─── prologue.
❛ PROMISES ❜

Eun-Ji, you came from a world of wealth and privilege, surrounded by rich parents and rich friends, but you were always different from the people you kept close. I noticed it right away. You weren't like them, and I always wondered why.

You let them hurt you. Every time they apologized, you forgave them. Why? You knew what they did was wrong, yet you kept forgiving. You knew they were breaking you down, but you never pushed back.

Every time you stood up for me, you took the fall with a smile on your face. But why? I could never understand.

I still remember what you said when I finally asked why you forgave them so easily:
"I forgive them because I like to believe there's still some good in them."

You paused, then smiled and said, "Plus, the things I do—they're my choices. And I'm not saying you're a burden—you're my friend, and I care about you. I don't like what they're doing to us, but I know karma will handle it."

Then you smiled again, that same smile that hid so much. It was a smile of strength, even when you were hurting. But somehow, it was genuine.

"You know," you told me, "the 'Eun' in our name means kindness, mercy, or silver."

I still think about the next thing you said: "Forgiveness only lasts so long... until one day, enough is enough."

You told me if I ever wanted revenge, you'd support me—even if it hurt you. "But," you added, "show mercy to those who haven't wronged you. Otherwise, you'll end up hurting the wrong people."

I promise, Eun-Ji, I'll hold on to your words. I'll live by them—for you.

© 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗜𝗦𝗭𝗡  //  𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟯