Chapter 11: The Thrill of a First Close Encounter
Chikan. The word for creeps who sexually harass people in crowded places like trains or buses. In such packed spots, physical contact is inevitable, so these perverts often exploit the chaos to satisfy their filthy urges. But targeting a teenager—who's barely lived half my life—with upskirt photos? Unbelievable.
Of course, if the girl noticed and reacted, that'd be one thing. But she just stood there blankly, oblivious to what was happening.
"……Ngh."
Wait, she did notice her back being touched. Her body flinched, and only then did she turn her gaze. The chikan let out a sleazy breath and flashed a grin.
"Heh heh, sorry about that, kiddo. Uncle here's got a bit of a gut…… Can you bear with it even if it's a little stuffy?"
"Ah, y-yes……."
"Ahem, thanks…… Fufuhit."
The girl looked forward again, while the creep smirked lewdly and aimed his smartphone under her skirt once more. The whole scene played out right in front of my eyes alone—and as a law-abiding adult in a teen body, not to mention her classmate, I couldn't just stand by.
No physical harm, sure, but satisfying his dirty lust with impure intent? No way I could let this slide. Calling it out directly in this chaotic crowd wasn't smart, though. She might not have even realized it without direct contact, and if the guy bolted into the throng after being accused, it'd be a headache.
Better to stop the act itself rather than just report it. With that in mind, I eyed the umbrella in my hand and the gaps around me, plotting how to take him down.
—This station is XX Station, XX Station. Alighting passengers, please exit to the left……
Perfect timing. I slipped quietly through the crowd, shifting position until I was right behind the creep as he geared up for another shot. Carefully, so no bystanders got hurt—aimed precisely at him.
—Screeech.
The train slowed to a stop, inertia shoving everyone forward. Seizing the moment, I raised the umbrella tip and jabbed it straight into the tilting chikan's body.
And splat! Right between his cheeks.
"Quuiiiiiiick!!!"
The agony piercing his sphincter made him scream, and his smartphone tumbled to the floor. The perfect chance to secure evidence. Plus, with the train braking and doors opening at the station, I scooped up the phone and prepared to bolt.
"Y-you little shit, what the……!"
"Sorry for popping your clogged pipe open."
The creep raged at the interruption and pain, but passengers surged out while more poured in from outside. The resulting chaos widened the gap between us. I didn't miss a beat—evidence in hand, I dashed out, grabbing the still-dazed girl's hand along the way.
"Come on."
"Ah, ack!"
Pulling her with me, we fled the train. As the doors closed, sealing off the chikan, I finally caught my breath and checked the phone. A snort escaped me.
Whoa, not his first or second time—this guy's a habitual offender. Handing this to station staff should be more than enough for an arrest. That's when I noticed the girl I'd dragged out staring at me with wide, sparkling eyes, still not fully grasping the situation.
"You knew you were getting groped, right?"
I laid it out bluntly, and she flinched, blurting out her shock.
"G-groped?"
"That guy was about to molest you. If you knew, you should've screamed. Standing there like a deer in headlights just makes it easier for creeps."
"……."
She fidgeted silently, then looked down sheepishly, mumbling her excuse.
"I-it was my first time in a situation like that…… I didn't know what to do……."
"……Yeah, fair enough."
With zero social experience, an adult's malice must've frozen her solid. Accepting that, I approached the station staff, explained everything in detail, handed over the phone as evidence, and prepped to leave with her.
"Don't worry about the creep anymore. Evidence is with staff—he'll be nabbed soon."
"Uh, yeah. Th-thanks……."
"Save the thanks. My nosiness almost made us tardy buddies."
Now what? The chikan derailed me a few stops early. Backtracking meant waiting for the next train—not feasible. Taxi to fix it quick? Student's allowance wouldn't cover that comfortably. Running on foot? Out of the question……
Ah, right. Perfect solution.
"You know how to ride a bike?"
"B-bike?"
"Public bikes parked over there."
That should get us to the entrance ceremony on time. But even after explaining, her response lacked confidence.
"I…… don't know how to ride a bike……."
……Isn't biking basic by high school? Nah, in this well-connected era, maybe not essential.
"Then hop on the back. I'll pedal. Hold the umbrella too—it's pouring."
Time was ticking. I unlocked a public bike, mounted the seat, but she just stood three steps away, staring blankly.
"What're you waiting for? Get on."
"C-can I really?"
"You wanna be late? Hop on."
Was she wary of her rescuer? Or uneasy about biking with a stranger? Either way, she finally climbed on back. Good enough. With her holding the umbrella over us, I pedaled off into the rain.
—Splashhhh.
Rain hammered down as tires cut through puddles. One slip from carelessness could end us, keeping me on edge and voicing worries for her.
"Gonna speed up—hold tight."
"L-like this?"
"Tighter."
She hugged me closer, still hesitant. Super shy kid, I thought, pedaling on until we reached our destination. I parked and looked up at the buildings ahead.
Hyoeun High School. The capital region's top elite school, renowned for college prep across the board. Fitting its fame, it drew top students—but ironically, no kids at the gate now. Class time must've just ended.
Feeling the rush, I stepped away from the umbrella-holding girl, ready to sprint inside.
"Guess I'll head in."
"W-wait……."
"Sorry, I've got a speech at the ceremony. Save the thanks for later—see you around if fate wills it."
If she's a freshman too, we'll cross paths in school soon. Hoping the teachers cut slack for my good deed tardiness, I bolted toward the auditorium, leaving her behind.
And so, a lone girl remained where he had left.
"……."
She stood there silently for a while, gazing at the spot he'd vanished from, quietly replaying the events. The chikan harassing her, him stepping in to help, their shared commute afterward. And all the contact with him along the way.
"His back……."
Feeling the lingering warmth, she placed a hand over her chest and whispered softly.
"A boy's back…… is sturdier than I thought......"
A pubescent girl still finding boys unfamiliar. For her, that first brush with a peer boy was enough to make her quiet heart pound wildly.