6:20 pm.

As Hyunda had requested and ultimately suggested, I went to the concert and a large wave of students that came from the events was starting to become more and more visible as every student would attempt to blend into the crowd just for the sake of getting a pretty view or just because they wanted to get ahead of others.

Naturally, I remained apathetic about this, as I focused on the objectivity of my current action.

Approaching Sana and telling her that I believe that Yulia doesn't deserve someone like me, who is far too inferior for her liking.

Presumably, she will be mad and obliviously furious at first, however, I will attempt to reason with her to the point of making her understand my point.

Yulia, you have a formidable friend like Sana, who will most likely help you through every hardship you go through.

In other words, even with this upcoming event, I will be a memory at maximum, in the future, unremarkable.

Nevertheless, as I blended in the wavy crowd, I started to search for Sana, and eventually, a few minutes later, I found her with Arkalee, enthusiastically border-line jumping due to the fact that they were enjoying the current song that was being displayed by the musical bands.

Another thing to mention is that I am not liking about the fact that I am constantly getting pushed around by the students here, however, I'm more focused on approaching Sana rather than minding that.

Thus, with a touch on her left shoulder, I alerted her, as Sana turned around immediately.

"Daniel? Oh, hey! You just missed Yulia! Go after her! Go, go, go! I think she either went to the cafe or the mall! Be a man and---"

"Sana. We need to talk. In private. Let's go elsewhere, please. It's important."

I didn't let Sana finish her sentence because she would otherwise get the wrong idea here.

Arkalee is just standing at our side and observing our conversation, however, I couldn't care less about her.

I need to get my point across as soon as possible.

"Eh? But --- Hey, watch it!"

Sana's immediate complaint came about the fact that she was being bumped by the other students most likely on accident.

Thus, I held her own two shoulders so she wouldn't get swayed by the crowd. Ultimately, this held the purpose of her focus being completely on me.

"Sana, let's go elsewhere. It's about Yulia."

However, despite my clear point, Sana showed a revolted expression filled with dislike.

"What the hell are you on about...? Yulia will be here any second now. You will stay here."

This is problematic. Her voice is starting to slowly fade away due to the large volume of this overall concert and the current bumps aren't helping it either.

The necessity to go around and knock every single one of these dickheads to the ground is rising yet despite that, I kept my cool and started to address the reason.

"Yulia can't be here."

"Oh, is this one of the talks that happen behind her back?! Well, I'll have to refuse! I had enough with that! You should know that Yulia assumes things far too rapidly! Don't give her the wrong image, you!"

So strong.

Yet this resistance proves that Sana alone is a great friend to Yulia. She's aware that Yulia's been feeling insecure about our conversations and that she's having doubts about the actuality.

Marvelous.

Truly, Sana, you, and Yulia should remain friends forever.

"I understand. But this is urgent. Because I plan to ------- The hell..."

More unnecessary bumps came forth as I attempted to raise my voice and explain to Sana my point, however, as I turned around and looked at the students who were bumping into me, I gritted my teeth and without speaking, they turned around and blended into another wave out of fear.

But, something that I noticed while turning around was that Arkalee was nowhere to be seen.

Given that I wasn't interested in Arkalee whatsoever, I attempted to turn around and face Sana once more, however, as I did so, I felt a heavy push on my back that made me lean over in Sana's direction.

Then, out of pure misfortune, Sana got bumped from behind, by a student who purposely seemingly pushed her in my direction.

Perhaps the most bizarre coincidence of events yet was this; as I couldn't stop my own movement in time and against both of our wills, in a moment of unintentional remarks, my lips collided with Sana transiently.

Two seconds later, my body instinctively reacted out of fear and pushed her away, as Sana was dumbfounded by the bizarre sudden event.

Furthermore, I attempted to scout my perimeter with my field of vision to see if Yulia was by some chance here yet as I did so she wasn't around, which briefly calmed me down.

"W-What was that for?!"

Borderline yelling, Sana delivered me a kick on my left leg, yet that didn't phase me.

Instead, I turned around and faced the person that had just pushed me.

