It was during the thirteenth summer of his life that he first encountered Katherine Song Covey.

Growing up, his social circle had been limited, his interactions with girls mostly confined to his mother and younger sister. School had been a mixed bag; while he excelled academically, navigating the social landscape proved challenging. As puberty hit, the other girls gravitated towards the "cool boys," leaving Dae feeling awkward and out of place. He didn't quite understand the social codes, the unspoken rules of teenage interaction. He felt socially awkward, unsure how to navigate the intricate social codes that seemed to elude him. He often felt like an outsider, observing the interactions of his peers with a mixture of curiosity and trepidation.

Then, he met Kitty. It was a family outing, a chance encounter that would forever alter the course of his life. He was instantly smitten, captivated by her vibrant energy and infectious laughter. He found himself unusually tongue-tied, his usual playful banter replaced by a nervous politeness, perhaps even a bit timid, overwhelmed by her presence as he took their photos. To his surprise, she seemed equally intrigued, impressed that he could hold a conversation in English. It was in that moment, amidst the bustling city streets, that Dae realized his "awkwardness" wasn't a flaw, but simply a different way of being.

This encounter ignited a spark within him. He began to see himself differently, to embrace his individuality. The subsequent board scholarship by KISS provided the perfect platform for his personal growth. He blossomed at the prestigious institution, excelling academically while gradually shedding his shyness. He learned to navigate the social intricacies of his new environment, to express himself with confidence and grace.

When his mother passed away, grief threatened to consume him. He felt lost, adrift in a sea of sorrow. Confiding in others felt impossible. He had been raised with the belief that men should be strong, that showing vulnerability was a sign of weakness. Q and Minho, his closest friends, tried their best, but their words felt inadequate.

Then, there was Kitty. A five-hour phone call, a torrent of tears, and the unwavering comfort of her voice – it was all it took. Kitty, a thousand miles away, had become his safe haven, a listening ear, a source of unwavering support. She had become his confidante, his emotional anchor, a lifeline in the storm of his grief. He realized that true strength wasn't about suppressing emotions, but about acknowledging them, about allowing yourself to be vulnerable. Kitty, with her gentle words and unwavering empathy, had shown him the true meaning of strength. He vowed then and there that if he ever had the chance to return the favor, he would be there for her, unconditionally.

Now, sitting beside Peter in the car, the weight of his past transgressions pressing down on him, Dae felt a surge of remorse. He remembered his initial reaction to Kitty's confession, his own insecurities clouding his judgment. He had let his own fears and anxieties blind him to the truth, to the depth of Kitty's pain.

He looked at Peter, who sat beside him, his face etched with a grim determination. "Mr. Kavinsky," Dae began, his voice hesitant.

Peter smiled, a touch of amusement in his eyes. "Call me Peter, bro. You're making me feel like an old man."

Dae chuckled, relieved by Peter's easygoing demeanor. "Alright Peter. I know I should have said this to Kitty directly but I think you should here it too. I'm truly sorry for hurting her last semester. I let my own insecurities get the better of me."

Peter nodded understandingly. "I know you didn't mean to, Dae. But I'm glad you acknowledge it. Saying it out loud, to her, might help."

Q, who had been scrolling through his phone, a picture of their friends, Kitty occupying center stage, suddenly cleared his throat. "Speaking of which," he said, "I think we're here."

As they stepped out of the car, Peter was momentarily speechless. The iconic Namsan Tower, a beacon of love and hope, loomed before them. "Namsan Tower?" Dae nodded, a hint of nervousness creeping into his voice.

"During last semester," Dae explained, "Kitty mentioned that when she felt overwhelmed and I was not available on call, and her family at home were busy, she would often talk to her mother in mind. She told me that when she had visited Korea for the first time, she and her family had visited the tower, to see the love lock her mom had created and creating another love lock to commemorate the memory of her mother. It was her first real memory of her mother after she passed away. I figured this might be the first place she'd go to seek solace."

As they navigated through the throngs of tourists, Dae's heart pounded in his chest. He scanned the crowd, searching for any sign of Kitty. He remembered the exact spot where he had first met her, the same spot where they had taken their awkward, teenage photographs.

And then, he saw her.

Sitting on a nearby bench, her head bowed, was Kitty. Beside her, an empty bench remained vacant, a poignant reminder of her loneliness. Dae's heart ached. He rushed towards her, Q and Peter close behind.

"Kitty!"

Kitty looked up, startled, her eyes widening in surprise. For a moment, she seemed to be frozen, unable to comprehend what she was seeing, if she was dreaming. Then, a sad smile spread across her face, a mixture of relief and disbelief washing over her features. She looked to see Peter and Q approaching and that's all it took for her to finally break down.

"Peter," she whispered, her voice hoarse with emotion.

He rushed towards her, engulfing her in a tight embrace. "Kitty," he murmured, his voice thick with relief.

Q and Dae were sobbing as they saw her breaking down in Peter's arms. At that moment they didn't care how mad Peter was at them or how they were to tackle the whole scene back at KISS.

For now, Kitty was safe and that's all it matters.