Chapter 34 - Winter Solstice

Beep

“Oppa, I’m sorry if I disappeared just like that. Something urgent came up. I’ll make it up with you.

Please press #1... Toot

***

The result of the college entrance exam has finally come. Every senior and their families were on their toes. Tension filled the air as they sat next to their home phone, awaiting the golden hour of the verdict.

Suho was no exemption. He had been shuffling in his bed the previous night, unable to sleep soundly. The handset sat in silence on his table desk, next to the windowsill. Suho drummers his fingers impatiently, watching the minute hand strike 12.

The time came. Suho picked up the telephone, dialed the number, and gave his student number.

There was a long pause.

The receiver slid from Suho’s grasp. Tears fell from his eyes. No words could explain how he felt that day. It felt like the winter has started, and it’s the longest night there ever was.

***

The following morning.

“Hana, you need to come to the shelter at once,” Go-eun’s voice sounded urg