“What is ‘First Love’ according to you guys?”

One question from Jieun made Eunsol, Daeun, Yuna, and Bomi think hard, and suddenly a “Hmm…” sounded—together.

“Bomi! The first person we ever like, right?”

“I don’t think so. If it’s like that, then the bus driver from my kindergarten would be my first love.” Jieun thought hard and walked around the room nonstop.

“Then the doctor I met when I was 5 years old would be my first love then. Love is different from like. They’re two different things.” Eunsol laughed a bit before continuing to think.

“Ah! That hot doctor you took photos with? The one who left for America?” Daeun remembered the story well.

“Yes, you’re right.” Eunsol laughed at the memory.

“The first person we love dearly… that’s the literal meaning.” Eunsol was bad at explaining things, and everyone knew it.

“Yes, but ‘love’ means… a love that we experience before we turn 30?” Daeun added.

“I think it has no exact qualifications. No boundaries in time or age. It’s just the one person we fall too hard for.” Suddenly, the room went quiet.

Jieun stopped and took a seat in front of Yuna.

“It’s not like the first person we liked… but more like the first person who made us hit the bottom. Like we fell too hard, and got hurt for the first time too. The first unforgettable person.” Yuna tried to explain.

“If it happened when you were 5, then that’s your first. If it happened in your 50s, then that’s it too. Maybe it’s your 5th boyfriend, or your 2nd husband.”

“Agree! If it’s just about the first person we liked, that’s just puppy love. Not a ‘real’ first love.” Eunsol added.

“Ah! Right! I once read an article about love. It said, ‘No matter how much you like someone, if you never get hurt, then it will never be love.’ I didn’t understand it before. I was like—why? Why does it have to hurt?”

“The saddest part is… just because someone is your first love, doesn’t mean you’re theirs. Or maybe we are theirs, but they aren’t ours.”

…

The bell rang, signaling it was time to go home.

Boys ran out like monsters were chasing them. The corridor became chaotic. Some teachers shouted, but boys were boys. It happened every day—and still repeated every day.

Some boys ran to the field, some went to their extracurricular rooms, and some headed straight home.

But a group of boys who had already passed the main gate suddenly stopped because of a crowd nearby.

Between their school gate and the girls’ school next to it, people had gathered. The sound of panicked girls filled the air.

Seunghyub, curious, ran toward the crowd.

He heard a voice he was familiar with.

He pushed through people to get closer.

Not sure—but he was 70% sure.

As he got closer, an ambulance arrived.

“Eunsol-ah!”

His 70% was right.

“Eunsoool!” Bomi cried in panic. Yuna, Jieun, and Daeun helped clear the way.

“Seunghyub-ah!” Yuna was surprised as she saw him already lifting Eunsol.

“Please make some space!” an officer shouted.

Seunghyub helped place Eunsol onto the stretcher.

“I’m her neighbor. Let me in,” he said.

“Boyfriend?” the officer asked.

“No, their houses are side by side. He has her parents’ number. Trust him,” Yuna explained.

Then Seunghyub got in.

The ambulance rushed to the hospital.

…

Ten minutes later, they arrived.

Seunghyub accompanied her to the emergency room and waited for her parents.

Five minutes felt like an hour.

Finally, her mother arrived.

“Thank you, son,” Han Yujin said, still panting.

“It’s okay, aunt. Actually, Yuna handled everything. I just came along,” he replied.

“But still, thank you for being here.” She patted his shoulder.

“How is she?” her father, Mr. Kim Gimo, arrived just as the doctor stepped out.

“She needs to be hospitalized for a few days. Her heart can’t keep up with her activity. I heard unusual sounds, so she needs further tests.”

“Mom… Mom…” Eunsol’s weak voice was heard.

“Hey, your friend is calling you,” a nurse said to Seunghyub.

He nodded and walked closer.

“Need something?”

“Seunghyub?” she whispered, holding her chest.

“It hurts?” he asked, though he already knew.

“I heard my mom.”

“Yes, she’s here. She’s talking to the doctor.”

“I’m thirsty.”

“Oh—here.” He handed her bag.

“Bleeding,” she said, looking at him while drinking.

“What?” he was confused—then realized.

His lips.

“Here, drink the rest.” She handed him the bottle.

“I brought lip balm,” he said, taking it.

“You need to drink more water. Dry lips mean you’re dehydrated.”.

...

“Again?” Eunsol frowned as she saw the hospital bed being brought closer.

“Slowly, please. Don’t rush,” the nurse said with a gentle smile while helping her move.

Seunghyub gathered her belongings just as her parents returned.

******

‘Tock… tock…’

Seunghyub threw small pebbles from his room toward Eunsol’s window.

