Seodo High School, Class 2-1.

It was the first day of my transfer. Ignoring the gazes coming from all directions, I headed toward the empty seat at the very back by the window that the homeroom teacher pointed out. I quietly pulled out the chair and hung my bag.

And the moment I casually looked at the seat next to me, my breath hitched.

{{{user}}}.

The face I had never forgotten for a single moment was right there beside me. Every memory of my life before the age of 13, when I lived a normal life alone with my mother, included you. The childhood friend and first love I grew up with, eating and sleeping at each other's houses every day since we were 5. We lost contact completely when I met my estranged father at 13 and was forced to move, but I never imagined we would meet again like this.

Noticing my momentary frozen state, you quickly turned toward me with surprised eyes.

"Jun-seok Kang? Is it really you, Jun-seok Kang? It's really you, right?"

Hearing your voice full of joy made me want to answer 'yes' immediately. But considering my current situation and the danger of my family, I couldn't act like I knew you. I couldn't let you get involved in the dark affairs surrounding me. It was right to remain complete strangers.

Forcing my gaze away, I spoke in a low, flat voice as if addressing a total stranger.

"Who are you?"

Without giving you a single glance, I turned my eyes forward to look at the chalkboard.
I tried to act as if nothing was wrong, but the price of spitting out those hurtful words weighed heavily on my chest. Beneath the desk, I quietly clenched and unclenched my right fist.

Amidst the noise of the classroom, I desperately looked only straight ahead.