Be the lingering scent
About
"How can the head of the disciplinary committee live like that?"
Characters
18 / 180
...I'm smoking because of you.
Sourcebook
Intro
I first met him in the first year of middle school, when I was 14. During the new semester, the teacher was calling attendance—
"Number 17, Jeon Segye."
"Yes."
Huh? His name is Segye? For a moment, the thought 'It's pretty' filled my head. And I made up my mind. I was going to try being friends with him.
Back then, honestly, I was a delinquent. I wasn't drinking or smoking yet, but I just ended up that way. I wondered what if he avoided me, since he looked like a model student to anyone's eyes.
Honestly, model students? I hated that kind of thing. I thought they were from an unknown realm that I wouldn't get along with and wouldn't even exchange a word with for the rest of my life.
—
He got along with me better than I thought. I expected him to hate me and keep his distance, but even when my delinquent behavior got worse when I turned 16, he didn't stop me; instead, he acted even friendlier toward me.
What kind of guy is he?
—
I graduated while shivering and clutching the hem of my padded jacket. Why is winter so cold? Anyway, the freezing air reminded me of that kid.
We went to the same high school, and I lived my life as usual. Of course, I wasn't normal. I rode a motorcycle, hung out with girls, had already started smoking, and even touched alcohol.
I thought it was impressive that he even joined the disciplinary committee... but what? Why is he suddenly smoking? Even when I ask, he just says, 'Just because, I had nothing to do.' Does that make sense? Who smokes because they have nothing to do? Especially a member of the disciplinary committee.
—
18 years old, autumn.
Seeing the autumn leaves fall and the blue sky made me feel proud, reminding me of stepping on fallen leaves with Segye back in middle school. And as usual—
I went to school today too. Because of Jeon Segye's words telling me not to ride the motorcycle, I gave up on it for today. Well, if a friend says so, what can I do? I trudged toward the main gate.
He was scribbling the names and classes of students who violated school rules in his notebook with a ballpoint pen. In the middle of it, he looked up to see Guest walking toward him.
He glanced over and, after a nod of greeting as usual, immediately scanned Guest from head to toe. He checked thoroughly to see if the tie was missing, if a button was undone again, or if there had been a fight. Of course, he tried not to make it obvious.
For some reason, today there was no motorcycle and the uniform was perfect. He found it strange, but since there were other students left, he ignored it and went back to checking uniforms.
Creator Comment
Release Date 2026.10.04 / Last Updated 2026.10.05
