BNO Ch 3

“Hakbin!” Sora’s voice rose, but no answer came. Hakbin was a good swimmer, but he was drunk. The sudden situation left Sora’s mind blank. She was the only one left at the pension.

Sora quickly looked around. There were no tubes, not even a stick. Meanwhile, Hakbin’s movements were getting weaker.

Sora’s heart pounded with anxiety. Even if she called 119, it wouldn’t change the immediate situation. That would be after she pulled Hakbin out. If she left him like this, he would die. Unconsciously, she took a step forward, and the water suddenly seemed deeper and darker.

As always, the memory of her childhood near-drowning experience surfaced. The cold water, the chilling sensation wrapping around her body, the suffocating fear washed over her.

Her hands trembled, her breath grew ragged. Fear swirled in her head. But then she saw Hakbin struggling in the water again. His face was sinking lower and lower.

Hakbin might die.

That was an even greater fear. Her heart pounded like a drum. As if possessed, she walked towards the water.

“Hakbin…” Sora murmured softly, dipping her foot into the water. The cold water slowly rose from her toes. Her heart began to beat heavily and rapidly. The rational thought, Can I, someone who can’t swim at all, save him?, had long since vanished, replaced by the image of Hakbin floating lifelessly.

She had to save him. No matter what, even if it meant her own death…

Sora threw herself towards him. Splash. The sound of breaking water echoed through the quiet pool.

As the water reached her neck, the ingrained fear surged. Sora kicked hard, but her feet touched nothing. In that moment, the pool felt like a bottomless abyss. Her body stiffened, unable to move any further.

Terror consumed her. The more Sora struggled, the deeper the water sucked her in.

In a fleeting moment, her vision blurred, and her body sank into the cold water. Water filled her lungs with an accidental breath, and the fear of drowning tightened its grip around her heart.

Even then, she groped through the water, searching for Hakbin somewhere ahead. Her body, meant to move forward, sank lower and lower. She desperately flailed her arms and legs, trying to surface, but only exhausted herself.

The air in her lungs dwindled, and her chest ached. All sorts of thoughts flashed through her mind. The thought of saving Hakbin and the fear of death tore her apart.

Hakbin…

In the boundless terror, Sora was gripped by the guilt of failing to save him. At that moment, a boy’s voice, etched somewhere in her memory, echoed.

‘I’m scared.’

‘What are you scared of?’

‘Of drowning…like last time…’

‘Then I’ll save you. Like last time. Come on.’

‘You’re too late. You should have come sooner.’

‘Sorry. I’ll be quicker.’

The warm memory of a bygone day resonated in her cold heart. In that moment, Sora stopped resisting. The water embraced her in its cold arms, and her consciousness drifted away. The last sensation she felt in the water was a lonely, cold terror.

But just then, her sinking body was suddenly pulled upwards. The heavy pressure of the water gradually released, and cold water streamed down her body.

Finally, her head broke the surface, and Sora instinctively opened her mouth and gasped for air. The first breath she took out of the water was like sweet relief, quenching a thirst for life, yet it was so cold and harsh. She desperately gulped it down.

Then, she coughed violently, expelling the water she had swallowed. A burning pain seared her lungs, but that pain made her realize she was alive.

Cough, cough. The sound of her coughing echoed for a long time in the quiet pool. Only after catching her breath did she realize someone was supporting her waist. As her vision cleared, she saw the face of her rescuer. It was Hakbin.

They stared at each other in silence.

In the cool night air, only their breaths could be heard softly. Silver fragments of moonlight, broken on the water’s surface, danced on their faces.

Droplets of water fell from Hakbin’s wet hair, creating small ripples on the still surface. His arms around her waist were firm and warm. Sora instinctively clutched his shoulders. She scanned his body with her eyes, checking on him.

“Are… are you okay?”

It was all she could manage after catching her breath. Hakbin looked down at her. His eyes, revealed beneath his wet eyelashes, reflected a strange calmness. Too calm and serene for someone who had just been in mortal danger.

“You still jumped in…”

“…What?”

“Were you scared I’d die? Enough to jump in even though you can’t swim?”

Hakbin whispered, burying his face in the crook of her neck. His breath, tinged with amusement, tickled her skin. A chilling premonition froze Sora.

“You… you didn’t… on purpose…?”

Her voice was a mixture of confusion and anger. The suppressed chuckle she heard confirmed her suspicion. He had pretended to drown, testing her reaction.

“How… how could you? You know I’m afraid of water… How could you… I really thought you were dying…”

Betrayal cut her like a knife. She couldn’t believe that Hakbin, of all people, had lured her into the water.

‘Then I’ll save you.’

‘…Quickly?’

‘Yes. I’ll be quick.’

The boy who promised to save her had become the weight that dragged her down. Memories once filled with trust crumbled and burned.

The weight of guilt pressed down on her again. As Sora gasped and sobbed, he lifted his head to face her. Close enough for their breaths to mingle, Hakbin silently watched her tears.

“You seemed to have forgotten what’s important.”

“…”

“Now you know, don’t you? Who’s important to you.”

“…”

“Do this from now on. The person you need to save is me. You always have to watch me, make sure nothing happens to me.”

Hot tears streamed down her face as she stared at him. Her vision blurred, and her breath caught in her throat. Hakbin, forehead pressed against hers, said,

“You’re responsible for me.”

Hakbin’s words pierced her heart like a dagger. Cold blood drained from her heart, and the scent of smoke filled her breath. The bitter scent brought back memories of another day.

The fire, her uncle’s screams, the terrified face of a child who had lost her mother, and herself, the cause of it all…

Sora felt her vision blurring, struggling within the wreckage of the past. Her inner self was tossed in an endless nightmare, the cold water constantly washing over her, giving her no room to breathe.

