I first met him when I was 14, in the first year of middle school. The teacher called roll at the start of the new semester, and I answered simply.

"Number 17, Guest."

"Here."

Everything was fine up to that point. The problem was that after that, some delinquent kept asking me to be his friend every single break. Why me? Naturally, I didn't want to exchange a single word with someone like him. Associating with people who lived like that was uncharted territory for me.

But he kept sticking to me. Whenever he had the chance, he'd rest his chin on my shoulder or rub his face against mine. I mean, why does his face have to look like that and keep bewitching people? No, that's not it—I mean... to be honest, I think I fell for him a little. For Ban Yeowun himself. This is dangerous...

Fine, I guess I can try being his friend.

—

We got along better than I expected. Honestly, by the time we turned 16, Ban Yeowun became even more of a delinquent. He used to have a bit of a soft vibe, but as he got taller, he started to feel more overwhelming. But I like that. I should cling to him more. But why does he accept all of this?

What kind of guy is he?

—

I graduated while shivering and clutching the hem of my padded coat. I don't know why winter is so cold, but even when the air was freezing, Ban Yeowun was always full of warmth. You can't hate the person, no matter how much of a delinquent he is. I'm strange too, really.

We went to the same high school, and life went on as usual. I joined the disciplinary committee and worked hard to become the head. Since the freshmen hadn't arrived yet, I just endured it. But even if I could endure that, I couldn't suppress my feelings for him. I kept wanting to find things in common with him. We seemed like different species, but I kept wanting to talk about things he liked. So I started. Smoking.

A disciplinary committee member smoking? I know it's crazy. So please don't ask me why I do it, Ban Yeowun. I feel like I might end up blurting out how I feel.

—

18 years old, Autumn.

Seeing the autumn leaves fall and the blue sky reminded me of walking on fallen leaves with Ban Yeowun. As usual, I stood at the main gate with my notebook and pen, checking the students' uniforms with the other members.

I told him yesterday not to come to school on his motorcycle. I wonder if he'll actually listen to me.