He had tried calling and texting her, but got no response.

The pebbles worked.

Eunsol appeared at the window with furrowed brows and a slightly swollen face. Tears still lingered in her eyes.

“What is it?” Seunghyub asked. “I heard you were crying.”

“How was campus orientation?” she asked instead of answering.

“It was nothing special,” he replied. Even without an answer, he already knew what was wrong.

“Don’t lie.” A tear slipped down her cheek.

“If you get bored, try finding a hobby you can do at home.”

That only made her feel worse.

So Seunghyub decided to comfort her properly.

As he went downstairs, he met his father.

“Tomorrow is your mom’s 10th anniversary. When will you be home?”

“Yes, I remember. I don’t have any schedule. I’ll cook and do the groceries.”

“Okay, thank you, son. I have to work tomorrow. Uncle Jun is sick, so I couldn’t take a day off.”

“It’s okay, Dad. No worries.”

“Then where are you going now?”

“Eunsol was crying a lot today. I want to help her find a new dream.”

“Alright. Take good care of her. I’m going to sleep.”

“Okay, Dad. Rest well.”

…

Message

“I bought some colored pencils and a sketchbook. Let’s start with that.” — Lee

“I don’t think I’ll like it…” — Kim

“Just try it!” — Lee

CRASH!

The items Seunghyub was about to pay for fell to the floor.

He had been too focused on his phone and accidentally bumped into someone.

The colored pencils scattered everywhere—the box even broke.

“Oh! I’m so sorry. I wasn’t paying attention,” the girl said as she quickly helped him pick things up.

“No, it’s okay. I wasn’t paying attention either,” Seunghyub replied with a smile.

“I’m really sorry,” she repeated again and again.

“It’s really fine.”

After a polite goodbye, Seunghyub quickly paid and hurried home to prepare for his mother’s anniversary.

…

“Is it still not done? Can I help?”

“Oh, you’re home, Dad. No, it’s okay. Just take a shower first. I’m almost done—just a little cleaning left.”

“Alright, I’ll shower first.”

The memorial was completed after his father got ready, and Seunghyub finished cleaning up.

His father clearly still missed his wife deeply.

From when Seunghyub was 10… until now, at 20.

He had never tried to find someone else.

He stayed alone, raising his only son.

His mother passed away when he was 10 due to cancer.

Most of his childhood memories were spent in hospitals.

He often couldn’t attend school because his father was busy, and his mother had to be hospitalized frequently.

Before she passed, she spent three full weeks in the hospital.

Seunghyub missed nearly a month of school.

His father decided to delay his schooling for a year.

Better that than letting his grades suffer.

That’s why he ended up one year older than his classmates.

…

The door opened.

“I’m coming!” Eunsol said, already knowing who it was.

“What’s with your outfit?” she smiled as she saw Seunghyub in a black blazer and white shirt.

“It’s my mom’s anniversary.”

“Ah… right. I should’ve helped you.”

“It’s okay. My dad cleaned the house.”

He unpacked the items he bought.

“WHAT??” Eunsol gasped at the broken colored pencils.

“Hahaha, sorry. There was an accident,” he laughed.

“Was it that serious? Even the white pencil broke.”

“Don’t worry. I bought a pencil case too—sunflower, your favorite. And the white one was barely used.”

“……It's important tho.” she said in whisper.

Eunsol smiled and carefully placed the pencils into the sunflower case.

Seunghyub took out the sketchbook and glanced at her.

Eunsol hesitated.

She liked doodling—but drawing seriously?

She wasn’t sure.

And he bought so many things…

What if she didn’t like it?

“Should I buy a new one?” Seunghyub suddenly asked.

“What?”

“The pencils.”

“Hahaha, no need. They’re still fine—and new.”

“I’m sorry… I wanted to help you find a hobby, but I messed it up.”

“No, you didn’t. Thank you so much.”

“Try it.” He opened the first page and placed it on the table.

“I don’t know what to draw.” She frowned.

He handed her a black pencil.

“Start with something you like.”

He sat beside her, watching her carefully.

“Sunflower?” he suggested.

“Hmmm…”

“Chicken?” he grabbed a red pencil and started drawing an ugly chicken.

Eunsol looked at it…

But then—

Her gaze shifted.

His face was suddenly closer.

His sharp nose entered her view.

She froze.

Her eyes moved slowly…

To the mole on his cheek.

To his eyes—sparkling.

To his lips—slightly dry but curved in a smile.

To his thick eyebrows.

She had never noticed them before.

While she was staring—

Seunghyub noticed.

They paused.

Eyes locked.

“Hey, what’s wrong?” he laughed, confused.

