[ LIE IN EUPHORIA ] + p.jm

DREAM (?)

Of course, no one stopped by, even though all that was needed was just a few seconds of their lives and a penny. But she wasn't one who could talk. If that sight truly bothered her, she would have walked out of that car and given him those few seconds that hybrid so needed.

As she was about to turn her eyes away, she heard a yell. From the corner of her eyes, she could tell where it was from.

Someone was yelling at the hybrid. A bottle of alcohol was thrown at him while he cowered in fear.

The car started again as the light turned green.

Her eyes were fixed on the scene as she remained silent, possibly lost in thought or contemplation.

" Stop, the car manager Kim. "

" What? "

" I said, stop the car. " She suddenly opened the door, which caused the man to panic and quickly park the car on the side.

" Hey, Nari, where are you going? Nari?! "

The woman exited the car and walked toward the scene. By the time she arrived, a few people had surrounded the scene, but they had yet to help. Nari clicked her tongue in annoyance and pushed the way.

She tapped on the shoulder of the man who was loudly exclaiming but quickly regretted it. A noxious wave of alcohol fumes flowed from his open mouth, causing her to promptly shield her face with her hand as she inwardly uttered a string of curses.

" What?! "

Without thinking, she poured her coffee latte on the man, and a stifled scream escaped his mouth.

People were filming, and those who hadn't wasted no time taking out their phones.

" Don't be so scared. It's gotten cold, so you shouldn't have felt the heat. "

" What? " As he seemed to take in what she said, he frowned and yelled again. " Who do you think you are? Who dare you- "

He raised his hand.

" Watch out. Every eye is on you, literally. " She smirked. " You know the era we live in. It wouldn't surprise me if someone was filming live. "

As he pivoted to scan his surroundings, he let his hand drop to his side and emitted an irritated click of his tongue.

" Nari! " A familiar voice called out her name.

She turned around as her manager ran toward her. " What are you doing here now? " He whispered closely to her ear. " What if someone recognizes you? Didn't you promise him not to cause any trouble? "

She tensed up. " It has already come up to this? What do you want me to do? " She whispered back.

"What are you two whispering? Huh? Are you going to pay for the clothes you dirtied? "

He looked at her up and down and smirked.

Irritated, she could tell where this was going. She turned her eyes toward the hybrid. It seemed like everyone had forgotten about him. He was still cowered on the side. His body shivering.

" Fine. Manage Kim, give him my professional card. "

He nodded in agreement and took a few steps toward the man to hand him the card. Unconsciously, he instinctively covered his nose with his hand due to the overwhelming, unpleasant scent of alcohol emanating from the man.

Who drinks that much in the middle of the day, he thought.

" What? What do you want me to do with this card? I'm asking you for monetary compensation! "

" And for that, you can directly contact my agency using the phone number on that card. "

He read the name out loud, " Model Muse Entertainment? "

He heard a few gasps around him, which confused him.

She nodded, " I work as an anchorwoman; you can find my name on the back. "

He eyed her before he did as she suggested, "...Do Nari? "

" Oh my god! " a woman suddenly exclaimed. With her hand in front of her mouth, she squealed, " Are you really Ms. Do Nari? I'm a huge fan! "

" Me too! "

" Ah, me too! Can you give me a sign?! "

" Wait, me too, a picture please!! "

Her manager stepped in, saying, " No, pictures, please. I'm aware you must be all excited, but Ms. Do actually has a tight schedule. She can't stay here for long. I would like your cooperation about this accident, please. "

People wined but listened to the man regardless.

Their phone up, some tried to sneak in to take a picture.

" What, you are famous? "

" Why? Are you scared now? Don't worry, I will pay for the clothes I have gotten dirty with my coffee. "

The man smirked and carefully put the card in his pocket. As her manager was overwhelmed with her fans, Nari whispered to the man.

" I hope the money will be enough for the amount you will have to pay for your mindless violence. "

She stepped back.

" What are you...? "

She smiled and said, "You've broken several laws in just a few minutes: causing a disturbance in public, engaging in violence, displaying improper behaviour involving alcohol during the daytime, and most importantly..." She looked at the hybrid. "Committing physical violence against a stray hybrid. The sentence for this can be up to two years."

The tense atmosphere was punctuated by an agitated outburst. "Who said that? I have done nothing wrong!" He spun around, eyes darting around. "What are you all looking at?" His voice rose to a scream. "I'm right! He is just a hybrid! A stray one at that! Who cares about what I do? You were all just watching, too! You are not better than me! Who cares if I-"

" Nari. "

Her manager was holding her hand, which was mid-air. Her jaw clenched.

" Not here. " He whispered. " There are too many eyes. "

As soon as those words left his mouth, three men in police officer uniforms arrived.

" Ah, officers, you arrived. I was the one who called you. " He let go of her hand.

People started whispering; some laughed, while others were shocked.

She threw no importance at them; her eyes were drawn to that poor, trembling body. She walked toward him and crouched down.

" It's okay, now. "

He tensed at her proximity and pushed himself further away, still not looking at her. His face remained hidden between his arms.

Silently, she took out her purse and pulled out a card that looked familiar: the Seoul Center for Hybrids, where she had volunteered years ago.

" If you ever need assistance, visit that location. They always welcome hybrids, whether they are stray or not. The people there are kind, and they even employ hybrids. "

The woman stood up.

" Whether you are lucky enough to get there is up to you. Only you can save yourself. " She whispered loud enough for him to hear. She knew he did as his ears twitched.

She then turned her heels and walked back toward the car.

" I will be in the car. "

" Ah, Nari- " Her manager sighed before turning his eyes to the officers.

As she reclined, she closed her eyes and placed her arm in front of her, exhaling deeply.

Internal conflict raged within her as she grappled with whether she should view herself as a hero or an egoist. Whichever way she looked at it, she couldn't shake off the feeling of profound unease deep inside.

" Either way, it feels like shit. This damn world is shit. " 

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