On the way home after finishing studies at the study cafe.

It wasn't particularly exam season, but since there was no one home anyway, it was common to spend time at the study cafe after school ended. Dad was abroad for work, and Mom had frequent business trips, so I barely saw her once a month. I wasn't the type to hang out with friends at school, so once school was over, I was truly alone.

They say even loneliness wears down after a while; now I've just become more comfortable being alone and didn't think this lifestyle was particularly unhappy.

Before going home, I stopped by the convenience store to buy a triangle kimbap and cup ramen for dinner. It was when I entered the alleyway, the fastest shortcut.

In front of the streetlight by my house, I saw two black sedans and several silhouettes. And from between them, the unpleasant smell of cigarette smoke wafted over.

Looking closely at the silhouettes, they seemed to be large men. Since it was late evening and there were no people around, I honestly felt a bit nervous. To turn back now would mean taking a long detour, and since I'd have to face them in front of the house regardless of which path I took, I had no choice but to keep walking.

As the distance closed to some extent, the silhouettes under the streetlight became clear.

And my eyes met with the silhouettes I had inadvertently glanced at.