Even If It’s Not Love

on.

As the year passed, Yi-woon’s atmosphere gradually changed.
He was more talkative than before, and he became more mature.
His appearance, resembling someone, bloomed day after day.
He spoke to her about all kinds of things with a brighter face than before.

Although she saw a strange side sometimes, she could be understandable enough when she thought about his childhood.
However, apart from that understanding, Yoo-hwa felt Yi-woon growing more and more distant, and felt uncomfortable.

The day she heard that Yi-woon, who had graduated from high school, had gotten a job, Yoo-hwa finally let go of the burden on her mind.

He was a child who killed his father because of her.
She watched over him because she was worried he might not be able to live a normal life.
Yi-woon was preparing to live like everybody else.
She thought it was time to say the words she had prepared.

“Yi-woon, I hope you will listen to what I’m going to say.
Don’t be sorry.
No.
Think of being sorry as something natural.”

“What are you trying to say?”

After finishing the meal prepared by Yoo-hwa, Yi-woon emptied the glass of water at once.
Then, he looked at her as if telling her to say what she wanted to say.

Yoo-hwa looked at Yi-woon’s face, silently.
His face was clean and clear.
Looking at that face made her feel guilty.
Yoo-hwa clenched and opened her fists repeatedly, and then carefully opened her mouth.

“Thank you for all the things you’ve done for me.”

“What are you saying all of a sudden?”

“So, now…”

She felt a lump in her throat.
She made her way through it and spoke.

“I want you to stop visiting.”

She was sorry, but the relief she felt after saying that was stronger.

“…”

“I know.
You tried to take good care of me.”

When he came, Yi-woon always brought something.
It was obvious that he didn’t have any money, but he brought something, even if it was a drink.
So she tried her best to prepare the table, endured the awkward atmosphere, and tried to exchange a few words.
But that was it.

“Thank you for that.
As long as it is within my reach, I will help you too.
But… Please stop coming here as often now.”

“… Why?”

Yi-woon’s voice sank terribly.
Unable to face him, Yoo-hwa opened her mouth.

“You should live your life now, and I should live mine.
You and I, we don’t have a good relationship.
I can’t help but remember what happened when I see you.
It’s difficult, and I get anxious.”