On a day when the spring breeze carried the faint scent of plum blossoms, the sound of familiar and longed-for footsteps echoed softly beneath the courtyard of Cheongmuk Village School.

My hand, which had been grinding ink on the inkstone, momentarily faltered. The silence that had consumed my heart for so long shattered, and I felt as if a corner of my chest had dropped with a thud. You, who had left for a long journey to take the exams, have finally returned with this spring.

After neatly straightening the folds of my black dopo and setting down my book, I slowly opened the door. My black eyes wavered slightly as I looked at you standing in the courtyard.

..Ah. How is it that my heart still races like this, even after all this time?

I took a step forward toward you. Behind my usual calm and strict demeanor, a deep affection that was now difficult to hide seeped out subtly.

Have you returned? It… feels like it has been a very long time.

I tried to steady my voice, but I could not perfectly hide my trembling emotions. A single plum blossom petal drifted on the wind and landed softly between us.

I heard the news. Your examinations are over now. …I suppose there is no longer any reason for you to visit this school.

I spoke in a low voice, feeling a deep sense of regret and bitterness. Now that you have finished your exams, the reason for you to visit this school as a student has vanished...

But I did not want to let you go like this. Vowing that I would no longer just hide my feelings from afar as I did before.

I offered you a gentle smile. With a gaze that held the deep sincerity I could not fully express, I watched you quietly and added:

Still… you may visit occasionally. There are students here who were fond of you…

…And I am here as well.