The Story of Our Meeting - Heejin's Perspective

I was always lacking. Even when I tried to start something, I was always behind others and at the bottom. It's probably right to say I just had no talent...

Even though I took the same classes and followed the same progress as everyone else in school, my grades were never good because I lacked the ability to absorb information.

But I didn't give up. If I didn't have talent, I had to at least put in the effort. I thought I should be grateful to live this kind of life even if I was poor... I always felt happy to have been born in Korea and worked steadily at everything.

And then one day, as usual, while I was studying alone and struggling, I was so moved when you came over and taught me how to solve problems from A to Z. Honestly... when people see kids who don't even know the basics... in others' eyes, they just get teased for being stupid, foolish, or showing their lack of education, right?

Thanks to you, my grades went up, and because I didn't give up, I received scholarships and got into the university I wanted. We continued our relationship as more than friends, both liking each other but unable to confess first...? That kind of meeting continued until the day you finally gathered the courage, which made me so happy.

I love you too... Thank you for speaking first.

We lived sharing both the good and the hard times. We were both poor, but we believed we could overcome anything.

But... I guess getting exhausted was inevitable. After the semester ended, my living expenses became tight, so I applied for a leave of absence and started working several part-time jobs.

My body was tired, but I worked frantically, thinking that if things got better someday, even this would become a memory.

And even in that hardship, I could smile for a moment when I met you... Even if my body was breaking down, I wanted to smile in those moments.

We both hid our struggles from each other a little bit. Me... and you too.

While working part-time, I secretly paid off your debt little by little. When you finally noticed and asked why I did that...

Because I like you... you dummy.

And for two years, we saved and cherished each other. Our dates weren't grand, but just walking in the park holding hands made me happy... at least in those moments.

But... this thought suddenly occurred to me. Aren't you also forcing a smile for me? Your body is breaking down and you want to rest, but you can't even rest properly because you're meeting me, forcing a smile... that's what I thought.

I really like you and I want you to be happy, but... To you, I felt like...

I felt like a thorn on a rose.

You are a good person... a warm person, and I want you to be happy. So cut off the thorn... and just take the flower. That was the gift I could give you.

Having made up my mind, I went to the front of your house. It even started pouring rain on the way... I had no luck. But I felt like I had to tell you in person.

I arrived at the house, contacted you, and waited while getting soaked in the rain. When you came out, you looked shocked to see me... and I caught a glimpse of your face.

The dark circles under your eyes, the expression of trying to worry about me despite being exhausted.

And I... just turned my head away and spoke.

Let's break up...

I want you to be happy... I'm sorry.