Her mocking grin and smug expression erased all possible doubt I had in my soul as I slapped her left cheek with all my might before she could even deliver her words.

"Arkalee, you're not funny. Next time, it won't be a slap. I will fucking murder you in front of these people. You've been warned."

Bitch thinks she's funny just because she forced that accidental kiss?

Try that one more time and I won't care for the consequences.

Nevertheless, as Arkalee was still mildly phased by the slap I had just given her and as a small portion of the crowd took notice, I held Sana's hand and drove her away.

"W-Wait! That was an accident! We both got bumped into at the same time a-and!"

"I know. I don't care though. Yulia's not around, right?! She didn't see this, by some chance, right?! Use your eyes, I need you to possibly see if Yulia's around!"

I know for a fact that if she saw this, Yulia would get the wrong idea.

That bitch Arkalee, if I hadn't gotten a bigger priority right now, I would seize her by her throat.

I don't fucking care if she hangs around Hyunda or not, if by some chance she did this and Yulia got the wrong impression, by some bizarre coincidence, then I will bury her alive.

"She's not... She must still be in the cafe or the mall!"

As we both left the crowd, and as I concluded my scouting, I couldn't find Yulia.

She was not around, at all.

"D-Daniel, let go already! That hurts..."

It appears that I was applying too much strength on that hold.

Maybe I'm overthinking. If Yulia's not here then she didn't see it.

I know how Yulia is.

She would one-thousand percent get the wrong impression.

Then, at the entrance of the crowd, Hyunda texted me a message saying that he saw Yulia walking into her dorm and additionally told me to not interact with her.

"Oh... That's a relief."

Since Hyunda was stopping by the dorm, he must've encountered Yulia along the way.

I see.

She must've dropped by her dorm to get something. There's no way that she could've been here, then.

"Mhm...?"

On my way out of the concert, I accidentally kicked an apple juice cup that had no juice inside it due to the liquid being scattered all over the ground.

Furthermore, there was a peached-flavored ice teacup right at its side too.

Noticing that, reminded me that Yulia's usual scent has an alluring apple fragrance to it, which is forever remarkable.

"Sana, as I said, I need to speak to you urgently. Can we go somewhere else?"

"Fine... Don't you dare tell Yulia about this though! We both agree that was an accident, okay!? Okay!?"

Why is she getting the wrong idea?

"You shouldn't have to worry. I love Yulia only."

I've come to terms with my feelings yet I won't let them cloud me from making the objective choice here.

Therefore, as I confirmed those words to Sana, we both went to the same cafe as Yulia and I used to have our arguments.

As we arrived at it, we went to the table that was the nearest to the side windows.

You never admitted this, Yulia, but you always enjoyed seating right next to windows. Once a time, when I took your usual place here, in this place, you didn't say anything yet your translucent sadness was alerting enough to the point of knowing that you had a thing for seating next to windows.

I really... won't do that again.

"So? What did you want to talk about? Be quick. I refuse to let Yulia be in the dark for this long!"

Seating paralleled to each other, Sana, wearing an angry facial expression, hurriedly told me to get to the point.

This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

However, before I could, she went ahead and spoke some additional interesting words out of impulse.

"I should remind you, Daniel, but if you EVER intend on leaving Yulia, it's me who you are going to deal with. Not Yulia, not anyone else EXCEPT me! So, let me get my point across because my sixth sense is literally telling me what's about to happen. If you, by some chance, are intending on breaking up with her, then don't. I hate guys like that! Guys who assume all things firstly and don't intend on assuming responsibility! Listen up, Daniel! This is what being in a relationship means! Maximum commitment! Loyalty! Fidelity! Trust! All of it, your insecurities, share with her! She might not tell you this openly, but she really, really wants you to share them!"

"..."

...I don't really know what to think right now.

She caught me off guard. I'm not someone who believes in this 'sixth sense' thing, but it's fairly credible as of now.

"...What should I do...?"

I'm sorry, Hyunda. It's hard, man.

Being like you is far too much for me.

I know what I am, but...

If I never take chances then I will never know. Living on assumptions alone is frightening.

