimly lit so you can’t make out her expression, but you can only assume she isn’t happy about something you did.

“Why did you give Cheol your crayons?”

You blink. “You mean oil pastels?”

“Yes.” she grimaces. “I don’t know you so I don’t want you to be giving him things. Especially not without my permission.”

“They’re my old sets so I thought it would be better to give it to him than to throw them away.”

“We don’t need your charity case. Don’t give him any more of your shit.”

A frown starts to form on your lips. It’s bad enough you can’t go home anymore, now you have to deal with this.

You can feel your blood begin to boil watching Sae-byeok head to the front door, so you follow her out.

“They’re just oil pastels I don’t see why this has to be such a big deal?” you say to her, your voice louder now that you’re out of the apartment. Sae-byeok isn’t moved by your words. “Your brother looked so happy when I told him he could keep them—I wasn’t planning on giving him anything more.”

The morning breeze hits your red cheeks, cooling them. You following her like a baby duckling was not how you wanted to start your morning when you had a long day ahead.

Once you’re both out on the streets, Sae-byeok stops walking and spins around to face you. She took one step closer and you take a step back.

“Good.” Sae-byeok says.

“Good?”

Sae-byeok doesn’t like naive people. She doesn’t know you but from what she could guess: you’re just a spoiled daughter who threw a tantrum and ran away to prove a point. Once it all blows over, you have a support system to bounce back on. You can go back to focusing solely on your studies and later make a name for yourself—everything she can’t do no matter how many hours in the days she works or how many people she pickpockets.

“Yes. Good.” she repeats mockingly. “I don’t want him to get too attached to you being here—he’s a sensitive kid. So, just keep to yourself and focus on how you’re going to find a new place to stay in less than a week. Got it?”

You didn’t think the words of someone you met three days ago would affect you so much. But here you are, frozen in place, ashamed of yourself. However, in the back of your mind, you couldn’t help but think about the shift in accents when she spoke.

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

You were the first person in the art studio—about an hour or so early. With all your deadlines quickly approaching you saw the silver lining in arriving to your university early because you can catch up with all your work. Right now you were working on an art piece due next week, not realizing that class was soon starting and your friends began arriving.

“Hey.” one of them greets you.

You look down from your piece and smile at Yoon. She was the first person you contacted when you got kicked out of your parent’s house, you lived in her dormitory for only a week before you got caught. Although you wouldn’t consider Yoon a close friend seeing as she has a huge friend group, she was a reliant one.

“How are you, um, holding up?” she asks quietly to not catch the attention of the other students who began arriving.

“Not bad. I’m staying at an old school friends apartment for the time being.” you tell her, wiping your hands with a moist cloth.

Yoon nods looking at the ground in contemplation. “How long?”

“A week—well technically until Friday so five days.”

Something about her behavior seems off to you. Usually, she is pretty chipper ready to talk someone’s ears off. But today she is quieter, talking in less verbiage. Yoon shoots a glance around the classroom, surveying the vicinity to make sure no one is watching.

“There were rumors flying around about the real reason you ran away.”

You snort and fall back down on your seat to meet her at eye level. “Rumors? Aren’t we too old to be starting rumors?”

Yoon frowns and scoots a little back. “You know what it is…right?”

You stare at the floor, expressionless.

“They aren’t true, right?” Yoon asks cautiously. You threw her a look and the girl’s lips part to gasp or say something—you aren’t sure but it wasn’t a good reaction. Your heart rate begins to increase as you turn to face your canvas.

It’s all over now, you think. If Yoon has figured it out so will the rest of your peers and your social life is beyond the grave now.

Not even a minute later, Yoon stands up and sits on the other side of the room when she saw her friends enter. You start to become paranoid, wondering if she’ll immediately begin to gossip.

Throughout the duration of class you couldn’t help but get lost in your thoughts. The anticipation of everyone finding out about you was swallowing you whole. You are starting to wish that time moves slower so you wouldn’t have to leave class.

It didn’t help that Yoon and her friends kept stealing looks at your direction. You tried to avoid making eye contact but you would find that hard to do.

Rubbing the sweat from your palms, you pick up your brush and use this rush of panic as a way to speed up the process of your art work.

“Don’t forget about the deadline coming up!” your professor says five octaves higher while the class starts packing their things. “The students with the top three highest grades will get their work displayed at Hangaram Art Museum for the entirety of the summer!”

Your professors words were in the back of your mind as you frantically tried to pack your things to avoid Yoon and her group. It wasn’t until you heard a ‘Psst’ coming behind you that you snap out of your trance.

