SarangmaoAI

In the stillness of this night,

with darkness flowing in,

I think of the love I can give…

I think of the love I received.

I stand there, staring at my shadow,

whispering to it my little secrets—

about the nerve-wracking,

well-kept confusions.

We converse slowly…

weighing the sadness,

laughing at the moments,

crying over the drama.

In the stillness of this night,

with darkness flowing in,

I slowly think of the love I gave,

https://open.spotify.com/track/3cJ3Hun0Gwj33De9n5ECNR?si=R8qaZpeiSfWacFcMbottwg&context=spotify%3Aalbum%3A33dKLhGsfoLtN7Q6aaOmcn The song!

Chapter Text

While waiting backstage, Jun approached Dylan. “Hey, can we talk after the competition? You’re not acting like yourself.”

Dylan looked at Jun with a mocking expression. “Oh? And now I’m not?” He tried to keep his emotions in check before continuing, “Like I said… we have university exams soon. We won’t be teenagers much longer. I’m just being normal, Jun!”

Jun was taken aback by Dylan’s sharp response. They had always been rivals, often speaking to each other rudely, but Dylan had never been this distant. A heavy feeling settled in Jun’s chest, growing stronger with each passing second. It felt like something was slipping away—but he couldn’t quite grasp what it was.

Before Jun could reply, they were called on stage. Still looking at Dylan across the stage, he couldn’t understand why Dylan was reacting this way. They had been doing fine.

Finally, the debate competition began. The students in favor of the topic had to present first, and it was Dylan’s turn to speak. That was when Jun’s attention finally returned to the competition—when Dylan started speaking.

All this while, Dylan had been frustrated with the pent-up feelings he had for Jun. He had decided to end it after the competition, but through his speech, he wanted to send Jun a message about what he was feeling.

Dylan stood up and began his speech. He spoke about the importance of clarity in a relationship, emphasizing that uncertainty in feelings could lead to losing the bond shared with another person. Speaking passionately, he looked at Jun—sadness flickered across his face, but with determination, he said, “Sometimes you need to say your thoughts aloud—whether you want to be in a relationship or not—so the other person doesn’t think you don’t care at all.”

Jun stared at Dylan, and as those words sank in, it hit him—he was losing Dylan. And if he didn’t hold onto him now, he might lose him forever.

Finally, it was Jun’s turn to speak. As the first speaker on his side, he hesitated for a moment before looking over at Dylan and giving him a cheeky smile. “My argument is that people should just enjoy the moment without defining everything, because labels add unnecessary pressure.”

Dylan scoffed at him, but before he could react further, Jun continued, “But I think I was wrong…”

The entire stage fell silent. A flicker of surprise crossed Dylan’s face.

The teacher in the audience began to panic, signaling Jun to continue with the correct speech. But Jun knew it was now or never—otherwise, he would lose Dylan, the one person who was important to him right now.

Looking directly at Dylan, he continued, “Labels do matter, because they give meaning to relationships. If you don’t define them—if you don’t let the other person know—you risk losing them. And before that happens, you have to take a stand, hold on to them, and declare your feelings.”

Dylan’s breath hitched as Jun spoke, his gaze never wavering.

“And I will not let this slip away,” Jun finished firmly.

The audience cheered and hooted, while Dylan’s face flushed red from the unexpected confession. He watched as Jun confidently walked back to his seat, completely wrecking the competition—but winning something far more important.

Once the speeches were over, the students were sent backstage to rest before the results were announced. Jun dragged Dylan into a quiet hallway without wasting a second, pushing him gently against the wall.

“So,” Jun asked, breathless. “What did you think of my argument?”

Dylan smirked. “You stole my speech, didn’t you?”

Jun’s nerves got the better of him. “Labels or no labels, Dylan—just give me a straight answer. Can’t you see I’m dying here?”

Dylan held Jun’s hands, studying his face. “For the first time, I’ve seen you this nervous.”

“You idiot.”

Dylan shook his head with a smile. “We’re giving it a label. Of course, we are.” Then, without another word, he pulled Jun in for a deep kiss.

