V
“When are you going to give us our money?” Jungkook roared at the manager, his voice laced with fury. “We worked for you. You better hand it over now, or I’ll make sure you can’t stand.”
For nearly three months, Jungkook and I had toiled on this construction site, lured by the promise of a daily wage and at least one decent meal. Neither had materialized. We both knew the manager was cheating us, but we’d held back, hoping to avoid conflict. Now, hunger gnawed at us, exhaustion weighed on our limbs, and we needed the money just to regain our strength. We’d initially tried pleading, but after five days of blatant mistreatment, we decided to take matters into our hands.
“Your hands haven’t lifted a single useful load,” the manager retorted. “Why should I pay you?”
The situation was spiraling, and I could already foresee the inevitable.
“You mother—” Jungkook launched himself forward, throwing a punch as he cursed, and I couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride.
Jungkook is the only true friend I’ve ever known. After my great grandmother’s death, I was adrift. She’d cared for me for four months after my parents died, then, too old to continue, she’d left me to fend for myself. I became known as that orphan, begging for scraps or taking any job that offered a meal. For two years, I was utterly alone until Kook came along. He doesn’t have parents either, but his older brother works tirelessly to keep them both afloat.
My thoughts were cut short by the sight of five hulking men marching toward us. The manager’s enforcers. It was clear they intended to unleash their fists, and all I could think about was protecting Kook. I shoved him backward and threw myself into the fray, landing solid blows on three of them before a fourth brought a wooden block crashing down on my head. Pain exploded in my skull, and I stumbled, losing my footing. They began to beat me relentlessly. Kook, defying the odds, dragged me away, and I summoned the last of my strength to swing the wooden block at the manager’s face. We ran, breathless, until the pursuers were lost from view. Thankfully, Kook had escaped with only minor scratches. I urged him to return to his brother, assuring him I’d find first aid. I didn’t want to disrupt their bond. I collapsed behind a bush, desperate for rest.
Moments like these force me to question the purpose of it all. I’d gladly end my life right now, without a single regret. Yet, something within me—a stubborn instinct—pushes me toward each new day, clinging to the hope of a better future. I only hope those instincts are rewarded.
Slowly, I recovered enough energy to return to our makeshift home. I live with Kook and his brother, but I sleep wherever I can find a spot. As I approached the exit, I noticed two white sneakers facing me. I looked up—
Oh.
Standing before me was a prince.
A gorgeous young man, amusement dancing in his eyes. He was slightly taller than me. If I lived a better life, a respectable life, I’d probably have a boyfriend like him. Yes, I’m gay. I realized it after being forced into sexual acts for the first time—a story for another day, one I’m not ready to relive. I slowly tilted my face, mesmerized by his bangs falling over his eyes, and I can’t imagine having such beautiful eyes myself. A prince, standing right in front of me, with the most captivating face I’ve ever seen. His amusement faded, replaced by something else. It wasn’t pity. It was concern. He was worried about my condition. I can handle judgment, anger, but not pity or worry. I can't bear it.
It was fun while it lasted. I walked past him, my heart heavy, knowing I’d never see his face again.
Suddenly, I heard a shout. He was urging me to go to a hospital. I didn’t know how to respond. I simply waved goodbye and headed straight for our room.
Take care, handsome stranger.