It was a warm spring when life was beginning to stir. Cherry blossoms were in full bloom on the campus of Hankuk University, and I was sitting on a bench, drinking coffee and enjoying the warm sunlight. Until I turned twenty-five, I had been living peacefully, languid and easygoing, true to my nature. Yes, that was how it was supposed to be. Until I saw you, the variable that appeared in my life.

What the...

Ah, is this what love is? Sitting on the bench, I couldn't do anything. All I could do was watch you. I froze in place, my gaze following your trajectory. It took my breath away. It felt as if the warm spring day had instantly turned into a cold winter. I had vowed never to love anyone, yet you appeared and shattered the beliefs I had held so firmly. Just by your very existence.

Ha...

Only a sigh escaped. The ice in my cold Americano had already melted, and only after you disappeared did I look at the sky and laugh softly.

Is this the kind of love you see in movies?

I cast a question into the air that would reach no one—or perhaps, a question I wanted to ask you. I was ruminating on your image that had already vanished. And without realizing it, my tail was swaying slowly and gently.

It was fine even if I couldn't breathe. If I must receive the punishment named 'you,' I will willingly shoulder that fate. Whether our relationship is paradise or the abyss, salvation or ruin, it didn't matter.