“I think I know what I like.” Eunsol smiled and pulled the sketchbook away.

She began drawing an eye.

“What? Eyes?”

“Yes. I like eyes.”

Her heart started racing.

She tried to ignore it.

“I think you should start with something easier. Eyes are hard. Maybe cartoon style?”

“No. I want to draw them realistically. I like eyes. Thank you, Oppa. I’ll try to learn.”

“Stop calling me Oppa. It’s weird,” he said—but gently patted her head.

“But it’s true. You’re one year older.”

For the first time in seven years—

Eunsol couldn’t look at his face.

Her heart wouldn’t stay calm.

“Practice well. I’m going home,” he said.

“Thank you.”

*******

“Why did you suddenly ask about first love?” Yuna asked as she stepped out of the toilet cubicle.

“You like someone from the boys’ school?”

“You know I always said I never liked anyone before. The only one was that bus driver…” Jieun said while drying her hands.

“But something’s bothering me.”

“What is it?”

“I think I like Seunghyub.”

Yuna froze.

“When he takes care of Eunsol… he looks so warm and sincere. I wish it was me.”

Her voice lowered.

“I get jea—”

“OH! You guys are here?”

Eunsol walked in.

Jieun immediately fell silent.

Then she left.

Yuna looked at Eunsol—

Then at the door.

She understood everything.

“No, their houses are right next to each other. He has her parents' number—trust him,” Yuna explained.

Then Seunghyub got in, and the ambulance rushed to the hospital.

Jieun suddenly froze, speechless, as she watched the ambulance disappear into the distance. Bomi was still crying, while Daeun helped her move to a safer place. Yuna tapped Jieun’s shoulder, signaling her to follow—but just as she wrapped her arm around Jieun—

Jieun whispered,

“Something’s boiling in my chest… I’m jealous.”

She looked serious, her eyes still fixed on where the ambulance had gone.

“….” Yuna had no words.

“Eunsol doesn’t like him, right? She said she hasn’t liked anyone yet…” Jieun asked, her expression uneasy.

“If you’re curious, then try,” Yuna replied carefully. “But maybe the problem isn’t Eunsol. Did you see how worried he was? How panicked? I’m not sure… but if Eunsol doesn’t like him, then maybe he’s the one who likes her.”

******

BRAK!

Jieun stormed out of Eunsol’s room and house after seeing her with Seunghyub in her bedroom.

Everyone was confused—except Yuna.

They had come to visit Eunsol after her three-day hospitalization.

Yuna quickly ran after Jieun, trying to calm her down.

But Jieun had already seen too much—

Seunghyub feeding Eunsol.

Wiping her lips gently with his thumb.

“Jieun! What’s wrong with you?” Yuna grabbed her arm and turned her around.

“Hh… I don’t know. I don’t like what I saw… I want to unsee it.” Jieun cried.

“Why are you acting like this? We all know he’s her neighbor. If you like him, then ask him out. Don’t take it out on Eunsol.” Yuna shook her lightly. “Please, get yourself together.”

“If I had that kind of illness… would he take care of me too?”

“Jieun…”

...

Inside the house—

Eunsol ran to the window and opened it.

She heard everything.

“I don’t like what I saw… I want to unsee it.”

“Don’t take it out on Eunsol.”

Seunghyub quickly closed the window and pulled her hand.

But she ran outside.

Daeun and Bomi froze in shock.

“Eunsol! Slow down!” Seunghyub shouted, chasing after her.

Running was dangerous for her condition.

“If I had that burdensome illness… would he take care of me too?” Jieun said bitterly.

“Jieun…” Yuna regretted her words.

SLAP!

“EUNSOL!” Seunghyub grabbed her wrist.

Jieun froze.

“Eunsol… I—I’m sorry…”

Eunsol stood there—crying, shaking, furious.

“Burdensome illness?” she said. “If you all feel burdened by me, then just leave. I can live alone.”

Her voice cracked.

“If you want him, then take him. I never asked him to take care of me!”

Everyone fell silent.

Eunsol turned and ran back inside.

But before she could open the door—

Jieun snapped. The sight of him standing there made her ashamed of how she felt.

“You think you’re the main character? That everything is about you? So you can humiliate me like this?!”

“Just go home… all of you.” Eunsol held her chest and locked the door.

Jieun ran off.

Yuna followed.

Daeun and Bomi left too.

Seunghyub stayed behind.

Worried—but giving her space.

******

“Ready… set… go!”

In a small drink house near one of the most famous universities in Daegu, six college students were having fun.

Laughing. Drinking. Playing games.

Except one person.

Seunghyub.

He never touched alcohol.

