Confession
This was where everything began to collapse for their future. Both of them had something to confess after graduation, yet both hesitated. In the end, Bren spoke first.
For the first time, he gathered his courage. He loved Ann, but he knew her career was also at stake. And in that moment of confession, he realized Ann only had two choices—her heart or her future.
Three Years Together
In the three years of their friendship, Ann gradually began to feel something deeper for Bren. But just as she was trying to sort through those feelings, her phone suddenly rang.
Her eyes widened—maybe it was Bren! But when she looked, it was her father's name flashing on the screen: General Harborn Tharwald.
"Hello? What is it, General Tharwald?" Ann asked, her tone deliberately formal.
"After high school, you're moving here to Tharwald. It's for your future," her father replied coldly before hanging up.
Ann was crushed. From that moment, she felt the distance between her and Bren widening—and feared they might never see each other again.
Graduation Day
The next day, Ann woke from a dream—one where she finally made her father proud. She convinced herself: Bren could only ever be her friend.
As they entered the graduation grounds, she and Bren met at the gate. They laughed and talked lightly, as if nothing heavy was weighing on their hearts.
After the ceremony, Bren immediately approached Ann.
"Ann, I need to tell you something. Come with me."
Ann raised an eyebrow, teasing. "What now, did you get into trouble again?"
"No. Just come."
He led her toward an old storage room. As they walked through the hallway, Ann suddenly heard her father's voice in her mind: "After high school, you're moving to Tharwald. This is for your future."
Her chest tightened. She wanted to tell Bren that soon they would be separated, that this might be their last chance. So she whispered:
"Oh… right, Bren. I have something to tell you, too."
Bren turned, surprised, smiling faintly. "Really? Then you go first."
Ann froze. How do I even say this? What if it hurts him more? She forced a smile and shook her head.
"No… you go first."
So when they stepped into the silent, cluttered room, Bren insisted on going ahead. There, he finally poured out the feelings he had carried for years.
---
Bren's Confession
"Ann…" he took a deep breath. "I've wanted to say this for a long time. Since kindergarten, you were the only one who came to me, the only one who had the courage to defend me. From that moment, you became my only friend. You're the one I always ran to, the one I told everything.
Do you know, after our kindergarten graduation, I looked for you right away? I wanted to know where you'd be studying next. But when I found out you'd gone home early, I was crushed. On my first day of elementary, I searched every classroom, the canteen, every section… until I gave up.
When I entered high school, my heart was closed off. I was like a stone, my life blank. But when we met again in the canteen… that was when I finally came alive. Still, I failed you. I didn't have the courage back then. You brought me back to life with your bravery.
Ann… I love you."
Time froze. Tears streamed down Ann's face. But despite her feelings, she pulled her hand from his.
"Sorry… I can't."
And she ran away.
---
The Pain
Bren was left behind, heart shattered. He slammed his fist against the wall, shouting:
"You idiot, Bren! Why did you even confess?!"
Meanwhile, Ann lay in bed that night, sleepless. She kept thinking of Bren, but convinced herself again and again: For the sake of the future, we can only be friends.
---
Two Months Later
The new school year began. Bren was anxious—what if he never saw Ann again? And he was right—her name was nowhere on his section list.
At recess, he returned to the table where they had first met. And there—Ann appeared. Their eyes met, but both quickly looked away, embarrassed.
As she left the canteen, Bren waited for her.
"Ann! How are you?" he greeted, forcing a smile.
Ann walked past him silently, expressionless. But as she moved away, she clutched her chest—her heart breaking with every step.
Bren stood frozen, helpless, letting her go.
---
Their Last Conversation
A year passed. At last, Bren gathered his courage again. He approached Ann.
"Ann! Before it's too late… I just want to say I'm sorry for everything."
Ann stayed silent. Her face blank, but inside she was bleeding. She walked away.
Bren didn't hesitate. He chased after her, grabbed her hand.
"Ann! Before everything's gone… I just want to thank you. For everything. And… I'm sorry."
Ann's eyes welled with tears. She wanted to break down in front of him, but she let go of his hand and kept walking. Only when she was far enough away did she release it all—crying, hurting, breaking.
"It's better this way. I'll be the bad one. He doesn't deserve to blame himself."
Bren stood there, shattered. Rain poured down. He looked up at the sky, a bitter smile on his face.
"Even the heavens… are crying with me."
---
Departure
The next day, Ann packed her bags. At the helipad, she held back her tears. This was the end.
She boarded the helicopter to Tharwald—carrying her dream, but leaving her heart behind.
Meanwhile, Bren was left in his world. Closed off. Colorless. Haunted only by the memory of Ann.