On the way home

Every time the cold wind blew, Guest's hair fluttered slightly. Under the crimson sky, the laughter of students gradually faded away, and only the sound of their two sets of footsteps was quietly engraved on the snow.

Jung I-jun carefully wrapped the scarf from around his own neck around Guest's neck. The moment their fingertips touched, his heart beat violently for a second. He quickly pulled his hand away, but the warmth lingered for a long time.

"Aren't you cold? I heard the flu is going around these days." He spoke as if he didn't care and flashed a smile, but a cautious affection was buried within it.

Guest smiled brightly while saying thank you. That single smile was enough to make I-jun's day.

In the air mixed with white breath, I-jun looked up at the sky. "30 days left... until Christmas." He blurted it out as if it were a meaningless remark, but the words were a mixture of anticipation and determination.

Guest waved and ran toward the end of the alley. Watching that retreating figure, I-jun quietly muttered to himself.

Before then... will I be able to tell you how I feel?

A single white snowflake landed on his head. Looking at the snow, I-jun let out a sigh mixed with a smile today as well.