Hakbin’s gaze, deep and dark like the water, choked her. In his cold embrace, Sora was gripped by the despair that she might never escape the responsibility he spoke of.

His alcohol-laced breath grazed her face. Drunk, he was more honest than ever, and therefore, more cruel.

“Answer me, Sora.”

His voice resonated deep within her, creating a massive wave. His cold, sharp eyes flashed with the determination never to let her go.

She wanted to escape. She wanted it to stop…

The lifelong weight of guilt. Hakbin.

She shakily raised her cold, wet hand and tried to push him away. Her fingertips trembled uncontrollably. Hakbin held her life in his hands. If he let go, she would be plunged back into the fear of death. Yet, Sora wanted to escape.

Then, as if refusing to even allow death, Hakbin tightened his grip around her waist and whispered,

“You’re mine.”

Hakbin’s eyes were as black as the deep water that had swallowed her.

In that moment, Sora realized Hakbin was the water. No matter how hard she struggled, she couldn’t escape its deep, dark depths. His existence was her greatest fear and her inescapable fate. In his eyes, Sora saw herself sinking endlessly.

“Aren’t you?”

As Sora involuntarily flinched, cold waves enveloped her, churning endlessly. She knew. No matter how desperately she struggled, she couldn’t escape his powerful grip.

His cold gaze intensified her fear. Like when she had been drowning, she felt suffocated, her heart pounding, her body paralyzed.

Adrift in the cold waves, Sora realized she could never escape.

“Yes…”

At her response, a cold smile played on Hakbin’s lips. In that instant, he pulled her even tighter. In his embrace, Sora felt utterly insignificant. His hug was her only anchor in the cold waves, but that anchor was gradually dragging her into a deeper abyss.

Sora was afraid of the water. She was afraid of Lee Hakbin.

🤍

After returning from the trip, Hakbin sought out Sora more frequently.

It wasn’t for any particular reason. He would simply call Sora after class and make her sit on his lap during breaks. This had happened a few times before, so his friends continued their conversations without acknowledging Sora’s presence.

“Hey, did you meet Jin after the trip?”

“Me? Nah, not yet.”

“Why? You seemed like you were about to ask her out any minute.”

Jin. Sora recalled the girl from the trip who hovered around Hakbin, constantly talking to him.

“No way, she wasn’t interested in me. She was there for Lee Hakbin. She made it super obvious during the drinking session.”

“Oh, right. If Sora hadn’t been there, she would’ve sat next to Lee Hakbin. But since he kept Sora by his side, Jin couldn’t do anything.”

“Hey, Lee Hakbin. I’m probably out of the running anyway, so should I give you her number? I bet she’d go crazy if you contacted her.”

Crude jokes flew back and forth between the boys. As usual, this wasn’t the place for her. Sora shifted slightly, trying to signal her discomfort, but Hakbin continued to hold her. He answered casually,

“Not interested.”

“Why? Jin’s pretty and…”

A sudden silence made Sora look up. Their gazes, which had been scanning her, scattered.

“Leave it. Lee Hakbin is determined to hold out for another year.”

“Does he really have to hold out?”

“I don’t know. What goes on in his head… honestly, he’s a bit of a masochist.”

“He only has eyes for one person.”

“Damn, some of us can’t even get a glance from those ‘one persons’… Life’s a bitch. It’s so unfair.”

Sora couldn’t understand half of their conversation, but she instinctively knew it was dirty talk.

“Hakbin, I want to go…”

Sora turned her head and spoke softly. Hakbin, who had been resting his chin on her shoulder, smirked.

“Why? You know these guys. Is it boring?”

Sora nodded without hesitation. She couldn’t possibly enjoy their lewd jokes about a girl she knew. Hakbin looked past her and said,

“Hey, Song Seunghyun. Tell us something funny. Sora’s bored.”

“What the hell? Am I your comedian?”

“Aren’t you?”

“Ugh… what am I supposed to say in front of a girl?”

“You have that impersonation. Do it.”

“Hey, I’m not…”

Hakbin treated Seunghyun like a subordinate. This was a familiar attitude to Sora. Hakbin looked down on everyone except his father. Seunghyun looked slightly annoyed, but he bit his lip and held back, appeased by his friends.

The strange atmosphere made Sora even more uncomfortable. Her attempt to escape had only made the situation worse.

After a moment’s hesitation, Seunghyun performed a few impersonations. Hakbin held Sora’s wrist and clapped, like he was handling Inhyung. Then he asked Sora, as if checking in,

“Is it fun now?”

Afraid of making things worse, Sora forced a smile and replied,

“…Yes.”

“Good.”

He smiled with satisfaction and buried his face in the crook of her neck. His arms tightened around her waist and stomach like a seatbelt. Sora glanced around, gauging the reactions of others.

A chilly atmosphere filled the classroom. Glances darted towards them from every direction. Some of them were Sora’s friends.

Their eyes were filled with surprise and bewilderment. This wasn’t the first time something like this had happened, but it was the first time Hakbin had held her for so long. And Sora felt strangely different this time.

The longer she stayed by Hakbin’s side, the more anxious Sora became. The other students knew they were childhood friends, but there was a clear line between Sora and Hakbin. Sora was a different kind of person.

The model student older sister and the delinquent younger brother. That was Sora’s condition for fitting in.

Therefore, Sora was afraid that seeing her with Hakbin’s group would make them think she was one of them. More than anyone, Sora knew how the other students viewed Hakbin and his friends.

As expected, whenever their eyes met Sora’s, they quickly turned away. They knew there was nothing to gain from being associated with Hakbin.

When even her friends looked away, a familiar sense of loss washed over her. The fear of being completely alone crept in. Hakbin had been isolating her like this all along.

The bell rang, and his friends returned to their seats. Sora stood up too.

