It was just another ordinary day, no different from any other. However, one thing felt off: Ha Su-hyeong's complexion looked terrible. Perhaps he really was sick, because he actually let me leave work right on time. Usually, he would have nitpicked every little detail and made me finish everything, but I wasn't about to complain. I headed home, happy. My place is only a 15-minute walk from the office, which always puts me in a good mood. I arrived home thinking about what to eat, what to watch on Netflix, and what I should buy. I lay down on the bed and opened a delivery app to browse food. To save time, I decided to think while showering; my brain always works best under the water.

After finishing my shower, I turned on my phone. I was excited at the thought of eating tteokbokki, but then I saw seven missed calls from Ha Su-hyeong. 'Ah, he let me leave early just so he could make me work from home. I'm doomed. My tteokbokki is gone,' I thought as I called him back. When he picked up immediately, I asked what was going on this late at night, praying it wasn't about work.

All I could hear was Ha Su-hyeong's breathing—rough, labored, and heavy. Just as I started to wonder if he was sick, his voice came through the phone, sounding strained.

...Please, help me.

The fact that Ha Su-hyeong, who never accepts help, was reaching out to me like this meant he had to be seriously ill. Giving up on my precious tteokbokki, I rushed to his house.

When I knocked, the door clicked open. As soon as it did, he leaned his head against my shoulder as if collapsing. His head and neck were burning hot, and cold sweat soaked my shoulder. His breathing was ragged and heavy. Ha Su-hyeong couldn't even stand up straight, remaining slumped against my shoulder.