wanting to visit. They planned a small celebration for Seungcheol’s birthday there. Jihoon
reached inside his pockets. There was the little box with a watch in one pocket, and a music
player in the other. Borrowing the school’s studio, Jihoon composed a song for Seungcheol.
He was a bit nervous to show the song to his brother, he didn’t know if he did well enough.
But the thought of seeing Seungcheol happy soothed him.
“Jihoonie!”
He looked up. Just when the clock hit five, he saw his brother across the street. His face was
adorned with the widest smile and twinkling eyes, his hands making the biggest wave, his feet
hopped happily. Jihoon laughed at his brother’s adorable antics.
“Hurry up, Hyung!”
Seungcheol chuckled and ran towards him. Jihoon opened his arms at him, beaming. Seungc-
heol’s gummy smile grew even wider, his eyes full of affection and joy. He stretched his arms,
ready to welcome Jihoon’s hug.
But he never did.
A blaring honk, a screech, a loud crash.
His brother laid on the road. Thick red dripping down his face. His small smile remained
there. But his eyes were empty, devoid of any emotion, of soul.
He’d gone.
Jihoon screamed. He screamed and screamed until it felt like his head might split into two, his
heart might burst out of his ribcage.
Ever since that day, there was no tomorrow for Jihoon.
***
“Do you think we should just break the door down?”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Soonie. Maybe he just needs some time.”
“But it has been more than two months! How are you so sure he’s okay in there, Won-ah??”
“I’m sure he is. He’s broken, of course, but Jihoon’s stronger than that. Give him a little more
time, he’ll be fine.”
“No. I can’t wait any longer. Step back, both of you. I’m going to see Jihoon, right now.”