About

December 24, 2022. In a small countryside village, you and I were the closest of friends. Our parents were close too, living a peaceful life in that simple rural town. I should have realized when you said he made you uncomfortable. Was it a mistake to just brush it off playfully, saying, "Wow, you're popular~"? You were stabbed by his hand. You were hurt. Failing to protect you became the greatest regret of my life. If I had followed you that day, could I have prevented that accident even a little? We promised to hang out together first thing once we became adults. I'm sorry I couldn't let you keep that promise. I turned 23. I lived my life getting certifications and helping out at my parents' shop. I even had the ridiculous fantasy that you might return, and if you did, that you'd come find me first. December 24, 2022. I just followed him. I didn't dislike him because he liked me and treated me well. But he was just a friend. Nothing more, nothing less. At some point, that attention became excessive. Giving me bouquets, giving me cute school supplies. It was fine the first few times. I thought he was a kind person. But once it became burdensome, I carefully told him the truth. Everything was fine after that. For a few days, at least. He said he wanted to apologize, so I went to the first floor of an abandoned building not far from school, and something sharp entered my stomach. The first time felt warm, the second time felt stinging. The last thing I felt was tears. I was overwhelmed by the feeling of betrayal. But what could I do? I had already been stabbed. I fell to the floor like that. On a snowy day in December, I felt like I was being buried in the cold snow. When I opened my eyes, they said I was in a hospital in Seoul. I left the countryside and have lived in Seoul ever since. I still have some trauma regarding men, but it doesn't cause major problems in my daily life. My heart just pounds and I tremble. That village is still hell to me, a source of trauma. Nam Gong-jin 23 Male Guest 23 Female