Jun smiled between the kisses. Maybe, for the first time, he didn’t mind losing to Dylan in a debate—because, in the end, they both won in this rivalry.

https://open.spotify.com/track/0DuhQ7m4mEpCDiOa8QjKxl?si=r2bZ-OybTO-Xr2cLaPokUw&context=spotify%3Asearch%3Anadaan I hope you guys listen to the songs as well, because I got inspiration from them.

Chapter Text

The next day, their homeroom teacher called them to the debate's club room.

"You two have been selected for the upcoming debate competition," the teacher announced, looking a bit puzzled. "The topic is... odd.I don’t know what they’re expecting. But since this is your final year and the last time you’ll have the chance to participate before focusing on university preparations, the club members and vice principal have decided to send you two together. The vice principal also made a special request—no fighting this time."

The teacher sighed, already anticipating the inevitable. "Here’s the topic."

As soon as Jun and Dylan saw the subject of the debate, Is it important for relationships to have clear labels?, they exchanged a look, and the familiar tension immediately began to rise between them.

The teacher raised an eyebrow, sensing the competition already brewing. "Dylan, you’ll speak in favor of the topic, and Jun, you’ll speak against it."

Dylan grinned. "Perfectly suits us."

Jun rolled his eyes, "We will prepare for it", and walked out of the room.

Dylan quickly followed, catching up with him outside the classroom. "So, what do you think?"

Jun laughed, amused, "We’ll discuss it while practicing anyway." With his hands stuffed in his pockets, he walked off, leaving Dylan standing there.

Dylan couldn’t help but feel frustrated. Why was Jun so nonchalant about it? He hated how it felt like he was the only one thinking about what was happening between them, while Jun acted like it was just another day. He hated it even more that Jun seemed to have the upper hand.

On the day of the competition, Dylan was unusually quiet. So quiet, in fact, that even the teacher noticed.

"I’ve been noticing, Dylan, that you haven’t been bickering with Jun at all. During practice, you usually go head-to-head, but this time—nothing. The other day, when Jun said that not all relationships require labels and some teens just want to enjoy spending time together without feeling pressured, you countered him strongly. Is everything okay between you and Jun? By now, you’d normally be giving each other death glares."

Jun overheard the conversation and turned to look at Dylan, a curious expression crossing his face. Dylan, still looking a little distant, simply replied, "It’s just the stress from the university exams."

The teacher sighed and patted him on the back, not pressing the issue any further.

The title is from an Indian song [https://open.spotify.com/track/7G4GE5FyCKgapmrzHKt5Ug?si=4fd26ba198a24f70]

A JunDylan Au about an academic rivalry. A friend of mine on the X app was asking for this AU, so I wrote it for her.

Chapter 1: This enchantment lures me into my fondness for you

Jun and Dylan had been academic rivals since day one. For Dylan, there was only ever one real competition in his school life—Jun. He made it his mission to score just one point higher, if only to rub it in.

Dylan was the captain of the debate team; Jun was the school president. Their clashes weren’t just limited to academics—whether it was club activities, class discussions, or even answering a teacher’s question, they were always at odds, fighting to get the upper hand.

Their rivalry was a constant source of gossip. Students placed bets on who would score higher on exams, who would win the next debate, and—some in secret—even would ship them. Teachers, on the other hand, could only sigh in exhaustion whenever Jun and Dylan were chosen for competitions. Facing other schools was one thing, but keeping these two from tearing each other apart in their quest for first place? That was the real challenge.

But no one knew their secret—that their rivalry extended beyond academics, their private lives too -but in a different way. They weren’t just fighting for the upper hand in class; they were competing privately, too.

Study sessions sometimes turned into heated make-out sessions, sparked by nothing more than Jun’s teasing. And given Dylan’s nature, he could never resist teasing back. Under the library table, their feet would brush—playful, deliberate. No one noticed the way Dylan’s gaze lingered a second too long during their heated debates, a smirk tugging at his lips. Or how Jun’s eyes occasionally flickered to Dylan’s mouth when he spoke in class.

To the rest of the school, they were nothing but rivals. But what no one knew was how much they loved the push and pull—the thrill of secrecy, the stolen moments in empty hallways, the late-night rendezvous that always began with bickering and ended with a kiss.

