i returned to school a week later.

it was different.

people who i barely knew where coming up to me and saying sorry for my loss.

english was my last mod, and that was the only time i saw you that day. when i sat down next to you, i realized the dark circles had become darker. if that was even possible.

"kim taehyung. don't tell me you haven't slept because of me?" i asked jokingly, but you stared at me seriously.

"no, i haven't. i was worried about you. i thought something bad happened to you." he said, no hint of humor in $
his voice.

something bad has happened. i have been hurt.

my mother was my shield, and she protected me. now she was gone.

but i couldn't tell you that.

"nothing's wrong."

i hated the lie that came out of my mouth.

what i hated even more was the nod of your head that you believed me.