Arc 1: A whole new world

 Warning: psychological and sexual abuse.

Father out on business trip, Mother busy with sudden compulsory overtime, Aunt called over to babysit who was too immersed in the videogame she brought along with the brother, the 15 year old Ash finally got an opportunity. Stealing wasn’t good and she knew it, but had no other means of saving as she never received allowance. With whatever sum she managed to steal, when she left the gates, she was beyond ecstatic. However, at that time her father’s influence as a successful gem-broker was soaring which is why she needed to be highly discreet and quick. If even one person from the society recognized her, she was dead meat. That’s why Ash put on a mask and wore her outer coat inside out. Still...

“Ash, is that you? Don’t run, hey!” an unfamiliar masculine voice called out to her. Though the tone was formal, in her heart Ash knew- I never showed my face in public, let alone a man, how can he recognize me? It could’ve been a scum if he hadn’t called her name. That’s why it was all the more scary.

“Wait up, Ash. I know it’s you. I’d recognize that bag anywhere.” But he grabbed her shoulder, causing her to flinch at the sudden body contact. “Mister, I don’t know you. How about you let me-” ”How are you HERE? I heard your father doesn’t let you out?” The surprise in his eyes and his words, hit where it was sore. Ash yelled in anger, forgetting her purpose to conceal her identity. “What do you guys want then? I keep acting like a wooden doll locking myself up in a place where games or music, parties or take-outs,  fu**, even jokes are forbidden! Is that even my home or picnic with hell guards?

Along with her ramblings, countless emotions formed into countless poison arrows and penetrated her heart. She was frustrated at her lack of social knowledge, annoyed at the stranger poking questions that was uncalled for and mostly afraid; fear of the unknown, the range of which was especially wide for her.

The eyes of the man in front of her turned warm as he released her shoulder and gently held her hand. “So you tried to run away? Wondering who I am and how I recognized you?” Ash was uneasy because of his hand holding but ignored it as curiosity took over, nodding.

“I am Jonas Ruha and this is my 7^th month of internship at your father’s shop. I hope you heard of me. I’ve visited your house for spare keys a few times.” Ash remembered. Her father had praised him more than twice as a man honest to a fault, clumsy yet hard working, humorous and friendly college student in his early twenties. Now that I look at him, he’s tall slim and has a preferable face- Wow... he’s a total package, huh? “I moved here last month in a shared apartment with my classmates. I’ve seen you carry that bag to your academy many times on my way to work, so I recognized it.” Jonas was still going on though.

A: “Thanks for elaborating. Now if you please excuse me.” His smile changed from warm to tense as his hold tightened. J: “I did stop Ash out of curiosity but... I’m actually on my way back from a staff’s lunch. The stall is right around the corner and many of them should be still there. You’re running away, right? Think about it. If I recognized you just from the bag, can’t they?” Even if Ash hid her cold sweat and kept silent, panic and loss was clear in her gaze. Jonas spoke as if consoling a crying child. “I swear in the god’s name to not let a soul know about today’s happenings. If you’re willing, I can hide you in my apartment until they clear away. You can see the apartment from here.” Despite knowing him as a friendly person Ash was hesitant, but complied hearing him swear.

Jonas lived in an ordinary dual roomed apartment without a single furniture. As the rooms were yet to be painted, the whole apartment with its only window closed gave off a dark gloomy vibe. Ash followed him to the inner room. With clothes, stationary, food and utensil sprawled everywhere, the room was beyond messy. Only a mattress lay in the corner by the side of a stove and water pitcher. How 4 people lived here was beyond her. When she saw Jonas holding out a glass of water- A: “Sorry but I’m uncomfortable showing my face. Thank you for the drink though.”

J: “Were you planning to live outside your cocoon hiding your face forever? You do know that’s considered abnormal, no?” When she just stared blankly, he looked like he was the one more dumbfounded. “Living like you’ve lived until now... do you have any idea how common people live?” She was forced to realize that his words held no lie. The deep sigh responding to her humble shake of head made her flinch. “And you ran away just like that! Gosh... at least, let me show how to get a part time job or smth.” Jonas explained the videos and documentaries he showed her on jobs and interviews, cafes, restaurants, rental and bank works, what and whatnot. Seeing him like this, Ash felt at ease and genuinely thankful.

It was at this moment, when he suddenly touched her shoulder again. “It’s a common courtesy for guests to take off their outer coat and hosts to secure it. Don’t be shy. Learn instead.” Ash did so, swallowing the shame rising to her face along with the apple pie flavored biscuits she was nipping out of discomfort. However, she wasn’t even finished when Jonas tugged at the hem of her sundress. “Mr. Ruha!”

J: “Hush. I’m just helping you get comfortable with skin ship.” A: “What type of skin ship occurs under my dress! Don’t. It feels weird!” J: “You really don’t know anything about the outer world, huh? Here, this is what girls usually wear.” He took out a swimsuit magazine from under the mattress. Swimsuits aren’t something overly reserved girls like Ash would know about. So she innocently cried out: “Kya!! Don’t they feel shame? I’m dying just from removing my coat!”

J: “You’re so naive. After today, we might never meet again. Every type of skin ship you’ll need to face out there, I can teach you myself.” A: “Ah-um..th-that is.. how?” As if to strengthen his claim Jonas showed her a daily vlog of girls in tank top-shorts and comfy underwear. Only if Ash knew how meticulously she was being lied to.

Ash wondered what it was about his gaze that left her shaking like a leaf caught in a hurricane. He had her dress yanked roughly above her head letting the mild summer breeze rush to skim over her sweaty form. “Relax and lay back. I’ll show you everything you need to know.” When he touched her pants however, Ash abruptly sat up, stammering. “M-mr. Ruha! Please le-leave that b-be. I’m not wearing any..thing..under... Aah!” Instead of cooperating, he moved with greater force. They were nearly ripped off before he forced her thighs apart with his palms, making a particular pair of curtains exposed to his eyes. “I un-understand why y-you’re doing this, but ca-can we not? It’s embarrassing!”

“We’ve already started, no backing out now.” His stand was between her thighs, preventing them from closing as he made a pondering gesture. “However, if you do something for me I might lessen the burden?” Hearing his indulging tone, Ash’s eyes sparkled joyfully. ”Please. Do tell!” To her terrible surprise, Jonas bent down at 90˚ to hold her hand and place it on his belt. “Unclasp it. Let’s see if you can endure what’s inside.”