That Mysterious Man in My Dream

I was surprised. “Me… me too.”

Just like that, Steven ended up giving me a ride.

As he turned to fasten my seatbelt, I instinctively raised my hand to cover my face.

I did not know why, but I felt a sudden flicker of fear toward him.

Steven paused for a moment, then let out a soft laugh. “Are you afraid of me?”

I swallowed and shook my head. I wanted to explain, but I did not know how.

I lowered my head and turned slightly to the side. When I closed my eyes, a strong sense of familiarity washed over me.

It felt like someone was pressing me down in the passenger seat. I was in pain, but the other person paid no attention.

I could not remember the rest clearly.

I suddenly opened my eyes and breathed quickly. I met Steven’s gaze.

I was not sure if it was my imagination, but I thought I saw something else in his eyes. It was quiet and intense, like a hunter watching its prey. Then it disappeared.

“Zoe?”

Steven’s slightly concerned voice brought me back.

“I-I’m fine.” I wiped the sweat from my forehead.

After that, we went to Sugarfrost together. I parted ways with Steven to meet the person I had arranged to see. He seemed to be a college student too.

He said he had found a place to practice dancing. I did not suspect anything at first.

It was only when he led me into a small alley and urged me upstairs, where a few shady-looking people were, and faint noises came from above, that I realized how serious the situation was.

I had been deceived.

I held my bag tightly and pretended to walk upstairs. When he was not paying attention, I swung the bag at his face, pushed him back, and ran without looking behind me.

A curse came from behind.

I was terrified. I ran as fast as I could. I ran until I reached a street where there were at least a few people.

Tears ran down my face.

At that moment, I felt endless grief and loneliness.

It was as if I had been an orphan all my life and had never had a real friend. I could not even spend money without being tricked.

The more I thought about it, the more upset I became. The more upset I became, the harder I cried. I could not stop.

Then a car stopped in front of me. Someone got out, and a tall shadow loomed over me.

“Zoe, why are you crouching here?”

I looked up at the voice and sobbed. “Dr. Frost, I-I…”

He was truly gentle. He helped me into the car and spoke softly to comfort me.

I was crying so hard that I could barely catch my breath. I told him what had happened.

He tapped my nose lightly. I froze for a moment and then lowered my gaze.

“It’s nothing serious. I’ll be your date this weekend.”

“R‑really?”

He nodded and held me in his arms. The gesture felt natural and familiar. Then he said, “Of course. But next time, don’t cry.

“It’s not good for your eyes.”

As I listened to his gentle voice and smelled the faint scent in the car, I slowly fell asleep.

I did not know how much time had passed. I felt warm and uncomfortable, so I tugged at my T‑shirt. Then I felt something cool resting over me. It was soothing.

I wanted to speak, but no words would come out.

“Zoe, we’re home.”

I woke up groggily at the sound of his voice. I looked out the car window. It was almost dark.

Steven seemed to notice my confusion. He looked apologetic. “I’m really sorry. The car broke down when we were halfway along, but you were sleeping so soundly that I didn’t want to wake you.”

His words were completely sincere. I hurried to say it was fine. After all, I was in his car. If I had not met him today, who knew how long I would have spent crying?

“Go on ahead. I still have some things to do.

“See you this weekend.”

Steven’s smile lingered in my eyes for a moment. I froze slightly.

Then I noticed a slight glint on the knuckles of his right hand. It seemed to be saliva.

I only came back to my senses after the car drove away.

…

The weekend arrived as planned. I stood in front of my wardrobe trying to pick something to wear, but I realized I did not even have a decent dress.