ABUSE

It has been four days since Heiran was declared the new Editor-in-Chief in the University. Since then, everyone got to appreciate her contribution in their school paper. She is not an anonymous writer anymore who is using a penname to conceal her identity. She is now getting more and more positive critiques from her readers. A lot of students are stalking and adding her social media accounts, in which she posts nothing than her ideal fashion style.

Somehow, this is risky for her concealed identity. Her list of acquaintances is now getting longer and longer. She never know if anyone of them knows she is a basketball player before. Along with that risk is the greater chance of meeting Chung Ae along the way to her path of fame and having another argument with her, like what happened last time. But for the past four days, Chung Ae seemed to back off and is doing nothing against her which is weird because she seemed pretty disappointed upon Heiran getting the position.

"Heiran! I already bought the trench coat you told me. I'm sorry it took me some time."

And a tiny mushroom named Ruel suddenly showed up in front of Heiran. He always looks neat of course. However, no matter how well he dresses himself, he just can't hide the sadness in his pair of brown eyes. Heiran felt sad about it too but he just wants to stroll the area and forget about his problems for a while.

"Your girlfriend, do you think she is really interested in dating you?"

"It's been seven months since we started dating. She could've turned me down if she's not. Are your legs tired from walking around the mall?"

"Don't ask that again. I know where it'll lead."

And Ruel laughed upon hearing Heiran. He is always asking that question whenever he is with Heiran and they spent hours of walking around a certain place. Once Heiran said yes, Ruel will give her a piggyback ride up to her home. Most friendships don't do that maybe, but Ruel is different. He always makes sure Heiran is safe as if he is protecting her like a sister.

"So you can still walk home?"

"I can always walk Ruel."

"You don't want some food?"

"Let's buy some noodles and eat it at home."

"Should I help you with your things?"

"No. Just go ahead and walk."

And Ruel started walking. Heiran is following his steps closely. They enjoyed a lot from their shopping, especially Heiran because she was able to buy new clothes. But Ruel, maybe he did forget his problems for some time but Heiran knows his troubles are still roaming around his head.

After stepping out of the mall, Heiran's attention was caught by the commotion going on alongside the gutter. A lot of people are gathering round, as if they're forming a circle. Some of them are shouting. And a woman, Heiran saw a woman was tossed up by a middle aged old man. Her knees are already bleeding, the man is grabbing her hair and he keeps throwing the lady in all of the other directions.

"Dad no please stop."

And the man kicked the lady's stomach after she laid lifelessly on the floor. "Dad? It is her own Dad that's abusing her? Should I go and help the lady? The lady...", Heiran stopped thinking about what she could do after realizing who the woman is. The woman screamed as loud as she can, trying to ask for help.

"Heiran..."

Ruel ran to Heiran's direction and covered her eyes with his right hand. She is scared, her knees are trembling with the abuse she is seeing. They are both hearing the lady's struggles, her screams and calls for help.

"Ruel, it's Chung Ae."

"Don't look and face me."

Heiran turned around and hid herself in Ruel's chest. She knows Ruel will do something about what he is seeing, considering the fact that he treats women in the best way possible. And he indeed is doing something.

"Police officers, can you come over here in S Mall? A lady is being abused by her own father. The victim is already bruised and weak, we need you immediately."

"Dad, I did everything. But the spot is not for me. Someone else deserves it."

"You are nothing like your sister. All you can do is disappoint me. And you really kept it a secret from me. Do you think you can escape me? I will go to your school this Monday and I'll make it possible for you to be the EIC!"

EIC? And Heiran was even more terrified with what she heard. It is because of that spot Heiran just claimed four days ago? How can that position trigger domestic abuse?

"And who is that woman who got the position? Tell me about her! I will expel her from the university!"

"No Dad! Don't."

"You better screw out of my sight if you are not willing to spill out her name. That means not showing up in my face forever."

"Ruel, do you think we should intervene?"

"Chung Ae is trying to protect you from her father and you want to be in contact with her father? The police are now coming. We should go."

"But..."

After Ruel saw the police meddling, he casually pulled Heiran in her right wrist and dragged her out. It's not like he isn't interested to help, he is just protecting Heiran as much as he could. He was amazed with Chung Ae's silence, avoiding to spill out Heiran's name. It is unusual for some reasons, specially when you get to know Chung Ae's hate towards Heiran.

"Heiran, do you think Chung Ae's friends know about this?"

"Do you think we should let them know?"

"Talk to Young Jae about it. I'm sure he will help her."

"How can you be sure?"

"Because he is a gentleman like me."