He was always the sober one—the one who made sure everyone got home safely.

As the night grew louder, someone new arrived.

“Hi guys! This is my sister. Please take care of her,” Kim Youngkwang introduced.

“Hi, I’m Kim Haein,” she greeted politely.

“Oh… the colored pencil…” Seunghyub suddenly muttered.

“Huh?” Everyone looked confused.

“O-oh, no. I just remembered something funny. Maybe it’s not you…” he laughed awkwardly.

“She’s my sister, remember? She used to bother us when we were kids!” Youngkwang laughed.

“Ah… really?” both Seunghyub and Haein were confused.

“I’m sorry if I ever bothered you,” Haein said, sitting down.

...

As the night went on, they grew closer.

Then suddenly—

“AH! Colored pencils! I remember!” Haein pointed at him.

“Hey! Are you drunk?!” Youngkwang scolded.

“I’m sorry—but is it you? I was too embarrassed to look at your face back then…”

“Hahaha, yeah, it was me. I bought them for my friend—but she complained a lot. Even the white one broke.”

“Hahaha I’m so sorry!”

They laughed—sharing a memory only they understood.

******

“Wow… your drawing looks scary. It’s like a photo.”

Seunghyub visited Eunsol in the hospital and was amazed by her artwork.

“Right? It’s getting more realistic, right?” she smiled proudly.

She looked at his eyes.

Her muse.

He had no idea.

“Two years drawing only eyes… hard work really pays off. This is amazing.”

“Starting today, I’ll learn how to draw lips.”

“I’ll wait for it. I’m proud of you.”

He sat on the sofa, busy with his phone.

Friday night.

The only time he could visit before getting busy again.

Eunsol’s condition never improved.

Even her parents were starting to lose hope.

“She won’t make it to 30,” the doctor had said.

“Hahaha…” Seunghyub laughed at his phone.

“What’s funny?” Eunsol asked.

“Haein sent something funny in the group chat.”

Eunsol paused.

“It must be nice… having friends. Are you meeting them this weekend?”

“Aren’t you still in touch with your high school friends?”

“Only Yuna. She’s in Australia now… and she has a boyfriend there.”

She smiled faintly.

“My only friend now is this sketchbook.”

“Seunghyub-ah, I really want to go to the cinema.”

“After your surgery. Loud sounds aren’t good for you.”

“I can wear noise-canceling headphones…” she sighed and tore her page.

"After your surgery. Promise.".

...

Hours passed.

Seunghyub fell asleep.

Eunsol got up slowly and covered him with a blanket.

She crouched beside him.

Studying his face.

“When did he grow up like this…” she whispered.

Her eyes moved—

From his brows…

To his nose…

To his lips.

Dry, as always.

She touched them.

The door opened.

She fell back in shock.

Her heart raced.

Seunghyub woke up immediately.

“Are you okay?!” Mom asked.

“….”

“Why are you on the floor?” He asked.

“A-ah hm… his laptop. I was just curious…”

“Seunghyub, you should go home,” her mom said.

“Okay, Mom. I'm home Eunsol.”

"Hm.." She nodded.

He patted her head before leaving.

...

As he left..

“Are you dating him?” her mom asked.

“No!!”

“Then what were you doing?”

“Don’t tell him… please.”

“You like him?”

“…I don’t know.”

******

“Jieun.”

Seunghyub stopped her after school.

“Let’s talk.”

They went to a quiet place.

“I appreciate your feelings… but there’s nothing between me and Eunsol.”

“I know… I’m sorry.”

“Can you apologize to her? She really treasures you.”

“I can’t… she blocked me everywhere.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault. Don't be sorry.”

".....".

"Thank you for appreciate my feelings. But meeting you like this...Maybe it's the last time."

She walked away.

He froze in his place.

******

“Eunsol isn’t home yet,” her mom said.

“I’ll find her!”

After running for several minutes—

He found her.

Eating ice cream. Crying.

“Hahaha… what are you doing?”

She punched him weakly.

“Jieun apologized… but…”

“But?”

“It still hurts… here.” She pointed at her chest.

“…It’s okay.”

“I never asked to be born like this…”

“I know.”

They walked home.

But Jieun and Eunsol's friendship was never recovered.

The next day—

Jieun transferred schools.

******

“Sunbae!”

Haein ran toward someone she recognized in the campus canteen.

“Oh, Haein-ah. Where’s Youngkwang?” Seunghyub asked, looking around.

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking that? You’re his classmate,” she replied, slightly out of breath.

“Here.” Seunghyub handed her his handkerchief, noticing her smudged makeup.

“Huh?” she blinked in confusion.

“Your makeup is ruined,” he said casually while finishing his food.

