The wind was cold, carrying the scent of wet leaves and distant smoke. Bada's body was bruised and aching, yet her steps carried her again toward Saeles's house. Each movement reminded her of the last beating, each breath stabbed at her ribs—but she refused to turn back.
Hiding behind the familiar lamppost, Bada's chest heaved. Her voice trembled as she whispered to the shadow behind the window:
"Saeles… I… I'm worried about you… Please… I just want to know if you're okay…"
The words barely carried in the air before the door swung open. Saeles's eyes locked onto her with ice-cold precision.
"You again?" she growled, stepping out with her fists clenched. "Didn't I tell you to stay away? Didn't I tell you to never come back?"
Bada flinched but didn't step back. Tears streamed down her face. "I… I just… care about you…" she sobbed.