Episode 06
“I’m done!”
Jeong Daum was the first to completely clear his tray. Declaring that he was heading off to play soccer, he jumped to his feet. After sneaking a glance around, Jae-i quietly slid her chair back as well.
She had no appetite to begin with, and forcing herself to eat while feeling this unsettled would only make her sick. Her stomach already felt heavy, like she’d overeaten—or worse, gotten indigestion.
“I’m done too. I’ll get up now.”
“…You are?”
Seo Eunho asked, staring at Jae-i’s tray, which was barely half-finished. Jae-i hurriedly replied that she was full and tried to leave her seat, only for Seo Eunho to stand up as well.
Wait. That wasn’t part of the plan.
“Jae-i, let’s go together.”
“…Why?”
“I’m done eating too.”
Seo Eunho moved first, and Jae-i, fidgeting anxiously, followed after him. There was no way she could be left alone with Han Yi-hyeon in this state.
“W-What about Han Yi-hyeon?”
Being scared was one thing, but she couldn’t help worrying about Han Yi-hyeon, who had been left behind alone. Leaving in the middle of a shared meal felt rude.
Jeong Daum had said from the start that he’d be leaving early for soccer—but Jae-i hadn’t. A pointless sense of guilt crept in.
“Well, he’ll finish on his own.”
“Still… eating alone is kind of—”
“Jae-i. Don’t worry about Han Yi-hyeon.”
Aren’t you two close?
Seo Eunho’s indifference felt strange, but Jae-i missed her chance to ask while dumping leftovers and returning her tray.
“Let’s go to the school store.”
Seo Eunho casually draped an arm over Jae-i’s shoulders. Before leaving the cafeteria, she glanced back—Han Ihyeon was still sitting there, continuing his meal.
As if he were used to this.
His back, sitting alone among small groups of students, looked a little lonely. But that didn’t mean she could go back now.
No. This wasn’t the time to worry about that.
I’m really dead…
It was obvious that this would only make Han Yi-hyeon angrier. If she went to the back garden in this state and something actually happened—
No, at this point, something was guaranteed to happen. She’d unintentionally shortened her own lifespan.
I should’ve just stayed seated and finished my food.
“What are you thinking about?”
Seo Eunho asked, noticing Jae-i’s grave expression. She quickly replied that it was nothing, hurriedly hiding the worry she hadn’t even realized was showing.
She could never tell Seo Eunho. It felt like those eyes were watching her the entire time, sealing her lips shut.
“Want me to buy you some chocolate milk?”
“No, it’s okay. I have allowance money.”
She refused too quickly, and Seo Eunho looked slightly dejected. But she didn’t even have the energy to care—her head was filled with nothing but worry.
At this point, all she could do was hope Han Yi-hyeon’s mood would improve by the time school ended. Then at least she wouldn’t die.
Or maybe she should beg him the moment they met, insisting she never meant any harm. Even if it was humiliating, survival came first.
Why did I fall for Seo Eunho in the first place…
Jae-i deeply regretted her careless choice.
Before she knew it, dismissal time was approaching.
The blackboard was packed with notes, but Jae-i’s textbook and notebook were spotless. Her thoughts were too tangled to focus.
No… class is almost over.
She stared at the clock on the wall, her leg trembling. She’d never wished this desperately for a class to never end.
If she could, she’d sit through lessons all night.
Should I just run away?
No matter how many times she thought about it, meeting Han Yi-hyeon today felt like a terrible idea. She’d left him alone in the cafeteria—he had to be furious.
Honestly, anyone would be upset in his position.
Still, she’d never expected Seo Eunho to stand up with her.
So maybe—just maybe—if one day passed, Han Yi-hyeon’s anger would cool down.
…Or would it get worse?
This is impossible.
Lost in serious 고민, the bell signaling the end of class rang.
Ding-dong-daeng.
Jae-i’s eyes shook violently.
“Alright, that’s it for today.”
No. Please don’t go.
But the teacher left without even looking back. Jae-i hadn’t decided what to do yet.
It’s okay. I can think during homeroom.
Her homeroom teacher was infamous for talking too much. Between announcements and casual chatter, she’d buy herself some time.
And during that time, she’d think of a way out—
“There’s no homeroom today.”
What kind of cursed day was this?
At the class president’s announcement, students immediately began packing up. Jae-i remained seated, unable to move.
The sound of chairs scraping the floor mixed with excited voices. During what should’ve been a happy time, she alone felt weighed down.
This is all Han Yi-hyeon’s fault—
First, let’s just stand up.
Peeking into the hallway, she saw students from other classes leaving too. Han Yi-hyeon’s class was known for ending early—there was a high chance he was already waiting in the back garden.
Running away was pointless.
With a deep sigh, Jae-i slowly packed her bag. There were barely any students left.
I’ll make it home… right?
For some reason, she thought of the chocolate in her fridge. A gift from her father after a business trip—she’d been saving it and hadn’t even opened it yet.
She should’ve just eaten it. Chocolate could always be bought again.
“Jae-i.”
Turning around, she saw Seo Eunho waving at her. He said, See you tomorrow, and Jae-i smiled faintly in response.
“Bye.”
Maybe for the last time.
After Seo Eunho left with his friends, only three people remained in the classroom. Slinging her bag over her shoulder, Jae-i headed toward the back door.
Through the half-open door, she caught sight of a familiar silhouette.
She froze.
Carefully opening it the rest of the way, she saw Han Yi-hyeon standing there, leaning at an angle.
You said to meet in the back garden…
“Why are you so late?”
“I-I’m sorry.”
She apologized quickly, but Han Yi-hyeon’s irritated expression didn’t soften. He jerked his chin, signaling her to follow, then turned away.
Jae-i followed him.
Was this what it felt like to be led to a slaughterhouse? Her shoulders slumped as she dragged her heavy steps forward.
She didn’t want to go—but he’d come to get her himself.
Should I run?
The temptation flared more than once, but she dismissed it immediately.
Even at full speed, she wouldn’t outrun Han Yi-hyeon. She’d be caught, gasping for breath.
Because of childhood asthma, she still struggled with shortness of breath when running. Her chest tightened easily.
She hated running.
Don’t do anything stupid.
At the back garden, Han Yi-hyeon scanned the area as if searching for something. Jae-i was certain—he was checking for CCTV cameras.
This place was secluded. If something happened, it would take a while before anyone noticed.
If that wasn’t the reason, why come here of all places?
He really is going to get rid of me.
Scenes of Han Yi-hyeon’s merciless behavior from the original story replayed in her head. Sure, those things happened when he was an adult—but insanity didn’t just disappear.
Pale as a sheet, Jae-i braced herself.
Please. Just don’t kill me.
There were too many things she hadn’t done yet.
She hadn’t traveled much. There was so much food she hadn’t tried. She hadn’t even gone to college.
She hadn’t even had alcohol yet!
“Hey.”
“Y-Yeah?”
Han Yi-hyeon’s sharp voice cut through the air.
“Do you have feelings for Seo Eunho?”
He stood there crookedly, his tone razor-edged. But Jae-i was trembling too badly to properly process his words.
When she didn’t answer, Han Yi-hyeon demanded to know if she’d heard him. Jae-i shook her head honestly, and he thumped his chest in frustration before snapping,
“I’m asking if you have feelings for Seo Eunho!”