"Ahhhh! As I thought! You really were planning on breaking up with her! You sinister creature!"

"It was for her own good. I think she deserves someone better than me."

"That's what they all say. Irresponsible men, I tell you! At first, they speak nice words, but when it comes to commitment, they always leave! And then, then! When it comes to speaking their minds, they just don't! Plus, they start to use their bad characteristics as excuses! Let me tell you something. If a girl is in love with you, then your bad characteristics don't affect her as much as you think they do. Rather, it means that she's willing to accept them! Yet, you're telling me that you want to break up with her because it's for her own good?! Fuck off! Die!"

My god, she knows way too much about this, what the fuck?

Does Sana have a cheating record or something? Because she just placed so much hatred into her words while almost yelling into my eardrums.

However, she's getting something wrong.

"Wait, Sana. I love Yulia. But..."

"But what? You think that separating from her is an act of love? You're so selfish, you prick. The reality is different! You're so scared of commitment that you only think about your own assumptions and never about Yulia's. Have you tried to see it from her perspective?! For once?!"

"I have... I know that she gets frightened easily and that she has a lot of trust issues, but still---"

"Still? Still?! I thought that there wasn't any room to possibly argue here yet you are still talking?! If you understand then be comprehensive. No, I'm not talking about knowing the situation, I'm talking about ACTING on the situation and attempt to make it better. Listen, you fucking little bitch, if you ever leave Yulia, I will---"

"I won't leave her! I'm just scared alright!? I've never been in a relationship before and I don't know what it could feel like! I'm scared of these unknown emotions that I secretly have inside of me, so can you stop blaming me?! I don't know how to act and that's the logic behind the reason as to why I want to break up with her!"

Rashly, I lashed out at Sana, who was in the middle of venting.

It's not as if I don't understand where she's coming from but she has no idea what it's like to be me.

I have emotional problems, I can't connect as easily as others can, that's why deep down, I know that it's impossible for me to become someone that can emotionally connect with Yulia on a deeper level because I don't know how to do so.

"You don't know? Then learn! There are plenty of things Yulia also doesn't know and yet the first thing she does is to trust you. What do you do instead?! You seek a fucking breakup?! Bastard!!!"

"Sana, I am not perfect. Far from it, actually. Yulia deserves someone else!"

"Again with that selfish logic?! It's not about who deserves who! If you two love each other, then that's enough! Stop overthinking already! You are gonna hurt her in the process and I won't tolerate that! Erase those thoughts of selfishness and properly conduct your relationship. And next time you want relationship advice, do it while Yulia is around. Not on her back, you damn coward."

This isn't working.

Damn, is it just that hard for her to accept my logic?! Even if it's selfish, it contains a degree of sense to it.

By separating myself from Yulia, she will have a better chance of finding someone else who isn't me.

Even if it's selfish, Yulia will benefit from it...

"Also... I'll tell you something that she told me this morning. She's serious about you. And no, I'm not joking, of course. Yulia wants you for a lifetime. Do you not share the same sentiment?"

"...I do share the same sentiment, Sana. I just believe it's logical to follow my ideology."

"Romance is not about logic! It's about emotion, you damn idiot! Logical?! It's illogical to conduct a romance based on things like impartiality, unbiased opinions, or just facts! What you feel for her, that's what matters. Nothing else does. Romance is an emotional experience, not an experience done for the sake of being logical..."

"..."

That left me thinking for a bit. Is it wrong to approach romance based on logic and reason?

Is an emotional approach better? Certainly, right now, I have plenty of emotional reasons to be in love with Yulia.

They don't exist for the sake of objectivity. Yet...

Hyunda, your words. In order to be successful here, I have to set aside all my feelings.

But...

They are too strong.

You and I exist on different planets.

"Say something."

"Sorry, I was thinking. I need to think about what I want. About me and Yulia. No. Don't worry. I'm not going to break up with her. I... think I want to find out what I can offer to her. Thank you, Sana. You made me realize something important. That which I feel, although it can be based on reasons, the stimulation I am currently feeling for Yulia is definitely emotional. And, I want it to be that way, for as long as I can keep on feeling this way."