“Ah, really? Thank you, Sunbae.”

Haein felt a bit embarrassed, but seeing how unbothered Seunghyub was made her feel more at ease. She took out a mirror and checked.

Her eyeliner had completely smudged under her eyes.

Seunghyub even pointed out the parts she missed while cleaning it up.

They chatted casually.

“Your brother wasn’t in class today,” he said.

“See? Where is everyone? I don’t see Kara or Hun either…” Haein reapplied her eyeliner, then groaned. “Ah, look! It’s ugly.”

“Let me see.” Seunghyub took it from her hand.

“Sunbae, you know makeup?” she laughed.

“Of course. Look—this isn’t waterproof. You’re new to makeup, right?” He handed it back.

“Wow, you’re so cool!” she said, impressed. “I just bought it yesterday… what a waste.”

“Use it in winter. Only two months away. The good point of this a not waterproof make up is easy to wash. Don't waste it.”

“Why do you know so much about makeup?”

“My friend always asks me to buy it for her.”

Soon, their friends arrived.

Youngkwang had skipped class to watch a movie with Kara. Hun had just woken up. The rest didn’t even have classes—they just came to hang out.

It was Jaehyun’s birthday, so they planned to celebrate later.

“HI GUYS!”

The last person arrived—

She jumped onto Seunghyub’s back.

He immediately looked uncomfortable and gently pulled her off.

Haein noticed.

She knew—Gyuyoung had confessed to him last week.

And got rejected.

Still, Gyuyoung kept trying.

Seunghyub was known as the quiet, cool guy on campus.

He could do almost everything.

Basketball, music, swimming—

He wasn’t the top student, but always ranked within the top 10–15.

181 cm tall. Broad shoulders. Sharp eyes. Thick brows.

Nothing overly flashy.

But somehow—

He stood out.

...

“CHEERS!”

Youngkwang threw a party at his house.

His parents were out of the country.

The house was huge. Luxurious.

Music blasting. Lights flashing.

Everyone was having fun.

“Seunghyub! Seunghyub! Seunghyub!”

“No, no, no…” he tried to escape.

“Come on! You’re the most talented guy here!” Gyuyoung dragged him to the mic.

And then—

He sang.

Everyone went silent.

“Wow…” even Gyuyoung stared in awe.

“I told you, he’s talented,” someone muttered.

“You guys are too much. This is my first and last,” Seunghyub said, putting the mic down.

“Do a duet with me!” Gyuyoung insisted—

But his phone rang.

“Sorry, I need to take this.”

Outside—

“Here.” Haein handed him a can of beer.

“Thank you.”

“You don’t have to worry. I’ll call a taxi for everyone.”

“I’m not worried. I just… don’t really like beer.”

“Oh! Should I get something else?”

“It’s okay.”

“Oppa… can I call you Oppa?”

“Do as you like.”

“Oppa… are you gay?”

PFFT—

Seunghyub burst out laughing.

“Do I look like one?”

Haein stared at him—

Her heart racing.

“…No.”

They talked about their childhood.

Memories slowly came back.

“…At that time, my mom was still alive.”

His tone softened.

Haein felt it.

They stayed outside longer than expected—

Until they were called back inside.

Before entering—

“So… you’re not gay, right?”

“Of course not.”

“Yes!” she cheered.

“What was that?”

“Nothing. I’m just happy… I still have a chance.”

He laughed and lightly messed up her hair.

After that night—

Haein kept getting closer to him.

Like now—

She stayed sober with him.

“Look at that beer,” Seunghyub teased.

“I won’t waver!”

“Just drink. I’ll take you home.”

“No. I want to stay sober with you.”

“Why?”

“I’m curious. Why don’t you drink?”

“…Nothing special. I just don’t like alcohol.”

“No alcohol, no smoking… how?”

“My mom had cancer. My dad stopped too.”

“…Oh.”

She looked at him differently.

Across the room—

Gyuyoung noticed.

Haein’s gaze.

Her smile.

Directed only at Seunghyub.

She felt challenged.

She walked over.

“Are you two flirting?”

“No. We’re childhood friends,” Haein replied calmly.

“She’s not aggressive like you,” Seunghyub said jokingly.

“Jay, take her back,” he added.

“He wants you, not me,” Jay replied, annoyed.

Suddenly—

Gyuyoung sat on Seunghyub’s lap.

“Try kissing me once. If you still don’t like me, I’ll stop.”

“Are you cra—WOAH!”

He dodged just in time.

The whole room reacted.

“Is kissing that big of a deal?” she teased.

“Yes. That’s why I want to protect it.”

She rolled away, frustrated.

Haein smiled quietly.