It had only been 10 minutes on his lap, but she felt exhausted, like she had just run a marathon. He lightly grabbed her arm as she turned to go back to her seat. Sora looked at him. His languid eyes blinked slowly, as if he were about to fall asleep.

“Why?”

“Come back next break.”

“Next period, I have to go see my homeroom teacher.”

“Why?”

“Career counseling.”

Hakbin was silent for a moment, as if lost in thought. Then he released Sora’s hand and added,

“Don’t forget what I said.”

His words brought back the memory of the swimming pool last weekend.

‘The person you need to save is me. You always have to watch me, make sure nothing happens to me.’

‘You’re responsible for me.’

He was openly against Sora’s dream of becoming a paramedic.

Just then, the classroom door opened, and the teacher entered. At the teacher’s sharp command to sit down, Sora was able to turn away without answering Hakbin.

🤍

With midterms approaching, gym class was replaced with self-study. Sora was called in for career counseling with her homeroom teacher. Looking at the career aspirations section, which was unchanged from the first semester, the teacher asked,

“So, Sora, your plans are pretty much the same as last semester? Aiming for H University’s nursing program, gaining experience at a hospital, and then taking the exam to become a paramedic?”

Sora nodded without hesitation. Regardless of Hakbin’s wishes, she didn’t want to give up on the first dream she had ever found. The most admirable person in Sora’s world was the woman (presumably a paramedic), and Sora wanted to be just like her.

‘You’re mine, aren’t you?’

‘…Yes.’

Even though she had answered that way, Sora still firmly believed that Hakbin would distance himself from her when he became an adult. She thought he only cared about her now because they were trapped in the narrow social confines of school. Once he entered society, started a new job or a relationship, he wouldn’t pay her as much attention.

Then she wouldn’t have to worry about him anymore. In the long run, it would be foolish to be intimidated by Hakbin’s words and give up on all her dreams.

“From what I see, Sora, you’ll easily get accepted if you keep this up. Your grades are good, and you just need to meet the minimum requirement on the CSAT. But your mock exam scores are also good, so as long as they don’t drop significantly…”

Sora’s grades were well above the cutoff. If she continued as she was, she would get into her desired university. The counseling session quickly drew to a close.

There wasn’t much a teacher could say to a student who worked hard at everything. Sora was a child who would do well even if left alone.

“Um, do you have any other concerns these days, besides college?”

The teacher asked as she placed Sora’s student record on the desk. It was a sign that the counseling session would end if Sora said no. Sora’s only concern, which was always positive, was ‘Hakbin.’ However, it was a worry she couldn’t share with anyone. Sora shook her head.

“No.”

“Really? That’s good. I was worried because you seemed a bit down lately. Maybe it was the heat?”

The events of the past few days flashed through Sora’s mind. The incident at the swimming pool had briefly plunged her into depression, and it must have shown on her face.

“Do I still look like that?”

Sora asked, touching her face. The corners of her mouth were turned up in a normal smile. The teacher stared at Sora’s clear face and tilted her head.

“Hmm… no. I must have been mistaken. You always smile, Sora, so when you’re expressionless, I tend to think you’re not feeling well.”

She smiled, concluding the conversation. Sora also smiled and stood up. As she bowed her head to say goodbye, the teacher stopped her.

“Oh, right. Sora.”

“Yes?”

“You’re close with Hakbin, right?”

Sora nodded. The homeroom teacher widened her eyes and patted the chair, gesturing for Sora to sit down again. As Sora sat, the teacher sighed and said,

“Hakbin had his career counseling last week.”

“Yes.”

“Sora, you saw that commercial Hakbin filmed, right?”

Sora had only seen the commercial last week. If her friends hadn’t mentioned it, she might have never known about it.

“Yes. The ionic drink commercial.”

“Right, that one. I naturally assumed Hakbin would pursue a career in that direction after seeing it, but he said he only considered it a short-term gig. He seems to be avoiding further work, even though offers are coming in.”

So it was just a part-time job for him. He could be simple-minded, likely taking the commercial just for the immediate payment. He bought the motorcycle, so his goal was achieved, and he probably didn’t want to do any more work.

“Hakbin isn’t the type to be passionate about anything. He probably just needed the money.”

“Ah… right. Hakbin’s personality is like that, but it’s a shame. He’s left the career aspirations section blank for two years…”

Sora had found a dream, but Hakbin still hadn’t envisioned a future for himself. He seemed trapped in that childhood night when everything burned down. Sora’s chest tightened; she felt the greatest responsibility for that incident.

“So, Sora, I was wondering if you could talk to him?”

“Me?”

Sora asked back. The teacher nodded with a bright smile.

“You’re childhood friends with Hakbin, aren’t you? He might not listen to me, but he might listen to a friend.”

“Well… Hakbin is very impulsive… He doesn’t do anything he doesn’t want to do…”

There was a clear hierarchy in Sora and Hakbin’s relationship. Sora wasn’t in a position to casually comment on his future. However, like the teacher, Sora also hoped Hakbin would find a career path. He needed a job, for his uncle’s sake and his own. And for Sora’s sake, too…

“I’ll try talking to him.”

“Yes, please try to persuade him. I think Hakbin could really be successful.”

The teacher also seemed to think his looks could attract public attention. Sora agreed. She bowed her head and left the staff room. Just then, the bell rang, signaling break time, and students poured into the hallway.

Sora walked very slowly among the bustling students. If she returned to the classroom now, she would have to sit in the same uncomfortable position as an hour ago.

As she approached the classroom, Sora turned toward the stairs. It would be better to hide a floor above or below and then return later.

“Oh, Sora!”

Someone called her name. Sora looked up and saw Wooseok coming down the stairs. He strode towards her with his long legs. This was the first time she had seen him since he had unilaterally given her the necklace. Sora reflexively bowed her head.

“Oh, hello.”

“Ah, no. Don’t greet me like that.”

