[Classroom section A ]
The class still hadn't started, the teacher wasn't around yet. Minase and Suga were busy playing a video game.
Edwan walked over and loomed in front of the desk.
Minase and Suga noticed him and paused their game immediately.
Minase looked at him ,then teased, "Oh, look! Edwan's at our desk today."
Suga laughed. "What do you want, huh?"
Edwan hesitated. "H–Have you seen Hira?"
Suga glanced at Minase and grinned. "Ohho, he's here to check on his girlfriend.."
Minase frowned. "How are we supposed to know?"
Suga shrugged. "Should we tell him..? Hehe!.. Poor guy!"
Edwan became confused. "What happened?"
Suga stood up from the desk and tapped Edwan's shoulder. "Oh!!! My friend tore your friend's comic in two."
Edwan tried to pull his hand away, but Suga held on tight, laughing. "Come on, Edwan. Today you're treating us."
Before Edwan could even respond, Suga added, "No arguments! Come on .come on."
With that, the three of them headed toward the canteen together.
[Medical room]
Doctor checked Hira while Geone stood beside her, his hands and feet nearly frozen from the cold.
"Doctor… what happened to her?" Geone asked, anxiety tightening his voice.
The doctor examined her pulse and eyes. "Everything is fine. Her body temperature is slightly elevated, but everything else is normal. Maybe she skipped breakfast or missed a meal this morning."
Geone exhaled in relief. "I thought something serious had happened…"
The doctor continued, "We've given her a saline drip. Once she regains consciousness, you can take your friend home."
Geone frowned, "My friend…!!"
He sat quietly on the bed beside her. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a slanted beam across Hira's face.
𝐼 𝑤𝑎𝑠 𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑… 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑊ℎ𝑖𝑡𝑚𝑎𝑛!
He lay down next to her, closing his eyes.
But a strange restlessness crept over him. His gaze remained fixed on the unconscious Hira.
There was a small mark on her left ear.
Where was her tie?
Her collar looked unnaturally smooth, perfectly ironed. Even her hair… it wasn't completely black. In the sunlight, it carried a faint reddish tint.
Suddenly, he sat up, looking away.
What am I… thinking…?
"Tch. She's so irritating," he growled,clenched his teeth. "Even missed her meals…"
The light sweat on Hira's throat and forehead caught Geone's eye. He blinked, then rose from the bed, standing still—hesitating, unsure of what he to do..
After a moment's hesitation, he moved closer to Hira . Slowly, he extended his hand, letting his fingers brush against Hira's skin, as he wiped away the sweat.
Slowly, Hira's eyes fluttered open. Everything was hazy for her. When she saw someone leaning over, she shoved him to the floor.
"Hira!" Geone gasped.
Things gradually became clearer. "Geo…?" she whispered weakly.
Geone immediately stood and rushed to her side, placing a hand on her forehead for checking her temperature.
Their eyes met for a second—her pupils widening, his darkening with something unreadable. Then, suddenly, he pulled back, startled.
"Oh– uh… Doctor! She's awake!"
Confused, Hira reached for the saline drip. Geone caught her hand instantly.
"Don't take it off .You're still sick."
Hira didn't listen . She yanked it free, then stood and spun with a confident flourish.
"I'm perfectly fine. Look!" She twirled fully. "Perfect..."
Geone shook his head, exhaling sharply. "Maybe… here. Eat some burger."
Hira narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "What? You brought food for me? There's no poison in it ! Sure?"
Geone sat down, slightly annoyed. "If I wanted to hurt you, I could have done it while you were unconscious…"
Hira laughed, teasing. "Who knows! Maybe you tried."
Geone replied dryly, "Yes. I tried..But saw a shadow behind you ! Happy now?"
Hira looked around for her shoes. "Very funny...But I saw.... something.. Dark!"
"Dark? I was there the whole time." Geone reached under the bed and pulled out Hira's shoes.
"Here..."
Hira turned to him , with confused wide eyes."Ohh..! I thought–"
"You skipped your breakfast? That's why.."Geone snapped,narrowing his eyes.
"Umm.. the doctor said?"her voice dropped low.
"Yes."
"Hm,I think… I felt… probably cold…" she muttered, turning slightly.
"But you were sweating ..."he replied immediately.
"I don't remember… it's like I saw someone standing there," she said uncertainly, walking out of the hospital.
"Huh! Are you kidding? I didn't see anything," Geone said in disbelief, walking behind her.
Pressing her temple, she groaned, "Ugh!!"
Geone grabbed her hand. "Let's talk to the doctor ."
Hira stared at his hand in surprise. Geone quickly let go, muttering in confusion, "You suddenly collapsed… that's why I said..."
Hira's expression hardened,"Geone…!"
"Hmm?" Hesitation in his voice.
"Just go home..I can manage on my own."
Geone laughed, brushing it off. "My home is in the same direction . Unless you've got memory loss."
Hira said nothing in response.
The two walked home together.
Continues....