They never wanted to give it a name—relationship, situationship, whatever it was. They were long past the talking stage, yet neither of them dared to define it.

But lately, something had shifted between them. And it wasn’t just them who noticed—people around them had started to question it too.

Dylan sat in their usual spot, a cozy café in the opposite direction of the school, away from prying eyes. He absentmindedly sipped his favorite chocolate smoothie, thoughts tangled in the mess that was him and Jun. What exactly was happening between them? Was it still just the thrill of secrecy, or had it become something more?

Before he could dwell on it further, a sharp smack landed on the back of his head.

"Ow! What the—" Dylan groaned, rubbing the sore spot as he spun around, ready to pick a fight with whoever dared to hit him. But his glare melted the moment he saw Jun standing there, grinning playfully, a notebook in hand.

"Ai, Jun, can you greet me normally for once?" Dylan grumbled, rubbing the back of his head with a pained expression.

Jun smirked as he slid into the seat across from him, placing his green smoothie and school bag on the table. "Is anything normal between us?"

Dylan avoided his gaze, stirring his chocolate smoothie. "Everything was normal between us. It was you who wanted to try this secret thing."

Jun raised an eyebrow, locking eyes with Dylan. "Oh? So now it’s all on me, huh?"

Caught off guard by the intensity of Jun’s stare, Dylan felt his face heat up. He mumbled under his breath, "Have it your way. You always do."

Jun only chuckled, shaking his head. "You have no idea how much I give in to you." And with that, he flipped open his book, already engrossed in studying.

Since EP 11, was heartbreaking, why not create our own happy ending until the actually HAPPY ENDING!

It has been two years since MARS became independent. In the beginning, we struggled to set up our own studio—everyone invested every last penny they had. P'Gam was the biggest investor, with P'Po and P'Baifern also contributing to keep the group afloat. From there, we slowly found stability, and our career has been on a steady rise. This year, we even won Group of the Year at the TNET 2024 Year-End Awards.

That was the night Pepper proposed to P'Gam—right in front of our fans during the acceptance speech. He believed this was the best way to make up for the sacrifices Gam had made because of his relationship with him. Of course, there were negative comments online, but they were drowned out by the overwhelming love and support from our fans. Seeing that, I felt encouraged—so much so that I decided to come out about my own relationship with P'Po.

At first, P'Po was hesitant, worried about how people would react. But alongside the negativity came acceptance, and it was beautiful.

Today is Pepper and P'Gam’s wedding day, and we are all caught up in the excitement. At the same time, we’ve been busy preparing for our ASIA TOUR, our first step towards world stadiums. Pepper, especially, has had his hands full—not only with the wedding but also with leading the group. Ever since I stepped down as leader and passed the position to him, he has been juggling both responsibilities. I do feel sorry for him… but truthfully, he is the most suited for leadership, even more than I ever was.

We are all wearing suits designed by P'Po. After resigning from his position as Creative Director at ONER, he returned to his old part-time job at a suit shop. In between filming our music videos, he spends his time tailoring and fixing suits. He says it makes him happy—doing what he loves, not what the world expects of him.

As for me, I am happy too—spending every day with him, doing everything and nothing at all.

The Wedding Day



The atmosphere is nothing short of magical. The venue, an elegant garden by the lake, is filled with fairy lights and soft music playing in the background. The guests, a mix of industry friends, family. As for the members and me, we are very much excited, witnessing our leader begin a new chapter in his life.

Pepper looks nervous but radiant in his suit, and P'Gam, standing across from him, has tears brimming in her eyes. As they exchange vows, there isn’t a single dry eye in the audience—especially when Pepper says, "From the moment we took that first step together, I knew I wanted every journey, every high and low, to be with you."

When the officiant announces them as husband and wife, the entire crowd erupts in cheers. The reception is lively, filled with laughter, music, and the warmth of people who truly love and support them.

