Guardian of my Heart // Keesoul

Lingering Shadows

Chapter 20: Lingering Shadows

The days that followed Keeho's departure felt empty, like a piece of Soul's world had vanished. Though they'd known each other for only a short time, Keeho's presence had changed something in Soul. Now, without him, everything seemed muted.

Soul tried to distract himself with his art, with school, and even with new friends like Jongseob and Intak, but the quiet spaces in between were filled with thoughts of Keeho. He couldn't forget Keeho's warmth, the way his eyes had seemed to hide something tender, something important. And now that Keeho was gone, Soul was left with only questions. Who had that stranger been? And what exactly had Keeho meant when he said he wasn't just some "ordinary guy"?

One night, unable to sleep, Soul found himself retracing their steps, ending up at the park they'd often hung out at. The air was thick with autumn's chill, leaves swirling under the streetlamps' glow. Soul wandered the park aimlessly, hoping, irrationally, that Keeho would somehow be there, waiting for him.

But the silence was all that met him. A frustrated sigh escaped his lips as he sat down on a bench. He tried to shake off the sense of loss, but it clung to him, persistent and painful. As he sat, lost in thought, he heard a faint rustle behind him. Turning, he saw someone approaching—a tall figure silhouetted against the streetlamp. His heart skipped, and for a second, he dared to hope.

"Keeho?"

The figure stepped closer, and Soul's heart sank. It wasn't Keeho; it was Jiung, his classmate and the school's main artist. Jiung had been a quiet presence around him, always sketching in the background, rarely speaking unless spoken to. Tonight, though, his expression held a strange intensity.

"Hey, Soul," Jiung said, his voice soft but steady. "Couldn't sleep?"

Soul shrugged, trying to hide his disappointment. "Yeah... just felt like getting some air."

Jiung nodded, taking a seat beside him. "I get it. I come here to clear my mind too. It's peaceful."

They sat in silence for a while, watching the leaves fall around them. Eventually, Jiung spoke again, his voice hesitant. "You know, everyone's noticed something's been different with you lately. You've seemed... distracted."

Soul bit his lip, unsure how to respond. He hadn't told anyone about Keeho—not really. They'd just assumed he'd made a friend and had been spending time with him. But now, with Jiung's calm presence beside him, he felt the urge to talk about it.

"There was this... person," Soul began slowly. "We became friends, but he had to leave. And I don't know why, but it feels like there's this huge gap now. Like everything's off balance."

Jiung looked at him thoughtfully, then nodded. "I know that feeling. Losing someone, even if they're only in your life for a little while... it leaves a mark. I think, in some ways, they stay with you, though. They change you."

Soul stared down at his hands. "But what if... what if he's just gone forever? And I never find out why?"

Jiung placed a reassuring hand on Soul's shoulder. "Sometimes, we don't get answers right away. But you're strong, Soul. I've seen it. Whatever's missing... maybe it'll make sense in time."

Soul looked up at Jiung, comforted by his calm, understanding gaze. Jiung had always seemed aloof, absorbed in his art, but right now, he was a steady presence, and Soul felt an unexpected warmth bloom in his chest.

"Thanks, Jiung. I guess I needed to hear that."

Jiung smiled, giving Soul's shoulder a light squeeze before letting go. "No problem. We artists have to stick together, right?"

They both laughed, and for the first time in days, Soul felt a bit lighter. But just as the quiet moment settled between them, there was a sudden rustle in the bushes nearby, followed by a soft voice.

"Keeho?"

Soul's heart jumped at the familiar sound of his name, barely above a whisper. He turned, and there, hidden partially by the shadows, was Keeho.

Keeho looked disheveled, his expression a mixture of relief and conflict. "Soul... I..."

Soul stood, staring at Keeho in disbelief. He didn't know whether to be angry, overjoyed, or confused. "Keeho... you just left! No explanation, nothing!"

Keeho stepped closer, his eyes searching Soul's. "I wanted to tell you everything, but I... I couldn't. I had to go, but I couldn't stay away either. I tried."

Jiung looked between them, then quietly stood. "I'll give you two some space." He gave Soul a small smile and walked away, disappearing into the night.

When they were alone, Keeho finally spoke. "Soul, there's so much you don't know about me. About why I'm here."

Soul crossed his arms, narrowing his eyes. "Then tell me, Keeho. I'm tired of secrets."

Keeho took a deep breath, struggling to find the words. "I... I was assigned to you, Soul. Not as a friend, not even as a person. I'm... different. I'm supposed to help you, guide you, make sure you're happy. But I—"

He hesitated, pain evident in his eyes. "But somewhere along the way, I broke the rules. I wasn't supposed to care this much. I wasn't supposed to let it get this far."

Soul's heart pounded. The pieces of Keeho's strange behavior, his cryptic words—all of it began to make a strange kind of sense.

"So... you're not even... human?"

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