Maybe he was rude for asking this girl for a Kleenex, but he had blood trickling from his eyebrow, and that wasn’t ideal. He watched her rummage through her bag, pulling out a small packet of tissues.
“Thanks,” Renlin replied, pressing the tissue against the cut. “Just had a bit of a rough morning."
Renlin," he said, managing a smile despite the throbbing pain in his face. “Not the best first impression, I know.”
He looked at her really for the first time now that he wasn’t distracted with his wound. She was short, really short. And that was saying something since he was somewhat of a giant. Thanks, Father!
Renlin noticed the details now. She had an edgy style, with medium length, maybe choppy hair that framed her face. Her clothes were a mix of vintage and modern, at least that’s what he thought. She carried herself with an air of confidence, despite her small stature.
“I think you might need more than just that. Isn’t there a nurse or something?” she said to him, her concern evident.
Renlin was highly against that. If he went there, odds were the head man in charge would find out, and Renlin didn’t feel like spending time in his office anytime soon again—not twice within 24 hours at least.
He shook his head. “Nah, it’s just a scratch. I’ve had worse.” He waved it off, trying to sound nonchalant.
“What’s your deal? Anything else in that bag that’s more interesting than a Kleenex? I mean, it saved my day. Maybe you’re my guardian angel?” Renlin teased, half-serious, half-joking, as he glanced at the bag she was carrying. he had asked, trying to shift the focus away from his battered face and the fight with Tae So.
He didn’t know her. She must be new. Renlin prided himself on knowing everyone, and new people always intrigued him. He watched her for a moment, taking in her short stature and style. She seemed out of place and yet completely self-assured.
As he pondered, his fingers instinctively found their way into his pocket, searching for the familiar comfort, one of hai coins. Feeling the cool metal against his skin, he gripped it tightly in his palm, a grounding presence amid the chaos of his thoughts.
As he stood there, gripping the coin in his pocket and taking in the new girl, his mind wandered to what his sister, Inessa, would say when she found out about the fight. Inessa had always been the more level-headed of the two, often playing the role of his moral compass. She would undoubtedly be disappointed, maybe even angry.
He could already picture her face, a mix of frustration and concern, her brow furrowing as she crossed her arms and gave him that look. Renlin sighed inwardly, imagining the inevitable lecture about thinking before acting, about not letting his emotions get the better of him. She’d remind him of their family’s precarious reputation and how his actions reflected on all of them.
But deeper than her disappointment, he knew she’d be worried. Inessa had always been protective, ever since they were kids. She would want to know every detail, why he had gotten into a fight, and if he was okay. She’d ask about Tae So, too, and whether the rift between their families had widened even further.
Renlin’s grip on the coin tightened. He hated disappointing her. Inessa had been through enough without him adding to her worries. He wanted to find a way to explain it all to her, to make her understand why he had lost control. Maybe she would have some advice, something that could help him navigate this mess.
But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the present moment. There would be time to deal with Inessa’s reaction later. Right now, he had to figure out how to clean up and make a better impression on the new girl, despite the blood and bruises.
@novella freeeyyyaa