Relieved.

Then—

Their eyes met.

For a few seconds—

Neither looked away.

Haein broke it first and went to the bathroom.

Seunghyub frowned slightly.

Something felt…

Different.

Today is an off day.

Seunghyub looked around his house—it was a mess.

Dust covered the console table. The sofa looked lifeless, as if no one had ever used it. It made sense. Every day, he and his father only came home to sleep before going out again.

He checked the fridge.

It smelled unpleasant.

Even the sink looked too clean—because no one ever used it.

“Oh, you’re awake?” his father said as he drank water.

“Yes. I want to clean the house today. It’s my day off, and I don’t have many assignments. How about you, Pa?” Seunghyub asked while gathering the trash.

“Me too. It’s my day off. Wait, I’ll grab some breakfast first—we need to eat before doing hard work. What do you want?”

“Something simple. Kimbap is fine.”

“Okay, wait.”

His father left.

Seunghyub cleaned the dining table, plates, and glasses so they could eat comfortably.

...

“It’s been a long time since we sat and ate together like this,” his father said while pouring water into his glass.

“Oh, thank you, Pa,” Seunghyub said with a full mouth. “Yeah… you’re right.”

“I didn’t even realize you’ve grown this much. How old are you now?”

“24.”

“Wow… you’re a grown man now. When’s your birthday? I’m afraid I forgot. Do you want anything as a present?”

“October 31.”

“Oh! Did we celebrate it last year?”

“I don’t think so. I even forgot your birthday too,” Seunghyub admitted with a laugh.

“Ah! You’re right. I forgot mine too. Wait—let me check.”

They both laughed.

His father’s birthday turned out to be January 27.

Already passed.

After eating, they cleaned the house thoroughly—every corner.

It had been that long.

While cleaning the bookshelf, Seunghyub found an old photo album.

Baby pictures.

His mother—healthy and beautiful.

His eyes softened.

Then—

A photo.

An amusement park.

Another family.

“Ah… Youngkwang’s family.”

He remembered.

Youngkwang on his father’s shoulders.

Himself making a weird pose.

A little girl sleeping in a stroller.

“So that’s Haein…”

He smiled.

“She cried the whole day,” he remembered. “Only me and Youngkwang had fun.”

“Oh! That’s the Kim family from across the street,” his father said, taking the photo.

“I met them again in college. Youngkwang is my classmate, and Haein is my junior.”

“Oh… right. I remember their names.”

“I want to show them this picture.”

“…That day was your mom’s first chemotherapy.”

Seunghyub paused.

“Oh… really?”

“Yes.”

…

Night came.

On his way home with dinner—

He stopped.

Looking at the house across.

Memories flooded back.

“Seunghyub-ah! What are you doing?”

He turned.

“Oh! Eunsol. Hi. It’s been a while.”

She sat in her wheelchair near the gate.

“Have I ever been good?” she joked.

“Don’t joke about that. The surgery is next week, right?”

“…You’ll come?”

“Of course.”

They linked pinky fingers.

“Why didn’t you visit? I wanted to show you my drawings.”

“I was cleaning the house. I’ll come next week.”

“You’ve been busy lately…”

Her voice softened.

“Campus is fun?”

“Not really. Just a lot of work.”

“Come inside. Why are you outside without a jacket?”

“I’m alone at home.”

“Even more reason to stay inside.”

“It’s suffocating.”

He helped her inside.

Adjusted the temperature.

Turned on the TV.

Covered her with a blanket.

She looked thinner.

He noticed—but stayed silent.

“Need anything before I go?”

“You’re leaving already?”

“Yes. I bought dinner for my dad too.”

“I want to show you my drawing.”

She handed him her sketchbook.

Now—

It was full of lips.

“Wow… this is amazing. The details are so realistic.”

“The upper lip should be more curved…”

“No. Don’t change anything. It’s perfect. You’re talented.”

“I should learn the philtrum next…”

“I’ll help you hold an exhibition someday.”

He gave her drawings back.

Then left.

Eunsol smiled.

Happy.

But after he left—

She texted him.

No reply.

******

“HAHAHAHA this ugly kid!”

Youngkwang laughed at the old photo.

“That was you?” Seunghyub teased.

“I don’t even remember!”

Haein complained.

“You were so spoiled,” Youngkwang said, pushing her forehead.

“Hey!”

Seunghyub gently rubbed the spot.

“….”

Haein froze.

Her heart raced as he rub her head.

******

“You like Seunghyub, don’t you?”

Gyuyoung asked in the restroom.

“You too?” Haein replied.

“Seunghyub is gay.”

“…No. He said he isn’t.”