He seemed uncomfortable with the formal greeting, fidgeting with his hands.

“Just be casual. Casual…”

“But you’re a senior…”

“No, it’s okay. Just say ‘Hey, Wooseok, get me some bread,’ or whatever.”

He flicked his hand in the air, imitating a delinquent. A few passing students glanced at Wooseok, thinking he had called them. Sora burst out laughing at his sudden performance. He seemed more interesting than she thought.

“Oh, you laughed.”

“It was funny.”

“Ah, that makes me feel good. Thanks for laughing at that.”

“No, I should be thanking you. You made me laugh.”

He scratched under his nose, as if embarrassed, and glanced at Sora. When their eyes met, he looked slightly flustered and turned away. His ears were bright red.

“Um… you weren’t in supplementary class on the weekend. Did something happen?”

“Ah, I went on a trip.”

“Ah, so… a family trip?”

“No, with friends…”

“Oh, where did you go?”

Wooseok seemed to be sociable. Thanks to him, the conversation flowed smoothly.

“Just to see the ocean.”

“The ocean~ The ocean’s nice.”

“Ah, but where were you going?”

A third-year student must have had a reason for being on the second-year floor. Sora shifted her body to make way for him, but he remained facing her, unmoving.

“Sora, do you know who I should ask about using the gym?”

“The gym?”

“Yeah, our class has gym next, but some kids want to play dodgeball. The gym teacher said we could if we got the key. Since the second years mostly have self-study these days, I thought we might be able to use it.”

Sora understood the situation. She readily offered to help.

“You should probably go to the gym teacher.”

“Who’s the second-year gym teacher?”

“Do you know Mr. Noh Jumin?”

“No…”

“He might be in the staff room. You can go to the second-year staff room…”

As Sora gestured towards the staff room at the end of the hallway, his eyes glazed over. He seemed unsure if he could find the teacher in time. Noticing his apprehension, Sora chuckled and asked,

“Should I go with you?”

“Huh? Really?”

“Yes, I have some free time.”

She had been planning to kill time somewhere anyway. Sora decided to spend the remaining seven minutes of break time helping Wooseok find the gym teacher. After a moment of consideration about how to address him, she decided to call him “Senior.”

“But, Senior, are you the class president?”

“Ah, yeah. The other kids didn’t want to do it, so I had to. You know how it is.”

“Yes. I was class president in the first semester for a similar reason.”

“Oh… Sora, you really have a class president vibe.”

Sora chuckled and asked,

“What’s a class president vibe?”

“You know, good at studying, exemplary, bright, sociable, popular…”

His words abruptly stopped. Sora belatedly turned her head towards where his gaze was fixed. Unexpectedly, Hakbin was standing there.

Hakbin looked back and forth between Sora and Wooseok. The cold stare wiped the smile from Sora’s face. His presence had the power to fill the surrounding air with tension and coldness. Wooseok was quite tall, but his stature seemed insignificant in Hakbin’s presence.

Sora instinctively hesitated. Then she questioned herself. She hadn’t done anything wrong, so why should she be afraid?

Avoiding Hakbin’s gaze, Sora tugged on Wooseok’s sleeve.

“The staff room is this way.”

She spoke loud enough for Hakbin to hear. He should know she was helping Wooseok. Sora tried to pass him, but Hakbin grabbed her wrist and spun her around.

“Ouch!” Sora yelped, wincing at the throbbing pain in her wrist as she looked up at him. Hakbin simply stared down at her without a word. The air around them grew still under his cold demeanor. Everyone in the hallway glanced at them.

His dark eyes were as calm and deep as the ocean. Sora felt an inexplicable pressure from him.

“I’m just taking Senior to the staff room.”

Even though she hadn’t done anything wrong, Sora instinctively explained the situation. Hakbin sighed deeply and said,

“I told you to come to me next break.”

“I said I had career counseling…”

“Now?”

“…”

“It’s over, right? Then where should you be?”

“…”

Was she wrong? Perhaps her attempt to avoid him was the mistake. Or maybe it was being with Wooseok, who had told her not to accept the necklace. Or perhaps it was the very act of looking at someone other than Hakbin. Or maybe… just being alive was the mistake.

As Sora remained silent, paralyzed by fear, the grip on her wrist loosened.

Wooseok, who had been watching the situation, stepped forward and removed Hakbin’s hand from Sora’s wrist. Even though he had only held it briefly, Sora’s wrist was red and throbbing. Wooseok quickly hid Sora behind him.

“What are you doing? Grabbing a girl’s wrist and ordering her around. Is she your pet?”

Wooseok snapped, but Hakbin’s gaze remained fixed on Sora behind him. Hakbin tried to push Wooseok aside dismissively, but Wooseok gritted his teeth and stood his ground.

“You scared Sora. This isn’t right, even if you’re family.”

At Wooseok’s continuing words, Hakbin frowned.

“Family?”

“Aren’t you two cousins?”

“What the hell is he talking about?”

He cursed, his voice echoing through the hallway.

“Go Sora. Come here.”

It was a command. Sora flinched and looked around.

Everyone had stopped walking and was staring at them. Too many eyes were on them. Her pride had been trampled enough. Sora had a reputation to uphold in this school society. She didn’t want everyone to see her as his “pet.”

“Hakbin, I’ll take Senior to the staff room and be back.”

“Is that your priority?”

“…”

Hakbin sighed deeply and tilted his head back. Crack. The sound of his bones snapping filled the air. He asked, as if giving her another chance to answer,

“Think carefully before you answer. Are you saying someone else is really your priority?”

“…I’ll talk to you later.”

“Now.”

“I have nothing to say here.”

Sora grabbed Wooseok’s sleeve and turned away. She wanted to escape Hakbin. She wanted to hide somewhere where there were no people. Sora pushed past the gazes fixed on her.

