1 A Midnight Encounter

It was around 11:45 PM when I heard my stomach growl. I took off my headphones and stood up from my seat then made my way to the kitchen to find something to eat. I opened the fridge only to find a few water bottles but nothing for me to eat.

I ruffled my hair in frustration 'Ah shit, I should really go grocery shopping tomorrow' I thought to myself and closed the fridge door.

I grabbed my coat and keys from the table and put on my shoes, ready to go out and buy some dinner from the convenience store that was near my apartment.

I went outside and closed the door, not forgetting to lock it, and continued to walk to the store.

When I reached the store I immediately made a beeline to the ramen aisle and grabbed two cups of spicy ramen. I also went to buy ice cream for dessert.

I went to the cashier to pay, thankful that there was no line for the store was practically empty, the only ones here was me and two employees, both guys. One was standing in front of the register and the other one mopping the floors.

I quickly put down the food as the employee scans it. "That'll be ₩3,870, sir," he said and put everything in a plastic bag. I gave him the money and grabbed the plastic bag as he gave me the change. "Have a nice night" he told me "You too" I replied.

I shivered at the cold winter air and watched as fog came out as I let out a breath. I looked up at the night sky, the moon being my only source of light besides the dimly lit street lamps, the stars twinkling brightly as I made my way home.

As I neared my apartment, I passed by an alley where the dumpster was. As I walked by it, I heard something. "M-mommy" a weak voice has said and it sounded like it was.....crying?

'Ah, I must be hearing things. This is what I get for not sleeping properly' I thought and continued walking until the crying got louder.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion as I stopped walking and slowly followed the sound of whimpering and crying.

I stopped when I saw a child beside the dumpster. It was a young boy around 3 or 4 years old. His hair was dark brown. I couldn't see his face properly as his face was buried in his knees. His body was shaking as he cried softly.

I crouched down to his level and said "um, hey, kid" he looked up to me, his big chocolate brown-colored eyes were pooling with tears as he sniffled and his lips trembling lips formed a pout.

"What are you doing here alone? Where are your parents?" I asked him

"Mommy left me h-here. She s-said Junnie had to wait here and s-she'll come b-back..." he told me.

'Junnie? Is that his name?' I thought to myself.

"What's your name, kid?" I asked him

"Y-Yang Y-Yejun but mommy calls me Junnie or Jun. I'm four." at this point he stopped crying

"Hm, I see..." I muttered to myself.

'His mother obviously won't come back. She just left him here' I thought as I felt slight anger. Who the heck would just leave their child here and let him starve?

My thoughts were interrupted as I heard a loud growl from Yejun's stomach. Yejun looked away in embarrassment as I chuckled.

"Wow, your tummy must be really hungry huh kid? I am too."

I reached from the plastic bag that I was holding and took out the ice cream that I bought from the store and opened it.

"Here. You can have this for the meantime." I said as I handed the ice cream to the little boy.

He looked at me with his big sparkling eyes "W-weally? I can?"

I smiled at how adorable the kid was and nodded. He took the ice cream and started eating it while I just continued to observe him.

He was wearing a pastel blue shirt which was very dirty and some shorts that reached his knees. His pastel yellow sneakers were covered in dirt and mud. His hair was a mess and I noticed that he was starting to smell a bit but it wasn't that bad for me to be bothered. He must've been staying here for few days.

"u-um, mister? I-i'm done eating b-but I'm still hungwy" He told me. I laughed a little when I saw that ice cream was smeared all over his mouth.

I took out my handkerchief and gently wiped his face "Your face is covered in ice cream, kid. Next time, try to eat slowly okay?" I looked at my watch and noticed it was now 12:30 AM 'shit it's getting late'

I thought for a second 'I can't just leave him here. He might get hurt' I contemplated on what to do then finally said, "Wanna come home with me then? I can give you food and it's already too dark, it's dangerous out here. Plus, it's gonna get colder soon you might get sick."

He looked at me with hesitation "P-pwomise you won't hurt Yejunnie?" He finally said.

I smiled softly "I promise."

He smiled as bright as the sun. 'What a cute little kid' I thought and stood up. I held out my hand for him to take. Instead of taking it, he put out his arms and reached for me "C-can you carry me, mister?"

I smiled softly at his words and said"No problem, kid," as I bent over and picked him up and started walking in the direction of my apartment complex.

"What's your name mister?" He asked me.

"Cha Jihoon. But you can call me Hyung."

He smiled again and nodded "Okay, Hyung!"

His arms were wrapped around my neck and his face was nuzzled on the crook of my neck.

The walk back home was peaceful until I heard soft snores from Yejun.

I chuckled quietly "Sleep well, kid."