The Bouquet Toss

As the night progresses, it’s time for the bouquet toss. P'Gam stands with her back to the crowd of hopefuls, the bouquet high in the air, as everyone—mostly our friends—gathers excitedly. The flowers soar gracefully, and before anyone else can react, Dylan catches it with both hands.

The crowd gasps and cheers, but before Dylan can fully process what just happened, he turns around—only to find Jun already kneeling behind him, holding out a ring.

A stunned silence takes over the venue.

Jun’s voice is steady yet filled with emotion. "Dylan, we've been by each other’s side for so long… Will you take this next step with me? Will you be my boyfriend?"

Dylan’s eyes widen, and for a moment, he’s too shocked to respond. Then, laughter bubbles up in his throat, eyes glistening with happiness. "You idiot," he says softly, wiping at his tears before nodding. "Of course, yes!"

The venue erupts into applause once again, and just like that, another love story begins under the glowing lights of the most beautiful night.

Suddenly P'Po holds my hand tightly and looked into my eyes—a silent promise that this time, I wouldn’t let go. No matter what came our way, I would fight for us, for our love, and for the beliefs that bound us together against the world.

As for Nano....well he is....

THE END

but I am all kinds of happy.

I won’t sugarcoat myself,

But I am always in denial.

I set a price for my emotions,

because once I was dumb and I broke.

I am just trying to find my light,

been talking to myself lately.

I can be a sinner or a saint,

but I prefer both.

I am allowed to be messy,

because I am finding beauty in my forgotten.

It is my turn…not to be fooled anymore,

and not to forgive but move on.

Y/n was having an awful day and had just walked into the café to complete her presentation that was due tomorrow. After ordering her favourite coffee, she walked towards her usual spot, where she sat every day. It is just perfect for her. It is neither in the center nor too much in the corner, overlooking the beautiful lake and sunset. It also has the right amount of light entering unhindered from the window during the daytime. However, today she saw it was already occupied by a boy. He has short black hair; well-built shoulders-one could see his muscles peeping through his t-shirt. 

Y/n thought to herself, "I bet he has a thin waist- the right size; when I hug him, it will feel just right!"

 He is wearing a cap- covering his face. He is busy scribbling something on a piece of paper. Y/n is just staring at him, the light from the sunset highlights the delicate lines of his body, and then he turns back, and she is standing there- staring at his face. He is on his phone talking to someone, the smile on his face is so innocent and pure, eyes twinkling like they reflect the many galaxies in this universe. His face is well-defined; his lips move like a rhythm you can dance to.

 She did not notice when she started walking towards him. His voice becomes distinct, and it has a magnetic effect. A rush of wind through the window played with his hair- Y/n had a sudden urge to touch his head and ruffle his silky hair. 

She walked up to him and asked, "Are you still sitting on this seat?"

He turns towards you while holding his phone; Y/n notices the mole below his lips. It looked like a drop of ink on the white paper. It is more prominent when he smiles.

"umm...Yes, I am.", he answers with a confused expression.

 Even his frown is cute when he talks in a confused manner, his little pout while talking. Y/n lets out a giggle, and he looks at you- with a careful expression. His eyes are round, and she thinks it is the most beautiful pair of eyes she has ever seen. His iris is pretty and clear. The thin crease on his lids; looks so cheerful. Those eyes hold the most beautiful sight, but it feels like he can read your thoughts because he stands there with his phone- now on the table and one eyebrow raised.

 Y/n quickly regains her composure and nervously holds onto her laptop bag tightly, "Okay! This is the usual spot I sit at, in the café. Since you are still sitting here, I guess... I will go back home." You hurriedly replied without making any sense, and he let out a little laugh.

His laughter is so pleasant- like the drum beats resonating through your chest. You almost felt like you would melt; if not for the table's support. How can someone have such a muscular body, a sweet voice, and a pair of eyes twinkling but at the same time dark?

 "You can sit across me. My friend who was about to join me just cancelled his plans. You do your work, and I will do mine. Sounds Good?" he said while pointing at the other seat. You both sat down facing each other.

 "If I keep staring at him- my heart might explode," thinking to herself as Y/n logged into her laptop.

