Jinu noticed that a lingering sadness still shadowed Jia's face.
He looked at her with a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"You know... the last period today is going to be incredibly boring.
What do you say we bunk?"
Jia's eyes widened in shock.
"Bunk? But you're the top student!"
"Even top students get tired sometimes,"
Jinu chuckled.
He took her hand and led her toward the back wall of the school where it was easy to slip away.
Within minutes, they were far from the ringing school bells, riding on an old bicycle Jinu had managed to borrow.
They stopped at a tiny ice-cream parlor by the edge of the city, overlooking the sea.
Jinu bought two large cones—strawberry for Jia and chocolate for himself.
"Eat up," Jinu said, handing her the cone.
"I've heard cold things help cool down anger and sadness."
Jia took a bite and finally let out a small, genuine smile.
"You always find a way to fix everything, Jinu."
They sat down on the sand as the sun began to set.
The sky turned into a masterpiece of orange and purple, looking exactly like one of Jia's sunset paintings.
"Jia," Jinu said, staring at the horizon.
"Don't let Sana's words get to you.
She has no idea how strong you are.
No one else could have survived what you've been through.
To me, you aren't a 'broken' girl... you're a survivor."
Jia rested her head on his shoulder, feeling the warmth of his presence.
"You know, Jinu, when I used to cry as a child, I felt like no one was listening to my voice.But today, I feel like maybe you are the answer to all those prayers."
Jinu didn't say a word; he simply placed his hand over hers.
The cool sea breeze seemed to carry their sorrows away, leaving only peace behind.