Getting up from my seat while saying words of gratitude to Sana, who was looking at me with eyes filled with a sense of surprise, I started to make my way elsewhere.

Yet before I could leave fully, Sana said some words back to me.

"Daniel, no one knows everything. So, it's alright to be scared. There's plenty of time to learn. What's not alright is to run away just because you don't know something."

With a simple smile, I silently thanked Sana.

In the end, as I made my way out of the cafe, I sought complete isolation in order to have a talk with myself, thus, I started to make way to the only place I knew where I could be alone.

7 pm.

After I had endless rounds of negative thoughts and not knowing what to do next, I had come to a simple decision.

Daniel, if you won't talk to me, then I will seek you.

Yet as I painfully walked through the whole school, I couldn't witness you anywhere.

I've been trying to smile but that's impossible.

Sana has been calling me, but I can't bring myself to pick up the call.

The thought of her lying to me completely scared me. Every time she would deal a call, I submerged my mentality into a pool filled with mundane thoughts that had toxic substances labeled as 'doubt' and 'betrayal'.

I think I have exhausted all my tears.

It hurts so bad but I'm trying not to feel anything right now.

My eyes don't even blink.

The way I walk is the equivalent of that of a person who has no will to live.

".....Arkalee should know...."

I can't call you, Daniel. You blocked me. Nor text you.

You are nowhere to be seen.

Sana can't be trusted right now.

I'm terrible. I am doubting my best friend.

I want to die. So badly. I never thought of myself as someone who could doubt her own best friend yet the fact that's what's currently happening; shatters my heart.

Ultimately, with almost no strength in my grip, I called Arkalee, who picked up instantly.

"Yes...?"

"......Arkalee... Have you... seen Daniel...? I would... like to... know where he is......"

Speaking is getting harder as I start to subtract all the previous happy emotions that I felt throughout the whole day.

Recalling back, a few hours ago, I labeled this as the best day of my life yet how did it get like this?

"Mhm? Why should I tell you? You're not my friend."

"......H-Haha.... I see....! S-So sorry to bother you....!"

Right. Right. Right.

No one likes me.

I should just die.

There's no point in my life.

Not like there was ever a point in the first place, but being around the people that I loved would always make me think otherwise.

"Well, I did saw Daniel pass near his dorm. So maybe there? Well, bye. I don't want to waste time speaking to you anymore, so could you not call me anymore, Yulia?"

"....Yeah... By---"

She hung up.

Not even Arkalee likes me. No one does. I know.

I would be fine with this. But, you know, Daniel, I'm somewhat hurt right now and I could really use some words to fix my current state of mind.

So, even if I'm obnoxious, annoying, irritant, and a pure nuisance, when I drop by your dorm when I scream for your name, will you please come?

I just... really need to see you, alright...!?

Abandoned classroom. 7:15 pm.

With the sun essentially down, I entered the place of my isolation.

A place where no one could possibly be in.

This place alone holds a deep meaning to us, Yulia, no doubt.

It was here that you told me about your emotional scars and how they affect you to this day still.

Feeling somewhat tired, instead of taking a usual seat in one of the chairs under one of the 12 tables available, I, instead, went to the upper right corner of this classroom and there, once down, fully extended my legs, as I scourged the proximity of this abandoned confinement with my field of vision.

"...This smell....... Yulia...?"

Strange...

This is definitely her smell...

Was Yulia here? No... I don't even need to question it.

This apple-like scent is undoubtedly from her.

Why were you here though, Yulia?

7:30 pm.

Almost at the entrance of the male dorm, I feebly started to make my way to the entrance...

Naturally, I am not allowed to enter because I'm a girl and those of the opposite gender aren't allowed to enter the opposite gender's dorm...

I know that yet...

As I see the main door open, I can't help but want to go inside and just wait around at your room's door because then, when you come back...

We will be able to talk. Because we love each other. And... And...

You... deep down... love me, right? I love you as I have never loved someone else in my entire life so...

Can you please, just....

"Well, well, what could a girl be doing here, almost entering the male dorm? Hmmmm?!"

