Averie pushed his friend forward.
"You go check it out."
But Hyerin did not dare. She held onto his arm.
"No, you should go," she replied through her clattering teeth.
"Who is the older one? You, right? Then, you go."
"You are the employer; you should be the one acting responsibly."
"I'll give you a raise."
"How could I accept that? I have already received so much from you."
Another loud cry came from downstairs. It sounded like Min-Ha's sobs.
The two looked at each other, held hands like preschoolers, and took a step forward.
"Nothing will hurt us if we are together."
"Yeah."
It was past seven in the evening. Streetlights were burning outside, and the flat they were in was on the third floor.
The air was chilly, and the dust was making it difficult to breathe without coughing.
Hyerin stuck to Averie like glue as they made their way down the flight of stairs. The corridor was dark, with all the lights off. They couldn't make out shapes or figures.