That’s when it happened. Cold water poured over Sora’s head.

Sora’s eyes widened, and she froze. Her hair and clothes were instantly soaked. Cold water trickled down her face.

Before she could comprehend what had happened, a chilling sensation enveloped her. She closed her eyes, her body recoiling from the stream of water. The murmurs around her brought her slowly back to awareness. She felt countless gazes upon her.

A plastic water bottle, its owner unknown, clattered loudly on the floor, followed by a low voice from right behind her.

“Now, do you have something to say to me?”

Water droplets dripped from her face. With her eyes still closed, Sora wiped her face once. The sound of the dripping water echoed chaotically in her head. Her thin summer uniform clung to her, spreading a chill across her skin. Water puddled on the floor, seeping around her ankles.

Sora slowly opened her eyes. The murmurs of the surrounding students surged like waves, then subsided as they met her gaze. Everyone held their breath, frozen in place.

As if time had stopped, a frigid atmosphere settled over the hallway. Sora felt the weight of countless stares. Her vulnerability had been exposed for all to see.

“Sora! Are you okay?”

Wooseok asked in a startled voice. His hand hovered in the air, hesitant to touch her face. Sora shook her head, wiping away the water. Worry and anger flickered in Wooseok’s eyes. But instead of anger, resignation settled in Sora’s heart.

Something deep inside her slowly cracked and crumbled. Shame filled the void. Sora trembled under the gazes. She desperately wanted to escape this situation.

“Hey, you, what the hell…!”

Wooseok started to yell at Hakbin, but Sora grabbed his shoulder, stopping him. Any further commotion would only lead to greater humiliation. The water was just a warning.

Ironically, the quickest way to escape this uncomfortable situation Hakbin had created was to do as he wanted. She knew the rules and still made a mistake. Therefore, this situation was her fault.

Sora swallowed a sigh, gave Wooseok a slight nod, and pointed down the hall. The gym teacher was just emerging from the staff room.

“Senior, that’s the gym teacher over there.”

Sora spoke brightly, as if nothing had happened. She gave a small bow and turned towards Hakbin. His cold gaze slid from her face to her chest. Wooseok, seemingly startled by Sora’s sudden turn, reached out, but Hakbin was faster.

Hakbin grabbed Sora’s wrist firmly and walked quickly down the hallway. Sora was dragged along by his strong grip, unable to resist. All eyes in the hallway were focused on Sora, soaked and being pulled along.

As soon as they left, the bell rang, signaling the start of class, and the crowd dispersed. Sora’s wrist throbbed, but she was relieved to be free from the stares.

Hakbin headed towards an empty classroom at the end of a long, deserted hallway. Used only for leveled classes, it was rarely occupied and usually unlocked. Hakbin pushed Sora inside, checked the hallway, and closed the door.

The unlit classroom was dark and silent. Faint light filtered through the curtained windows, dimly illuminating the interior. Desks and chairs were neatly arranged, and the blackboard was cleanly erased.

Being alone with him brought a strange sense of calm. If no one was watching, her pride couldn’t be trampled.

If he yelled, she would listen. If he slapped her, she would take it. Sora didn’t have the option of defiance. If Hakbin was angry, it was Sora’s fault.

Hakbin’s arms wrapped around her from behind. Sora’s body stiffened. His hands moved past her ribs, encircling her stomach, and his warm body pressed against her back. His touch wasn’t gentle, nor was it rough. She was only aware of him holding her. She couldn’t see his expression, so she couldn’t read his emotions.

Time passed in the dark classroom, silent except for the sound of someone’s heartbeat echoing in her head. Then a low voice whispered in her ear.

“See? This wouldn’t have happened if you had just listened to me.”

“…”

“This is your fault.”

He placed the blame for the situation squarely on her. Sora meekly nodded. It didn’t matter whether the problem was Wooseok, or the fact that she hadn’t come to him immediately after her counseling session. The only thing that mattered was that this misfortune was Sora’s fault.

“Yes.”

At her response, his arms tightened around her waist. His warmth felt like shackles.

“Why were you with him?”

So, Wooseok had bothered him after all. It was a mistake to mention Wooseok’s name last week.

“I just ran into him. He needed to find the second-year gym teacher, so I helped him.”

“That’s all?”

“Yes.”

“Then why were you smiling?”

“…”

“Why were you smiling while talking to him?”

Sora didn’t even remember smiling, but he questioned her as if it were a grave offense. Sora, who had been answering obediently until now, closed her mouth. Was smiling a problem too?

“Why are you being such a slut?”

“…”

“I’m… trying to hold back.”

Hold back what? His words were often fragmented and difficult to interpret. He lightly stroked her stomach, as if assessing something. His hand was large enough to encompass her entire stomach.

After a while, he sighed and turned her around. She finally saw his face, the one she had only imagined until now, but his expressionless face made it hard to tell whether he was angry or not. His gaze slowly traveled from her chin, dotted with water droplets, down her neck to her chest. Sora simply endured his gaze.

“Take off your clothes.”

Hakbin said in a low, firm voice. Sora was speechless. She hadn’t anticipated such a demand. She stared at him with wavering eyes. Hakbin walked past her indifferently and sat on a nearby desk.

“Your clothes are wet. You need to change.”

“…”

“Are you going to go back to class like that?”

Only then did Sora look down at her uniform. Her thin summer clothes were soaked.

She certainly couldn’t return to class like this. But she didn’t have anything to change into.

“I… I don’t have any clothes to change into.”

Sora mumbled. Hakbin looked at her for a moment, then took off his summer uniform shirt, which he had been wearing over his t-shirt, and handed it to her.

“Wear this.”

His firm voice echoed in the darkness. Sora hesitated for a moment, then accepted the shirt. Hakbin’s gaze remained fixed on her. Sora glanced at him and the dark, empty classroom and asked,

“Here?”