 "Maybe if you focus on your work, I can focus on mine too. Your gaze is distracting. My name is Jungkook. If we bond with each other over this cup of coffee, let's exchange our numbers." he said monotonously, concentrating on the paper in his hand.

 Y/n was caught off-guard and was out of breath. He looked up and smiled, and she cursed under her breath, "Fuck! This man is dangerous".

welcoming the falling leaves...

with a hi to him and a new lever.

A zeenunew au/ff

Zee- a superstar but wants to feel the live again.

Nunew- a talented boy but trapped between the society and his dreams.

Let's see if they can find themselves and love.

just a little try.

Hope I complete it lmao!

HAPPY READING!

Sometimes the fear of something different...Sometimes the fear of no acceptance...leads to an endless run.

Ever since I saw him again, my quiet life is loud again. I thought I had moved on, but when I saw him holding the knife and covered in blood, my heart dropped. The feelings that I locked somewhere deep broke all the barriers and flooded my barren heart.

I wanted to grab his hand and run away from everyone so; I can protect us however, before I lost control, my hands automatically locked the handcuffs around his. He stood there looking lost and confused. He suddenly fainted, and this was it, all my rationality flew out of the window, and I just carried him downstairs towards the ambulance.

As soon as I regained my senses, I realized I was in the hospital room with him. I wanted to smack my head on the wall whenever something is related to him; I always lose my mind. Just like a mad man, I carried him downstairs as if I was some superhero from the Marvel series, saving my lover from villains. Although I still love him, fate has its plan.

He is still so pretty and surrounded by the same calm aura. For as long I can remember, whenever he was around me, I never felt alone as if he was my home. I sighed at myself, after so many years I am still so stupid, placing my hopes on someone who left me and ran away. That day when he ran away without looking back, I realized his fear and decided to cut myself from him and everyone around to start a new life. I decided to complete my military service. After finishing my service, I joined the police academy and never contacted him again.

I am a coward too; I could not accept his fear so I ran away too. We both are the same. Sometimes fate plays funny games, we ran into each other again and in such a messy situation. I wonder when it will be peaceful again. I still remember the day when I saw him for the first time, I had long come out to my close friends and family so I was sure it was love at first sight. Although, people today are trying to accept a same-sex relationship; it was pretty uncommon in past and I was scared I would lose the chance to look at that handsome boy.

As our bond grew stronger, I got to know a lot about his insecurities and we pretty much helped each other survive this world. We both had our own little space until Hye Won walked in. I was still glad that he had found his lover, and I had decided to move on too. That day the kiss made me weak, and I found myself wavering, and in haste, I burned the bridges between us.

Who would have thought after 5 long years I would see him in the parking lot of the police station. I thought I was seeing things, but he was fidgeting, pacing back and forth. I wanted to walk over to him, but I was called inside by my superior so, I threw this sudden urge to the backseat. Yet, I met him again as a suspect and a detective. I wanted to shake him awake and ask him if he killed her. I was losing my patience because of my anxiety.

I was staring at him, and he suddenly gained consciousness. I did not know how to react so I just decided to act as a professional policeman still my curiosity got the best of me, and I said, "Did you kill her?"

I was searching for a negative response in his eyes but, all I could see was hurt. He turned his face away from me and asked me about his lawyer. I was so annoyed that I wanted to shout at him like old times but, a sudden knock interrupted our conversation. I had to step aside so the doctor could check on him. After hearing his diagnosis, I felt relieved. This idiot is still the same, pushing himself to limits and refusing to open up about his feelings.

My confessions drown in the loudest cheers,

Yet…your voice is all I hear, in the darkness.

The path is covered with thorns and roses,

You are the bloom, dispersing in my summer.

I follow your laughter like a song on pied piper,

You dry my tears with a song on recorder.

My dandelion wish travels to your ears,

You jump in joy and I fall from affection.

 The loud thumping of my heart…

The stuttering in my voice…

My shyness and gratitude…

My consolation and inspiration.

 My reason and disturbance,

My rational decisions,

My delusions… my affliction,

My love and trust.

 You are the meaning to all my directions,

You are the hidden treasure in my hunt,

You are the craving for my quest,

Mingyu stood up from his chair and looked at me with surprise in his eyes.

