The final exams were over. The humid summer monsoon had raged on throughout the exam period, drenching everything in its path. Last year, there had been a dry spell, not a single drop of rain, but this time, it was as if nature was making up for lost time, unleashing an endless downpour without rest.

Hwan-young sat by the window in his usual seat, staring blankly at the rain cascading down in streaks. On his desk lay a piece of chocolate, neatly placed there by Mu-ryeong that morning as a good-luck charm for the test. Four classes had passed, and all the exams had come to an end, but Hwan-young had yet to eat the chocolate.

"You all worked hard. Get home safely."

The moment the homeroom teacher finished speaking, the classroom erupted with movement. Students rushed to grab their bags and head out, eager to leave. But among them, no one stopped to speak to Hwan-young, who remained seated in silence. The school day had ended earlier than usual, yet only the dim light of the sun, hidden behind thick rain clouds, cast its faint glow over him.

Before long, the classroom emptied, leaving only Hwan-young behind. He tilted his head slightly upward, gazing at the overcast sky before closing his eyes. The darkness behind his eyelids felt no different from the world before him.

"Hwan-young."

Whenever he closed his eyes, that voice would always return. Was it because the darkness reminded him of them? Or was it simply because he had yet to break free from that memory? The image that refused to fade unfolded in his mind as vividly as if it had happened just yesterday.