An Awkward Request

After hearing her request, my first feeling was bewilderment, naturally.

She just shows up out of nowhere and asks to stay? Does she think this is an inn or something? No, more importantly, why did she come here instead of an inn or something?

Curious about her reasons, I approached her without answering. Then I asked for her reasons first.

You want to stay? What are you talking about suddenly? Sorry to surprise you. But I have nowhere to stay...

Nikki replied, looking embarrassed. As I got closer, her appearance became clearer. The Nikki I hadn't seen in a while was utterly disheveled.

Her once fair skin was covered in sweat-mixed dust, and her pretty face was gaunt with heavy dark circles, as if she hadn't slept in days.

And that wasn't all. The short-sleeved shirt she was wearing was frayed and torn in places. It was clear she hadn't been doing well. That softened my gaze a little.

"What happened to you?"

"...Don't even ask."

In response to my question, she began to explain the *Full Story*...