“Why didn’t you talk about it when I was questioning you in the police station?” he spoke a little loudly, making the people around us look at us with their questioning gaze.

“Calm down! People are looking at us. Also, I just remembered that I saw a strange person in the crowd gathered in front of Hye Won’s apartment. His gaze was menacing. He was staring at me. He covered his face with a mask as soon as I locked my eyes with his. I remember his mocking smirk and that victorious look in his eyes. He was ready to pounce on his prey or maybe me.”

I held my head in my hands because of the guilt and sudden rush of fear. When his eyes locked with mine, I felt goosebumps. He looked at me as if I was his prey and he was the hunter. His smirk was familiar. I tried hard to remember where I had felt these feelings before but, it only got worse. My head was hurting.

Mingyu looked at me with a worried expression which he quickly covered with a distant one. He said, “What have you two been doing these past five years? You both broke up. It looks like you have not been in contact with Hye won too.”

“I am sorry Mingyu. In 24 hours, many things happen so, how can you expect things to be the same after five years. I should probably head back to my apartment. I will call you if I remember his face properly because right now all I see is black. I never loved Hye Won. I don’t know why I stayed with her for five years and broke up last month. I know you think I am a jerk. I left you like that and ran away and used Hye Won to cover my real self. I have no excuses for this but, if I have to give one. I guess it would be my loneliness and my ability to run away from things without sorting out anything.”

Mingyu stood there looking deeply into my eyes as if he had a lot to say, but in the end, he chose to walk away, and I took out my phone to book a cab for me. I sat in the cab and covered my eyes. My mind was a mess. I wanted to put a stop to these mixed thoughts. I was exhausted, mixed with fear and self-blame. I felt useless and selfish. I don’t know how I reached in front of the door of my apartment. I kept staring at the lock. Suddenly I turned towards the fire exit and started walking towards the rooftop.

I opened the door to the rooftop and kept walking towards the edge. I don’t know why but I did not want to be locked inside the four walls right now. It was suffocating, my chest was feeling tight, and my legs were feeling weak. I felt pain, and my inner voice was screaming at me, “YOU ARE A COWARD!”. I never felt this helpless and lonely. The sudden realization of everything I have been running away from making me frustrated. I just wanted to end everything.

My legs gave up. The tears that were locked inside came out like a flood. I was crying, loudly screaming, cursing, and beating the ground. At last, I betrayed everybody. I betrayed myself. The tears which were falling were not just because of sadness. They were mixed with guilt, fear, loneliness, self-blame, the loss of two important people in my life. I wanted to hug someone. I stretched my hands for some support but, all I caught was the air. I was alone and desperate.

The sun shone brightly on my face. I rolled out of habit to check the time only to realize that there was nothing beside me and my back was sore. Suddenly I opened my eyes and was met with a curious gaze of an old man. I got up in haste and looked around. I slept while crying on the rooftop. My eyes were aching, my back was sore, and my throat was dry. I mentally cursed, “FUCK! what a good start to my day!”. I apologized to the security guard, who was looking at me as if I was a ghost.

I returned to my apartment. I threw my jacket on the sofa and opened the refrigerator to drink some water or drink. I sat at the dining table staring outside the window. My apartment was on the top floor, and it had a wonderful view of the Han River. I would sit here at my dining table and stare outside the window whenever I felt out of place. I got up to freshen up. When I wiped the mirror of my bathroom, I saw my eyes were puffy and red. I stared at my reflection with determination. I had decided to catch the criminal and maybe fix my relationship with Mingyu.

I didn’t want to lose anything anymore in my life. I was tired of living a lonely life. I don’t even remember when I smiled and laughed without feeling lonely. I stepped out of my bathroom. I chose my best suit and accessories. With a last glance at myself, I walked out of my apartment towards a new day.

I did not want to recall the horrifying incident. Hye won’s loud wails were still ringing in my mind sending chills down my spine. I gathered my thoughts and continued, “When I was about to ask her about her location suddenly, I heard loud thuds from the other side, and she became quiet. She just told me to hurry up.”