“Hey,” whispers a peer of yours. You never spoken to him, but the toothy inviting grin he is sending you is enough for you to know that he isn’t harmful. “I just wanted to tell you not to let those girls get into your head. I know how you feel—if you know what I mean.”

You send him a quizzical look. “Thanks?” So, they did gossip and everyone in this class knows. You might just throw up.

“Just keep your chin up and don’t let them see you in a moment of weakness and you’ll be alright.” he sends you a thumbs up as he walks away. You force a smile that goes away in a blink of an eye and sink into your seat.

What have you done? Why did you trust Yoon so much? You feel like such an idiot.

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

It was almost nearing midnight, Ji-yeong and Sae-byeok were in the living room. After a long day of working, Sae-byeok was trying to rest before doing it all over again tomorrow by watching mindless television until her roommate disrupts her to start pacing back and forth in front of her. Sae-byeok knew what she was getting worked up about. Ji-yeong clearly began to notice your lack of presence today.

“Where could she be this late? I’m sure libraries are closed by now…” she trails off, rubbing her chin in deep thought.

Sae-byeok’s mind goes back to earlier this morning. Your brief exchanges could’ve caused her to avoid coming to the apartment but your duffle bag is still here. You’d have to come back eventually.

“Sae-byeok, what did you do?”

Sae-byeok’s eyebrows knit in confusion. “Me?”

“I saw that look you just did. You look guilty. What did you do?”

“Nothing.” she responds coolly.

Ji-yeong purposely blocks the television screen and crosses her arms. “I’m not moving until you tell me the truth.”

“I don’t remember it was early in the morning.”

“Is it because she gave Cheol her crayons?”

Sae-byeok narrows her eyes. “How did you—?”

“He wouldn’t stop talking to me about it when I picked him up from school.” Ji-yeong rolls her eyes. “So, it is because of that? You got mad at her because of crayons, Sae-byeok, really?”

“It’s not just about the crayons.” she snips, sitting up straight from the couch. “Do you even know her personally? When was the last time you two actually talked before this?”

Ji-yeong doesn’t say anything.

“Thought so.” she scoffs. “I don’t trust her. Especially since you don’t want to tell me why she ran away in the first place.”

Ji-yeong purses her lips to digest her words. She shuffles to let Sae-byeok watch television again and sank next to her in the couch.

“I think she’s nice.” she grumbles like a child. Sae-byeok sends her a glare.

“You think, you don’t know.”

Ji-yeong shrugs. “I have no reason to think she’s a bad person.”

“People can change overnight. I’ve seen it happen and I’ve seen the consequences of being too trusting.”

Ji-yeon goes silent again. “No. This is something different—“

“Well, if you can just tell me why she’s even here in the first place then maybe I—“

“I can’t.”

“Then I don’t see the point in discussing this.” Sae-byeok sighs. She gets up from the comfort of the couch and stretches before grabbing her coat by the front door.

“Where are you going?” Ji-yeong frowns.

“To clear my head. I won’t be long.”

Ji-yeong doesn’t push any further, knowing this is something Sae-byeok occasionally does when her thoughts start to become too much. Maybe Ji-yeong went a little too far trying to defend your character because Sae-byeok rarely ever backs down from an argument so she really tested her limits.

Of course with Sae-byeok’s luck, she stumbles upon you sitting on the staircase, doodling something on your sketchbook underneath the fluorescent lights of the building.

Sae-byeok stares at your back trying to figure out if she should sneak back inside or talk to you. Maybe this is her chance to figure out what you’re really up to and prove Ji-yeong wrong.

“Why aren’t you inside?” she asks you after hesitating. You don’t response, you just throw her a glance before going back to drawing. Sae-byeok feels like this is some sort of payback for earlier.

Sae-byeok thought she was good at reading people’s body language and automatically pinpoint who they are and what their intentions are. It was something she had to learn to do in order to survive. But you are becoming an outlier.

“Ji-yeong is worried.”

“Well, just tell her I’m here.” you speak up. “I’ll be inside later. I just want to stop by a convenience store to get something to eat.”

“We have food inside.”

You turn to make eye contact with her again. For a brief moment, no words were spoken even as tension was rising.

“You got mad at me over oil pastels. Why would I go around touching your food?” you ask softly.

And for the first time, Sae-byeok is taken aback by you. There is another evanescent period of silence.

“Fine.” she says and starts walking down the staircase and further away from the building only to turn around to call out your name. You poke your head out from your sketchbook, raising an eyebrow at her. “Are you coming or what?”

You survey her figure blankly. With every interaction you have with Sae-byeok, she just keeps confusing you further. It feels like you are playing mental game of chess with her and you aren’t sure how to feel about that. You’re already overwhelmed with what happened today at school, you shouldn’t add someone like Sae-byeok to the mix.

