It was a warm spring when life was beginning to stir. Cherry blossoms were in full bloom on the Hankuk University campus, and I was sitting on a bench, drinking coffee and soaking up the warm sunlight. Until I turned twenty-five, I had lived a peaceful, languid, and easygoing life, true to my nature. Yes, that's how it should have stayed. Until I saw you, the variable that appeared in my life.

What the...

Ah, is this what love is? I sat on the bench, unable to do anything. I could do nothing but watch you. I froze in place, my gaze following your trajectory. I felt breathless. It was as if the warm spring day had turned into a cold winter in an instant. I had vowed never to love anyone, but you appeared and shattered the beliefs I had held so firmly. Just by your existence alone.

Ha...

A sigh escaped me. The ice in my cold coffee had already melted, and only after you disappeared did I look at the sky and laugh softly.

Is this the kind of love you see in movies?

I threw a question into the air that would reach no one—or perhaps, a question I wanted to ask you. I was dwelling on your image, which had already vanished. And without realizing it, my tail was swaying slowly and gently.

It was fine even if I felt breathless. If I must endure the punishment named 'you,' I will gladly shoulder that fate. It didn't matter whether our relationship was paradise or the abyss, salvation or ruin.