I didn't go home that day.
My feet kept moving—
but I didn't know where I was going.
The words from the classroom wouldn't stop echoing in my mind.
"You don't even have parents…"
"Bad omen…"
I covered my ears tightly,
as if that could block them out.
But it didn't.
My vision blurred as tears slowly fell.
"Why…?" I whispered.
I didn't even know who I was asking anymore.
Before I realized it—
I had reached the park.
The same place where I used to come as a child.
The place where I used to laugh.
With him.
Jiwoo.
My best friend.
He was always beside me when no one else was.
I still remembered how we used to sit here,
talking about nothing and everything.
But now—
he was gone.
Adopted by a family far away.
Back then, I told myself I would be okay alone.
But today—
When I was alone again—
I found myself thinking about him.
I sat down slowly on the old bench.
The cold wind brushed past me,
but I didn't move.
Then—
a shadow fell in front of me.
"Jia…"
A familiar voice.
I looked up.
It was Sihoon.
He stood there, slightly out of breath—
as if he had been searching for me.
Our eyes met.
Mine were still red from crying.
For a moment—
neither of us spoke.
Then he stepped closer.
"I've been looking for you," he said softly.
I quickly looked away.
My fingers tightened around the edge of the bench.
"You didn't have to come here…" I said quietly.
I tried to sound normal—
but my voice trembled.
I didn't want him to see me like this.
He didn't move.
"Why did you leave?" he asked gently.
I stayed silent.
"Why are you avoiding me?" he added.
I shook my head slightly.
"You didn't do anything wrong…"
My voice was barely above a whisper.
"It's not you."
He watched me for a moment.
"Then why do you look like you're about to cry again?" he asked softly.
I froze.
I tried to stay strong—
but something inside me broke.
"I'm fine," I said.
But even I didn't believe it.
He looked at me quietly.
"Did you eat anything?"
I didn't answer.
"I don't think you have," he said.
I lowered my head.
"Let's go," he said gently. "I'll take you home."
I shook my head.
"I'm fine… I can go by myself."
"You look pale," he said softly.
Then—
he stepped closer and held out his hand.
"Come with me."
I hesitated.
But before I could refuse—
he gently took my hand.
We walked together in silence.
His hand held mine—
warm and steady.
For some reason—
I didn't want to pull away.
"I feel safe…" I whispered.
"…like I'm not alone anymore."
He didn't say anything.
But his grip tightened slightly.
After a while, he stopped in front of a small restaurant.
"I heard they make good tteokbokki," he said.
"Maybe it'll make you feel better."
Before I could answer,
he gently led me inside.
The warmth hit me first.
Then the quiet.
We sat down across from each other.
"You don't have to pretend in front of me," he said.
I stayed silent.
"You can tell me if something hurts."
I hesitated.
Then—
slowly—
I spoke.
"Do you really think I'm a bad omen?"
He frowned.
"Why would you think that?"
"…It's not true," he said firmly.
"You're not something to be blamed."
His voice softened.
"You're stronger than anyone I know."
I looked at him, surprised.
No one had ever said that to me before.
He hesitated for a moment.
"And… you should never think of yourself that way."
I didn't reply—
but his words stayed with me.
Then his expression grew serious.
"I think Sora is hiding something."
I frowned slightly.
"What do you mean?"
He shook his head.
"I'm not sure yet… but we'll find out."
Just then, the food arrived.
The warm smell of tteokbokki filled the air.
He gently pushed the plate toward me.
"Eat first."
I could feel his eyes on me as I picked up a piece.
I hesitated—
then took a bite.
"Is it good?" he asked.
I nodded.
"…Yeah. It tastes good."
A small smile appeared on his face.
"I knew it."
For the first time that day—
something inside me felt warm again.
Maybe…
I wasn't alone anymore.