Breaking Her Innocence

Snow and Katarina reached the front gate of the townhouse, a quaint residence in the heart of Sierra-Madre. A small convenience store was nestled to the left of the entrance. Snow glanced at it and suggested, "Let's grab some ice cream."

Katarina hesitated. "I don't have any money."

Snow grinned and waved off the concern. "Yeah, but you have me." Without waiting for a response, she gently dragged Katarina into the store. "Pick anything you like."

"Thank you," Katarina said, her eyes lighting up as she scanned the freezers. She selected two strawberry popsicles and held them up, asking, "Can I have two?"

Snow chuckled at her enthusiasm. "Of course."

With their icy treats in hand, they made their way to the cashier. Snow paid for the items, then turned to Katarina. "By the way, do you have any plans this weekend?"

"Not yet," Katarina replied, unwrapping one of her popsicles.

"Perfect! Let's go on a little tour around the city," Snow suggested, her tone bright and inviting.

Katarina's eyes sparkled with excitement. "That sounds amazing. Thank you for thinking of me."

"I enjoy being around you," Snow admitted. "It's only natural I'd want to help you settle in."

The two shared a warm smile as they left the store and strolled through the townhouse streets. Snow's home was ten blocks away from Sharon's, yet she insisted on escorting Katarina all the way.

When they reached a large tree across the road from Snow's house, Snow paused and pointed. "That's where I live."

Katarina nodded in admiration. "It's beautiful. Do you live alone?"

"Yeah. Most of the residents here are students or young couples," Snow explained.

"I see." Katarina hesitated before asking, "Could I stop by for a bit?"

"Of course! Come on," Snow said, leading the way.

As they stepped onto the street to cross, a loud car horn blared. Snow froze as a car sped toward her. Before she could react, a strong hand yanked her back, and both she and her savior tumbled to the side of the road. The car's tire grazed the edge of Snow's bicycle, scattering flowers and letters from the basket into the air. The driver leaned out of the window, shouting profanities, before speeding away.

Snow sat in shock, her breath catching in her throat. Slowly, she realized someone had cushioned her fall. She turned to see a tall girl with sharp features and concerned eyes.

"Yuzu?" Snow stammered, recognizing the volleyball player she'd met earlier that day.

Yuzu winced as she sat up, brushing dirt from her hands. Her forearm was bleeding, but she gave Snow a reassuring smile. "Are you okay? You're not hurt, are you?"

Snow's voice trembled as tears welled in her eyes. "I-I'm fine, but you're bleeding. This is all my fault."

Yuzu frowned, gently brushing away Snow's tears. "Hey, don't cry. It's just a scratch. Are you sure you're okay?"

Snow nodded, but her guilt was evident. "I'm so sorry. Please, let me take you to a hospital."

"There's no need for that," Yuzu replied, her tone soft yet firm. "A first-aid kit will do."

Snow insisted, "At least let me clean the wound. Please."

Yuzu hesitated, then nodded. "Alright, if it'll make you feel better."

Snow turned to Katarina, who had been watching the scene unfold with wide eyes. "Katarina, help me get her inside."

Together, they helped Yuzu to her feet and guided her to Snow's house. Snow immediately retrieved her first-aid kit and began tending to Yuzu's injuries. She worked carefully, her brow furrowed in concentration.

"Does it hurt?" Katarina asked, sitting cross-legged on the floor like a curious child.

"It stings a bit, but I'm used to it," Yuzu replied. "Volleyball practice can be rough sometimes."

"You play volleyball?" Katarina asked, her tone laced with admiration.

Yuzu nodded. "I joined the team today. Tryouts are this weekend."

"Bonne chance," Katarina said with a smile.

"Thanks. I'll give it my best," Yuzu replied, her eyes briefly meeting Katarina's before returning to Snow, who was wrapping her arm in a bandage.

Snow's hands trembled slightly as she worked. She finally spoke, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for saving me, Yuzu. I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't been there."

Yuzu gave her a small smile. "You don't have to thank me. Anyone would've done the same."

"No," Snow insisted, her voice breaking. "You could've gotten seriously hurt because of me."

Yuzu tilted her head, studying Snow's expression. "If you feel that strongly about it, how about you do something for me?"

"Anything," Snow said without hesitation.

"Let me pick you up for school until you get a new bicycle," Yuzu said casually, her eyes glinting with mischief.

Snow blinked in confusion. "That doesn't make any sense. I should be doing something for you, not the other way around."

Yuzu leaned closer, her gaze unwavering. "This is what I want. Just say yes, Kim Snow."

The way Yuzu said her name sent a shiver down Snow's spine. She felt her cheeks heat up as she reluctantly agreed. "Okay, if that's what you want. But it's still a strange request."

Yuzu simply smiled, a hint of satisfaction in her expression.

Katarina, observing the interaction, giggled softly. "You two are funny together."

Snow shot her a playful glare, and Yuzu chuckled.

Once Snow finished bandaging Yuzu's arm, she sat back on her heels, her expression still filled with guilt. "Does it feel any better now?" she asked, her voice softer than before.

Yuzu flexed her fingers and gave a small nod. "It's good enough. You're pretty good at this."

