Jisoo hadn't said a word for a while.
They'd just sat there—him bandaged, her quiet beside him—breathing the same air, the sound of the rain softening into the background like an apology.
Then he whispered—
"I'm sorry. For the library. For yelling. For everything."
Sera looked at him. "Okay."
He blinked, surprised.
"That's it?"
She gave a small smile. "What, you want me to throw a chair?"
He huffed a tired laugh, and for the first time all night, the tension in the room loosened.
"Wanna watch TV?" she offered, standing.
Jisoo shrugged. "Sure."
It was weirdly… nice.
They sat on opposite ends of the couch, watching a random comedy that neither of them paid attention to. At one point, she laughed out loud and he looked at her, not because the show was funny—but because her laughter filled the space in a way silence never could.
He didn't tell her that.
But he stored the sound away like something sacred.
Eventually, she stood to leave.
"Walk safe," he said, tugging at his hoodie.
She nodded, but turned back before opening the door.
"Promise me something?"
He raised an eyebrow.
"Promise you'll come to school tomorrow. And…" she paused, nervous. "And that you won't do that again. To yourself."
He looked down. Silent.
Sera stepped forward, gently touched his arm.
"I'm not asking you to be perfect. Just… let me be there. If it ever gets too much, call me. I'll pick up. Every time."
His throat tightened. "Okay."
She smiled. "Good."
Then added, teasing: "And maybe put on a shirt before answering the door next time."
He rolled his eyes. "You're the one who barged in."
"And you're the one who looks like a K-drama gym fantasy."
He flushed and shoved her lightly toward the door. "Go home."
Later That Night ,
The rain had stopped.
Puddles shimmered under the glow of the streetlights as she walked, her umbrella hanging unused at her side.
For a while, it was peaceful.
Until…
That feeling.
Like someone was watching.
She turned.
Empty street.
She kept walking. Faster.
That feeling returned. More intense.
She turned again.
Still nothing.
Her heart started to race. Footsteps—soft and light—echoed behind her.
She didn't wait to confirm.
She ran.
Her breath came in short gasps, shoes splashing through puddles, heart pounding.
Then—thank god—a taxi pulled up near the intersection.
She darted toward it, flung the door open, and climbed in.
"Just drive!" she gasped.
The driver looked concerned but obeyed.
She didn't look back.
Not until she was home, door locked, lights off, curtains drawn.
She collapsed onto her bed, still shaking.
Maybe it was nothing. Maybe she imagined it.
But still—
She couldn't sleep right away.
Not before her mind drifted to Jisoo.
To the way he looked under the low lamp light.
To his quiet, soft voice.
To the mess he was—
And the way he'd still said, "Okay."
She sighed into her pillow.
"I can't believe I thought about his abs while running for my life."
And with that…
she finally drifted off to sleep.