Chapter 53
Chapter 53
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 53
Chapter Title: Companions
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Things fall apart in an instant. But,
repairing them demands countless efforts and patience.
I still remember the first day I saw Lily. A little girl hiding behind the Director, peeking out sideways with just her eyes and blinking away.
They say kids these days grow up so fast, but Lily—who'd been introduced as a middle schooler—still hadn't shaken off that innocent, childish air.
"Lily, remember this oppa here? He's handsome, right? Isn't he?"
The Director flashed her signature sleazy grin and winked at me. Even with her sly personality, she was sacrificing me to win over this uncontrollable pubescent girl.
I have no idea what she said to get close to a girl who'd completely shut the doors to her heart, but I could vaguely tell she'd put in a ton of effort.
Being able to hold a conversation like this was a huge achievement in its own way.
Of course, not every woman obsesses over looks. People like the Director place the highest value on appearance.
"..."
As expected, Lily showed no real reaction. Would a kid like her even take interest in whatever tastes some random auntie was blabbing about? Let alone a girl so broken she wouldn't even think of speaking up...
"Hm."
I was about to sigh at this dead-end first meeting,
but then I remembered how much weight kids this age put on even the smallest gestures. So I smiled and extended my hand.
"Hey, let's live together from now on."
My awkward smile must've been better than a blank face. Lily blinked exactly four times before placing her hand in mine.
A small, pale hand.
Belonging to a girl who might one day turn the world upside down.
"Wanna go with oppa and unnie? I'll show you our new home first. You'll like it."
And so, the three of us began our strange cohabitation.
Me, Justice,
and Lily.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"Time to head out. This is a prison. We can't do anything that draws eyes. Of course, just you and me sitting quietly will attract stares anyway, but let's be as careful as possible. Got it?"
"Got it."
Crow soothed Lily as he got ready to leave. The prison had a strict schedule, and breaking it meant penalties.
Plus, it'd draw attention from the other inmates. Standing out here was a bad idea.
"Wipe your tears. Don't cry. Oppa’s here."
"...It's because you're here, oppa. It would've been better if I was alone. You, with those humans..."
"Enough. Don't say that."
Crow saw bearing Lily's sorrow as his duty.
Lily had done nothing wrong. She was just a little girl who'd devoted herself to protecting him. Crow had to step up for her.
"Oppa, you can't compromise with villains, right?"
But her words stabbed his chest like a dagger.
"You're not that kind of person. You're doing this because of me...?"
Lily's sharp mind dissected Crow's inner thoughts.
He'd resolved himself countless times already, but hearing it from her lips brought a flood of guilt and shame.
"You don't have to. Oppa, if you're suffering because of me, I'd rather die."
"Lily! Don't say that! Why would you die?"
For her, he could give up anything. All he had left was this cursed body and a mind on the verge of breaking.
If sacrificing them could save Lily, Crow was ready to offer it all.
For the Lily who'd believed in him to the end.
"You shouldn't do that either, oppa... Please..."
But Lily was suffering. Watching her sob and pound her chest tore at Crow like his own heart was ripping apart.
"As long as you're by my side, oppa, I can endure anything. So don't bow to those villains."
The resolve he'd thought settled wavered again. Her few words shook him. The bed sheets felt unusually stiff.
But he wouldn't change his mind. Having grasped the prison's hierarchy and daily life, Crow had to face reality.
"...Enough. Listen to oppa. This isn't bowing our heads. We're just using those villains for our gain."
Chasing ideals like she wanted would endanger them both. They had to find a way to survive within it all.
Crow gripped Lily's shoulders firmly and spoke resolutely. Her safety—and his—came first now.
Justice? Values?
They mattered, sure.
But he couldn't sacrifice Lily's life for something like that.
Crow absolutely, positively
could not die hand-in-hand with Lily in a place like this.
He'd get her out, no matter what. If possible, he'd escape with her, prove his innocence, and reclaim their freedom.
If not, he'd spend his life on the run. Anything, as long as he held Lily's hand and broke free from this prison.
So they'd survive.
No matter how painful or disgusting, they'd survive first.
His own justice might be shattered, but he'd protect hers.
The first step to survival began with thanking C Wing's boss, Scardi. Crow owed her constantly.
"...Scardi, thanks."
Leading Lily by the hand, Crow thanked her right to her face. Everyone in C Wing knew what that meant.
"No problem."
Scardi flicked ash from her cigarette and replied casually. This time, her gaze fixed solely on Crow.
Lily's red eyes bored into Scardi, who deliberately stared only at Crow—like revenge for past events.
"Looking after your little sister is no big deal. Call on me anytime."
A table was naturally claimed. Scardi and Rin sat close together, with Lily and Crow opposite them. The prison's signature gray table was fully occupied.
"Between us..."
But Scardi used an oddly personal term. She finished her cigarette, exhaling smoke, and only then glanced at Lily as the haze cleared, sharpening the image.
She wanted to see Lily's reaction.
"So, how's the room?"
Lily didn't answer the short question. Their eyes locked endlessly, yet no words followed. It was like an invisible black wall stood between them.
Of course, nothing sat on the round table. Just empty space filling the void between them.
"It's fine for the two of us. Thanks."
Crow answered for her. No sweet words would come from Lily. He had to lead the talk.
"...Yeah, good."
Scardi didn't press Lily further. She knew Crow would speak for her. No intent to push Lily hard and provoke him here.
"She's not hungry? If you want her to eat something, just say."
"Yeah, thanks."
"What about you? Need anything? Want a smoke?"
Instead, she shifted closer to Crow and offered him a cigarette.
"No..."
Of course, Crow had no intention of smoking in front of Lily. That alone showed how much he'd changed. He didn't want to shock her more today.
"..."
But with the cigarette right there at Scardi's fingertips, his mind shifted. An inexplicable urge crept up stronger.
"It's fine. I just wanted to say thanks."
"Sure. Speak up if you want one."
Symptoms he'd paused due to reuniting with Lily now reared their head. They'd only worsen from here; no chance of easing.
"...And take care of Lily when I'm not around."
"Will do."
Lily's gaze dropped under the table. Crow's fists trembled pitifully there.
A bit higher, cold sweat beaded on his cheeks and temples.
"…"
Lily gently took his hand. Symptoms impossible to hide.
"Oppa, you okay?"
Scardi and Crow both checked the clock. The electronic one high on C Wing's left wall read 11:34 AM.
Lunch distribution would start soon,
followed by a short reading period after eating,
"...I-I'm fine. Fine..."
and then his meeting with Orca.
Crow's drug cravings intensifying surely linked to thoughts of Orca in his mind.
"Don't worry..."
Still, Crow forced a smile to reassure Lily. Whatever happened to him was fine. He could take it.
But
he couldn't stand it happening to Lily.
Beep!
A familiar electronic chime sounded at C Wing's entrance. Two guards entered.
After scanning the area briefly, they strode to the table with Crow and Scardi,
stood behind Lily, and said,
"Lily, you have a meeting scheduled with the Correctional Officer after lunch. Stand by prepared."