Burnout

Sora’s 7th birthday. A small mistake escalated into a massive fire, consuming everything. The relationship between the two young friends was no exception.

‘Hakbin… I’ll always be by your side. I won’t let you be lonely. I’ll be your mom, your older sister, your friend… I’ll do anything you want. I promise.’

Just as she promised that day, Sora silently took care of him, indulged his childish whims, and gradually repaid the ‘debt’ in her heart.

What allowed her to endure the suffocating shackles of guilt was the hope that she could distance herself from Hakbin once they became adults. She thought that when they grew up, she could escape him and find her own life, but…

“You seem to be losing your mind.”

“…….”

“You understand now, don’t you? Who the important person in your life is.”

“…….”

“Keep doing this. I’m the one you need to save. You should always be watching me so I don’t go astray.”

Hot tears streamed down her face as she looked at him. Her vision blurred, and she felt like she was choking. Hakbin, his forehead pressed against hers, spoke to the speechless Sora.

“You have that responsibility, don’t you?”

Hakbin’s words pierced her heart like a sharp dagger. Cold blood flowed within her, and the smell of smoke filled her breath.

“You’re mine, aren’t you?”