3

It's 10 am. The cafe is not busy anymore. Sweet and Hera went to the nearest farmer's market for some light shopping. That means I'm alone at the cafe. It's not a big deal, because there isn't much to do at this hour. Even the line isn't that long.

I refilled the chocolate muffin that Hera made before she left the cafe with Sweet. I check the coffee bean's container, just in case it needs to be refilled. A customer came and ordered a chococcino. I make one in no time.

"Mint latte. Ice. Grande," I turn around. To my surprise, The Black Card man is here. I almost dropped my espresso glass when I saw him. I don't know why. Watching him makes me frustrated, angry, overwhelmed, and hated sips all over me. Like I have a grudge against him.

But he is just another customer. And I don't know him at all.

"Take away, sir?" I pretend to not recognize him. Although, by now the cafe has his payment record.

"Dine in. I want a triple-style egg sandwich as well," he stares at me, more like piercing his sight directly into my eyes.

This man... If you wanna order, just order! No need to stare at me like a piece of steak! I gushed while preparing his order. When I turn around, he's gone. Turns out he already took a single table seat next to the wide glass window.

I grab the sandwich plate and walk towards his table.

"Your sandwich, sir," I put the plate on the table. As I was about to leave, he grabbed my wrist out of the blue.

A gush of several dreadful imaginary projects into my brain. The scream, the fire, the fight, the cry, the fall, the pain... Blood, evil laugh, and sobbing abuse my ears. I pull my hand away from the man and fall on the floor.

I never feel so scared like this!

He reaches his hand towards me. His smile turns into an evil grin. I squeak and shut my eyes tight. I feel like the whole world is turning red and black, grim and cold. Tears rolled from my eyes. I feel like begging for my life. Suffocated.

"Karin!"

My body jerks and my mind back into reality. Jun is holding my shoulder. He looks worried.

"Noona, hey... Wake up..."

I hug him so tight, bury my face into his embrace. I sob so hard, the sound attracts everyone at the cafe. Jun hugs me and tries his best to calm me down. But, the gesture can't even cool me down.

"I don't wanna be rude, but what did you do to her?" I could hear Jun ask the man in the most manner.

"She fell, and I just wanna help..."

"Are you sure? She won't react like this if nothing happens!"

"Did you just accuse me?" the man inquires with a deep tone of voice. Jun pulls my body away a bit.

"Did he do something to you? Did he say something?" Jun asks me. I look at him. The evil smirk is gone. He looks worried as well. There's guilt in his eyes.

"No... I fell... On my own..." I replied, as I slowly rose with help from Jun. He holds me tight and keeps checking if I'm fine. He wipes tears from my cheek and caresses my hair.

"Are you okay?" Jun asks. I nod a bit. Then, I turned my head towards the Black Card man.

"I'm sorry," that's all I can say. I couldn't even look at him properly.

"It's okay," he replies in short and turns his head away.

"Come. I think you need a rest," Jun ushers me to the restroom. He sat me down and squatted down in front of me.

"Tell me, what's wrong with you?" Jun grabs my hand softly. I swear to God he looks so worried that he might punch the wall if I refuse to answer.

"I wish I could tell you, Jun. But, I don't know where to start,"

Silent. Both of us stare at each other for so long. His hand is still on mine. My tears are long gone. But he still won't let me go.

"It's fine if you can't. I have no right to force you. But, Karin noona... Remember this," he pulls my face closer. "I'll be right here if you need me. Please lean on me."

I grab him by his collar and hug him so tight. Soaking with tears as I cry so bad for this overwhelming emotion. I don't why I feel like that. To be honest, I don't know why it seems like I know the Black Card man.

One thing is for sure, I need to stay away from him.