So we were led by soldiers to the place where we would be training and living.
"Now, you will be trained here, become full-fledged soldiers, and go to war. If you neglect your training, you will most likely be the first to die on the battlefield. So, I hope you will train diligently and become proud soldiers of our country. Now, I have delivered all the notices for today, so please go to your rooms and rest."
A soldier who seemed to be of high rank briefly delivered the announcement and left. Then we each went into the rooms with our names on them and rested. The rooms were designed for two or three people, and I ended up sharing a room with Wonwoo, who was also from the same orphanage. I wanted to share a room with Jihoon, but Jihoon was not training as a soldier, but as a nurse, so the training locations themselves were different, and even the rooms themselves were in different locations. Whereas my training location was close to the sports field or training camp, Jihoon's training location was closer to a medical facility where trainees could receive treatment. So, even though we trained at the same training camp, we didn't have many opportunities to see each other. But I was so happy just to be in the same space as you, and to see your face, even if only for a moment. Training lasted from dawn until dusk, and it was hard, but I didn't have to despair about not being able to do anything like I used to. And at the orphanage, Jihoon and I were my whole world. But now, many things have taken root in my world. There were many friends I made while training, and superiors who trained me harshly but seemed to care about us. All of these people took root in my world and helped me endure the difficult training. But even now, when things get tough, the only thing I can think of is Ji-hoon. That's why I'd pretend to be sick just to see you, or even go see you when I had a minor injury that wasn't even painful. And I never show my pain or struggles to my fellow trainees, but when I see you, I end up throwing a tantrum like a child, saying that I'm in pain and struggling. And you, while enduring all of my childish tantrums, worried about me and encouraged me even though you were struggling yourself. In fact, whenever I felt my body's limits during training, I would blame myself and struggle, and there were many times when I would bury my face in my pillow and shed tears without anyone knowing. But at those times, your words of encouragement, telling me I could do it and the smile on your face always looking at me, gave me strength. That's how I became satisfied with my training life and gradually adapted.