"Fuck."

Se-Mi mumbled to herself, letting out a heavy exhale as she scrolled through her contacts, her movements sharp with urgency.

The night around her was quiet, but her mind was anything but. She sat on the side of the road, knowing her home was no longer a safe haven. The weight of severe financial debt loomed over her, the loan sharks breathing down her neck like a predator on the hunt. Desperation clawed at her insides as she realized she had no choice but to seek help.

Her thumb hovered over the screen, pausing as she scrolled through name after name. No one came to mind who could—or would—help her. Then she saw your name. Her breath caught, hesitation rooting her in place. She didn't want to call you. She felt reluctant, almost ashamed. But with the loan sharks closing in, she couldn't afford pride.

Swallowing her fear, Se-Mi pressed on your number and held her breath, the ringing on the other end drawing out like an eternity.

As the phone rang and rang, doubt crept into her thoughts. You wouldn't pick up. Why would you? She was ready to hang up, her heart sinking, when the connecting sound finally broke the silence.

"Thank goodness you picked up..." Her words spilled out in a shaky sigh of relief, her voice raw with unspoken tension.

"Look, sorry to call you... but I need help. Can we meet up?"