The courtyard was noisy, chaotic, and full of people who didn't matter.
I moved through it like I always did, hands shoved deep in my pockets, shirt untucked, tie loose, hair falling into my eyes.
Same place, same noise.
Same people I didn't care about.
Then a voice broke through the hum.
"Guess you haven't changed."
I froze for a fraction of a second.
I looked up.
Recognized him immediately.
That kid from years ago.
He smirked, casual, like he hadn't just barged back into my world.
I said nothing.
Ignored him.
He tilted his head, studying me like he always did.
"Still walking like the world's your enemy, huh?"
I kept walking.
No reaction.
I didn't owe him an explanation.
I didn't owe anyone one.
"Ah, come on. Don't be like that," he said, falling into step beside me.
I could hear the echo of his sneakers beside mine, a reminder he wasn't going to leave.
I still said nothing.
Fine.
Let him talk.
People always find a way to wedge themselves into my life. Some just try harder than others.
"You really haven't changed at all" he said again, chuckling.
"Same scowl. Same hair falling in your eyes. Still walking like you're carrying the whole city on your shoulders."
I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye.
Same kid, still too loud, still too eager to annoy me. Still… human. And I wanted nothing to do with him.
So I walked faster.
"Hey," he called again.
"You're not gonna run forever, you know."
Maybe not.
But I wasn't about to stop for him either. I kept my eyes forward, listening to my own footsteps. The courtyard noise became background static.
My knuckles itched inside my pockets, bruises from yesterday throbbing just enough to remind me I'd survived.
I didn't need friends.
I didn't need attachments.
People only complicated things.
Min-Soo stayed beside me.
Not threatening.
Not demanding.
Just... there.
I sighed, a little heavier than usual.
Figures.
Some people just refused to leave you alone.
"You're as stubborn as ever," he said.
"Still alone, still cold, still thinking everyone's a problem. I kind of admire it."
Admire it.
I almost laughed.
Almost.
Almost told him that admiration didn't matter.
"I don't need your admiration," I muttered, keeping my pace.
"You don't need anyone," he said softly, almost like he was agreeing with me.
"But I don't care. Doesn't mean I'm leaving."
I flinched slightly at the words.
Not because they were threatening.
Not because they mattered.
But because... he didn't leave.
Most people did.
Most people gave up the second I made them uncomfortable.
This Min-Soo didn't.
The bell rang, cutting through the courtyard noise. Students scattered, running toward their next class. I didn't bother to follow the herd.
I never did.
The guy slowed, matching my pace.
"Seriously," he said. "You can't keep doing this forever. Walking alone, carrying everything inside, pushing everyone away…"
I shot him a glance. "I don't need anyone."
"And yet here I am," he said, grinning.
"You're stuck with me. Like it or not."
I clenched my fists inside my pockets.
Leave me alone.
Go away.
But he didn't.
Of course, he wouldn't.
Figures.
He laughed softly, like he knew I couldn't stop him.
"By the way," he said, "I'm Min-Soo. Remember that? Guess we'll be seeing more of each other from now on."
I didn't answer.
I didn't need to.
I just kept walking.
The rest of the walk to class passed in silence, the kind where you both hear the world but not each other.
My fists ached slightly, reminding me that no matter how much I tried, some things never really left you, fights, scars, memories.
And then, from across the courtyard, I saw her.
Ji-Won.
She leaned against the far wall, notebook in hand, eyes quiet and curious. She wasn't staring in a creepy way.
She wasn't whispering.
She was just… watching.
Taking note of something, someone.
I caught her glance and her eyes widened slightly.
She looked away immediately, like she'd been caught doing something forbidden.
Figures.
I focused on my own shadow as we passed by each other.
Better this way.
Let her watch.
Keep her distance.
Nobody needs me close.
Min-Soo hummed beside me, unconcerned with her glance.
"You know," he said, voice low, "you've got people noticing you now. Doesn't matter if you want it or not."
I didn't answer.
I didn't need to.
I just kept walking, as I always did. Alone, cautious, untouchable, at least, that's what I told myself.