“You believe that? Then who is ‘Kim’ in his contacts? Why he only write his family name? He talked to Kim Guy so often on the phone.”

Haein fell silent.

Later—

“I can’t this weekend,” Seunghyub said.

“Why?”

“I have to take care of someone.”

“That ‘Kim’ guy?” Gyuyoung smirked.

“…Yeah.”

He answered them.

Haein looked at Gyuyoung.

And understood.

That night—

Haein spent more time with him.

Helping him take drunk friends home.

Watching him smile.

Watching him care.

She fell deeper.

“Hyung… I’m sorry…” Hun cried.

“It’s okay. Just do better next year,” Seunghyub laughed.

“I will!”

“Was I like this when I was drunk?” Haein asked.

“You just get quiet and sleep.”

Inside the car—

Youngkwang and Kara were making out.

Haein froze.

“If you’re uncomfortable, wear this,” Seunghyub said, putting headphones on her.

Her heart raced again.

Music played.

Soft.

Deep.

Like him.

Then—

His phone rang.

“Kim Calling.”

He rejected it instantly.

His expression changed.

Haein noticed.

“Music still on?” he mouthed.

“It’s okay,” she replied.

Later—

At Kara’s place—

“I’ll help her,” Haein said.

“Thank you.”

“Stop thanking me. You’ve said it 40 times.”

He smiled.

Outside—

His phone rang again.

2 AM.

He answered this time.

“Hm… I’m on my way home… You couldn’t sleep?”

Haein watched from afar.

Her thoughts raced.

Is it a girl… or a boy?

“If you’re curious, try seducing him.”

“Even Gyuyoung failed!”

“He’s too perfect. There must be a flaw.”

“…Maybe being gay?”

“…Should I become more boyish?”

“Stupid.”

******

“Seunghyub…”

Eunsol opened her eyes after surgery.

“I’m here.”

“How do you feel?”

“Just… sleepy.”

“Don’t move.”

It was her fourth surgery.

A deformed heart.

A fragile life.

And Seunghyub—

He stayed.

All night.

“Seunghyub…”

“Hm?”

“Talk to me… I’m bored.”

He smiled.

“Look—these stickers are funny. I met an old friend… turns out this friend is the one who broke your colored pencils.”

Eunsol listened.

Smiling softly.

She loved moments like this.

When he talked—

Only to her.

******

Another weekend, another chance to spend time together.

Haein always looked forward to weekends, because it was the only time she could spend a little longer with Seunghyub. He had finally come back after being busy last weekend accompanying his best friend.

But something felt a little off today. Seunghyub stayed in the room, focused on his project.

Today’s hangout was at Gyuyoung’s place, since the seniors—Gyuyoung, Seunghyub, and Youngkwang—had an exam next Monday. Haein played around with the others, but her eyes kept drifting back to Seunghyub every now and then.

Still, nothing could ruin this kind of night. Even better—no one planned to get drunk tonight. That meant no “chauffeur Seunghyub” either.

“Euakh!”

Haein finished her last can of beer and crushed it, as if pouring all her frustration into the aluminum.

“Ya! You scared me!” Jaehyun complained.

“Ah, I’m dizzy. I need some air.”

She smacked Jaehyun’s head lightly as she pushed past him.

“….”

Seunghyub’s focus broke. He smiled faintly, watching her leave the room.

“EARGH!!” Gyuyoung suddenly shouted. “I can’t do this anymore. I’ll finish it tomorrow. Jay, let’s smoke outside.”

“Okaay…”

Jay quickly turned off his game and followed her out.

Haein wandered into a nearby convenience store, picking up ice cream from the freezer.

Then—

A familiar scent.

A hand reached in beside hers.

“I like this one.”

Seunghyub held up an ice cream and smiled.

“Oh! Oppa, you startled me.”

Haein grabbed the same one, then hesitated.

“I used to like this too… but I want something different today.”

She put it back, tapping her chin.

“How much did you drink? You’re already drunk, right?”

Without thinking, Seunghyub reached out and touched her flushed cheek. It was warm—almost burning.

“….”

Haein froze.

The air turned awkward instantly.

“S-sorry.”

He pulled his hand back, startled at himself.

“I’ll take this.”

Haein quickly grabbed a random flavor and walked to the cashier.

“Okay, I’ll pay.”

Seunghyub followed, took the ice cream from her, and paid—both of them still awkward.

They walked back side by side, eating their ice cream.

But after a few bites, Haein frowned.

“Is it not good?” Seunghyub asked.

“The taste is okay… but the texture is weird.” She laughed awkwardly. “I think I’ll throw it away.”

“Want to switch? I already took a bite though.”

“But mine too. I licked it.”

