𝗦𝗨𝗡 & 𝗠𝗢𝗢𝗡 | ᴬᶰ ˢᵒᵒᴴᵒ 『English Version』

Chapter 26

The streetlamps on either side of the bench where Hyeori was sitting flickered occasionally, like they were tired. The kind of tired she hadn't been able to shake off in months. The sky was clear, but the cold wind was enough to give anyone chills.

Hyeori sat alone on that bench she'd claimed as her own, right beside the massive bridge. She wasn't crying. Her eyes were fixed on nothing, her shoulders slumped, and her fingers played with a small hair tie she always carried with her, as if that simple motion could distract her from the storm of emotions in her chest.

Across the bridge, Gotak was jogging. His earbuds were in, his black shirt slightly damp with sweat, focus entirely on his breathing—trying not to forget how to breathe like he usually did. When his eyes shifted for a moment, he spotted that familiar brown hair, so familiar it made him stop in surprise.

Frowning, he took out his earbuds and slowly walked toward the person on the bench. Leaning in slightly, he called out, "Hyeori?"

She blinked, as if pulled out of a daydream, turning toward the voice. Her frown lasted only a second before a small smile tugged at her lips—though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Hey..."

"What are you doing out here at this hour?" he asked, slipping his earbuds into his pocket, still frowning a little. "It's pretty late. Could be dangerous."

She shook her head, shrugging. "Just... needed some air, that's all..." she murmured, glancing at him as he just stood there watching her quietly. Then he sat beside her, leaving some space—just enough to show her he was there.

"You jog at night?"

He nodded. "Yeah... Night's perfect for anything—eating, working out, even doing homework. There's no noise, no people, no heat... That's important. Heat is exhausting..."

Hyeori smiled. Hearing him ramble reminded her of Sooho, who always started his thoughts with way too much confidence and ended up mumbling weird things under his breath.

Gotak noticed her small laugh and smiled too, seeing her defensive energy drop just a little. "It helps, right?" he asked. "Laughing makes things feel a little lighter, doesn't it?"

She nodded, this time looking away and focusing on the calm river ahead. She liked watching it, even if all she could see were the light reflections dancing on the water.

"I'm not gonna push you to tell me what's going on, but if you want to talk... I'm a good listener," he said, also looking forward, feeling the cold air hit his bare arms. "I don't judge. We all have our moments, so..."

Hyeori nodded but stayed quiet for a while, until her fingers started to tremble—images of Sieun's teary eyes, the way his lips had trembled while apologizing, and how she couldn't say anything in return because of her own insecurity—all flooded back.

"I... had a fight with Sieun. That's why I came here."

Gotak nodded, glad she had opened up. Normally, he was a bit of a gossip, but this time his curiosity was sincere—she really looked like she was struggling.

"Was it bad?"

She nodded again. It probably hadn't even been that dramatic, but to her, it felt like one of the worst things that had ever happened. Her eyes welled up with tears, lips forming a tiny pout as her emotions betrayed her.

"I don't want to lose him... that's all..." she whispered, but her voice cracked. Her hands went to her face, and finally, she cried.

Gotak froze for a second, but quickly moved to wrap his arms around her gently, feeling her lean into his chest. He stroked her hair a little. He didn't say "don't cry" or "it'll be okay"—he just held her, his brows furrowed.