Chapter 45
Moon Shadow
Early morning on the first day of the holiday. Walking along a path where the fog had not yet fully lifted, the chilly air dispelled the remaining grogginess.
Reaching the main gate of the Cradle, I saw someone standing under the large decoration next to the iron gate.
“Hyun, over here!”
Yena recognized me and waved enthusiastically. Wearing casual clothes instead of her usual uniform, her simplicity seemed to highlight her natural cheerfulness.
“Have you been waiting long?”
“Hehe, no, I just got here too! Let’s go…!”
Yena hurriedly walked alongside me.
Today was the day to keep the promise I made with Yena. As we walked out of the main gate and down the street, more and more people began to appear around us.
I could still feel the occasional glance from passersby. But by now, my presence was widely known.
Even if I had three heads instead of a mask, people would get used to seeing me attending classes and walking around the campus every day.
People would glance at me because of my notable appearance, but the uncomfortable, probing stares from before had noticeably lessened.
More curious was that Yena was attracting as much attention as I was. Though she was a popular first-year, the gazes directed at her seemed tinged with pity rather than admiration.
Perhaps it was because she was with me…
“Hmph.”
Yena seemed to have noticed the stares as well, puffing her cheeks in mild displeasure.
***
We soon arrived at the commercial district lined with shops along the main and side streets. A huge stone fountain in the center of the plaza sprayed water in all directions. Above it, a large windmill spun tirelessly with the seasonal breeze.
The buildings, adorned with red bricks and white marble, exuded an exotic atmosphere. Colorful decorations and flags fluttered in the narrow alleys.
The Cradle’s grounds were said to be as large as a small city, equipped with most conveniences. Students could handle their needs without having to venture to the capital.
“Wow…!”
Yena’s eyes widened in delight at the festive atmosphere. Her eyes sparkled with excitement.
Soon, Yena began wandering around busily, not wanting to waste a single second.
She tried on various clothes at a clothing store, only to sigh and put them back, lamenting that she had no time to wear them.
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She bought a couple of books at a bookstore, but curiously didn’t show me the titles.
At a flower shop, she bought a small, plump cactus to brighten up her dorm.
Throughout, Yena wore a constant smile.
Even though we started in the morning, it was late afternoon by the time we finally sat at a café to rest our legs.
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“Tired…?” Yena glanced at me sheepishly, as if wary of my reaction, like a rabbit on alert.
“Thank you for carrying all the bags… it must have been a hassle…”
“It’s fine. They weren’t heavy. You seem really happy.”
“Hehe, yes…”
Yena looked down, slightly embarrassed.
“These are things I’ve always wanted to do… Just go to school normally… and hang out with a friend…”
Her voice was filled with genuine happiness.
“So, how was it for you…?”
“Me? I enjoyed it too.”
Yena had a way of putting people at ease. I had been feeling mentally exhausted lately, so I saw today as a perfect chance to unwind.
“Is that all?”
“Why?”
“Ugh, never mind. Did you aim for a high rank to choose Yeon Minha as your mentor?”
“Yes. You figured that out?”
“I’m not an idiot, you know?”
Yena puffed her cheeks again in mock indignation.
“I don’t know much, but you have complicated circumstances, right? Your sponsor’s family, Baek Seoyeon’s family, and Yeon Minha’s family…”
“That’s true, but I don’t know the details myself. It just happened.”
“I see… Are you really okay…? Even after last time…”
“I told you, I’m fine.”
“Really…? She’s not secretly bullying you or anything…?”
Yena’s worried tone showed her keen perception, though she didn’t know who the real tormentor was.
“Really, there’s no need to worry. How about you?”
“Me? I’m fine too…! My senior is nice and… hehe… I was worried, but it’s such a relief…”
Yena giggled. She had been practically forced into being mentored by a second-year senior from the outskirts, but they got along well. The senior was kind and helped Yena adjust.
I had worried Yena might suffer due to her gentle nature, but seeing her happy reassured me.
“Are you sure you’re okay…? Should I move over to your group…? I’m still a bit scared of Yeon Minha, but better than you being alone…”
“Really, I’m fine. If I ever get bullied, I’ll switch groups then.”
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I subtly declined. Being with Yena might restrict my actions.
Also, Yena wouldn’t be able to withstand Yeon Minha’s presence for long.
“Huh?”
Red light poured through the café’s windows. Checking outside, I saw the sun setting in the west, casting a glow across the sky.
“We should head back soon. We need to prepare for tomorrow morning’s special class…”
“Already? Aww, why only first-years…”
Yena pouted, eyebrows drooping in disappointment.
“Do you want to go out again sometime?”
“Really? Really?!”
Yena perked up, bouncing in her seat.
“Hehe, promise?”
We got up to leave and headed towards the café’s back exit.
Yena suddenly looked towards the front entrance at the sound of a bell.
“Hey, isn’t that Baek Seoyeon…?”
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At her words, I turned my head as if spellbound.
“Come on, stop it!”
“Don’t be so shy… come on…”
“Ah! Really!”
There, two female students entered the café, smiling brightly and chatting.
“…”
My mind went blank like wet paper. What started as a good holiday felt ruined at the end.
Her long hair shimmered in the sunset, but its beauty only made my heart ache.
“Let’s go.”
“Oh? Oh, okay…”
Afraid of running into her, I quickly exited the café. Yena followed close behind.
I was grateful for my mask, knowing my face would be visibly distorted otherwise.
