The next day, I went to school with an unusual feeling. All morning, I couldn’t focus, my mind still replaying last night’s messages.

During break, my phone buzzed again. It was the “mysterious friend”:

> “Let’s meet this afternoon. Just you and me.”

I froze. It was the first time they had ever suggested meeting. My heart raced—half nervous, half excited.

That afternoon, I went to the park near school. The breeze whispered through the trees, and the sky turned pink with the setting sun. I sat on a bench, clutching my bag tightly, waiting.

A message arrived:

> “Don’t turn around. I’m close by. But today… I just want to make a promise.”

I held my breath, eyes fixed on the glowing screen.

> “No matter what happens in the future, I’ll always be by your side. Always.”

I gripped my phone, my eyes stinging with unshed tears. It was a vague promise, yet it filled me with warmth. Even without seeing their face, I believed—the mysterious friend was real, and watching over every step I took.