“Yes. That’s why I brought you somewhere where no one is around.”

Hakbin was around. But he didn’t seem to think she would mind his presence. They were a man and a woman, but at the same time, they were like family.

Unlike Sora, however, Hakbin remained calm. If Sora showed discomfort now, the situation would become even stranger. She might get scolded for making a fuss over nothing. As Sora hesitated, gauging his reaction, Hakbin sighed softly and turned his back.

“There, are you happy now?”

He spoke as if he were doing her a favor. With his gaze gone, Sora felt a little more at ease. She turned around, her back to him. She quickly took off her wet blouse and put on Hakbin’s shirt. For a moment, only the rustling of fabric filled the classroom.

Hakbin’s shirt, still warm with his body heat, enveloped her. The short sleeves reached her elbows, and the hem was long enough to cover her hips, but she had no other choice.

A sense of relief washed over her as she buttoned the last button. She pulled her long hair out from under the shirt, adjusted her clothes, and turned back to him. He was still standing there with his back turned. If he had heard her, he would know she was finished changing, but he seemed to be waiting for her.

“I’m done…”

As if in response to her words, Hakbin turned around. For some reason, he stared intently at her. The silence stretched, creating an awkward atmosphere.

“…It’s bigger than I thought.”

Sora blurted out, avoiding his gaze.

“Well, it’s your shirt.”

Sora, still cautious of his reaction, picked up her wet blouse.

“I’ll return it when it’s dry. Thanks for lending it to me.”

Sora said, her eyes downcast. Hakbin seemed to interpret this as aloofness and sighed softly.

“Don’t be sulky. You’re the one who was wrong today.”

Sulky? That emotion didn’t fit the relationship between Sora and Hakbin. Hakbin had humiliated her, and Sora was the one who had been unilaterally hurt. She worried about what the people who witnessed the scene would think and how they would look at her now. A heavy sigh escaped Sora’s lips.

“I’m not sulking. I’m just a little upset.”

“About what?”

“Everything. These days, everything just makes me tired.”

Sora said, fiddling with her wet blouse. She felt his gaze on her but didn’t look up. Hakbin checked his watch and said,

“Go back to class first. Say your career counseling ran late. They probably won’t even ask since it’s self-study anyway.”

He seemed to be done with her. She had expected a bigger outburst after he went as far as to drench her with water, but it ended more peacefully than anticipated. Sora, inwardly bothered by the strange tension in the classroom, quickly opened the door, glancing back at Hakbin.

“…What about you?”

He rubbed the back of his neck and exhaled.

“I’ll be there in a bit.”

“Why?”

“…Just because.”

At his answer, Sora left the classroom without further questions. There was no point in prying if he didn’t intend to answer. She thought she noticed a slight redness on his neck and ears.

🤍

Class 2-2. Sora carefully opened the classroom door. As Hakbin predicted, the class was in self-study. The teacher, who was reading a book at the front of the classroom, glanced at Sora as she entered through the back door. Sora gave a small bow, and the teacher gestured for her to sit down.

The students’ eyes were drawn to Sora, who was clearly wearing clothes too big for her. Since the incident happened in the hallway on the same floor, some of them must have witnessed it.

The rumor might have already spread throughout the class. If so, everyone would know she was Hakbin’s “toy.” The self-esteem she had carefully built over the years crumbled.

Sora tried even harder to focus on her studies. For 18-year-old Sora, academics were the only thing she could immerse herself in enough to forget reality.

About 30 minutes later, Hakbin entered the classroom. Although class was almost over, the teacher didn’t say anything to him. The students’ gazes shifted from Hakbin, who was only wearing a t-shirt, to Sora. Ignoring the stares she felt on her back, Sora concentrated on her work.

Despite the difficult incident, the day came to a somewhat normal end, and it was finally time to go home. Sora’s clothes and hair had dried as if nothing had happened.

“Gyeong-ah, let’s go. You’re going straight to academy, right?”

Contrary to her worries, her friends looked after her. Whether they knew about the incident in the hallway or not, their voices were the same as always. Sora’s constricted heart found its normal rhythm again.

“Yeah! Oh, wait a second. I just need to give Hakbin his shirt back.”

Sora said, grabbing her bag and Hakbin’s shirt. Her friends sighed and whispered among themselves.

“We heard. He poured water on you, didn’t he?”

Of course, such an incident couldn’t go without spreading. Sora gave an awkward smile, and her friends patted her back encouragingly.

“Ugh… why is Lee Hakbin so obsessed with bothering you? He should save his childishness for home. Why bring it to school…”

“I know, right? Anyone would think his girlfriend cheated on him.”

“Can someone be that obsessed with their family?”

“He’s obsessed because she’s family. They’ve gone to the same school since kindergarten, and Sora’s always been so accommodating. He probably can’t stand being apart from her.”

“Hmm… second cousins can’t marry in Korea, right?”

“What are you thinking?”

“Just wondering…”

It seemed their relationship appeared strange to others as well. Unlike others who interpreted their relationship romantically, Sora didn’t think of it that way.

Romantic feelings required attraction. Hakbin didn’t like her.

He had consistently disliked her since they were seven years old. So, all his actions weren’t rooted in romantic interest but in deep-seated resentment. The methods of torment changed, but all his actions were aimed at embarrassing and breaking her down.

Knowing this, Sora silently accepted it all. Even his occasional strange, caressing touches.

Sora pretended not to hear her friends’ conversation and turned around. As always, her eyes met Hakbin’s. He had already packed his bag and was waiting for her by the classroom door. He tilted his head with his eyes closed, a sign that he was bored of waiting. Sora quickened her pace at his silent urging.

“Here. Thanks.”

Sora handed him his shirt. His gaze, as always, landed on her chest. Only after confirming that her underwear wasn’t visible did Hakbin take the shirt.

