Saeles's jaw tightened. Rage coiled like a snake inside her chest. The vulnerability in Bada's voice—the trembling, the tears—was like a provocation, and she snapped.
Before Bada could react, Saeles grabbed her by the shirt and yanked her inside. Bada stumbled, landing hard on the wooden floor.
"You don't belong here! You don't belong anywhere near me!" Saeles hissed, voice sharp, cold, unyielding.
Bada tried to curl into herself, tears streaming. "I… I just… I care about you!" she sobbed.
Saeles didn't care. Her fists moved like lightning, striking Bada's ribs, stomach, and shoulders. Every punch made Bada cry out, small whimpers mixing with sobs. She tried to shield herself, but Saeles's strength was overwhelming.
"You're weak! You're stupid! Stay away!" Saeles shouted, grabbing Bada's hair and slamming her against the wall. Bada's vision blurred from the pain, yet even through the torment, she whispered between sobs:
"I… I'll come back… I'll… I'll never leave…"
Her words were broken, desperate, yet filled with unwavering devotion.
Saeles stepped back, chest heaving, fists still clenched. The room was silent except for Bada's quiet sobs and the sound of her own ragged breathing. For Saeles, it was nothing. For Bada, it was everything.
Outside, the wind rustled through the street, carrying the sound of tears, the scent of sweat, and the promise of an obsession that would only grow stronger with every strike, every scream, and every rejection.
Bada had been beaten, humiliated, and rejected. And yet, as she nursed her bruises and pressed herself against the door, her heart whispered the same thing:
I'll come back. I have to. I can't leave her… no matter what.