ENDING

EP.1 Time Limit

"At most, three months. "

"The operation is.."

I had expected the doctor’s words. Even so, it was far too sudden a reality. It was true that I’d been sick in the first place, but part of me was also afraid of dying, and I thought maybe this would be better than things are now. But there was someone who weighed on my mind. 'Kang Taehyun'

"I’m fine."

All this time, she had looked after Yeoju and always suffered more than Yeoju did. Because of me, I wanted that kid to forget me now. I decided not to have the surgery. And more than anything, I wanted that guy to be happy.

[Kang Taehyun/17]

[Choi Yeoju/17/terminally ill]

[Choi Beomgyu/18/Yeoju’s older brother]

"Yeoju, let’s get the surgery. Please, your brother is begging you.."

"Oppa, it’s okay. I’m not going to die. But the surgery, I’ve already had so many.. I’m tired too now,"

"...."

"Okay, I get it. Then.. let’s do that,"

"As long as you’re not hurt.."

"Thank you, oppa."

"Please keep it a secret from Kang Taehyun."

"Okay,"

The next day-

So Yeoju decided to keep her distance from Taehyun.

"Yeoju, you’re here?"

Taehyun asked, but Yeoju answered curtly.

"Yeah."

"How’s your body? Feeling a little better?"

"Yeah."

"..I see"

Taehyun went back to his seat.

"Ha.."

A few hours later-

Library

If it were usual, she would have been with Kang Taehyun, but not today. It was to make herself grow distant from him.

"Ugh.."

Suddenly, her chest hurt terribly. Her vision blurred, and Yeoju lost consciousness right there.

"Kim Yeoju!!"

Taehyun’s urgent voice calling for Yeoju could be heard faintly.

A few minutes later,

When I opened my eyes, Kang Taehyun was standing in front of me. I pushed Taehyun away.

"Yeoju, are you okay?"

"Yeah,"

"I feel a little uncomfortable, could you go out?"

".."

"Okay, rest up."

"Yeah."

My chest hurt so much. This wasn’t from the illness, but truly from emotion. I guess I liked Kang Taehyun.

beep-beep-

Yeoju turned on her phone and contacted someone.

"Hey, Jeong Huning."

"Do you have a second?"

"I have something I want to say to you face-to-face,"

"Sure,"

[Huening Kai (Jeong Huning)/17/Yeoju’s male friend]

"You’re here?"

"Yeah, what did you want to say?"

"Well, actually I.."

"I’m terminal."

"Wh, what?"

"How long, can you live..?"

"3 months,"

"That’s pretty short, huh? haha.."

"You’re not going to get the surgery?"

"Yeah, I guess it’s about time for me to die too. My condition’s been getting worse lately,"

"If I get surgery, I’m the only one who loses."

"..Really?"

"But, can you take care of me a little?"

"My brother is too busy, working and because of me.."

"Okay."

"But, Kang Taehyun.."

"Ah, I was going to tell you."

"I actually really like Kang Taehyun."

"..He probably likes you too?"

"I know, but I don’t want to make him worry,"

"Please help me."

"Aren’t I.. not bothering you?"

"Huh? What?"

"Haha, nothing"

"Take good care of yourself, and I won’t tell Kang Taehyun."

"Go safely!"

"Thanks,"

"You’re the only friend I can rely on, really.."

"A friend? Yeah. Thanks for thinking of me that way too,"

"ㅋㅋ, see you later."