“I know that this is hard for the both of you since you’re loud and nuisance daughter will be gone.” She jokingly said with those grin on her face.

“Honey, this is not the time for that.” Her Mom said. “And you also know that you were our baby-“ she also said but were cut by her own husband who continued her statement.

Her Dad put and arm around her mother’s shoulder and said “You were my baby, Hana. We can’t just believe that you will be far away from our side.”

On the other hand, Hana their daughter just sigh by the statement of her parents. “Dad!” she start and hug her Dad. “I’m already 19, and I can take care of myself. Stop overreacting everything.” She explained and looked at her now crying mother, she sighed again and turn to hug her tightly. “Mom, I’m not going to die. I’m just going to college and live out of the province and besides Aunty can help and take care of me if necessary.” She stated and moved back to grab her luggage.

“Hana, baby. I know we’re babying you too much but you know that we just do this because we felt guilty about what happened in past. We just can’t help but to blame ourselves about everything but baby, we know you’re strong and brave.” Her Mom stated after that she burst in to loud sobs.

Hana’s Dad comfort her Mom but before Hana could even move and enter the car, her Dad said some last words before they waved some goodbyes. “Don’t forget to call and tell us everything Honey, We love you.” He stated as Hana grab the door of her cousin’s car and turned to waved back a goodbye’s and mouthed some I love you to her parents.

“Don’t you want stay for a while and give them some proper goodbyes?” her cousin Lyle asked as Hana sit on the passenger seats.

Hana looked outside lastly just to see her parents, still waving. “Nah, I’m now okay. Let’s go! You also have flights tomorrow.” She replied and turn her gaze on the drive way.

‘I know that you all care for me but I need this, I’m happy and contented that I moved out Mom and Dad. I just can’t stay and lived to that house just to lock myself on my room because I feel like I’m in hell, knowing that the Devil in my life will come and visit our house every week.’ Hana let out a sigh to the thoughts of the letter she left for her parents.

--

“Iseol! Wake up, were here baby.” Lyle said and shakes Hana’s shoulder to wake the said girl.

A small groaned was heard from Hana as she is now half-awake. Hana opened her eyes and found Lyle’s in front of her. “Lyle, why?” she asked.

“We are here, Mom’s waiting inside.” Lyle respond and start to grab Hana’s luggage.

Hana get up sleepily on the car and enter the house, “Did I sleep that long, I didn’t even know that we reach your house.” She muttered and walked behind her cousin.

Lyle’s let out a chuckle, “I guess you’re tired, did you feel excited to move out that didn’t even have enough sleep?” she asked jokingly. “You’re right, I think I feel so excited last night.” Hana’s agreed to her cousin’s statement.

“Well then get so-“ Lyle was cut off by her mother who happily welcome Hana to a warm hug. “I’m so happy to see my beautiful niece again.” Lyle’s Mom said.

“I’m also happy to see you, Auntie Reina.” Hana replied as she felt a bit uncomfortable to her Auntie’s sudden action.

Her Auntie, Reina! Let go of the hug and looked at her niece. “I prepared a welcomed dinner for you Iseol, and I’m happy have you here just for tonight.” She said and grab Hana’s wrist to move her to the kitchen. “Lyle! Bring Iseol luggage upstairs first, then join us here for dinner.” She command to her daughter.

“Okay Mom!” Lyle just replied.

--

Hana Iseol Myers feel happy and blessed for the one night she spend on her Auntie’s house, but that feeling comes to an end since Hana will also going to move into apartment. She want to be alone and independent as her request that her Auntie understand and fulfill. Reina her auntie help her to move in after she help her daughter to go on her flight.

“You don’t want me to help on your financial needs since I got this apartment and other necessities for you, but I also want to help on your work since you are not good on communication.” Reina said and looked at Hana who’s arranging the grocery she buy for her. “So I have this friend who has a son that needs a tutor in English subject, since your smart enough Iseol. I want you to take the tutoring job, it won’t bother you because you just need to do it on weekends and she’s willing to pay much money just for her son.” She ended and grab Hana’s phone.

Hana was okay to her auntie’s offer so she didn’t even hesitate and nod for agreeing on the offer, “It’s a kid right?” she asked out of curiosity.

“Don’t worry honey, I won’t bring you on things your uncomfortable. He’s just 9 years old.” Reina replied on her niece question and give back her phone. “She will call on Friday for the schedule of the tutoring.” She lastly said.

“I’m glad that it’s not a man, I will wait for it then.” She replied and continue to arrange everything in her mini kitchen on her new apartment.

“I think you can handle everything in here, Iseol. I still have work this afternoon so I have to go, but don’t hesitate to if you have some problems and need some help. Bye baby!” Reina said and hug her quickly and get out the apartment.

“Bye.” Hana muttered as she looked on the closed door. “I guest arranging things would be the first thing I need to do.” She said and start to do everything.

