Flashback: Before Jungkook & Scarlet's encounter.
My stomach gave a wicked growl, a familiar sound that indicated the ravenous state I'm in. The leftover snacks and water I thrived off from proceeds to diminish as time ticked away. My apartment slowly becomes a place I dread the most within a week.
With varieties of meals in mind, my mouth waters due to the imaginary tastes that torments me. Such thoughts infuriate the angry monster in my stomach as an outcry of hunger releases every minute.
I swallow, hoping my imagination is strong enough for me to taste the flavors.
It's just another one of my unrealistic fantasies. One where I am able to devour all the cuisines I haven't had in so long.
Often times, I had a hand grasped around the door handle that grants my freedom. But the risk would be too great if I were to take a peek of the outside world.
A prey willingly leaving its shelter was too simple for the predator. In addition to that, I'm tight on money. Quickly ridding the tempting thoughts of food is simple because of that.
Instant noodles can replace those food for now. I thought.
I stand up, stretching my limbs after the long hours in front of my laptop. With the days passing and the season already changing to summer, reading is the only thing that keeps my mind at ease as I wait.
The kitchen cast a dim light, bright enough for me to see and rummage through cabinets in searching for any food present.
Empty.
Another cabinet opened.
Also empty.
Letting out another sigh, I turn to the sink for a cup of water instead.
"Just as I thought," I murmur, taking a sip before my stomach decides to protest again.
My eyes advert to the clock on the left, debating.
Maybe, just maybe, I can go to that convenience store nearby.
The previous store owners were quite friendly from my prior visits. Sadly, they announced that the store is being sold, for the aging couple plan to go back to Seoul
"I'll miss this place," Mr. Jeon said, "but I'm sure the next owner will take good care, Kim. Don't worry." He and his wife smiled at me.
I didn't bother to tell them my real name.
"I'll surely miss you guys, though." I frowned. They were among the very few people I interacted with, and probably the last.
"We will too," his wife replied. "Promise me you will take care of yourself and pursue those dreams of yours." Mrs. Jeon grinned until crow feet appeared near her eyes.
"I promise," I lied.
"Don't forget to come by sometime to checkup for us." Mr. and Mrs. Jeon both gave me a hug before I departed with free groceries.
"Tomorrow, tomorrow I'll visit."
. . .
Rushing water cascades down my back as steam slowly fills the bathroom from its hot temperature. The warmness of water soothes the aches in my body as I briefly close my eyes in comfort.
My fingers find their way to my hair, caressing it with shampoo as I hum in delight. I make sure to savor this gleeful moment before my water bill decides to spike up.
But truthfully, that's the least of my worries.
I stare at the water swirling around my feet, hectic thoughts finding their way into my head once again.
Why did I let myself become like this?
My forehead makes contact with the tiled wall, eyes closing on instinct when water streams down my face.
Just months ago, I was fine. I was doing fine. Financially stable, a decent job, a few friends... I lost them all. I lost everything.
This was her plan, wasn't it?
Dismissing the thoughts, I briskly swing my head up to wash the shampoo off. The sudden movement causes stars to swarm my vision before disappearing the second after.
"Too hot," I sigh, adjusting the temperature of the water.
I begin to feel lightheaded when I wash off the scented soap on my body. The sudden difficulty to breathe causes my breathing to result in short gasps and urges the bits of whatever stomach contents I have to travel back up.
My hands clamp down onto the handle of the sliding doors, the nauseous feeling worsened.
I swiftly turn off the water whilst stumbling out of the shower. A wrapped towel around my frail body seems to add more immense weight that my legs can not handle at the moment.
My hand places itself on the bathroom wall for support until I plummet down with my sight blurred and spotted.
I need to eat.
Regaining my balance, I stand up with heavy breaths and get dressed in dark clothing to blend in with the night.
I find myself hesitantly standing outside minutes later, wearing a mask that conceals the bottom half of my face.
The warm breeze of summer greets me immediately and I contently smile.
It's nice to be outside again.
I begin to follow the asphalt road that leads me to my desired destination.
This is the chance for me to admire the moon and stars I grew to love over time.
As for now, they are my only companions. Though they only listen and cannot provide answers to my queries, I find it soothing.
They listen. That's enough for me.
I turn right, tying my damp hair up and placing on a cap as the store nears. The glowing lights of the welcome sign greet me from the distance.
I pat the pocket knife in my waistband before stuffing my hands in my pockets. Just in case. Or am I just too paranoid?
