“You don’t have to face all these hardships alone. You can lean on me. Let me help you, Myung.”

When Haru said this, I was already lost, spiraling in a darkness so deep it swallowed every sound, every glimmer of light. I was hollowed out, curled up on the floor, isolating myself from the world and all the people in it.

He extended his hand—a shard of light breaking through my shadowed despair—and I was so desperate for an escape that, without a second thought, I grabbed it. I needed someone—anyone—to save me.

But sometimes, I wonder if I hadn’t accepted your help in that moment, would things have turned out differently?

If I hadn’t fallen for you, would I be less haunted than I am now?

In the darkest corners of my mind, I wish I’d been nothing more than a stranger to you...