The Sisters (2): A Glimmer of Warmth
Without any real meaning behind it, the older sister tossed out a single casual remark, and the man froze in confusion. Staring blankly, unsure what to say, he finally mumbled a response.
"Wh-what'd you say?"
"Could you maybe pick us up?"
Her empty words, devoid of any hope or expectation, made the man look at them as if something had suddenly clicked in his mind. Then, out of nowhere, he muttered something inexplicable under his breath.
"Hero and... Demon King?"
"Pardon?"
"Ah, no... nothing."
After blurting out that random nonsense about a hero and Demon King, the man smacked his forehead in frustration. The sisters exchanged uneasy glances. He didn't look sick or anything. He hadn't yelled at them for stopping him or cursed them out, so maybe he was a decent person after all. Feeling bad for holding him up with their pointless words, the older sister apologized.
"...Sorry. We grabbed you out of nowhere and said something weird. It was just on a whim, so you can go."
Was it because he'd shown some interest in their pitiful state? She'd spoken with a faint flicker of hope, but now she just felt guilty for bothering him. She thought he'd leave, but he lingered, staring intently as if he had more to say. A tiny spark of anticipation rose—maybe he'd respond to her words?
"...Wait here a sec."
With those short words, the man turned and walked off. The older sister watched him go for a moment before looking away. Of course. What kind of attention would someone like her, looking like this, get? She'd always hoped for help, but she'd sunk deeper into the darkness. This time was no different, she figured... but it was.
"Here, take this."
The man, whom she'd thought was gone, returned with two bulging plastic bags and held them out. Curiosity stirred about what might be inside, but the sisters just stared without taking them. They'd never once received genuine kindness. Or rather, what they'd mistaken for kindness had always been malice in disguise. This warm gesture prepared just for them? No way—it had to come with some ulterior motive. They simply watched the man warily.
"What're you waiting for? Take it. No strings attached, so don't worry."
He thrust the bags forward, but all he got was the older sister's dry response.
"...Really...?"
"Yeah. And don't stay out here. Go somewhere warm to rest. Not home, obviously. Try the city hall or a district office or something."
His words sparked a whirlwind of thoughts in the sisters. City hall, district office, police station—they'd tried everywhere worth trying, but no one had taken them in. They'd begged desperately for help, only to be turned away. They'd even pinned their last hopes on the heroes idolized by all, but they weren't worth protecting. There was no hope anywhere. Where was "better" supposed to be?
"...It won't make a difference."
"Huh?"
The older sister's listless reply left the man flustered, and he let out a sigh. He stared at her, lost in thought. Wondering what was on his mind, she watched as he spoke softly.
"...You asked me to pick you up earlier, right?"
A faint smile crossed her lips. So that's it. She'd hoped, just a little. It might've been foolish, but he hadn't seemed the type. In the end, though, it was her body he was after. Resigned, she met his gaze steadily.
Scratching his head irritably, as if forcing out words he didn't want to say, the man grumbled,
"Fine. I'll pick you up. So stop standing around and follow me."
※
Trailing after the man, they arrived at a rundown apartment. Not as decrepit as their own place, but worn enough to notice. A chill wind whistled through the cracks as they entered, and he quickly shut the windows.
What now? He looked stronger than anyone they'd met before. Those thick arms—no way they could fight back if he grabbed them. They might even end up beaten to death. The older sister stared blankly, having given up on everything, while the younger gripped her hand tightly, worried for her sister.
"...Ah."
After closing the window and pausing in thought, the man headed into what looked like the bathroom. He filled the small tub with water, then came back out.
"There's a tub in there. Go warm up. I filled it nice and hot, so wash up and come out."
Didn't want them dirtying things up? Understanding his intent, the older sister nodded.
"Wash up... Got it."
Even in her hollow, resigned state, she was aware. Of what would happen after. The fact that she'd have to endure the malice she'd fought so hard to escape made her bite her lip without realizing.
Flustered, the man waved his hands.
"No, wait! I didn't mean it like that—nothing dirty! Just literally wash up and come out. I swear I won't touch you after."
"...Okay."
"Leave your clothes off. Uh... I don't have much, but I'll give you some of mine."
"...Okay."
"Shampoo and stuff's all in there, so clean up good. And no, this isn't some creepy ulterior motive! For real!!"
"...Okay."
Her indifferent replies. Why was he backpedaling so hard? She knew exactly why he'd brought them here.
...Still, the chance to warm up felt like a small kindness.
As the older sister entered the bathroom, the younger followed. The door closed slowly, like a scene from a horror movie. In the cramped space, the younger whispered worriedly to her dazed sister.
"...Sis. You okay?"
"...Yeah."
"...No idea what that guy's thinking, but I'll protect you no matter what."
The younger clutched her hands tightly, her face resolute. The older sister managed a faint smile. Touched that the sister she'd always protected now vowed to protect her. But if she acted on it, the younger would suffer horribly. She shook her head.
"It's fine, Se Eun. Don't get involved."
"...What? Why?"
"Whatever happens, it'll be me. You... just stay out of it."
"Sis...!"
The younger started to scold her, but seeing her sister's pitiful expression, she could only bite her lip. Blaming herself for being powerless again, furious that she couldn't stop her sister from shouldering it all, she trembled. Watching quietly, the older sister patted her soothingly.
"...It's okay. So don't worry too much."
"...Sis."
"Let's wash up. Looks nice and warm."
A hint of life returned to the older sister's smile, and the younger nodded silently. As they undressed, old scars emerged—marks from years of violence that wouldn't fade easily. Of course, they'd vanish cleanly after she became the Hero, but that was far in the future. For now, they remained.
