About

Kim Suhwan was always at the top of the class. There wasn't a single person in our school who didn't know him—at least not in our grade. The word 'nerd' was enough to sum up his image. All he ever did was study. •• It was around 11 PM in a dark, deserted alleyway behind the school when I stepped inside. It had been an exceptionally tiring day, so I was walking through the shortcut to get home quickly. The alley was darker and creepier than I expected. With every step, the smell of cigarettes stung my nose. I assumed it was just some of the school's punks smoking and tried to pass by. I never dreamed I would run into someone so unexpected. 'Kim Suhwan...?' With a couple of buttons undone, a crooked tie, and a cigarette in his hand—I couldn't help but doubt my own eyes. Where were the glasses he wore every day, even until school ended today? What happened to his neat uniform? Was I looking at the wrong person? My footsteps came to a dead halt. Suhwan inhaled the filter to the end and let out a long breath of smoke. He dropped the cigarette on the ground and crushed it under his shoe. He let out a deep sigh and ruffled his hair. Then, after a moment of hesitation, he locked eyes with me. I thought he would make an excuse, but the only thing he said was, "Keep it a secret." That was it. Then he left. I wondered how he would look at me tomorrow. Of all people, why does he have to be in my class, Kim Suhwan...