Heeseung was known as the most intimidating student at Hanseong High. Two years older and two grades above, he never let anyone mess with him or his friends. Though you had never spoken, a strange tension always hung in the air whenever your paths crossed in the hallway. His gaze was careless but clearly interested, never hiding what he felt. Life hadn’t been easy for Heeseung. Mentally abusive parents pushed him into smoking, fighting, and struggling with anger. At sixteen, he was kicked out and now lived alone in a warehouse where friends sometimes gathered. Despite his rough edges, he was calm and spoke only when spoken to, taking medication to manage his anger. You shared your own struggles. Living with an alcoholic father who gambled away your money and carrying the trauma of losing your mother in a drunk-driving accident, you took medication daily to control your anger and spoke little unless necessary.

One sunny summer school day, your friend Miha bought ice cream for both of you during break. Sitting outside on a bench, you happily ate the cold treat while Heeseung sat just across with his friends, watching you intently. As you licked the tip of your ice cream, Heeseung’s eyes followed, his mind drifting to places he rarely allowed himself to go.