I place a hand on the door and push.
It doesn't budge.
Did they already close?
From what I remembered, it's around 11:20 P.M. when I left. The store usually closes at midnight.
I look back at the door, now seeing the sign that said pull instead of push. I mentally curse.
Trying again, I pull on the door this time and got in. The bell attached to the door dings, notifying the owner of the new costumer's arrival.
The usual warm welcoming from Mr. and Mrs. Jeon is absent so I assume they have already departed. Without the usual greetings, I head straight to the back of the store where the instant noodles are.
"Noodles!" My eyes spark up even more when I see the sign.
╔═══════════════╗
SALE!
INSTANT NOODLES
4 cups for $1.
╚═══════════════╝
"That's a fairly good deal," I grumble, taking twelve cups into my arms.
I head back to the cashier and drop the noodles onto the counter. My head moves to the left, then the right, in searching for the owner.
Where the hell–?
My foot taps impatiently against the carpet floor, anxious to get home.
In the midst of cracking my neck, a cardboard box in the corner caught my eye, especially the word FREE.
They're worn-out books.
I stride over and crouch down to rummage through the endless pile. It is quite a struggle to decide on which ones to take.
"I'll just take the whole damn box," I huff.
It says free, and rarely anyone would enjoy flipping through these yellowed out papers of words. I can't let them go to waste.
I bring the box back to the counter, setting it down next to my feet. The owner still is nowhere to be seen. I glance at the mini bell, most likely to ring it for assistance.
Should I just make a run for it?
There were no cameras from what I inspected. The new owner must've taken them down which is... strange.
I let a strap of my backpack fall down from my shoulder, and swing it around so the bag rests on my chest.
Heart beating rapidly, my fingers begin to shake as they unzip my backpack.
This is new to me. I've always been a goody-two-shoes despite any temptations.
Before I can proceed any further with the bad deed, a boy with auburn hair struts out from the Employee Only door.
My fingers halt and I stare dumbly at the boy.
The boy doesn't even take notice of my figure as he mumbles some words to himself, shaking his head.
"Um, excuse me?" I purse my lips, my almost sinning hand rests on my backpack casually.
The fellow's head shot up, probably confused at first on why anyone would even take notice of this crappy store. However, his facial expression changes quickly before he flashes me with a dimpled smile.
"Hello! How may I help you?" He rushes toward the cashier. "Sorry, I had to attend some... business." He chuckles awkwardly.
"It's no problem." I fake a smile and my eyes flicker to his name tag.
Joon.
"I would like to purchase these, please." I push the noodles towards him and give him my last five-dollar bill.
"Is it okay if I take all of these as well?" I bend down to retrieve the box of books and gold it up for him to see.
"Sure! It's been here for a while now anyway," Joon nods, scratching his head.
I nod back and said a shy thank you.
Giving me back the change along with the receipt, Joon wishes me a good night before I walk away with dinner for tonight.
Unfortunately, someone is blocking my way out, delaying my already late departure. I keep my gaze downwards to avoid any unnecessary recognition.
"Sorry, excuse me," I mumble before pushing my way past the stranger. I need to get out. Now.
"Why in such a hurry, Ms. Scarlet?"
I freeze in my movements.
Time resumes abruptly and everything in my hands is quickly abandoned with an audible thump. My heartbeat accelerates as fast as the rain has started to fall outside.
I run, the bells on the door chortling one last time.
━━━━━━
From now on, the story will be told from Scarlet's point of view (first person) unless stated otherwise at the top.
LONG NOTE!
Ohmygoodness. It's been quite awhile. I may be going on hiatus throughout again. But look! A new (very unedited) chapter is here! This is more of a filler and is a flashback for what happened before Scarlet's incident in Chapter One; what she was doing beforehand.
Fun fact: I actually wrote this as a prologue for Rain but decided to rewrite everything. I didn't want it to go to waste so here it is ^-^
Warning: it has very bad grammar.
I was also trying to finish a chapter that is a continuation for Chapter Five. Buuut, I went through my drafts and saw this and made it into Chapter 6 in replacement for my unfinished one.
I'll hopefully finish the other draft asap as well.
I want to say THANK YOU SO MUCH! for getting Rain to 8K+ reads and 500+ votes!! In my break from writing, I was still on Wattpad reading and checking the progress of Rain daily. I'm so proud of myself and so thankful for everyone who've been reading!! It's so shocking to me.
Bye bye! See you guys next time. <33