Days blurred together as I took on yet another part-time job after dropping out. Making money became my sole focus; every shift, every hour brought me one small step closer to paying off that debt. If I could clear it sooner, maybe I'd finally be able to take a break and figure out what I actually wanted in life.

But paying back an amount that large wasn't as simple as I'd hoped. Each paycheck barely made a dent, and the whole thing felt like an endless road, stretching out ahead of me, leaving me with little more than fatigue.

Meanwhile, Haru seemed to be thriving. His studies were going well, and he'd even landed an internship with a well-known company, a solid addition to his growing resume. Oddly enough, that breakup seemed to push him into a new level of seriousness about his future. His focus had sharpened, zoning in on higher grades and a fast track to graduation. There were no more late-night bar scenes, no girls, no carefree antics. It was like he'd left that part of himself behind, trading it for ambition and discipline.

Both of us seemed to be growing up in our own ways, realizing that adulthood came with responsibilities we couldn't avoid. The carefree days were fading, replaced by the steady weight of commitments we'd chosen—or had been forced—to take on.

~

I slumped down on the couch next to Haru, balancing a bowl of popcorn on my lap. Haru hit play on the remote, setting it aside as he stretched his legs out on the coffee table. "It's kind of strange when your parents aren't home," he remarked, his eyes glued to the TV screen.

"It's because they're always so loud when they're around," I replied with a huff, tossing a piece of popcorn into my mouth. Just then, my phone buzzed on the coffee table, breaking the quiet.

"Speak of the devil," I muttered, grabbing the phone and holding it to my ear. "What's up, Mom?"

"You didn't skip dinner again, did you?" came her familiar voice, tinged with concern.

I glanced at the nearly empty box of fried chicken on the table and grinned. "Nope. Haru got us fried chicken."

"Oh, Haru's with you?" she asked, her tone lightening.

"Hmm," I hummed, absently stirring the popcorn with my hand.

"That's good. You won't feel lonely."

I sighed, idly tapping my fingers against the couch. "I'm not..."

"Aha!" She laughed. "Anyway, I called to tell you that your dad and I won't be able to attend your cousin's wedding. Your grandma is still not doing well, and we need to stay with her. You'll have to go alone."

I frowned, shifting in my seat. "If you're not going, I'm not either," I huffed, sneaking a glance at Haru. He was watching me curiously, munching on a handful of popcorn.

"You have to," my mom insisted. "Someone needs to deliver the wedding gift, and that someone is you."

"But! I don't like to go alone!" I protested, gripping the phone tightly.

"No buts! You're not a kid, Myung!" My mom snapped back, her voice firm and final. "Just attend the wedding! Got it?" Before I could respond, the call abruptly ended, leaving me staring at the phone in disbelief.

I groaned loudly, flopping the phone onto the couch and rubbing my face with both hands. "Ugh..."

"What's wrong?" Haru asked, his gaze still fixed on me, curiosity mingling with concern.

Dropping my hands, I leaned back against the couch, exhaling deeply. "They want me to go to my cousin's wedding. Alone."

"A wedding?" Haru's eyes lit up with interest, his expression brightening. "That sounds fun! Why don't you wanna go?"

I felt a knot tighten in my chest, my mood turning somber as I averted my gaze. "There are some people I'd rather not... run into."

"Some people?" Haru's cheerful demeanor faded as he set the popcorn aside, his tone serious.

I sighed, hesitating before meeting his gaze again. "My cousins. They used to bully me a lot when we were kids. It sounds stupid, but I'm still afraid of them."

Haru's brow furrowed slightly before he reached out, cupping the side of my face and gently turning my head toward him. "What if I go with you?"

"Hm," I hummed, considering his suggestion. "That's... possible, I guess?"

Haru's expression softened, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Then it's settled. You're not going alone."

As I stared at him, my heart skipped a beat, and an unexpected sense of safety washed over me. He really does feel like my safe place...

*****

The wedding venue was breathtaking—a sprawling garden illuminated by twinkling fairy lights strung between tree branches. Vibrant floral arrangements adorned every table, their hues vivid under the soft glow of lanterns swaying gently in the evening breeze. Guests mingled, their laughter and cheerful chatter weaving into the melody of the soft music playing in the background. The sweet scent of blooming roses filled the air, wrapping the scene in an atmosphere of warmth and celebration.

As we stepped into the festivities, I found myself glancing at Haru beside me. He wore a dark gray suit paired with matching trousers and a sleek black shirt underneath. His brown hair was neatly styled, swept back to one side, though a few strands rebelliously fell over his forehead. His confident, business-like smile flashed as he nodded politely at passersby, his presence commanding subtle attention.

I had done my best to match the occasion, wearing a classic black suit and trousers with a crisp white shirt beneath. I'd pushed my bangs to the right, clearing them from my face in an attempt to look more put-together—more manly. Walking beside Haru, I couldn't help but feel a little self-conscious, but I straightened my posture and tried to exude confidence.

This was going to be a long evening.

My relatives began approaching us one by one, their attention naturally gravitating toward Haru. He had always been a social butterfly, effortlessly charming everyone around him. I stood awkwardly by his side, feeling overwhelmed as the crowd around us grew. Regret bubbled inside me—I should've come alone. At least then, I could've stayed invisible.

"Myung!" a familiar voice called out, and before I could react, my younger cousin, Ha-Eun, locked her arm in mine. She leaned in close, whispering conspiratorially, "Is your friend single?"

I turned to her, raising an eyebrow in disbelief. "Why are you asking?"

She smirked mischievously, her gray eyes gleaming with mischief. "I'm interested in him, you dumbo."

I glanced at Haru, who was busy chatting with one of my uncles; his easy smile was captivating as always. My jaw tightened involuntarily as I muttered, "He... has a girlfriend." The words slipped out before I could stop them, fueled by an irritation I couldn't quite place.

"You're lying!" Ha-Eun accused, narrowing her eyes as she released my arm and stepped in front of me, her suspicion plain on her face.

I looked down at her, meeting her sharp gaze. "I'm not," I replied evenly. "Do you really think a guy like him would stay single?"

She crossed her arms over her chest, her expression turning thoughtful as she glanced back at Haru. "You're right," she said begrudgingly. "It doesn't make sense."

I nodded casually, hoping the conversation would end there. But of course, it didn't.

"So... can you give me his number?" Ha-Eun asked again, her persistence grating on my nerves.

I furrowed my brows, my patience wearing thin. "I just told you he's not single, and you're still asking for his number?"

She huffed, not backing down. "I mean... I might still have a chance! What if he breaks u—"

Before she could finish, I spun around and began striding toward the restrooms, desperate for an escape. She won't follow me there, I thought, quickening my pace.

"Myung!" Ha-Eun called after me, her voice filled with playful indignation. "Just give me his number, you meanie!"

I sighed heavily, stepping into the bathroom to escape Ha-Eun's relentless pestering. My relief was short-lived as my gaze landed on someone I least wanted to see—Dae-Won, the cousin I hated the most. He was washing his hands at the sink, his reflection in the mirror twisted into a smirk when he noticed me.

"Long time no see, Myung," he said, his voice laced with mockery.

I froze in place, my jaw clenching involuntarily. My heart began to race as memories of those nightmarish childhood days resurfaced.

...

CONTINUE IN PART TWO