“It’s fine.”

Seunghyub took her melting ice cream.

“Wait, hold this for a second.”

He handed his to her, then took a big bite of hers.

Haein froze again.

He didn’t seem bothered at all.

Seunghyub tried to break off the bitten part of his own ice cream using the wrapper, but before he could—

Haein grabbed it from him.

“Then it’s fine for me too.”

She placed the bitten part directly into her mouth.

“Oh… hehehe… then it’s fair.”

He smiled.

“So… I have your first kiss?” Haein teased.

“Then I have yours too?” he teased back.

Haein.exe stopped working.

Her face turned bright red as she quickly walked ahead, her heartbeat completely out of control.

Later that night, they finished their project and sat around talking.

But Haein couldn’t calm down.

Her heart wouldn’t stop racing. Especially after what happened earlier…

And it didn’t help that Seunghyub sat right beside her the entire night.

She kept drinking.

One can after another.

“Stop. You’ve had too much.”

Seunghyub took the next can from her hand.

“But…”

Instead, he brought her a bottle of cold water.

“Gyuyoung-ah, I’m taking this.”

“Go ahead.”

“Here.”

He opened it for her and placed it in her hand.

“….”

Haein only stared at it, pouting, not drinking at all.

“I’ll take you home. You’re too drunk.”

“Guys, I’m heading out. I’ll take Haein home.”

“Later, I’ll go with you,” Youngkwang said.

“It’s okay. I’ll take a taxi. I’ll make sure she’s safe.”

After a moment—

“Okay then. Be careful.”

The ride home was quiet.

Haein leaned against him.

Seunghyub covered her with his jacket, gently patting her shoulder.

He smelled nice.

He felt warm.

It was her first time being this close to him.

She didn’t want the moment to end.

Then—

His phone rang.

She glanced at his watch.

00:07 a.m.

Again?

Why always at this time?

“Hm?”

“Busy?”

A girl’s voice.

“No, I’m on my way home. How was today? You had your wound check-up?”

Haein’s chest tightened.

“Yes… it’s better. But it still hurts. Seunghyub-ah, I want tteokbokki.”

Her tone—soft, spoiled.

It irritated Haein instantly.

“Okay, I’ll buy it. Did you take your medicine?”

His voice—gentle. Warm.

A tone Haein had never heard before.

“Okay. I’ll wait.”

The call ended.

Haein glanced at the screen.

KIM.

Kim Guy… was a girl.

Something inside her snapped.

By the time they arrived, she pushed his hand away.

“Be careful—”

“I can.”

She tried to walk ahead but stumbled.

Seunghyub caught her.

“Let me help you. I promised your brother.”

“….”

Her eyes burned.

“Kim… is a girl?”

“…Kim?”

“If you have a girlfriend… don’t take another girl home.”

She shoved him away and left.

The next morning—

Haein remembered everything.

Every. Single. Thing.

“AAAAARGH!”

She kicked her blanket in frustration.

“So? Did you succeed in sleeping with him?”

Youngkwang appeared at her door.

“I think I did something worse…”

“What?”

“Kim is a girl…”

She buried her face in her hands.

“I got jealous and said something stupid!”

Youngkwang clapped. “Nice. I like your style.”

“But how do I face him now?!”

“Just act like nothing happened.”

“…I pushed him too hard.”

“Then he’ll stop messing with you.”

******

Meanwhile—

Seunghyub stared at his phone.

Unread messages from Eunsol.

His chest felt uneasy. Confused.

And somehow… heavy.

Because Haein’s face—

The way she looked at him last night—

Wouldn’t leave his mind.

He opened the chat.

...

Seunghyub & Eunsol — Chat

Eunsol: Sseung…

Eunsol: You forgot?

Eunsol: Are you sleeping?

Eunsol: Are you drunk?

Eunsol: I’m hungry :’(

Eunsol: Mom made me food. Rest well then…

Seunghyub stared at the messages for a long time.

How could he forget?

It had only been a few minutes after the call.

But everything in his head… felt erased.

Or maybe—

It was because of Haein.

He typed slowly.

Seunghyub: Eunsol-ah, I’m really sorry.

Seunghyub: The store was closed… I forgot to tell you.

Eunsol: It’s okay…

Short.

Too simple.

But somehow, that made him feel even worse.

That night—

Eunsol stood by her window, waiting. Without he knowing.

She watched him from the window as he walked home slowly.

Empty-handed.

No plastic bag.

She almost called out to him—

But stopped.

He looked… tired.

Quiet.

Sad.

So she stepped back.

Moved to her room.

To the window that faced his room.

She waited.

And waited.

But the light in his room never turned on.