It was eight o'clock, and I was getting ready for university. A strange feeling lingered inside me—being caught between the past and the present, unable to tell where my reality truly lay. What amazed me even more was that, despite all the time I had spent in the past, when I returned it felt like a single night. And it was true, because today was October 27th. I had only traveled one day into the past. That thought unsettled me. Had I really traveled… or was it just a dream?
I walked toward the university, lost in thought, when I heard someone calling my name from behind. The voice kept repeating, but I didn't notice until a hand struck me lightly on the back.
"I've been calling you until my voice almost disappeared. Don't you hear?"
It was Song.
"Kaito, what's wrong? Why won't you even look at me?"
I stared at him, feeling as though I had been away from him for years.
"Nothing, Song. I was just checking if you've grown taller."
"Kaito, I haven't grown a single centimeter. I checked this morning."
I smiled. "So you measure yourself every day, huh?"
He hit me playfully. "Yes! I may be short, but just wait—I'll grow taller, you'll see!"
"Song, my friend, give up. You'll never grow, and no girl will like you."
"Kaito, you're not the one to decide. Just wait!"
"Yes, Kaito," Wang added with a grin, "Song will get a girl. And not just any girl—an angel walking on earth."
"Oh, Wang, you're the best! Tell him, tell Kaito I will!"
Song puffed up proudly, but Wang teased him again. "Yes, you'll get her… when you go join the committee of the afterlife."
"Hahaha, Wang, you sly one! Look at poor Song's face, haha!"
"Kaito, what—"
Wang smirked. "I'd stop laughing if I were you. Mia is right behind you."
I froze, never daring to turn around. I tried to run, but Mia caught me by the strap of my bag.
"So, my friends are having fun, huh? Why don't I join in too?"
"Ah, Mia, relax. We were just teasing Song, right Wang?"
"Yes, my dear, just a joke."
"Right, Song?" But Song was still stunned into silence.
"Well then, since Song is frozen and you're holding me instead…"
"Kaito, good luck!"
"Wang, you traitor!"
"Sorry!"
"Kaito, you're all mine now. Don't worry, I'll punish Wang later. But you first. Any last words?"
"Yes… if you want the bag, take it. Goodbye!"
"You think you'll escape by leaving the bag? Wait until Song catches you, poor thing…"
I dashed away like I was running a marathon. Sure, I had lost my bag, but I was alive—and that was good enough for me.
"Where's your entry card?" the security guard barked.
"Nice to see you too."
"And I don't enjoy seeing you. Where's your card?"
"Oh, right. Wait… it's in my bag. And Mia has my bag. Lucky me."
"So, you don't have your card?"
"…Yes."
"Then I don't want to see your face here."
"Wait! My friend has it, she's coming."
"Then we'll wait for her. But if she comes, I don't know what she'll do to you."
"Oh no, I can't! My lecture is about to start—I can't be late!"
"Late? It's only 8:30. You still have time. So calm down and wait, even though I don't want to see you here."
"Believe me, the feeling is mutual."
"Good. Then stand aside. Your friends need to enter too."
"Sorry… maybe I'll just slip in with them?"
"What are you doing? Trying to sneak past me?"
"Uh, I was just—"
"You were just trying to joke with me, weren't you?"
"…Yes."
"Good. Then sit and wait for your friend. Don't try to sneak in again. Understood?"
"Yes."
"I'll assume you understand now. Wait here."
"No need, I have his card. He forgot it with me," Mia appeared, holding it up. "See? You should've waited."
"Thanks, Mia."
"Don't thank me—I didn't forget, as you know. As for Wang, his punishment will be doubled."
Wang stiffened in fear.
"I'll never get a girlfriend because I'm short…" Song muttered.
"Don't say that, Song. You'll get the best girlfriend. Just wait and see."
"Really, Mia? When?"
"Soon enough."
"Let's head to the lecture."
"Kaito, shut up, we're going."
"Oh, Misaki!"
"Mia, Kaito, and… what was your name again?"
"My name is Song. Nice to meet you."
"And who's with you, Misaki?"
"This is Mira. Nice to meet you."
"Nice to meet you too."
"It's good I ran into you, Kaito. Our old friends are gathering after class today. Will you come?"
"Our old friends? You mean Park?"
"Is that all you remember? Did you forget Yuan, Eri, Bori, and Jun?"
"Wait, are they all here?"
"Not all—some are in different colleges. Before, you were too far away, and we couldn't meet. But now… what do you think?"
Her words cut deep. She was right. I had kept my distance. I hadn't even told them about Rin's death. How could I face them now? My thoughts grew heavy until Misaki broke the silence.
"Listen. If the past weighs you down so much, don't worry. They understand. They want to see you too."
I looked at her. She, and all of them, had always understood me. That only deepened my guilt. But I nodded.
"Then, Kaito, see you later. It was nice meeting you all."
"Yes, us too."
"So you'll meet your old friends?"
"Yes. I haven't seen them in so long—I'm excited."
"Good. Then I'll settle my score with you here."
"What? Why?"
"Behind the building. Just a little matter. I wanted to do it after classes, but I'll move it earlier. Don't worry, Wang will get his share too."
"Mia, wait! We were only joking!"
"I'm calm now. Completely calm. Take this—"
"Oh, hello everyone," a voice interrupted. "I'm Dr. Lee Cho, your lecturer. Let's begin. But you, stand up."
"Me?"
"Yes, you. Did you come from a wrestling ring?"
"No, doctor. It was just a bad day. These bruises will fade soon."
"Sit down."
"Happy now?"
"No. Ask Song—he's barely holding back his laughter. Or Wang, hiding in the corner. Poor guy."