Tainted

Chapter 6.

Recommended song: Red - The Rose

"Nari" A chirpy voice rang through the apartment. "Coming." Nari quickly tucked her blouse into her school skirt before barging out of her room. "Yeah." Nari hiccupped, hopping on one leg as she pulled up her sock.

"Surprise!" Aunt Hana yelled, causing Nari's eyes to shoot up from her shoes. Her aunt sprung from the kitchen; her colourful apron splattered with flowers and flour. Nari froze, her leg still dangling in the air, a firm grip on her sock as she tried to figure out the surprise. Then, slowly a pale blue outline made itself known in Nari's peripheral vision.

"A bicycle..." The confused girl trailed off, carefully examining the vintage bicycle. "It's yours!" Her Aunt galloped over to Nari, shaking her niece in delight. "Mine?" Nari raised her brow, pointing dumbly at herself as she cautiously walked over and ran her fingertips over the smooth, cold paint. "All yours."

Nari smiled and jerked her head to hide her puffed cheeks from her Aunt. Nari had never had a bicycle or even ridden a bicycle, but she was sure her Aunt and Uncle didn't know that. In fact, this was the first gift she was ever given, never seen a birthday present in her life.

"Thank you." Aunt Hana's eyes popped open when Nari lunged at her, hugging her tightly, pressing her face snuggly against her Aunt's chest and deeply inhaling her sweet scent.

"Of course," The woman chuckled. "I'm so glad you like it." There were gentle strokes down Nari's back, who stayed cuddled up in her arms, the safest she had ever felt.

"Wait," Nari pulled away only slightly, their arms still wrapped tightly around each other, "Where's Uncle Hyun?"

"He's already at work, he needs to go in a little earlier because of the promotion, that's why we got you the bicycle, so you don't have to walk to school." The sweet lady smiled and twirled a piece of Nari's hair around her finger. "Well because of that and because they found another body this morning." The blood drained from the young girl's face at the words. "Another one?" Nari whispered, glad she was still wrapped up in Aunt Hana's arms.

The older lady let out a worried huff, clearly affected by the news. "We were saving the bicycle for your birthday but I'll feel better if you start using it now." Aunt Hana gave Nari another hasty hug before turning away and patting her eyes. "Wait, Aunt Hana." Nari gently grabbed her Aunt's arm and worryingly peered around to see a few stray tears dipping into the deep wrinkles.

"You knew her?" Nari strained, tears burning her eyes now as well. "I used to take care of the girl." Aunt Hana chucked, turning to cup Nari's terrified face. "It just made me think of ever losing you." Aunt Hana's eyes softened, taking in every detail of Nari's beautiful little face.

-

Finally, when Nari left the apartment building she gawked at the bike, it looked scary, like you would find on a misty morning, menacingly leaning against one of the dilapidated buildings from her hometown, but it was hers and she loved it.

With a huff, Nari set off to school, her trusty bicycle rolling next to her. She was more vigilant that morning, heeding her Aunt's worried warnings but for once Nari couldn't wait to get to school and only one face was the reason. She found herself smiling brightly just at the thought of him and it caught her off guard, causing Nari to come to a halt, her face dropping to a cold, emotionless gaze. But rays of life slowly broke through as her eyes puffed up when she thought about him again, her whole body joining in as her muscles started vibrating from the thrill.

"No." Nari scolded herself, her body shutting down and listening only for a second before electric life engulfed her again, her smile uncontrollable.

Nari was glowing as she let out a light-hearted groan before continuing to school, making it to class 5 minutes before the bell rang which caused Gwang-il to playfully cock his brow at her tardiness.