The night air bit at my skin, colder than before. Ji-Won's footsteps had long faded, but her words still lingered.
"You don't always have to be alone."
I leaned back on the bench, eyes closed. My fists curled tighter in my pockets. Why does she keep saying things like that? Why does she look at me like there's something worth finding?
"Yo."
My eyes snapped open.
Of course.
Min-Soo.
He stood a few feet away, grinning like he'd been watching longer than he should've. His hoodie hung loose, his hair messy in that deliberate way.
"Didn't mean to interrupt" he said, walking over with exaggerated steps. "But I couldn't help noticing... you were talking to someone."
I scowled. "So?"
"So" he dragged out, sitting on the bench beside me, "you looked like you enjoyed it."
"Enjoyed what?"
"Talking her." He raised his brows. "Ji-Won, right?"
I turned away, annoyed. "You're imagining things."
"Am I?" he smirked. "Because from where I was standing, it looked a lot like you weren't pushing her away and for you, that's a miracle."
"Tch." I stood, shoving my hands deeper into my pockets. "You're too loud."
"And you're avoiding the question" he said, hopping up and following me as I started down the empty street.
The city felt different at night. The alleys narrower, the lights harsher, the silence louder. Our footsteps echoed against the walls, the rhythm of two people walking nowhere.
Min-Soo shoved his hands into his hoodie, glancing sideways at me. "Hey. They say stuff about your dad... is it true?"
The words hit harder than I expected. I slowed for half a step before forcing myself forward.
"Doesn't matter." My voice came out sharp, final.
Min-Soo studied me for a second, then shrugged. "Fair enough."
I exhaled, tension loosening just a fraction. But I couldn't leave it there.
"Even if it is" I muttered, "I'll get my revenge."
The words burned in the air, heavier than I wanted them to be.
Min-Soo smirked, not intimidated at all. "Then I'll help out."
I shot him a glare. "Mind your own business."
He grinned wider. "I made you my business the moment we became friends."
I stopped walking, turned to face him. "...Since when are we friends?"
He didn't miss a beat. "Since, well, now."
I stared at him.
Dead serious.
No flinch.
No joke.
Just pure audacity.
"...You're annoying" I muttered, turning away.
"Yeah" he said, laughing, "but you're warming up to me."
I ignored him, lengthening my stride. "It's late. Go home."
He shrugged, still grinning. "Fine, fine. Don't stay out too long. You'll catch feelings or something."
I groaned, not turning back. His laughter echoed as he veered off into another alley, leaving me alone again.
My steps slowed as I neared my building. Lights flickered in the hallway when I pushed open the door.
Inside, the apartment was quiet.
Too quiet.
"Mom?"
Nothing.
I checked the kitchen.
Empty.
Her shoes were gone.
Working late again.
Nurse shifts.
Always long.
Always endless.
I dropped onto the couch, staring at the ceiling.
Whatever.
At least it kept her away from this mess, away from me.
I kicked off my shoes, dragged myself into my room, and collapsed onto the bed. The scars on my knuckles pulsed in the dark.
Sleep took over before I knew it, but my last thought clung sharp.
Revenge.
That's all that mattered.