Seeing them, the younger's mind raced with anguish, blood rushing to her eyes as if she'd weep tears of blood. But when her sister turned, she quickly schooled her expression and forced a smile. Splash—the older sister stepped in, followed by the younger.
They'd never even seen a tub like this at the orphanage. It was the first time the sisters embraced and washed together.
"...So warm."
"...Yeah."
A soft smile on her face, the older sister stroked her sister's head. Her own hair was pure silver-white, contrasting the younger's jet-black locks. As sisters, they suited each other perfectly.
As they washed, the door cracked open slightly, and clothes were placed on the sink counter without getting wet.
"Those... clothes?"
"What kind? If it's something slutty to amp up the appeal..."
The younger worried, but upon checking, it wasn't. Just regular long-sleeved shirts. They had no idea why he'd given them those, but since he'd provided them, they decided to wear them and kept washing.
When they emerged, the man was on the sofa. Grateful for the soft, warm clothes and the bath, the older sister murmured thanks.
"...Thank you. It was... warm."
"No big deal."
Seeing their improved state, Lee Seojin smiled, but to the sisters, it looked lecherous. Here it comes, she thought. Hesitating, she approached cautiously and pleaded earnestly, hoping he'd listen.
"Um... mister."
"Yeah?"
"Please don't touch my sister, no matter what... I'll do everything..."
The younger jumped in shock, hugging her sister and insisting she'd do it instead, glaring up with worried eyes. She shot the man a murderous look, vowing to kill him if he laid a hand on her. Tension hung thick as they awaited his response.
And his answer was... unexpected.
"...No clue what you're imagining, but I have zero interest in that. Don't say stuff like that."
"...Huh? What do you... mean?"
Her face showed genuine confusion, and he shook his head.
"No idea what you think brought you here, but I have no plans to touch you. Or your sister."
"Then why did you..."
"You asked me to pick you up. Your words. Who'd walk past shivering kids in the snow? It's not some shady motive—anyone would help."
Not some shady motive? How could that be? Everyone they'd met had eyed her with lust. She'd witnessed it countless times. How could he think otherwise?
"...There've been... a lot. Guys with dirty thoughts."
"...Uh..."
Memories surfacing, she murmured softly. He looked like he regretted bringing it up, then crossed his arms in a firm X, rejecting the notion strongly.
"Anyway! I have no weird intentions, so relax and rest. It's cramped, but..."
"...For real?"
"Of course. I swear—never gonna touch you. Promise!"
He hooked his pinky out, but the sisters didn't respond. Born in darkness, sinking deeper with every step, they knew nothing of kindness or care—only hostility and suspicion.
No reaction. Awkwardly retracting his hand, he tried changing the subject.
"Alright, then..."
Grrrrowl—
A rumble from the sisters' stomachs shattered the silence.
"..."
"..."
Blinking, their faces flushed with embarrassment. He smacked his lips, then pulled out his phone, fumbling with the screen before grinning awkwardly.
"Hungry, huh? Dinner time anyway. My treat. What do you want? I'll order anything."
"..."
"..."
"C'mon. Pick something here!"
Still silence. He handed the phone over, gesturing for them to take it. What now? Would he lash out if they refused? Wary, the older sister took it gingerly and checked the screen—a delivery app.
She knew how phones worked from school, but doubts swirled. Could she really pick what she wanted? Would he demand payment later? Or snap and hit her? But if she was doomed anyway, better eat first. Steeling herself modestly, she chose a small pizza and handed it back.
"Um... this..."
He stared at the screen and sighed.
"...Hoo..."
Panic surged in her—dozens of worries. Should've refused. Did I piss him off? Will he punch me? If he does something, I'll protect my sister at all costs. Trembling, she whispered,
"S-sorry... I-I overstepped..."
Seeing her shake, he hurriedly softened his expression and shook his head. They vaguely sensed worry, not anger, but past traumas clouded their judgment.
"Huh? Oh... sorry, not that. Just... yeah, this is fine?"
"...Yes."
He nodded, tapped a few times, pocketed the phone, and gestured to the sofa.
"Be here soon. Hang tight."
"...Okay."
"Sit and relax. Kinda small."
"...Okay. Thank you."
His words were gentle, expression kind, but she figured he was seething inside. Hesitantly, she shuffled to the sofa. The younger watched, then sat beside her, hugging tight and glaring daggers at him.
The younger's death glare. The older's fearful readiness. The man's concern. The three sat on one sofa, distanced, silent—until the delivery arrived.
Food was neatly set on the table. The appetizing sight and sweet aroma intensified their hunger.
"Smells great. Dig in."
He beckoned them down. They'd planned to stay put, but hunger eroded their resolve. His continued kindness without demands was fostering trust. Drawn irresistibly, they sat.
Yet they only stared, not touching despite the craving. Watching the enigmatic man's reaction.
He smiled, extending a hand encouragingly.
"Go ahead—no need to hold back. Bought it for you, so eat up."
Really? For real? The questions burned in their throats. But they couldn't voice them. Why give them this delicious food? The warm bath, soft clothes? The reason for bringing them? Everything baffled them.
No hands on their bodies, no beatings for stress relief. No ugliness like malice, hostility, or desire—just pure, radiant kindness.
Only then did they realize. He wasn't like the orphanage director, "nice" on the surface. His words held true sincerity.
No illusion. They'd grown mature in the deepening darkness, able to discern lies from truth.
Truly, sincerely—this man before them had brought them here to save them. Sharing food without a trace of ulterior motive.
A warmth they'd never known. Their first taste of true care hit them simultaneously.
"...Hic."
"Sniff..."
Born in shadows, pushed ever deeper. For the first time, the sisters encountered a single ray of gentle light.