Engraved (5)

Before going to school, I checked my luggage for the last time and looked into the mirror, wearing a school uniform. Until yesterday, I felt so reluctant from the unfamiliarity, but this time, it didn’t seem that bad.

I wanted to think so.

When I opened the door and left the room with my suitcase dragged behind, I saw Kang Sihyun’s parents waiting for me in front of the door, unlike yesterday, Our eyes met. It was the first time I saw them face-to-face.

Kang Sihyun’s mom clenched her fist. I looked at her with a shaky gaze, before moving my gaze to Kang Sihyun’s dad, taking a slow breath.

Do they know?

At least I’m not alone.

“…I’ll be back.”

Sihyun’s mom, who was looking down at the floor, raised her head at my words. Looking at her blurry eyes, I smiled vaguely after hesitating. Only the corners of my lips were raised so it could barely be called a smile.

It was unreasonable to call them my parents right away. I may have trouble with it for the rest of my life. This was the best I could do right now, so when I quietly stared at Kang Sihyun’s parents, the two of them smiled faintly as they pursed their lips in surprise.

“…Go on.”

A trembling voice sent me off. Nodding at those words, I took a step outside. I could feel their eyes on my back until I closed the door.

Breathing out for no reason, I closed my mouth, suppressing that nauseous feeling.

First off, this was enough.

But it wasn’t over.

After facing them first, the second hurdle has arrived. Dawoon didn’t threaten me like last time, and I didn’t run away like last time.

After only exchanging glances, I opened my mouth and gripped the suitcase handle tightly, before watching her turn around and drag her suitcase.

“…Do you want to go together?”

She stopped in her spot at my words, probably unsure if it was a request. I thought I didn’t say it loud enough, but Dawoon’s ears seemed sharper than I thought.

I still remembered what happened yesterday.

Is she going to be angry? Or will she be happy? If she asked me why I avoided her, what should I say?

The bond that Dawoon and Sihyun had was built by Kang Sihyun, not me. The relationship between Yoo Sihyun and Dawoon was infinitely awkward, so when I stared at Dawoon, who had her eyes wide open, I chewed on my lips as I waited for her answer.

“Are you not coming?”

At the sound of her voice, I slowly moved my eyes. Looking at Dawoon closely, she seemed happier.

There was a rattling sound of the wheels as I walked along. We went to school side-by-side without a word, but it was better than yesterday.

‘Are you satisfied?’

Recalling with a bright smile, I looked at Dawoon. Just like Kang Sihyun’s parents, this was the best moment for Sihyun.

“What? Weren’t they the ones from yesterday’s test?”

“Them?”

“Why is one of them in a good class and the other is in a new class? Yesterday, the Four Great Heavenly Kings were making a fuss and trying to seduce the one in the new class. Why are they going to school together?”

“Are they dating?”

I paused at the muffled voice. I was so focused on Kang Sihyun that I forgot that Dawoon was the female lead.

No matter what I would say, they would be busy chatting amongst themselves, so why bother feeding them?

Fatigue began to set in. Suddenly, I missed my partner Haru, who was like a tranquilizer for my body and mind. I held my breath. Dawoon, who had been staring at me, turned her head and looked at the girls, who were flustered a moment ago.

“…Eek!”

The students paled and squeaked. Only then did Dawoon, who raised her chin out of satisfaction, pass through the school gate with me.

I only knew about the class, but I still haven’t heard the results from the class test, so we all went to the auditorium with our suitcases. It’s the second day now. What kind of school only makes students go to the auditorium for two days straight? I wanted to quickly get assigned to a class because I’d rather be assigned to a small, cozy class rather than in an auditorium that attracts so much attention. I took a seat at the front and looked around. I should find Haru.

“Dawoon!”

“Ah, Jihye.”

While looking for Hary, I looked at Dawoon as soon as she spoke. There was Dawoon, talking casually with a short-haired girl. It was the girl who stopped Dawoon yesterday.”

“Partner.”

As I was staring at the girl, Dawoon held her hand and explained their relationship. I nodded at her words. It seemed that the best friend position of the female lead would be her.