The night air was sharp and cold.
Jinu stood still for a long moment after Jia's words. Her voice—soft, honest—still echoed in his mind.
"When I'm near you… it's easier to breathe."
No one had ever said something like that to him.
For a brief second, something warm stirred inside his chest.
But warmth was dangerous.
And he had learned that lesson the hard way.
He took a slow step back.
"You shouldn't say things like that," he said quietly. His tone wasn't cruel—just distant.
"You don't know me well enough."
Jia's fingers tightened around her sketchbook.
"I'm not confusing anything," she replied softly.
"I just said how I feel."
"That's exactly the problem," he said, looking away. "Feelings like that… they don't end well. Not for people like me."
The air between them turned heavy.
"It's better if we keep our distance," he continued. "It'll protect you."
Without waiting for her reply, he turned and walked away.
Jia didn't collapse.
She didn't cry loudly.
She just stood there, feeling something fragile shift inside her.
___________________________________
Jinu walked through the dimly lit market road, his thoughts louder than the night around him.
Why did pushing her away hurt more than staying?
He didn't get far.
A group of familiar voices blocked his path.
He froze.
He recognized the laughter.
"Look who's back," one of them mocked.
Jinu tried to ignore them, but someone shoved him toward the alley beside the shops.
The confrontation escalated quickly. Harsh words. Rough shoves.
Jinu tried to stand his ground, but he was outnumbered.
Their leader stepped forward.
Jack.
"You still have that look," Jack said coldly. "Like you're not afraid."
Jinu stayed silent.
That silence irritated them more.
After a few more blows, his strength finally gave out.
He fell against the wall, sliding down to the pavement.
The group left with careless laughter.
Jinu remained there for a moment, staring at the thin strip of sky above him.
He wiped the corner of his mouth and let out a slow breath.
"Why does it always follow me?" he murmured quietly.