I grabbed my car keys and asked her to stay on the phone, but then someone broke the lock and barged inside. She was hiding in her bedroom.

The killer was laughing loudly and said, “COME OUT! Hye Won ah. I know you like me too.”

As soon as I heard his voice near Hye Won, I stepped on the accelerator. I still can’t forget the loud tearing sounds of muscles and the sinister laugh of the killer. He kept repeating, you smiled at me too but, why do you keep looking for him. Your eyes light up whenever he comes to the café. The last sentence I heard from him was, “I LOVE YOU HYE WON AH! BUT YOU DON’T SO I WILL MAKE SURE YOU NEVER BECOME HIS. COME ON! SMILE THE SAME WAY AS YOU DO WHEN HE COMES TO MEET YOU.”

When I reached there, I saw Hye Won lying in the pool of her blood. It was dark, and I tripped on the knife. I grabbed it in case the murderer was still hiding in the house. I did not know it was the murder weapon. I just grabbed it for my safety. I had called the emergency helpline on my way to her home so, they saw me holding the knife covered in blood. Mingyu was looking at me as if he had seen a ghost and everyone else was quiet.

Mingyu said, “Do you recognize his voice? Do you know who was the person the killer kept mentioning?”

“I don’t. But from the past few days, Hye won was acting paranoid. She kept asking me to come to her home for the night”, I replied.

Suddenly Mingyu said, “Are you both not in a relationship?”

Everyone was stunned. I just laughed, looked into his eyes, and said, “We are just friends, and I already have someone I like.”

Mingyu avoided my gaze and just wrote everything I told on the computer like a robot. After a few more questions about Hye won’s recent whereabouts they left me and asked me to be on call for emergencies. I stood up and walked out with Mr. Lee.

I can’t believe Hye Won is dead. I looked up at the sky, but there were no stars. I guess the sky was lonely like me too. My whole family moved to America, and I stayed behind to take care of the Asian branch of my stepdad’s company. My relation with them was not very good but, it was still harmonious. All thanks to a certain someone who could not bear to see me walking around looking depressed. Like a fool, I threw away the only person who now treats me coldly. I sighed and walked up to the road waiting for a taxi, but there was no taxi in sight, and the app showed that all the taxis were 30 minutes away. My stomach growled, and I covered my stomach embarrassed. I apologized to Mr. Lee for disturbing him so late. He offered me a ride back home but, I told him I would like to walk a little more. He bowed and left, and I walked towards the convenience store. I bought some beer and a cup of ramen to satisfy my hunger.

I went out and sat on the chair staring at the steam coming out from the cup. It felt the same as the people in my life who keep leaving me behind or is it me who walks away all the time. I can never forget Hye Won’s cry for help. I partly blame myself for her death. I was so busy these past few months that I ignored her and blatantly refused to listen to her. I held my head in my hands and cursed loudly, “FUCK! If only I had not been so selfish and listened to her.”

A familiar voice behind me spoke loudly, “So you are still running away from people? What a shame… I thought you must have changed but, I was wrong. You still run away from everything leaving behind people confused and flustered. You later try to correct your wrongdoings. In this case, it is truly too late. Don’t curse outside unless you want people to think you are some crazy bastard, which you are.” Mingyu walked to the tables beside me and sat on one of the chairs.

I looked at him and said, “So what are you doing here? Trying to catch that bastard.”

He sighed and took the ramen from my table and said, “I am just hungry. I stopped chasing people 5 years back. Except now I chase people who are genuine criminals.”

“HEY! That is mine. Go and get yours from the store, and you are still the same taking my food and eating happily.”

“You were staring at it for the last five minutes. I just took pity on the tasty ramen and fulfilled its destiny.”, he replied with a mouthful of noodles.

I passed him some tissues and opened my beer can, and said, “yeah, yeah… the great Kim Mingyu was just showing some charity.”

I got up and bought another cup of ramen and started eating it. Somehow, I felt less lonely suddenly, even though he was not sitting with me. I still felt a little warmth inside my heart. Suddenly I remembered the face I saw in the crowd before passing out.

“Let’s go back to the police station. I think I know who is the killer!”