It’s been a week since Hana start to live in her apartment and she was now used on how to handle her sleeps and schedule. It’s also been a week since she transfer on university to continue her course in fine arts. She got in through scholarship, so she’s glad that everything was going fine even though she ignore everyone and enjoying the life as a lonely college student.

--

Today was Hana’s second week on her tutoring job, her first encounter didn’t go that well but she still came back because this is the only way for an introvert person like her to live and have a job.

“Good morning Mrs. Hudson!” Hana greeted immediately as the woman in front open the door for her.

The said woman smiled widely and gestured her to come inside. “It’s nice to see you again, Hana. I’m glad that you came back after what Aziel had done last week to you.”

Hana let out a chuckle and replied politely to the older. “There’s no big deal about it Mrs. Hudson, he was just shock and thought that I’m some kid like him.” A small flashback of the said incident was back on Hana’s head and all she just do was to smile on the kid’s action.

“Who are you?” the kid asked Hana entered the study room.

“I’m your tutor.” She calmly replied.

“What? How can a kid that younger than me can be my tutor?” He annoyingly asked.

“Huh? I’m not youn-“ before Hana could even defend herself, the kid push her out the room. But Mrs. Hudson said that she would explain it to her son and that’s why Hana’s here. Aziel wants to apologize and continue the tutoring as he felt bad on his attitude towards the older girl.

“Well I can’t blame him because for a 9 year old like my son, doesn’t have a height like that. And also for you! You are a 19 year old but look so much younger to your age.” Mrs. Hudson replied as they are now both seated on the couch, grabbing some juice.

Hana was a bit taken a back on the lady’s statement but she just ignore it and take it as a compliment. Well she doesn’t even need to bother, its run on their blood. It’s good that at least she’s taller than her sister, being 4’11 feet tall is okay for her. “I think having a baby face it’s a charm but not until our guard in school always asked if I’m a college student.” She said jokingly.

Mrs. Hudson let out a laugh about her statement and motivate her a bit before she could start the tutoring, “Don’t worry about others opinion, you’re beautiful and smart enough honey. Take it as a compliment if they talk about you’re appearance.” She said and head Hana on Aziel’s study room.

“Thank you about it Mrs. Hudson, I will take your words as lesson.” Hana replied before entering the room as she saw that Aziel was already sitting.

“Before that, I still want to tell something.” Mrs. Hudson said before leaving the two on the room. Hana and a busy Aziel look at her direction. “Could you just call me Bethany or Mom if you like, I feel so uncomfortable to hear a formal name.” she continued and smile at Hana.

“It’s okay B-bethany. I’m okay with it!” Hana shyly replied. Mrs. Hudson smile and leave after she hear the girl’s response.

--

It’s almost nighttime when Hana finish the tutoring, everything goes fine as Aziel apologize many times and even give Hana some gift. They even both enjoy each other’s company and get some small talk about life. Hana can’t even believe that a 9 year old like Aziel have many admirers on their school, and she doesn’t want the feeling of jealousy on how the kid get so much attention and nothing compares to her boring and dark life.

She came back on her apartment with a low energy as she can’t help but to overthink again. So to stop from being sad and problematic, she just sleep all the thoughts and let darkness takes everything.

--

“I hate him.” Hana muttered down her breath as she walk inside the university. Every morning as her daily struggle, the guard check and question again her age so she can’t stop but to be pissed early in her now not so good morning.

As she walk silently on the hall, she felt so relieve that no one bothers to look and question her existence. So she just continue her daily routine, entering her class silently and exiting it also as quiet as usual. She was walking her way on the next class she had when someone bump her body and she was thrown and hit on the wall. To the impact of the strong force that hit her, she feel dizzy and saw blurry things in front of her. Hana have a weak and lightweight body so being thrown on something easily won’t be a surprise.

“Are you okay?” a voice asked her and offer a hand for Hana to stand. But as she gain her vision and looked at the person in front of her. She felt surprised and start feel her heartbeat became unsteady, her small eyes became wider as she looked at the man with all panic.

Hana wanted to tell something but before she could even formed a sentence, she felt her chest aches and her eyes shuts and she didn’t know but to feel calm as everything was cover of darkness.

On the other hand, the guy who bump her was confused and felt panic as everyone’s eyes was on their direction. The guy didn’t hesitate and hurriedly lift the unconscious girl in front of him as he don’t want to catch more attention from other student. He bring Hana to the clinic and left as he explained to nurse that he has some important things needed to handle.

As she gain her consciousness, a bright light immediately met by her gaze. Hana was startled at the place and look around just to realize she’s been in their school clinic.

She hurriedly get up on the bed, and was about to ran out of the place when a guy in med uniform grab her wrist. She was surprised and directly turned to the man but when she looked into his eyes, she was shocked and started to tremble.

“Are you okay?” the guy asked right away.