Sae-byeok dug her hands deep inside the pockets of her jacket and taps her foot on the pavement, waiting for you impatiently. You sigh in defeat and close your sketchbook.

Just five more days and this’ll all just be a blurry memory, you think to yourself.

🏷️: @monroesturnns

[ikalyyy]

NOWHERE GIRL

PART ONE

kang-saebyeok x fem!reader

synopsis: desperate to find a place to stay, your former high school friend ji-yeong let’s you crash at her apartment for the week. but things get complicated when her roommate doesn’t seem too happy about your arrival.

wc. 1.6k

warnings: none? | authors note: first ever fic woo-hoo! will try to finish this fic series before classes start next week but not sure how many parts this will end up being lol.

“No. Absolutely not.”

Ji-yeong groans and throws her head back in tantrum. But if Sae-byeok says no, then it’s a no. Always being firm on her stance, it’s practically impossible to make Sae-byeok change her mind.

“But she’s literally right outside of the apartment building. Come on just one week and she’ll be gone like that!” Ji-yeong snaps her finger and shoots her roommate a sly smile. But because Sae-byeok was anything less than swayed she had to resort to pouting. “Please, Sae-byeok. After I ran away she was the only person willing to let me stay at their place until I got back on my feet. It’ll be awkward if I couldn’t do the same for her. And—And she’s such a sweet girl, nothing like me because I know you’d hate the idea of having two me’s running around!”

Sae-byeok rolls her eyes. She put herself through mental and physical obstacles to finally be able to afford to rent an apartment with Ji-yeong and to finally be the guardian Cheol deserves. After two months of tranquility in their new place, Ji-yeong suddenly wants to bring a fourth person into their tight knit sanctuary. A total stranger—she can’t imagine the discomfort Cheol will feel. It took him an entire summer to get used to Ji-yeongs presence.

“No.” Sae-byeok says, unamused.

“I will do you and Cheol’s chores for a month and you can hog the television as much as you want I won’t complain! Come on, just one week.” she crosses her fingers and begins batting her eyelashes.

Sae-byeok pauses to think for a minute.

“Just one week.”

“Yup! One week.” Ji-yeong nods.

“And you have to pick up Cheol from school on Mondays.”

“Ugh, fine whatever. So, is that a yes?” Ji-yeong groans. When Sae-byeok hesitantly nods she raises a fist in the air in victory. “Yes! Thank you, Sae, thank you! I’ll bring her up now—don’t worry she’s as harmless as a butterfly.”

Ji-yeong sprints to the front door and Sae-byeok slumps down on the couch. She grabs the throw pillow closest to her and presses it to her face to let out a massive groan. By the time Sae-byeok finishes letting out her frustrations on the pillow she hears the front door swing open and two people giggling like schoolgirls.

“Sae-byeok come here I want to introduce you to my ex-guardian angel!” Ji-yeong says, enthralled.

Frowning, Sae-byeok removes the pillow off her face and sluggishly gets off the couch. She’s not looking forward to this dreadful upcoming week with you around.

From first impressions, Ji-yeong was right about your delicate appearance. From your light denim wash overalls to your chipped pink nail polish, you were definitely the opposite of both Sae-byeok and Ji-yeong aesthetic wise.

“Hi, Sae-byeok it’s so nice to meet you!” you greet bashfully and give her a courteous bow. “Thank you so much for letting me crash here for a bit. I’ll do my best to not be a disturbance or anything like that.”

The moment you locked eyes with Sae-byeok you felt intimidated. Ji-yeong previously warned you about her cold nature so you braced yourself to be iced as you made your way to their apartment.

Sae-byeok bowed back ever so slightly, her hands dug deep in the pockets of her sweats, and her lean body easily towering over you.

Ji-yeong sensed that the tension was about to become awkward so she grabs you by your arm and leads you to her bedroom.

“My bed is small but we can definitely both fit as long as you don’t mind a little contact.” Ji-yeong explains.

You glanced around her room. It was messy, with posters placed crookedly on the wall, socks and undergarments scattered all over the floor, and a bag of open chips on the undone bed.

“Oh, uh, I’ll just sleep on the couch I don’t want to bother you anymore than I already have.” you say, laughing nervously. Was it too presumptuous of you to oppose her offer because of her messy room? You didn’t lie technically. You did feel ashamed to have to ask Ji-yeong for this huge favor.

“Are you sure?” she raises a brow.

“Positive.”

