first snowfall | sunki

END: sweet and awfully bitter dream

This chapter contains depictions of self-harm. Viewer discretion is advised.

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final chapter: deja vu
one year later . . . |

"Kim Sunoo, tell me a proper reason why you declined this offer. This is rare, yet you're rejecting it?" The arts academy teacher sneered as Sunoo stood speechless in front of her. "This gives you the chance to learn more about arts!"

"I don't think I need something like this. Studying in another country just for a career isn't something I want to do." Sunoo smiled, holding onto the proposal given to him.

The teacher rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed at his answer. "That's not a proper reason! You can earn a lot of money with your art. Don't you know how many students are hoping to get what you have?"

"I'm still not going," Sunoo remarked as he returned the proposal to the teacher. "I'm grateful for this opportunity, but it's too far and long."

"Ridiculous! Your skills significantly improved when you were gone there for six months!"

"That's because it was six months. Those were the months I needed to make time for myself. Living there for a few years is different." Sunoo giggled awkwardly.

The teacher let out a heavy sigh, looking at Sunoo for the last time before dismissing him. "My goodness. I'll cancel my recommendation then."

Sunoo bowed down, watching the teacher leave the art studio.

It's been a year since everything happened, and he is now in an academy to become a successful artist. Jungwon chose to graduate earlier so that he can help Sunoo earn money with him. Other than that, he's doing pretty fine— at least, that's what he thinks.

He was on his way to go home when Sunoo got a call from Jungwon. "Hello, Won! I'm on my way home already—"

"What happened? Did you accept the offer? How many years will you stay there? Are you going to bring me?" Jungwon exclaimed, clearly excited about Sunoo's exchange program. "Should we go shopping for the things you'll bring?"

"Oh, haha! Well, I have something to tell you..." Sunoo prepared to distance his phone from his ear, in case Jungwon will shout at him. "I didn't accept the proposal."

Jungwon scoffed. "What? Didn't we agree with each other that you will join the program? You wanted to make a living through your art!" He then sighed in disappointment. "I'm not talking to you!"

"H-hey! I don't want to spend 3 years of my life somewhere else! Wouldn't you guys miss me if I stay there?" Sunoo frowned, although he knew that this would happen.

"It's too late for you to say those things. You already made him mad." Jay chuckled as he took over Jungwon's phone. "Kim Sunoo! It's been a while, don't you think? Aren't you cold from this weather?"

"Hmm? Jay? Oh my, we haven't seen each other in months! How are you doing?" Sunoo was glad to hear an acquaintance's voice. "And what are you doing with Jungwon?"

Jay simply laughed. "I was looking for someone to clean this room with me, and Jungwon was the first one to step up."

"Ah, I see. If you don't mind, can I come and help as well? I'll just drop my things at home, then run to your house." Sunoo remarked as he walked faster to his house. "Oh, wait. What's your address again?"

"Uh, it's not my house." Jay glanced at Jungwon who just gave him a death glare. "We're fixing Riki's room. If the house remains untouched, it will be demolished."