Snow exhaled a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "I've had to patch myself up a few times. Accidents happen when you're clumsy like me."

Katarina, who had been quietly observing, suddenly chimed in, "Snow isn't clumsy. She's just... easily distracted sometimes."

Snow shot her a look. "Thank you for that glowing review, Katarina."

Yuzu chuckled, leaning back against the couch. "I don't mind. It made today a little more interesting."

Snow raised an eyebrow. "Interesting? You got hurt because of me. That's hardly a good thing."

Yuzu's gaze softened. "If you weren't okay, that would've been a problem. I'd rather get a few scratches than see you hurt."

The sincerity in Yuzu's voice made Snow's cheeks warm. She fumbled for a response, but Katarina beat her to it.

"Wow, Yuzu, that's such a hero thing to say," Katarina teased with a sly grin.

Yuzu shrugged nonchalantly. "I'm not a hero. I just don't like seeing people in trouble, that's all."

Snow tried to change the subject, still flustered. "Anyway, you're sure you don't want to go to the hospital? I could call a cab."

"I promise, I'm fine," Yuzu assured her. She tilted her head slightly, a playful smile tugging at her lips. "But you did agree to my condition earlier, remember?"

Snow sighed, her shoulders slumping. "I still think it's strange, but yes, I remember."

"You'll let me pick you up for school?" Yuzu asked, her tone teasing.

"Fine, fine," Snow muttered, crossing her arms. "But only until I get a new bike."

Katarina grinned. "I think it's cute. Yuzu, you're like her knight in shining armor."

Yuzu smirked. "I'll take that as a compliment."

Snow groaned. "Can we stop with the teasing, please? I already feel bad enough."

Yuzu leaned forward slightly, her expression softening again. "Snow, you don't have to keep blaming yourself. It's over, and I'm okay. Let's just move on, alright?"

Snow hesitated before nodding. "Alright. But if you need anything—anything at all—just tell me."

Yuzu smiled. "Deal."

Katarina stretched her arms and stood up. "So, since we're all here, why don't we do something fun? This feels too serious for a first hangout."

Snow glanced around, suddenly aware of how quiet her house felt. "I don't have much to do here. My TV's broken, and I haven't set up the Wi-Fi yet."

"Wait, no Wi-Fi?" Katarina gasped, clutching her chest dramatically. "How do you survive?"

Snow rolled her eyes. "It's not that bad. I just read books or go out."

Yuzu glanced at the bookshelf near the window. "You read a lot?"

"Yeah," Snow said with a small smile. "It's kind of my escape. I like losing myself in different stories."

Katarina smirked. "What kind of stories? Romance, I bet."

Snow flushed. "Sometimes. What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing!" Katarina said quickly, raising her hands in mock surrender. "I'm just saying, it suits you."

Yuzu's gaze lingered on Snow for a moment before she asked, "Do you have a favorite book?"

Snow hesitated, looking thoughtful. "There's this one about two strangers who meet in the most unlikely circumstances and end up changing each other's lives. It's... kind of bittersweet, but I love it."

Yuzu's lips quirked up in a faint smile. "Sounds like something you'd enjoy. Do you believe in that? Meeting someone who changes your life?"

Snow blinked at the question, caught off guard. "I... I guess I do. It's a nice thought, isn't it?"

Yuzu nodded, her eyes never leaving Snow's. "Yeah. It is."

Katarina, sensing the shift in mood, clapped her hands together. "Alright, before we all get too emotional, how about I run to the convenience store and grab some snacks? We can have a mini celebration for surviving today's craziness."

Snow looked skeptical. "You just want more strawberry popsicles, don't you?"

Katarina grinned sheepishly. "Maybe. But I'll bring chips too!"

Before anyone could protest, she grabbed her bag and dashed out the door, leaving Snow and Yuzu alone in the quiet house.

The silence was comfortable at first, but Snow quickly grew self-conscious under Yuzu's steady gaze. She fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve. "So, uh... thanks again. For everything today."

"You've thanked me enough," Yuzu said with a soft chuckle. She leaned forward slightly, resting her elbows on her knees. "But if you really want to make it up to me, you could answer one more question."

Snow tilted her head. "What question?"

"Why are you so kind?" Yuzu asked, her tone genuine.

Snow blinked, caught off guard. "I... I don't know. I guess I just think it's important to help people when you can."

Yuzu studied her for a moment before nodding. "That makes sense. You're a good person, Snow."

Snow felt her cheeks warm again and quickly looked away. "I'm not that great. I just do what I can."

"Well, whatever you're doing, don't stop," Yuzu said, her voice quiet but firm.

Before Snow could respond, the door burst open, and Katarina returned, arms full of snacks and drinks. "Alright, party time! I got chips, soda, and, of course, more strawberry popsicles!"

Snow laughed, grateful for the interruption. "You're unbelievable."

Katarina plopped onto the couch between Snow and Yuzu, handing them each a snack. "What can I say? I'm here to bring joy and sugar."

As the three of them settled into a lively conversation, the tension from earlier faded completely. Snow couldn't help but smile, realizing how much brighter her life had become in just one day.