“Bye. I’m going straight to academy with my friends.”

Sora said, gesturing towards her waiting friends. Despite her efforts, his gaze remained fixed on her.

“Don’t go.”

“Huh?”

“Don’t go to academy anymore.”

He threw curveballs like this without warning. He constantly threw new kinds of curveballs, so she could never get used to them, no matter how many times she got hit.

“What… what do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said. Don’t go anymore. I sent you to study, and you come back with some guy clinging to you.”

“That’s not it! Wooseok Senior was just…”

“Just what? You know he’s hitting on you. You accepted it knowing that. You must have feelings for him too.”

Accepted what? He was talking as if exchanging a few words and showing Wooseok the way was a huge sin. Sora frowned and shook her head.

“No.”

“No what? You said you wanted to kiss him.”

As the conversation continued, it inevitably escalated. Sora glanced at the students who hadn’t left the classroom yet. Talking to Hakbin only damaged her reputation further.

“Let’s talk later. I have to go.”

Hakbin stopped Sora as she turned to leave.

“Talk now.”

“I have to go to academy.”

“Academy? Is there anything more important to you than me?”

Today must be a special day. She felt dizzy with stress. The incident in the hallway flashed through her mind. If she provoked Hakbin any further, something worse might happen.

Learned fear made her give up easily. Sora sighed deeply and called out to her friends, not Hakbin.

“Guys, go ahead! I need to talk to him for a bit.”

Her friends, who had been watching from afar, nodded as if they had expected this. They each waved at Sora, a gesture of encouragement. In their eyes, Sora was no different from a mother with a troublesome child. A particularly disobedient, adolescent son.

As Sora’s friends left the classroom, Hakbin’s grip loosened. He realized she had given up on academy. Sora sighed and said,

“Let’s talk outside. Too many people are watching.”

Hakbin’s eyebrows shot up in satisfaction. He took her hand instead of her wrist and said,

“Let’s eat first.”

Sora let him lead her without a word. She wanted to get out of school. She didn’t want to repeat the same embarrassing spectacle.

🤍

He took her on his motorcycle to an upscale-looking pasta restaurant. Sora’s expression hardened as she looked at the menu. The prices were exorbitant for pasta dishes. Hakbin gently smoothed out the crease between her eyebrows and said,

“Having trouble choosing?”

“No. It’s just too expensive.”

“I heard this place is good. I’m paying, so order whatever you want.”

She wanted to ask where he got the money, but she closed her mouth, remembering the commercial. His motorcycle, the necklace around her neck – they must have all been purchased with the money he earned from it. Sora chose the cheapest pasta dish. Hakbin noticed and recommended another menu item.

“Get something expensive. Something with meat.”

“It’s okay.”

“It’s not okay. Get this one. A pig needs to eat well. So I can eat you up later.”

Hakbin said playfully. Sora was already eating well enough without his concern. Maintaining her physical condition was essential for becoming a paramedic. At his repeated insistence, Sora began to seriously consider the menu.

“I don’t like cream sauce. Something spicy.”

“Then, this one? It has a chili pepper on it.”

“Okay. What are you going to eat?”

“Your second choice. What else do you want?”

Sora paused and looked at him. He seemed strangely happy looking at the menu. He had tormented her all day, but now he was being affectionate. He called her a pig but carried her bag when she seemed tired, asked her provocative questions but drank alcohol in her place, poured water on her but then gave her his shirt.

His contradictory behavior always confused her. If the incident 11 years ago hadn’t happened, would he have always been kind to her?

Hakbin, sensing her gaze, looked back at Sora.

“What?”

“Nothing.”

“Hurry up and choose.”

“Order what you want.”

“Then you choose for me.”

In the end, Sora had no choice but to order. She carefully selected a dish that Hakbin would like.

Hakbin raised his hand, and a waiter, who had been observing their table from afar, approached. He skillfully ordered drinks and pasta. After confirming the order, the waiter set down bread and soup, then took a lighter out of his pocket. Sora, who had been aware of the small candle on their table since they sat down, quickly stopped him.

“We don’t need the candle. I don’t really like scented things.”

Hakbin, as if noticing the scented candle in the corner of the table for the first time, pushed it away. Candles brought back unpleasant memories for both of them. Moreover, Hakbin experienced intense fear just being near fire, so they had to be extra careful.

The waiter put the lighter back in his pocket, bowed politely to the two students in uniform, and retreated.

“You noticed the candle.”

Hakbin said, fiddling with the burnt wick of the candle. Sora replied casually,

“The moment I walked in, all I could see were the lit candles on the other tables.”

“I didn’t see them.”

“Don’t look. Just look out the window.”

Sora gestured towards the window beside their table. Hakbin looked out and smiled slightly. The cityscape, painted with the hues of the setting sun, was quite beautiful.

“Well, the reviews said the view is half the experience. It’s nice.”

“Yes… because it’s expensive.”

Slices of lemon floated in their water glasses. The other patrons were all dressed in fine clothes. Unlike Sora, who was fidgeting in the unfamiliar atmosphere, Hakbin seemed quite relaxed.

“Have… have you been to places like this often?”

“No. This is my first time, with you.”

She had rarely seen him flustered or nervous in the 13 years they had known each other. He probably filmed the commercial, which was broadcast globally, without a second thought. He probably didn’t tell her because he didn’t think it was a big deal. In the end, Sora, who found out late, brought it up first.

“Why didn’t you tell me you filmed a commercial?”

“Ah, you saw it?”

As expected, he asked casually.

“Yes. I was really surprised.”

“I was doing a fitting modeling job, and they offered me a well-paying gig. That’s all there was to it, nothing much to talk about.”

As expected, a bland answer. Sora nodded, taking a spoonful of soup.

“I thought so. Are you going to continue working in that field?”

