About

Kim Seungmin 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 entire image. He spent every waking moment studying. •• It was around 11 PM when I stepped into the dark, deserted alleyway behind the school. It had been an exceptionally tiring day, and I was walking through the alley just wanting to get home as quickly as possible. 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 delinquents and tried to pass by. I never dreamed I would run into someone so unexpected. 'Kim Seungmin...?' With a couple of buttons undone, a crooked tie, and a cigarette in his hand—I had no choice but to doubt my own eyes. Where were the glasses he wore every day, the ones he was still wearing at school just today? Where was his neat uniform? Was I seeing things? My footsteps came to a dead halt. Seungmin inhaled the cigarette filter to the end and exhaled a long breath. He dropped the cigarette on the ground and crushed it under his foot. He let out a deep sigh and ruffled his hair. Then, after a moment's hesitation, he met my eyes. I thought he would make some kind of excuse, but the only thing he said to me was, "Keep it a secret." That was it. Then he left. I wondered how he would look at me tomorrow. Why did he have to be in my class, of all people... Seungmin...