Chapter — Ground Truths
The school ground was alive, yet strangely distant.
Morning sunlight spread across the wide field, glinting off dusty patches of earth and worn-out grass. Groups of students gathered everywhere—some laughing loudly, some running late, some already tired of the day that had barely begun. A football thudded against the ground near the far side, followed by shouting and cheers. Life was moving on, careless and loud.
But near the old benches beneath the trees, the noise faded.
Farm and Ran sat together, close but silent.
Farm leaned forward, elbows on his knees, fingers twisting a long blade of grass until it snapped. His jaw was tight, eyes fixed on the ground like he was afraid to look anywhere else. Ran sat beside him, back resting against the bench, arms crossed loosely, gaze lifted toward the sky. His expression was calm on the surface—but only on the surface.
They hadn't spoken in a while.
A few steps behind them, Ter stood still.
He had been standing there longer than he wanted to admit.
At first, he told himself he would wait. That maybe they would turn around. That maybe things would somehow return to normal if he didn't disturb the silence. But the longer he watched Farm and Ran sitting without him—together, but distant—something twisted painfully in his chest.
His fingers clenched slowly.
He replayed everything in his head: the stupid decisions, the misplaced trust, the way he hadn't thought about consequences. He had always been loud, reckless, confident. Apologizing was never something he did properly.
But this time… he had no choice.
He took a breath.
Then another.
Finally, he stepped forward.
The soft crunch of his shoes on the dirt reached them.
Farm noticed first.
His shoulders stiffened slightly, though he didn't turn around. Ran felt it a second later and glanced sideways just enough to confirm what he already knew.
Ter stopped behind them.
When Farm finally turned his head, confusion flashed across his face—then something colder. Ran looked up too, his eyes briefly meeting Ter's before sliding away again.
Neither of them spoke.
Neither of them smiled.
They turned their attention forward again.
Ignored him.
The silence felt heavier than shouting.
Ter swallowed.
Slowly, he sat down beside them on the bench.
Too close.
The space that once felt natural now felt wrong—tight, uncomfortable, filled with things unsaid.
He didn't speak.
Farm stared straight ahead. Ran crossed his arms, jaw set.
Seconds passed.
Then more.
The silence stretched, thick and suffocating, until Ter felt it pressing against his chest, making it hard to breathe.
Finally, Farm stood up sharply.
"If nobody has anything to say," he muttered, slinging his bag over his shoulder, "we're going to be late for class."
Ran stood too, picking up his bag without looking back.
They had barely taken two steps.
"Wait—!"
Ter's voice broke the quiet, louder than he meant it to be.
They stopped.
Ter stood up fast, words spilling out before he could stop them.
"I never meant to do anything like that. Never," he said quickly. "I swear. I promise. I've never done something like this before. Just—just listen to me this once."
His voice shook.
"I was stupid. A fool. An idiot. I didn't think. If you're angry… if you want to punch me, you can."
Ran turned slowly.
His eyes were sharp, tired, and hurt all at once.
"Really?" Ran said flatly. "So now you remember we're your friends?"
The words hit Ter hard.
He flinched.
"You can punch me," Ter said quietly, forcing himself to keep talking. "If you're frustrated. I deserve it. But don't say things like that. It hurts more than you think."
Farm turned around fully.
For a moment, he just stared at Ter.
Long.
Unblinking.
Then he nodded once.
"Okay."
Before Ter could react—
Farm's fist flew.
It landed against Ter's cheek with a dull impact. Not strong enough to knock him down, but strong enough to sting sharply and echo in his head.
"Oiii—!" Ter yelped, stumbling back a step. "I didn't think you'd actually punch me, you—!"
"What?!" Farm snapped, eyes wide. "You told me to!"
Ran blinked. "Huh—?"
Ter rubbed his cheek, wincing, then laughed weakly. "Nothing. Just… wow. That had some power. Ahhh."
Farm stared at him like he didn't know whether to be angry or impressed.
"You're unbelievable," Farm muttered.
Ran exhaled slowly, watching Ter's expression—the pain, the forced grin, the relief underneath it all.
"Okay," Ran said finally. "If this is settled now… let's go to class."
Ter straightened immediately.
"Oh," he said, surprised. "So… it's settled?"
Ran nodded. "For now."
Ter let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.
"Then let's go," he said softly. "Thanks. And… sorry. Really."
Farm scoffed. "Huh. After punching you, I feel a lot better."
Then he paused.
"By the way… where's Win?"
Ter shook his head. "Didn't see him. He's probably already in class."
Ran adjusted his bag. "Then move."
Win was already there.
Head down.
Arms folded.
Fast asleep.
The three of them stopped at the door.
They looked at each other.
A silent agreement passed between them.
"One," Farm whispered.
"Two," Ran added.
"Three," Ter finished.
****
They shouted together.
Win jolted awake with a sharp gasp, eyes wide, before immediately kicking the nearest chair in pure irritation.
"Are you insane?!" he snapped.
Ran laughed. "Sleeping in the morning again? Don't you sleep at home?"
Win rubbed his eyes. "You three are dead."
They sat just as the teacher entered.
"Good morning," she said. "I have an announcement."
The class quieted.
"Holidays will start from tomorrow," she said. "Also, you'll receive a project. It must be done in pairs."
Groans and whispers filled the room.
Ran leaned toward Ter. "So, I'll pair with Farm. You and Win, right?"
Ter nodded. "Already decided."
"Oh. Okay."
After school, the four of them went to the canteen.
Farm ordered food for everyone without asking.
They ate, laughed, and talked—about holidays, about freedom, about how this was their last year of high school and how everything suddenly felt more important.
"First we finish the project," Win said. "Then we enjoy."
Everyone agreed.
"Did you get permission?" Win asked.
"Permission?" Farm frowned.
"For working at his house," Win said, nodding toward Ter.
Ter scratched his neck. "Ah… that…"
"It's okay," Win said calmly. "I know."
Ter froze. "Know what?"
"That your mom said yes."
Ter blinked. "Wait—really?"
Ran laughed. "Then it's settled. Farm's coming to my house. My parents don't care much."
"Okay," Ter said quietly.
That evening, Ter sat in his room, phone in hand.
A message popped up.
Win: I'm coming.
Ter: Okay.
Not long after, the sound of a car engine filled the street.
Wind rushed past the gate.
Ter looked up.
He hurried outside.
A grey BMW stood in front of his house—sleek, expensive, shining.
Ter stared, stunned.
"Hey," he said, eyes wide. "Do you even know how to drive a car?"
Win stepped out calmly. "Of course. I'm nineteen."
Ter laughed softly. "Oh. Right. I forgot you're older than me."
They went inside.
The house was quiet.
"No one's home," Ter said. "Mom went shopping with her friend. Dad's out for work. They'll be back in the evening."
Win frowned slightly. "Then… why do I hear noise from that room?"
Ter smiled faintly.
"Let me show you my baby."
"What—?"
Ter opened the door.
Something small and fast rushed straight toward Win's leg.