Hana wants to answer but nothing comes out on her mouth, so she keep silent as she calm her body and remove the guy’s hand on her shoulder. As cue on what she wants, the guy immediately move away and let her exit the clinic.

‘I swear, this day was not my luck.’ She thought and walk back to the Art’s department.

--

3rd FLOOR, ROOM #106

“Zy! What’s wrong? You’ve been spacing out today.” Jaden said tap his friend’s shoulder who’ve been looking outside the balcony.

Zyair was startled and look around to give his friend some confused look. “W-what’s wrong?” he confusedly questioned.

Jaden sighed and get up on his seat, “I think you’ve been stressing yourself a lot this day, your always studying late at night and even skip meals just to study at the library.” He said and give Zyair a concerned look. “Have some rest Zy, I don’t want your Mom to nag me again if you’d get sick.”

Zyair let out a chuckle and stand on his seat, “I’m okay man, that’s not the reason why I’ve been spacing out.” He explained and stand beside his bestfriend who’s holding the railings on his balcony while looking at the night view out on his apartment.

“Then – what’s going on your mind that you’ve been out of yourself since this morning.” Jaden asked.

Zyair looked at his friend and turn back his gaze outside and start to explain the whole reason. “Well – this morning, I’m on hurry because I need to pass my task to Prof. Lewis in Architectural Design! Then I’m on my way when I bumped into a little girl and she’s kind of thrown and hit on the wall, so I hurriedly try to help her. But when she looked at me, she got shocked at fainted!” he said and let out a sighed.

“Ow, that’s sounds bad. Did you helped her?” Jaden asked anxiously.

“Of course!” Zy defended. “I help her immediately and bring her to clinic right through because I don’t want to catch more attentions from other students.”

“Well it’s good though, but that’s not the point! Then why were you spacing out? Did she injured herself?” His friend continued to question.

“I – I also don’t even know, after I bring her to the clinic… I also left and leave her to the nurse. That’s why I’m very concerned right now, I didn’t also know if she’s even studying on our school or she just visited because she looks some kind of young and small.” He confessed. “I feel bad for her, I think I scare her so much that she even collapsed as she looked at me. I feel so sorry that I can’t even … apologize.” Zyair was so concerned and felt sad as he explained everything.

Jaden understand his friend’s concern and also felt bad. Zyair, his bestfriend and also his cousin was a buff and tough guy. But that’s all everything can be seen outside because the truth is he’s still a baby and a soft person, especially to girls and kids. So maybe he’s really upset that he makes a girl faint due to his tall and big body.

--

Hana didn’t have enough sleep because she stay all night, thinking of her not so happy moment yesterday and how it turns into a mess. She’d hate herself for panicking easily, but yeah! Hana can’t stop it because she’s still traumatized on what her brother-in-law did, the almost touches and harassment he do. She can’t help to imagine and be trigger if that thing would happen again so everytime some random guy talk to her, she would start panicking and also collapsing due to fear.

“Thank you!” She half whispered as she get her drinks and exit the café. She needs some caffeine to stay up on his 8 class for this day.

As expected and usual, the guard didn’t passed her to the gate immediately. Checking her ID and so what was the always she needs to do, so accepting and being used to it is the only thing she can do because she hate talking and having conversation to people.

-

Five hours straight of class is unexpected to Hana who’s been hungry and sleepy since it started, so as her last professor end their class. She hurriedly run to the cafeteria to grab her lunch and even breakfast because she didn’t take some as she get to school.

The lunch was best and good thing but not as she feel her stomach growled and aches, in fear of getting an upset stomach. She run quickly to the school clinic which more near to their department and she’s glad to that information.

“What did you come here for?” the nurse asked instantly as Hana entered the clinic.

“I-I need some medicine, I … I have some kind of .. upset stomach.” She said and can’t help to stutter.

“Oh, have a seat on one of the bed first! I will get the medicine for you.” The nurse replied.

Hana politely followed what the nurse said and sit quietly to the bed near her direction. As she try to wait for the nurse who get the medicine, Hana felt the bed moved and look immediately to her side. And there it is, a man with a mask and round glasses on his face. She got startled and give him a confused look so the other person start to talk.

“Hi! I wear this facemask because I think you won’t panic if I cover my face. I mean that- “ she cut him off and smiled to the guy.

“I’m okay, I just feel shock everytime so I panic instantly.” Hana explained. She’s not stupid to not recognize the guy who’s wearing a med student uniform.

The guy look away and turn down his gazed, “I’m sorry, I – didn’t mean to startle you yesterday. I kind of feel bad and unexpectedly saw you again, so here.” He said and offered a yogurt milk to Hana even though his gaze was on the other way. “I – I think I need to leave now, again. I’m sorry!” he lastly said and walk away.

After he left, the nurse turn back and handed Hana the medicine for her stomach. But the girl was still dozed off and still processing on what happened. She left the clinic with a flustered and confused look.