After dropping Yena off, I walked the path back to my dorm alone, trying to clear my mind but failing. The way back felt unusually long today.
I once wished for her to socialize more, for others to recognize her true worth.
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Should I be glad that my wish came true? Regardless of her inner feelings, she now blended perfectly with others.
But now, the realization that I no longer had a place there was painful.
***
“Don’t even mention it. Woojin said he wanted Yeon Minha as his mentor! I had to dissuade him. So, I became his mentor instead. Seriously, does he even think…?”
The braided and bespectacled girl, Choi Ireh, sighed deeply.
“You should have left him alone…”
The girl with hair as dark as the night sky gave an awkward smile from across the table.
“How could I? We have our relationship. And it’s also about Dosan Tech and BS Heavy Industries. I should have straightened him out earlier…”
Ireh shook her head vehemently. The companies owned by their families had maintained a close partnership for over a decade.
But due to her younger brother’s impulsiveness, she had suffered considerable stress. Thankfully, Baek Seoyeon had been lenient, or their collaborative projects could have collapsed.
“It’s really okay. Don’t worry…”
Seoyeon genuinely looked apologetic.
“Enough. So, who are your mentees?”
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“Yeseo and Yeowool. Both are so cute and well-behaved. Yeseo, especially, is very enthusiastic…”
“She was like that since last year’s exchange event, right? Clinging to you all the time. Good thing she’s a girl… If she were a guy…”
Seoyeon looked troubled, while Ireh smirked mischievously.
“Anyway, it’s good. We secured the most important talents of this batch, right?”
Then she directed her scorn towards someone absent, her tone dripping with sarcasm.
“Yeon Minha ended up with that crazy guy. I thought the duel was about mentor nomination. But she kept the group even after winning, so it wasn’t that. What is she up to…”
“Let’s drop that topic. Besides…”
The three second-year girls continued chatting about various subjects.
They were the strongest trio in their year at the Cradle and heirs to prestigious families with renowned businesses.
Their beauty caught the eyes of passersby, but no one dared approach them.
“Seoyeon, are you really not joining the student council? You even gave a speech as the second-year representative?”
“Stop it. I’m really busy…”
Despite Ireh’s persistent urging, Seoyeon shook her head, smiling.
“Enough boring talk. Seoyeon, when will you introduce your fiancé? Are you going to keep hiding him?”
A girl with a tear mark on her face, Kwon Yuri, joined the conversation with a sly smile.
“I told you, it’s a secret… I’ll tell you later…”
Seoyeon blushed and looked down bashfully.
“That was a year ago! When is ‘later’? I’m dying of curiosity…”
“No, I can’t. Absolutely not.”
Yuri sighed deeply at Seoyeon’s firm refusal. Ireh’s eyes gleamed with interest.
“Fine, I’ll wait. But at least tell us how far you’ve gone. A kiss? Or maybe…”
“Ah! Are you crazy!”
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Yuri playfully slapped Ireh’s wrist, while Seoyeon shyly lowered her head, her cheeks flushing a deep red.
“Only a peck on the cheek…”
“Unbelievable…”
Ireh muttered in disbelief, unable to comprehend. If she were a guy, she wouldn’t have let that pass.
“Hehe… it’s hot…”
Seoyeon fanned herself with her hands, turning her eyes away.
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On her left ring finger, she wore a worn, simple ring.
Though jewelry was prohibited inside the Cradle, Seoyeon always wore the same two pieces outside. One was a light chain necklace, the other the ring on her finger.
Someone of her status could wear the finest jewelry on all ten fingers without anyone objecting.
But she cherished only the ring she first exchanged with her fiancé, earning admiration for her simplicity.
“Still, I’m so curious… Who could be so amazing…”
“Yeah… Who is the guy who won her over…”
“Ah! Won over…!”
Seoyeon shook her head in embarrassment, her face as red as a tomato.
“Would we fall for him at first sight too?”
“It’s possible… Sorry, in advance…”
“What? No way…! If you do, we’re done…!”
Seoyeon stomped her feet, flustered. The other two covered their mouths, laughing joyfully. The atmosphere was lively and warm.
-Squeeze
But under the table where no one could see, Seoyeon’s left hand was clenched so tightly that it drew blood.
She was acting again.
Portraying the ideal person someone once wished for.
***
The dormitory was filled with silence. Seoyeon frowned slightly as she saw clothes and socks thrown carelessly on the floor.
Ddangkong often went out these days, sometimes not returning until late at night.
“Sigh…”
She thought about saying something but decided against it and sighed. Ddangkong never listened anyway.
She neatly folded the small clothes and placed them on a shelf before heading to her bedroom.
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The bare room contained only a bed and a metal desk.
Sitting at the desk, Seoyeon opened a drawer and stared at something inside for a while.
“…”
Inside was a small jewelry box and a half-burned portrait of someone.
Though weak and sickly back then, the girl in the picture looked much happier than now, smiling brightly.
Seoyeon carefully removed the ring from her finger and placed it on the box’s cushion, cautious not to scratch it.
She then unhooked the necklace from her neck, revealing something hidden beneath her clothes.
Attached to the end of the chain was an old, charred ring, identical to the one she just removed.
Seoyeon hesitated to put the necklace in the box, clasping it tightly with both hands.
Her face was devoid of light, pale and expressionless as a corpse.
Gone was the smile she had shown her friends.
“…”
Clutching the ring, she reflected on her greatest, most fatal, and irreversible mistake.
And she hoped for the day when all the pain would finally end.
End of Chapter
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