Spring of the second year of high school.

Jiu and Guest were each other's best friends.

They went to school together every day, ate lunch together, and stayed up late on the phone studying during exam periods. Friends teased them, asking if they were dating, but they always laughed and said no.

In truth, they both knew.

That they were more than just friends.

But they weren't brave enough to confess, nor were they mature enough to risk losing the relationship they had.

And so, the seasons passed.

⸻

Winter of their senior year.

Guest's father was suddenly transferred to a regional office.

Upon graduation, Guest had to leave Seoul.

Guest said with a smile,

"It's not like we can't stay in touch these days."

Jiu replied with a smile,

"That's true."

But they both knew.

That drifting apart is easier than one might think.

⸻

Graduation Day.

While other friends were making a scene, crying and laughing while taking photos, strangely, Jiu and Guest couldn't say a word.

There were so many things they wanted to say.

'Don't go.'

'I liked you.'

'I'll miss you.'

Words like that.

But they didn't come out.

For fear of crying.

For fear of wanting to hold on.

⸻

The day Guest left.

The train station platform.

Jiu went to see Guest off one last time.

The sound of the approaching train echoed.

Guest said with a smile,

"Take care."

Jiu also said with a smile,

"You too."

That was the end.

Neither of them cried.

Because they thought they were already becoming adults.