⊹ ✿・・───・・✦・・───・・✿

Ji-yeong was sworn to secrecy by you not to tell Sae-byeok why you had to stay at their place temporarily. But Sae-byeok isn’t annoyed because she wants to know what happened to you, it’s because she had the decency to let you stay so she has the right to know some backstory—but Ji-yeong remains tight lipped.

Sae-byeok was firm on having her walls secured throughout your stay.

The day you arrived, all Sae-byeok kept worrying about was how Cheol will take the news as she made her way to pick him up from school.

When you and Cheol met, the boy timidly greeted you before scurrying off to the room him and Sae-byeok share. He remained there for the rest of the day and Sae-byeok had to pull her roommate aside to tell her about how awful this plan was and that you had to leave immediately.

“She’s making him uncomfortable!” Sae-byeok argues.

Ji-yeong rubs her fingers on the sides of her temples. “Calm down, jeez. I’m telling you Cheol will warm up to her—“

“He shouldn’t have to warm up to her because she shouldn’t even be here.”

“Sae-byeok, you’re being dramatic. Just give him a day or two and he’ll be fine trust me.”

Sae-byeok wasn’t happy about this situation at all.

The morning after, Sae-byeok wakes up alone in her room with no sight of Cheol. She doesn’t think much of it at first since it’s Saturday, until she remembers that you were here. So she leaps from her bed and basically sprints to the living room. And to her complete and utter surprise, she sees you helping Cheol draw on a sketch book.

“Be careful with oil pastels, they break easily if you put too much pressure on them so draw on the paper lightly.” you advise the boy, your voice soothing and assuring.

Cheol’s tongue poke out between his teeth in concentration as he scribbles lines across the paper.

That’s when you sensed a set of eyes on you. You whip your head around and end up making eye contact with Sae-byeok.

“Morning.” you mumble to her before focusing back on Cheol’s painting because you can’t look into her eyes another second longer.

Sae-byeok inhales and exhales deeply before making her way to the kitchen. She’s conflicted. Cheol never became comfortable with someone this quickly. What, just because you can draw you are so likable?

Soon after, Ji-yeong pops out of her room in her work vest. When she heads towards the kitchen, she takes one quick glance at you and Cheol before smirking.

“I told you.” she whispers to Sae-byeok. The taller girl only scoffs as her response.

You appear right after. “Good morning, Ji-yeong.”

“Hey. Did you sleep well on the couch?”

“Yeah, I did. Thanks again—for everything. Both of you.” you say. You suck in a deep breath, hesitant and careful with your actions. “So uh, I’m working later this afternoon at the art gallery I told you about. I was wondering if you’d all like to go see the art there? All free, of course.”

Sae-byeok raises an eyebrow. Was this your way of getting into everyone’s good graces?

Ji-yeong shrugs. “Why not? It sounds cool. I get off work early today and Sae-byeok—“

“Is busy.” Sae-byeok cuts her off.

You nod. “Of course, no problem.”

“You are?” Ji-yeong retorts.

Sae-byeok throws her a glare trying to communicate with her eyes to tell her to be quiet. Ji-yeong gulps.

“Oh, yeah you are. Sorry I forgot.” she laughs. “But I can go—and take Cheol, of course. That poor boy needs to explore the world and I’m sure an art gallery will cultivate his—“

“Stop talking.” Sae-byeok through her teeth. You look back and forth at the girls, nervous that you’re about to start a squabble between them.

“How about next time?” you say. “I’m interning there until the end of summer break so you guys have plenty of time to schedule a day to come visit.”

“Great!” Ji-yeong beams. She grabs the sandwich Sae-byeok has been preparing for herself and stuffs it in her lunch box. “I gotta go I’m already late so see you guys later!”

Sae-byeok mutters curses aimed at her roommate. She begins prepping another sandwich until she realizes that you were still standing there fiddling with your hands.

“What do you want?” she asks, hostile yet quiet in classic Sae-byeok fashion.

Your eyes widen and your face becomes flushed at her aggression, almost forgetting what you came here to do.

“I just wanted to apologize if I overstepped my boundaries.” you explain, your gentle voice being a contrast to Sae-byeok’s. “I was working on my art project and I saw your little brother was watching me curiously so I let him play around with my old oil pastels. I hope you don’t mind.”

Sae-byeok sighs. She tilts her head slightly to observe Cheol who was in his own world coloring. She never even considered to buy him anything to draw with—she can only afford enough for food and shelter.

“It’s fine.”

Not wanting to pester her any longer you go back to the couch. Cheol starts explaining his drawing but you start zoning out trying to decide if you should just walk out of this apartment and never look back. Right now, you would rather venture out on the streets than have Sae-byeok constantly ice you for a week. But can you really survive out there? Maybe if you just avoid her for the entirety of your stay you will be fine.