Episode 45

This episode is part two of **"His Past"** and a continuation of Yohan's flashback. Lost in the streets, a young Yohan encountered a friendly man, Oscar, who showed him kindness despite being a complete stranger.

## Synopsis

The old man set a large bag of crushed aluminum cans on the ground to relieve the weight off his back. He watched as Yohan, trembling with fear, attempted to hide himself behind a narrow pole. In a timid voice, Yohan stated that his mother warned him against speaking to strangers. Chuckling, the man pointed out that Yohan was still speaking to him. As Yohan fretted over his mistake, the man asked if he was lost, offering to help find his way. Rather than responding, Yohan firmly clamped his mouth shut. The old man took a lollipop out of his coat and waved it tantalizingly in front of Yohan. Lured by the sweet, Yohan darted out from behind the pole with his hands outstretched. The old man noted that it was also unwise to take candy from strangers. Realizing that the old man could be a kidnapper, Yohan quickly retreated back to his spot behind the pole.

Slightly frustrated, Yohan accused the old man of acting suspiciously. The man cocked his head, deciding not to argue, and bent down to pick up his sack of cans. Bidding Yohan farewell, he turned around and began to walk away. Before he could take more than a few steps, however, Yohan followed suit, begging him not to leave. As they amble down the street, the old man turned around to observe Yohan, who was quietly trailing him. Noticing that the child was carrying a backpack, he asked where Yohan went to school. He explained that it was safer to bring Yohan back to a public area such as his institute rather than his residence. After Yohan willingly cooperated, the old man led him safely back to the elementary school. He kindly reminded Yohan to follow his mother's advice regarding strangers. As he began to walk away, Yohan thanked him.

A week later, the old man passed by the same alley holding a stack of newspapers. To his surprise, he discovered Yohan dawdling at the pole again. Confused, the man asked if Yohan had lost his way again. Keeping his eyes down, Yohan admitted that he did want to be left alone at school, waiting for his mother to pick him up. He explained that his mother had weekly appointments at the hospital because of her pregnancy. Since the appointments often ran late, Yohan was often left waiting for hours. Realizing that Yohan was lonely, the old man suggested they return to his home to read comics.

Perking up at the idea, Yohan excitedly followed the old man into a tented dwelling erected against the side of a building. The walls were constructed of towering bookcases, each overflowing with various kinds of books. Trash bags and cardboard boxes occupied the corners and small nooks, and a single lamp hung from the center of the ceiling. The old man apologized for the shabby state of his home, explaining that he had been living there for several years. Fascinated, Yohan exclaimed that the home resembled a hideout. He pulled a volume of *Detective Conon* off a shelf and enthusiastically began to read it. The old man set down the aluminum cans, telling Yohan to address him as Oscar. Curiously, Yohan asked if Oscar was a collector. Oscar explained that he collected books that people threw away, considering it a shame to abandon such precious items. In his ample spare time, he would read to avoid any negativity that would otherwise intrude into his thoughts.

Noticing that Yohan was blatantly ignoring him, completely immersed in the *Detective Conon* comic, Oscar offered tea and chocolate chip cookies. As Yohan excitedly crawled over, Oscar suddenly realized that it was unwise to provide food. He apologized, explaining that Yohan's mother would likely be unhappy with how unhygienic it was. As Oscar attempted to explain himself, Yohan asked what made Oscar so different from him. Taken aback, Oscar lightly laughed and decided to offer the cookies. As Yohan cheerfully ate, he asked to visit again. Oscar agreed under the condition that he picked Yohan up, explaining that the area was relatively unsafe.

As the two began bonding over time, their meetings began to venture outside of Oscar's makeshift residence. On a particularly sunny day, Oscar fished at the docks while Yohan sat beside him, sketching. Curiously, Oscar asked to see Yohan's drawings. Yohan jumped and instinctively held his sketchpad tightly to his chest, shaking his head furiously. Oscar reassured Yohan that it was okay if he did not want to share his drawings. As Oscar turned back to the water, Yohan recalled the incident where his classmates bullied him for drawing by himself. In a low voice, he quietly asked Oscar how to make friends.

## Characters

*Characters are listed in order of appearance. Character first appearances are **bolded**.*

* Oscar
* Yohan Lee
* Yohan's Mother (mentioned)