“I’m sorry, eomma. I should have explained to you sooner,” Suho mumbled. Mrs. Lee stood by the door, listening attentively to what Suho had to say. “I just didn’t want you to worry too much. I guess I’m paying for all the bad things I’ve done before. But I promise you I’ll do better.”“Go ahead. Rest now. That’s all that I wanted to hear,” she responded, closed the door, and walked away. Suho stared at the closed door. For some reason, he’d prefer that his mom would’ve screamed at him like she constantly does. At least, that meant she’s over and done with what happened. But seeing her calm and composed response ripped his heart to a million pieces. So, he vowed to make it up to her by studying hard and passing the exam. Then, Suho remembered he still had one more person he had to explain things to. &n

Suho watched the leaves fall down from trees one by one as winter gradually crept in. Some trees were bare naked, while others still have a few leaves left on their branches. But there’s a promise that after the cold season came spring, bringing forth new lives to the trees. A circle of life he seemed to have forgotten. Yet, he marveled, what part of the season was his life in?A beautiful swan swam idly in the pond. Cygnets followed it attractively, oblivious to the crowd around them. Daly Park at its peak — people flocked by the hundred, drowning in the beauty of fall. The entire landscape was painted in a multitude of colors, magically transforming the place to nature’s wonder. People buzzing around, taking pictures, gallivanting about, and having picnics with family and friends.Everyone seems to have fun—all except for one — Suho.Rays of the sun bounced back from the pond, hitting Suho on the face. He cr

Hana turned on the transmitter radio mindlessly. “All by myself, Don’t want to be all by myself anymore.” “That’s Celine Dion, ladies, and gentlemen, with her song All By Myself,” said the DJ. “We interrupt this broadcast for some important announcement. We have a caller on the other line, let’s bring her in.” “Hello…” a soft and sad tone spoke, a voice Hana vaguely remembered. “Yes, mam. I’m speaking with Ji Hyo Kwang, right? For those who don’t know, Ji Hyo Kwang is the wife of the legendary basketball player, Haneul Lee. Although he’s no longer with us, we’re grateful for the honor he brought to our nation. And so, we appreciate your trust in using our station for whatever announcement you have. Go ahead, Mrs. Lee,” the DJ announced. Hana flinched, understand

“Aaaaah…” Suho screamed, but no one seems to hear him. Everyone was busy tending their own business. Hana appeared out of nowhere. She glanced at him with a curious expression. Can’t she see I’m in pain, his entire body trembled in fear.A black shadow slid from where he lay.“Where am I? What is happening?”Swoosh.The shadow under his bed popped out, towering behind Hana. Suho’s jaw fell to the ground, instinctively crossing his arms to hide his face, pushing away with his feet. But the monster kept moving closer, passing through Hana, its wide mouth about to swallow him whole.“Oppa, Oppa, wake up!” A loud thud on the door woke Suho from his nightmare. “Oppaaaaa…….” Suho jerked up and sat at the edge of his bed. Cold sweat appeared on his forehead, heaving, whooping for air as he drenched in cold water.

Christmas and New year of 1998 became an unforgettable experience for Hana and Suho. Giving Hana a taste of homemade, her eyes twinkled in the starless night and her smile shining brilliantly like the summer sun. For the first time after a long time, winter has never been sunny.Just like that, the clock ticked and the last year of the century came surging in. As the wintry climate subsided, white and yellow hues swept the entire peninsula, Spring came rushing in. The sweet scent of flowers and trees whiffed in the air, warming up the heartless. A new leaf turned, signaling new beginnings. It’s a new chapter for every senior high school across the country as they move to college. Finally, it’s graduation day. Everyone bustling about, comparing notes of upcoming vacation and college life. Seniors with their parents and friends frolicking about. Everyone was there, except for one.“Where’s Suho?” Go-eun inquired, searching around. Without another word, Hana left.Kwanghee’s parents we