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 relaxed life, true to my nature. Yes, that's how it should have been. 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. All I could do was watch you. I froze in place, my gaze following your trajectory. I felt breathless. It was as if the warm spring day had instantly turned into a cold winter. I had vowed never to love anyone, but you appeared and shattered the beliefs I had so firmly held. Just by your very existence.

Sigh...

Only a sigh escaped. The ice in my cold Americano 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 tossed a question into the air that would reach no one—or perhaps, a question I wanted to ask you. I was dwelling on the image of you that had already vanished. And without realizing it, my tail was slowly swaying back and forth.

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