The bustling cafeteria was alive with energy, a vivid storm of chatter and laughter swirling through the air.
Students filled every corner of the large room, their voices blending into a lively hum that rose toward the ceiling.
It was a colorful mess — tables crowded with teenagers joking loudly, some daring enough to sneak snacks from their friends' trays, while others hurriedly stuffed their mouths between classes as if every second mattered.
Students talked over one another, trays clattered, chairs scraped, and laughter bounced off the walls.
Some traded food like it was treasure.
Others rushed through their meals before the next class.
A boy proudly wore two different shoes, while his friend tried — and failed — to hide a large sauce stain on his shirt.
It was messy.
Loud.
Alive.
But Ji-Woo sat apart from it all.
She occupied a small corner table, her tray neat and untouched except for a few careful bites.
Rice, kimchi, soup, and a soft drink — simple, just like always.
Her bright grey eyes moved around the room, pausing whenever someone walked nearby, then shifting away when they passed her by.
Maybe someone would sit with her.
No one did.
Just as she was about to give up hope and accept her quiet solitude, a tray suddenly clattered onto the table across from her with a loud bang.
Startled, Ji-Woo jumped slightly and looked up.
Eun-Woo stood there, a bright, goofy grin stretching across his face as he dropped into the seat like he owned it.
He immediately began munching on his food, completely oblivious to the mess he had made.
"Hello! How's your day, Ji-Woo?" he asked cheerfully, his mouth half full but his eyes sparkling with genuine warmth. "I saw you've become popular."
Ji-Woo blinked in surprise before quickly looking away, releasing a small sigh.
"It was great," she replied softly. "They are very friendly."
She tried to sound nonchalant, but something in her tone felt careful — practiced.
Eun-Woo's grin widened.
"Oh, friendly? You never used to say that before. Guess people change," he whispered playfully, nodding to himself as he took another bite.
They fell into a comfortable silence, focusing on their meals.
Somehow, the cafeteria's overwhelming noise faded into the background, becoming nothing more than a distant hum.
For a moment, it felt peaceful.
Then Ji-Woo spoke.
"Eun-Woo…" she called gently.
He looked up immediately. "Carry on," he replied casually, lifting his drink.
She hesitated, her brows knitting together slightly.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Sure."
She drew in a deep breath, gathering courage.
"How was I with you… before I lost my memory? What was my personality like?"
Eun-Woo blinked, clearly caught off guard. Then a slow, mischievous smile spread across his face.
"How should I put this?" he said thoughtfully.
"You sucked."
Ji-Woo gasped.
"Ya!" she snapped, her eyes widening. "Seriously — tell me!"
Eun-Woo burst into laughter and leaned back in his chair, scratching the back of his head.
"Okay, okay! Let me explain before you hit me."
He pointed his chopsticks at her dramatically.
"You weren't really the talkative type. But whenever I made a mistake you didn't like…"
He paused, then deepened his voice in an exaggerated imitation. "'Eun-Woo, what are you doing?' or 'No, don't do that!' You sounded exactly like a mom."
Ji-Woo couldn't help it — she giggled.
"That sounds like me?"
"Oh, absolutely."
He nodded with certainty.
"But with other students, you were pretty withdrawn. Quiet. A little scared, even… like you were always trying to stay out of trouble."
His voice softened.
"Honestly… I'm just glad you're okay now."
He gestured toward her reassuringly.
"Don't worry. You'll recover soon."
Ji-Woo blinked, her lips curling into a polite smile, but behind it flickered uncertainty.
She brushed a hand through her hair, carefully avoiding her bangs, trying to appear composed.
Inside, however, her thoughts tangled together — relief, confusion, curiosity.
Who had she really been?
And why did it feel like that version of her was a stranger?
She leaned back slightly, lost in thought as the cafeteria buzzed around her once more.
Across the cafeteria, Mi-Sook watched.
Her stare never wavered.
No curiosity.
No surprise.
Only cold dislike.
Her jaw tightened as she chewed her gum.
You survived, she thought. After everything… you're still here.
A hand touched her shoulder.
She turned sharply.
Soo-Hee stood beside her, a pink bandage across her nose.
"Why are you staring at her?" Soo-Hee asked.
Mi-Sook let out a quiet breath.
"Look at her," she said softly. "Still walking around like nothing happened."
"She doesn't remember anything," Soo-Hee replied.
A faint smile appeared on Mi-Sook's lips.
"Exactly."
If Ji-Woo remembered nothing…
Then the past stayed buried.
For now.
Mi-Sook leaned back, calm on the surface, her thoughts already moving ahead.
Watching.
Waiting.
A sharp slam echoed through the room.
Ji-Woo flinched.
Mrs. Kim stood before her, expression hard.
"You're late."
"I'm sorry," Ji-Woo whispered.
"Why?"
The real answer felt too small — talking too long, forgetting the time.
Silence stretched.
Mrs. Kim sighed.
"No excuse. Go back to your room."
Ji-Woo rose immediately.
Her shoulders felt heavy as she walked out, each step quiet.
The hallway seemed longer than before.
She kept her eyes down.
Mistakes felt bigger when no one stood beside you.
But around Ji-Woo, everything felt distant.
And somewhere nearby…
Someone was still watching her.