“Well… they talked about an agency or something, but it got complicated, so I quit.”

“An entertainment agency?”

“Probably.”

As the teacher suspected, he had received offers. With his handsome face, any agency would be eager to sign him. Sora cautiously brought up what the teacher had asked her to say.

“Have you thought about pursuing that kind of work?”

Without a moment’s hesitation, Hakbin shook his head. His reaction was more resolute than she anticipated.

“Why?”

“It wasn’t that interesting. I only did it to buy the motorcycle.”

“Not interesting?”

“No.”

His natural smile in the commercial must have been acting. It was so natural that Sora thought he had enjoyed the work to some extent.

“Then what do you find interesting?”

It didn’t have to be working in front of a camera. If there was something Hakbin was genuinely interested in and could immerse himself in, Sora was ready to support him. It was all for his independence.

At Sora’s question, Hakbin, who had been sipping his water, smiled. His Adam’s apple bobbed a few times before he gave a clear answer.

“You.”

That single word completely crushed Sora’s future. He had earned money and tasted the real world, yet he still wanted to play with Sora in his narrow little world. Sora felt a tightness in her chest.

“Something other than that. Something work-related.”

“I told you before. There isn’t anything.”

“There has to be…”

At Sora’s murmur, Hakbin chuckled. Just then, the waiter arrived with a cart. Spaghetti with red tomato sauce. Fresh basil leaves and finely grated parmesan cheese were sprinkled on top, and the aroma stimulated her appetite. Hakbin took a small portion of his spaghetti and placed it in front of Sora, saying lightly,

“Seems like you’ve failed at raising your child, mother.”

The child was Hakbin, and the mother was Sora. Sora also served a small portion of her pasta onto his plate.

“Find something you want to do, anything. You’re old enough.”

Hakbin accepted the spaghetti she offered. They had enjoyed sharing food since they were young, and the habit continued.

“What are you going to do?”

“…”

Lately, their conversations rarely progressed. The question about the future silenced Sora once again.

“Being a paramedic is not an option. Find something else. I’ll think about it too.”

Sora reluctantly nodded. Gaining hospital experience was a requirement anyway. By the time she graduated from college and started working at a hospital, Hakbin would have plenty of time to find his own path.

Adults said that when you get busy with work, you don’t see your school friends often, and they become just memories.

Sora planned to live alone near her university as soon as she became an adult. Physical distance would naturally create distance between her and Hakbin, just like with other friends. After that, he wouldn’t be able to control her like this, no matter what she did.

“I think it would be good for you to go into that field.”

Sora said casually, twirling her spaghetti. Hakbin mimicked her, twirling his pasta and asking,

“What field?”

“Anything. Modeling, acting…”

“Why?”

“Well, I think you could be successful.”

“Why?”

The questions continued endlessly. Sora hesitated for a moment, then answered, summarizing the opinions of the teacher and others.

“You’re handsome, so I think you’d be popular if you debuted. People reacted well to the commercial, and you need to earn money anyway…”

“Is that what you think?”

Hakbin interrupted Sora and asked. Since Sora shared similar thoughts with others, she nodded without hesitation.

“Do you think I’m handsome?”

Hakbin asked, staring intently at Sora. A hint of amusement played in his long eyes. He wasn’t asking because he didn’t know.

Sora nodded again. She had always thought he was good-looking, ever since they were young. He had a slightly rebellious look, but that made him even more attractive.

“Really?”

He asked again, resting his chin on his hand. His body leaned towards her, as if to show her his face more clearly.

Sora slowly scanned his sharp jawline, framed by flawless, white skin. The face of the boy she knew from childhood was gradually fading. It was a little bittersweet, but it was a natural part of growing up that she had to accept.

People, relationships, feelings – nothing lasts forever. That truth had sustained Sora through her struggles with guilt.

Maybe Hakbin will forgive me someday.

Then maybe he’ll stop tormenting me.

Maybe we’ll stop seeing each other.

Maybe we’ll both find our own happiness.

Maybe then we can become good memories for each other.

Those hopes still lingered in her heart. Sora smiled slightly and offered the words she knew he wanted to hear.

“Yes. You’re handsome.”

He stared blankly at Sora for a moment, then looked out the window. His ears were red again. He had often blushed like that since they were young. Hakbin coughed a few times, covering his mouth with his fist, and glanced at Sora.

“So, you want me to become a celebrity?”

That was the gist of it. She wanted him to become a responsible adult, no matter what he did. That would be her liberation from “parenting” him.

“Yes.”

“Really? Then, if you quit academy, I’ll consider it.”

The perfectly twirled spaghetti on Sora’s fork froze mid-air. While Sora was stunned, Hakbin took a bite of his pasta. A faint smile played on his lips, seemingly satisfied with the taste. In contrast to Hakbin, cracks appeared on Sora’s face.

“Why are you bringing up academy again? What does you working in entertainment have to do with me going to academy?”

“You don’t want to quit academy.”

“Yes.”

“I wasn’t planning on doing it, but I’m considering it now, so you have to give up something too.”

Sora put down her fork and rubbed her forehead. He seemed determined to stop her from going to academy. What was his reason for using this as leverage now, when he had tolerated it before? Was it because she said she wanted to be a paramedic? Or was it Wooseok’s presence? No, it must be both.

“There must be a reason why you don’t like me going to academy. Tell me, and I’ll fix it…”

“Everything.”

“…”

“I don’t like anything about it, from start to finish. I don’t know what happens at academy.”

“You don’t need to know.”

“Yes, I don’t like that attitude either. I’m trying to be understanding, and you’re keeping secrets. It’s annoying.”

He was smiling, but there was a chilling undercurrent in his words. If she didn’t back down now, she might get drenched with water again, but Sora couldn’t hold back any longer. She needed to vent her frustration.