Declaration - Kim Hongjoong

Chapter 12

10 years later

It has been ten years since everything happened. That horrible day which torned away friendships, love and people.

The people had changed. The economic had changed. The world had changed and the students during the incident in Mundo High School were all separated. They all went under a detention from the government, to reflect on their lives. Mundo School was locked down after hearing statement from Nurse Kim Minjee that the School's director was aware of all the bully but turned blind eye on it. She has also repent and quit her job for keeping quiet about it.

People started avoiding each other, not ever wanting to see or interact with each other again because the scars which was left on their memory keeps haunting them.

There are also people who still kept in touch and meet up from time to time, like Hongjoong and his friends. But all of them are not together anymore, just Hongjoong, Mingi and Wooyoung. San and Seonghwa dissapeared right after their detentions ended and they never heard from them again.

So currently Hongjoong, Wooyoung and Mingi were meeting up. It has been a long time since they all got a free time and they are really happy to have spent some time together again.

"What should we do after this?"
Wooyoung asked the elders and ate his beef bone soup with some rice. They are having a lunch after skipping breakfast because of their works.

"I dont know what do you guys want to do?"
Hongjoong ask his younger friends, considerate of their choices.

Mingi turns silent and utters quietly, "why dont we go visit...her...today?"

They abruptly stopped what they are doing. It has been a sensitive topic everyone wanted to avoid and it has been that way for the past ten years.

Hongjoong sigh earning an apology from Mingi.

"Its okay Mingi, you dont have to apologize for something you didnt do. And yes, I guess we can visit her today. Its been a while since I havent seen her".

They leave together after paying for their foods.

The three males arrived at a graveyard. Hongjoong's throat got tightened as he hesitate to go any further but after getting an assuring smile from his friends, he gathered his courage and the three of them enter the cemetery.

"Hey Hana"
it was Mingi who has a bitter smile on his face, he regretted everything he did more than anyone because he used to physically abuse her during their High School days.

"I know you cant hear me anymore but if you are watching me from the sky, I know I cant make up for everything I have done and you dont deserve anything I did to you. Maybe someday, I could finally pay for my sin and you will forgive me"

"Hey Mingi, dont be so hard on yourself. The past is past and you've suffered enough. We all did"

"Wooyoung is right Mingi. The best thing we could do is forgiving ourself and maybe Hana will too, as she is watching us from above"

They bowed and payed their respect. Hongjoong being a little disappointed than the others. He had always loved Hana and her last words kept replaying in his head every night when he went to sleep. He cant help but let a tear slip his eyes, he misses her so much and he knows what he said a few minutes ago about forgiving oneself, it was the hardest thing for him, he can never forgive himself.

"Look Hyung, someone was here before us"
Wooyoung pointed out seeing the new fresh flower lying on the graveyard. No one noticed it before, probably all too emerge with their feelings.

"Who must have visited her?"