Craving Scarecrow

"You are the person standing next to the manager, right?" Nina asked with a thrilled voice.

"That's right. You'll be alright, so don't cry," Draven said, offering her some water.

"Thanks.... I am really obliged to you. Thank you, truly," Nina cried, kneeling in front of him to show her gratitude.

"Please don't be like that. Your beauty is getting ruined by those tears. I'll walk you to your room," Draven said as he hugged Nina to comfort her.

Nina's face turned red, and Draven released her after a moment. "Sorry if you felt uncomfortable. I just thought this might help you feel better in this condition."

Nina wiped her tears and managed a small smile. "No, it's okay. Thank you again. I'm really thankful, but you don't have to help me more. I'm already in your debt."

"Don't worry. You can repay me whenever you want. In the end, we're colleagues, after all," Draven said, offering his hand.

Nina saw a light illuminating from Draven, which filled her with warmth and determination.

They walked together toward Nina's room. When she opened the door, Mina hugged her tightly. "Sister, I was really waiting for you!"

Nina hugged her back. "This is my little sister, Mina."

"She looks a little like you, but I must say—beauty clearly runs in your bloodline," Draven complimented.

Mina gave Draven a side-eye. "Is he your boyfriend? Are you going to leave me, Sister?" Mina started crying.

"Ahhhhhhh, you idiot! He's not my boyfriend, and I'm not going to leave you! Now keep quiet," Nina said, blushing slightly as she shut Mina's mouth with her hand.

"I guess your sister doesn't like me. Sigh. See you tomorrow. Don't be late. Oh, and here's your uniform," Draven said as he left.

Upon reaching outside, Draven glanced at Nina's room. "Those scars on her back... something really bad must have happened to her. She still doesn't trust me. I guess I can't ask her about it yet." He then walked off.

Inside, Nina sat on the floor, holding the uniform. "Nooo.... he saved my life, and I didn't even offer him anything. Guess he figured out I'm flat broke," she muttered, tears welling up in her eyes.

The next day, Nina entered the bar wearing her uniform. Draven was stunned by her beauty. The black apron over her white shirt and gray jeans looked stunning.

"Good morning, Draven," Nina greeted him with a smile.

"Oh, good morning," Draven replied.

"Were you thinking about something?" Nina asked.

"Yes, I was thinking about how beautiful you look in that apron," Draven said with an awkward smile.

Nina blushed and pulled her hair back. "Don't say things like that, you idiot," she muttered before walking inside to start cleaning.

"What? But I was just being honest..." Draven scratched his head, looking at the floor.

A month passed, and Draven and Nina grew even closer.

"Here, please accept this," Nina said, offering a beautifully wrapped scarf to Draven.

Draven placed his hand over the scarf, staring directly into Nina's eyes.

"What? Don't you like it?" Nina asked, her face falling.

"No, that's not it. You got your first payment yesterday, and now you're giving me an expensive gift. I assume you spent at least a fourth of your money on this scarf for me," Draven said with a serious look.

"That's none of your business," Nina snapped, her cheeks turning pink.

"Fine. Thanks for the gift. Please don't be mad at me," Draven said, moving his face closer to hers.

Nina blushed and quickly pulled back. "Ahhhhhhh, you idiot! I'm not mad!"

"Sorry about that. But you look even more beautiful when you're mad," Draven said, blushing as well.

"Okay, fine. I'm leaving. See you later," Nina said as she finished her work and left.

Draven watched her leave, looking worried. The manager approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"What?" Draven jumped, and the scarf fell to the floor.

"Oh, sorry. By the way, it's already evening. Your shift is over. Why are you still here?" the manager asked while rummaging under the counter.

"Ahhhh, nothing really... I was just...." Draven sneezed, cutting himself off.

"Careful. Your health isn't good. You should take some rest," the manager said.

By the time he looked up again, Draven was gone.

The night was beautiful, the lights from different shops illuminating the streets.

Draven walked slowly, his eyes fixed on a woman ahead of him. Nina had stopped in front of a shop window, staring at an expensive dress, and then walked away.

Draven approached the shop after her. Through the window, he saw the dress...it was for a child. He gave a soft, awkward smile.

The next evening, Nina was working late at the bar. She looked exhausted.

"I told you to take a rest! You're a valuable staff member here," the manager scolded Draven loudly before walking away.

Draven joined Nina, helping her clean. "He's really angry," Draven said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Are you unwell?" Nina asked, touching his forehead.

"Ahhhhhhh, it's nothing. Just a little cold," Draven said, sitting down.

"You should really rest," Nina said, her voice full of concern.

"Forget about me. Are you working overtime?" Draven asked, his head resting on the table.

"Yes. I need money quickly," Nina admitted, wiping a table nearby.

"Same here," Draven said, staring at the ceiling.

Nina glanced at him with worry in her eyes.

A month later, Nina got her payment. Smiling brightly, she ran to the shop. Draven followed quietly.

Outside the shop, Nina scratched at the glass. "Still not enough.... Damn it. I'm sorry, Mina," she whispered as tears fell from her eyes.

A hand holding cash appeared beside her. She turned slowly to see Draven smiling at her.

"What? Draven, what are you doing?" Nina asked, stepping back and wiping her tears.

"Here. Now you can buy that dress for her birthday," Draven said softly.

"Wait.... How did you know? Don't tell me you were overworking for...." Nina trailed off, stepping back further.

"Why should I take your money? It's not like Mina is your sister!" Nina shouted.

"Well, she will be. In the future, at least," Draven said, turning his face away, his voice barely above a whisper.

Nina was speechless. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she hugged Draven tightly, sobbing into his chest.

"Draven, I... I..." she tried to speak but couldn't.

Draven held her gently, his warmth reassuring her.