"...Ah."

My attempt of entering the dorm utterly failed, as the male dorm's supervisor faced me immediately, thus forcing me to back away.

Or so I would tell myself, but...

".....Daniel..."

"Hm? You still haven't answered my question! What's a girl trying to do here?!"

"P-Please........ Just... I want to see him! Is he here or not?! I want to talk to Daniel! Please let me!"

With all the strength I had left, as I placed my own two hands on my chest, I spoke my honest thoughts out loud to the tall-looking man that was otherwise known as George.

"Aww, don't cry, little girl. What's the matter? A boy broke your heart? You probably deserved it, didn't you?"

"I------ W-Why are you saying that....?!"

Unstoppable tears that I thought couldn't come out once again, reached the bottom of the surface of my facial skin.

Plus, the very fact that this man is grinning while saying something that cruel is scaring me.

Everyone's scaring me. I don't know what to think nor what to believe in.

"It's a common story around this dorm. Did you know? One of the rats, otherwise known as Daniel, whenever dinner time comes by, he tells everyone here, myself included how priceless your emotional reactions are! Without any remorse whatsoever, he told me to deliver you a strict message, in case you came by!"

You're kidding me.

No. No.

You...

Are you actually serious?

You... You......!!

"Woah, on your knees crying on the floor already? But that's no good, miss. I need you to listen up because it's very important, so listen up."

I'm done. I... I thought that... I thought that if I held back all the tears and if I somehow attempted to talk to you about this that you would...

I can't even finish my own thoughts properly. My tears right now are so powerfully overwhelming that I can't hold back my cry any longer.

You broke me and I don't think I can be fixed after this.

"He said: 'If Yulia somehow comes to the dorm, then tell the bitch that she is not useful anymore. That she has served her purpose. And that honestly, she should just die. God, she's so fucking annoying. Being around her gives me the worst feeling ever!'."

Upon hearing that message, even though my tears kept on escalating even further, I got up from the floor and wiped my tears in the process.

"Nothing bad intended from my part, it was just his request!"

"Alright."

I don't care anymore. I'm tired of caring.

Which is why, as I walked away from the male dorm's entrance door and made my way to my own dorm, I came to the firm conclusion, based on the current actuality and my own thoughts that reflected my sadness regarding the specific reality which I'm supposedly facing.

Tomorrow won't come.

8 pm.

"Yeah... This should be enough, I think."

After spending a good time reflecting on what words to say back to Yulia and how I would approach her after we had emotionally connected in the morning like that, I did come to a sudden realization.

I don't matter.

My own problems don't have to come into play when I'm with you, Yulia.

I'm down to open myself to you, because, I'm tired of being selfish and always being on the guard whenever I'm around others.

Sincerely, all in all, I do plan on opening myself up to you.

I realize that I've been quite selfish lately. Wanting to separate from you wouldn't do you any good. Your heart would be broken and I would be betting on the chance that you would have the luck of finding someone better.

Yet that's the entire point. It was never about me; it was always about you.

I don't care about myself anymore.

I feel like if I place my entire trust on you and seek your improvement and, at the end of it all, if you are able to heal your emotional scars, then it was all worth it.

I can proudly tell myself that I made you happy and that being the person who you love was an amazing experience.

"Which is why... I want to talk to you. No, not through some voice call. Nor through some words on a screen. We aren't pixels on the screen. I want to be with you in every moment and tell you that despite your past, you will push through it."

Whether I make a difference or not, I don't know.

But... I will try.

Because I love you.

8:15 pm.

Shortly after, I exited the abandoned classroom and went straight ahead to the female dorm, as I wanted to surprise Yulia. I was even willing to face all the girls and her supervisor just to talk to her.

However, to my surprise, everyone from our class was present on the outside of the female dorm, me being the only exception here.

Something immediately worried me though. Although everyone from our class is present, as I firmly reminded myself of all the students in my class, I could not see Yulia anywhere.

Furthermore, Kuzan, along with the rest, placed their gazes on me transiently.

Kuzan, nonetheless, started to dash in my direction and spoke to me.

"Aniki! It's terrible!"