Never Be Apart

CHAPTER 16

I was glad I could help, but I felt a bit sad because Yuki didn't even acknowledge me.

As soon as I opened the door, she rushed in, and we found her brother sound asleep. I scratched my head as she took a deep breath. I couldn't help but laugh, realizing they'd all panicked over this kid who was just peacefully napping.

So I was right, they are siblings. I chuckled again, remembering the guy from another section who told me Yuki had her arm around someone. I felt relieved knowing it was just her brother.

"Damn you, Yunji, you scared me!" Aki's outburst caught my attention. She walked over and yanked the blanket off Yuki's brother, who was still bundled up. So his name's Yunji, huh? by the sound of their name, I think they are all Koreans.

"Oh? Why are you here, Aki—" He turned and was immediately startled by the number of people in the room. He asked why there were so many of us, then quickly stood up and bolted for the bathroom, which made me laugh.

Yuki went up to the bathroom door and told him to come out, but he shouted back that he was fine, so I smiled again. But then Yuki suddenly turned to me, and she didn't look happy, so I automatically shut up and looked away. Her friends were all staring at me too, and I felt a bit embarrassed. I just stood there, trying to look like I was serious about what was happening.

"What are you doing here, and how did you know where I live?" Yuki's question caught me off guard, so I quickly looked back at her. I didn't have an answer ready, but I tried not to show my surprise. I even held my hand up in front of me like I was scared she'd attack me. Everyone else was watching me too, so I quickly dropped my hand and sighed.

"Uh, I want to give my deepest condolences." That was the first thing that came to mind. I mean, it was the reason I rushed over here in the first place. I saw the sudden realization on Yuki's face, and tears quickly rolled down her cheeks. Her friends all turned to look at me, so I just bowed my head. I don't know why, but it hurt to see her cry, even though we weren't close.

"How did you know?" she asked after calming down a bit. I looked back at her, trying to make eye contact while thinking of a believable answer.

"It's all over the school. The teachers were planning to visit, but they stopped when they found out only family members could come." I tried not to stutter. It's not really the reason and I'd only heard that earlier while asking a classmate for their address. I hope she buys it. "I don't know why, but I just felt like... you might need me right now?" I wanted to slap myself for saying that! She's probably going to think I'm full of myself.

She exhaled and looked away, and I heard one of her friends snicker. I glanced over but quickly looked away when I saw her staring right at me.