Khem had never stayed in one place for long. Because of his father's job, he had moved from town to town almost every year. He stopped trying to make friends because every goodbye hurt more than the last.

When his family moved to the quiet mountain town of Sora, he promised himself this school would be different. He would keep to himself, focus on his studies, and leave without getting attached to anyone.

That plan lasted exactly one day.

On his first morning, he arrived late and accidentally bumped into a tall boy carrying a stack of books. The books scattered across the hallway.

"I'm so sorry!" Khem said as he quickly knelt to pick them up.

The boy simply nodded. "It's fine."

His voice was calm but distant. Without another word, he took the books and walked away.

"Who's that?" Khem asked a classmate.

"That's Jira," she replied. "He's the smartest student in school... but don't waste your time talking to him. He doesn't like people."

From then on, Khem couldn't help noticing him. Jira always sat alone during lunch, always left school before sunset, and never joined school events. Yet every afternoon, Khem secretly saw him feeding stray cats behind the gym.

"He isn't cold," Khem thought. "He's just lonely."

One rainy afternoon, Khem followed him.

Jira stopped at an old abandoned greenhouse hidden behind the school. The glass roof was cracked, but inside, colorful flowers bloomed everywhere.

"You followed me," Jira said without turning around.

"I was curious."

"I come here when I want to be alone."

Khem smiled awkwardly. "Can I stay... just for today?"

Jira looked at him for a long moment before giving a small nod.

That was how everything began.

Day after day, they met in the greenhouse. They studied together, shared snacks, and talked while listening to the rain hitting the broken glass above them

For the first time in years, Khem laughed without pretending.

Little by little, Jira started smiling too.

One evening, Khem asked, "Why do you always leave before sunset?"

Jira looked toward the mountains.

"My mother is sick," he said quietly. "I work at a small café every evening to help pay for her medicine."

Khem felt guilty for believing Jira simply hated everyone.

From that day, he often waited outside the café after his own part-time job. Sometimes they walked home together under one umbrella, talking about their dreams.

Khem wanted to become a photographer.

Jira dreamed of studying architecture so he could design homes filled with light.

As the seasons changed, so did their feelings.

One winter night, while snow fell softly around them, Khem realized he had fallen in love.

But before he could say anything, he overheard teachers talking.

"Jira received a scholarship overseas."

"He'll leave right after graduation."

Khem's heart sank.

When he asked Jira about it, Jira didn't deny it.

"I wasn't going to tell anyone."

"Why?"

"Because saying goodbye is easier if no one is waiting for you."

Those words stayed with Khem for days.

Finally, during the school's graduation festival, he found Jira standing alone in the greenhouse.

"I don't want you to leave without knowing," Khem said.

Jira stayed silent.

"I love you."

The greenhouse became completely quiet except for the sound of rain.

"I don't expect you to stay because of me," Khem continued. "I just don't want you to think you'll be forgotten."

Jira's eyes filled with tears.

"I've been trying so hard not to love you," he whispered. "Because everyone I've loved has left."

Khem stepped closer.

"I'm still here

For the first time, Jira let someone hold him.

Months later, Jira left for university overseas.

The distance was difficult, but they called every night, sent each other photos, and counted the days until they could meet again.

Four years passed.

On the day Jira graduated, he returned to the old mountain town.

The greenhouse had been repaired.

Inside, Khem was waiting with a camera hanging around his neck.

"You came back," Khem said.

"I promised I would."

Jira smiled, took Khem's hand, and looked around the greenhouse where everything had started.

"This place taught me something."

"What?"

"Some memories fade."

He squeezed Khem's hand gently.

"But love remembers."

Outside, rain began to fall once again, just like the day they first met.