Morning came, and I slowly opened my eyes.
My gaze fell forward—to the end of the room, where a gentle cold breeze lingered,
reminding me that today was my last day in this small town, in this small room.
Gradually, my awareness sharpened.
I sat up on the bed. My legs had no strength,
as if my heart didn't want to leave.
But I gathered what power I had, pulled my legs out from under the blanket,
and placed them on the icy floor.
The cold of the room had seeped into everything.
I walked toward the window.
That same quiet, calming stillness—no voices, no sounds.
It was like the world had fallen asleep.
That familiar view—the same blackened dams in the distance.
I took a deep breath.
I didn't want to change my mind.
I simply couldn't bear it anymore.
For the first time,
I wanted to trust fate and time.
If the clock's hands could really change everything…
If destiny decided to rewrite the story…
Maybe the broken threads would tie themselves back together.
Maybe—just maybe—I'd get to see his smile one more time.
A few seconds later, my phone alarm rang.
It was as if the world was telling me:
It's time.
After a quick shower, I got dressed.
Black shirt, matching pants, and a red jacket.
I stood in front of the mirror.
My eyes gave away last night's lack of sleep.
I turned my face away.
My eyes caught sight of the suitcase I had packed last night,
leaning quietly against the wall in the corner of the room.
I knew it was time to leave.
I picked up my suitcase.
I wanted to close the door behind me,
but for some reason… I left it open.
Downstairs, no one was there.
Suddenly, a car horn outside called to me.
I stepped out.
Mom and Dad were waiting—
smiling, but with sadness in their eyes.
Their faces were the only things that eased the chaos in my mind.
Like a balm on tears.
"My son… it's time to go," Mom said softly.
I got into the car.
I didn't want to drag it out.
The car began to move without pause,
as if it was determined to get me to my destination today no matter what.
Soon, that park passed by in a blur—
just like the memories.
Then it hit me.
I hadn't told Souh I was leaving.
And a smile started to spread on my face—
as if I wanted to punish him just a little before I left.
A moment later, an ad played on my phone.
I picked it up,
staring blankly at the screen.
I was thinking about doing something stupid.
Then I set it back down
and leaned my head against the window.
The sky was heavy with dark clouds,
caught in indecision—rain or snow.
And right then, I made a bet with the sky.
If it rains, I won't say anything.
But if it snows… just once, I'll do something foolish.
We reached the airport shortly after.
I got out.
And then—it started to rain.
Soft, hesitant drops.
Even the sky didn't want me to go through with it.
I wanted to give up.
I knew I couldn't bear his answer.
I knew I wasn't strong enough.
But then—
a voice pulled me back.
It guided me forward.
I turned.
My mother suddenly hugged me tightly, her tears falling freely.
Dad stood a little farther away, trying to hold his tears back.
But for me,
I had no tears left to cry.
Still, I hugged them both—tight.
All I wanted was a little warmth.
Something to help me stay whole.
After our goodbyes,
I walked toward the plane.
Toward my seat.
I wanted to look back.
But I couldn't.
I didn't want them to see the pain in my eyes.
I went up the escalator.
Through the glass barrier, I saw the airplane waiting.
As if it had been sitting there… waiting just for me.
But then someone's voice stopped me.
A girl, holding her tickets.
A boy beside her, insisting she take care of herself.
They were both crying.
Holding each other like they never wanted to let go.
As if it was truly their last goodbye.
I don't know why,
but seeing them made me smile.
"Sorry, Souh… I guess I have to hurt you one more time before I go."
I whispered to myself.
I sat on one of those white seats,
and checked my phone.
8:40 AM.
Only twenty minutes left
until I said goodbye forever.
Suddenly, a sharp pain shot through my chest.
I pressed my hand hard against it—
but it didn't help.
And then I decided:
just once, I would be honest.
With him… and with myself.
My hands were trembling,
but I still dialed his number.
He picked up immediately.
"Kai? Did you call about the amusement park?"
he answered with a sleepy voice.
"Haha… Souh,
you know I hate you.
I hate you more than anything."
I laughed bitterly.
My heart felt heavier with each second.
"You hate me? But why?
Did I do something wrong? Haha,
you're always so dramatic."
Souh replied with a half-smile in his voice.
"I'm leaving.
For good.
So just listen, okay?"
"Kai, what are you talking about?
Are you okay?
You're leaving?"
then i continued and he slowly listed
I always had so many questions for you,
especially when you went silent on me.
I kept hoping one day you'd finally open up,
but maybe I was just being stupid.
Every time you distanced yourself,
my heart broke.
But this time—
Haha… I'm the one leaving.
I wanted to be there when you were hurting.
I wanted you to feel safe telling me when you needed help.
And Soura…
I can't handle it.
Souh,
why can't you just let me go?
Just end it.
I… I really can't anymore.
Souh, I…
whatever.
Let's not see each other again.
…Goodbye, Souh."
I hung up.
Without waiting to hear what he'd say.
I wanted to end everything that had started with such a beautiful story.
Or maybe…
I only thought I did.
I thought my eyes had dried up.
But they just wouldn't stop crying.
I couldn't say everything that was in my heart—
but at least it felt a little lighter.
I sat on the cold floor.
"I guess… I'll never see his smile again, will I?"
That question kept echoing in my head,
Then a voice broke through the noise around me.
But my legs…
My body felt heavier than ever.
I couldn't get up.
And my eyes—
they were still crying.
They wouldn't stop.
Then—
a pair of feet stepped into my view.
"Kai, you need to get up."
Siah.
She was looking down at me with that dark, serious gaze.
As if she was silently telling me to keep going.
"I'm so tired… I can't anymore."
I was completely hopeless—
it was the only answer I could give.
I lowered my head again.
But a second later,
something yanked me to my feet.
I tried to pull away—
until I saw her eyes.
So cold.
So angry.
I had never seen her like that before.
Then she raised her hand—
and slapped me. Hard.
"Are you stupid?!
Why do you keep thinking about him? Huh?
He's happy with Soura!
He doesn't even think about you!
If you love him that much—
then fight for his gaze!
Why don't you even try?!
Sometimes… time is all it takes, Kai.
Go succeed.
Then shout it in his face:
'I'm not the same anymore.'
Do you even know
how much you're hurting me?
I really… really love you.
So stop it already!"
Her voice was full of anger—
but I could tell it was hiding something deeper.
She was the kindest, most mature person I knew.
Her eyes were filled with tears
as she finally let her feelings out.
She was always so much braver than cowardly me.
I hugged her,
because I knew that's what she needed more than anything.
I pulled a tissue from my pocket
and wiped her tears.
She calmed a bit
and lifted her head.
I didn't know what to say to her.
She felt like my little sister.
"Siah, I—"
I wanted to comfort her.
"Come on. Let's get on the plane."
She said without meeting my eyes,
grabbing my hand,
and leading me toward the plane.
Siah was so strong.
And I loved that about her.
Soon, we boarded.
Our seats were a little far apart.
That way, I had more time to think.
I stared out the airplane window.
The speed was picking up,
carrying me further away from everything.
But then—
I caught sight of something.
A glint of light—
like sunlight reflecting off a necklace.
I tried to get a better look.
But the plane lifted off.
And left the ground.
I closed my eyes.
Closed myself off—
from everything.
From everyone.