Aoi let out a short, dry laugh, completely devoid of humor.
—Do you really think I'm going to believe that crap?— she said, raising her fist.
The boy closed his eyes on reflex.
—Wait!— I intervened, stepping between them.
She clicked her tongue in annoyance, but she didn't hit him and stepped back.
I approached him where he was on the ground.
—Talk. Explain to us why you robbed that store.
The boy swallowed, trembling from head to toe.
—My name is Lee Seojun, and I came from Korea with my grandmother… we just wanted to start over here, to have a better life.
Aoi slowly lowered her arm, never taking her distrustful eyes off him.
Seojun continued, his words heavier than before.
—When I arrived, I started attending Shinsei High School… everything was fine until one day I bumped into a guy named Tomizawa…— he clenched his fists, his helplessness evident.
—I accidentally stepped on his shoes… that's all.
After saying that, his body trembled even more.
He raised his gaze, filled with shame.
—Since then, he hasn't left me alone. His friends followed me home and beat me. They forced me to give them money, and since then they've demanded more and more… They took embarrassing photos of me without clothes and said that if I don't do what they tell me, they'll spread them…
Aoi frowned.
—And stealing a store?
—They ordered me to do it… they said that if I didn't bring the money today…— Seojun clenched his teeth so hard we could hear them grind.
Aoi crossed her arms.
—And why didn't you go to the police?
Seojun shook his head desperately.
—I can't. Tomizawa bought the house where we live. If I say anything, he'll throw my grandmother out onto the street… she's sick… she wouldn't survive that.
Both Aoi and I were left speechless.
Suddenly, Seojun dropped to his knees in front of us. His forehead nearly touched the ground.
—Please… I beg you… help me! I don't want my grandmother to suffer any more than she already has! Please!— Seojun sobbed between words.
Aoi stood completely still. She said nothing, only looked at me.
I felt something tightening in my chest, and without thinking, I knelt beside Seojun.
—I don't know how, but I promise you we'll help you— I said with complete honesty.
Seojun broke down in tears, even harder than before.
—Thank you… thank you so much…
After returning the money to the shop and being forgiven by the woman who owned it, we asked him to take us to his house.
The area worsened with every step. When we arrived, the house was old, covered in mold in some places, with a worn façade and cracked walls.
Inside, the house was tiny, with only two small rooms, a narrow bathroom, and a living area that served as kitchen, dining room, and bedroom all at once.
Even so, it wasn't dirty. Everything was carefully arranged, as if every object had a special place. It felt warm and welcoming.
In the middle of the room, resting on a futon, lay a very elderly woman.
When she saw Seojun, her face lit up.
—Seojun, my child, you're back,— the old woman said with a smile warmer than anything.
He immediately knelt down.
—Grandma… I told you that you should rest. Why did you clean the house?
She let out a small laugh.
—My child, I can still do things. And why are you so dirty? And these visitors?— she asked, looking at us.
The old woman smiled at us and said to Seojun,
—You didn't tell me you were bringing friends. The food is ready. It isn't much, but please, eat.
I was stunned.
It was obvious that she was weak, sick, and yet her voice was full of kindness.
She smiled as if she had known us all her life, as if we were family.
I felt something strange in my chest something I didn't remember ever feeling before.
We all knelt and spent some time with her. Every word from the old woman was filled with affection and genuine love for everyone in that room. Before long, exhaustion overcame her and she fell asleep.
We all began to leave quietly.
Just as I was about to cross the door, a weak voice stopped me.
—Boy…
I turned around. The old woman was looking at me.
I approached, and she raised a trembling hand, gently resting it against my cheek.
—I know something isn't right with my grandson— she said with a sad smile.
Little by little, that kind smile faded into an expression of deep sorrow.
—I know it's very irresponsible of me to ask this of a child, haha…
A tear slowly slipped from her eyes and ran down her face.
—But please, take care of my Seojun…— the old woman, once so cheerful, now looked at me with great sadness.
I froze. I swallowed, my throat tightening.
I lowered my gaze for a second, then gently took her hand.
—I promise. I assure you that you have nothing to worry about!— I said with the biggest smile I could manage.
I wiped away her tear with my thumb, bowed respectfully, and left.