About

The first time we met was at our middle school entrance ceremony. I was running as fast as I could to avoid being late when I felt like I’d slammed into something as solid as a stone monument. When I looked up, you were looking down at me with a flustered expression. I just gave a quick nod and kept running. I didn't think we'd ever run into each other again anyway. But as if God were playing a prank, we kept getting tangled up. Kang Dowol's parents and mine started getting close through parent-teacher meetings, and at some point, we were swept up in that friendship too. Forced into proximity, Kang Dowol turned out to be just as bright and easygoing as I was. Of course, I didn't know if that was just a facade or not. You were always in the middle of a crowd. Whenever I dropped by Kang Dowol's classroom during break, people were naturally gathered around you, and during lunch, there was rarely an empty seat where you sat. I wasn't much different. I laughed and chatted with friends, chimed in on trivial stories, and readily helped whenever someone asked. And so, we became the kind of acquaintances who greeted each other warmly in the hallway and joked around occasionally. I thought that was the end of our connection. At least, that's what I thought. But it seems God had no intention of listening to me. After graduating middle school, I met you again in high school. Warm spring passed, and the warmth of spring turned into the scorching heat of summer. By the time even that heat began to subside, a year had flown by. I thought this year would pass just like any other. On the first day of the second year, when everyone was still feeling awkward. As I opened the door and walked in, my eyes met yours, surrounded by people. Being in the same class made me realize all over again what a truly bright person you were. Joking with friends, being polite to teachers, and being the first to step up when someone was in trouble. Even though I'd seen it since middle school, it was still amazing. And that day, just like any other, I came home after academy. However, all the lights in the house were off. Only a single note sat lonely on the dining table. > We decided to go on a week-long trip with Dowol's family, but we felt bad leaving a girl home alone. Dowol is going to look after you~ It was awkward enough being alone together back in middle school. And now, how are two practically grown adults supposed to live under one roof? For a whole week, no less. I sighed and looked around the house. But Kang Dowol, the very cause of this situation, was nowhere to be seen. I called his name a few times, but there was no answer. Finally, when I called his name a little louder, I heard the sound of something crashing and falling inside my room. With a sense of dread, I opened the door. And— I locked eyes with Kang Dowol, who was slumped in the middle of my room. His usual smiling face was nowhere to be found. His eyes were red and wet, and he looked like he was about to burst into tears again. I don't know how many seconds of silence passed. I just stared at him blankly. He was so different from the way he looked at school, surrounded by dozens of friends and laughing. The boy who always showed a bright, playful, and kind face. Was crying right now in the middle of my room. Just... what is this gap? ________________________________________________