Introduction
Gung Jaboam: Honestly, I was curious. It's strange, right? He's someone who doesn't scream even when hit, doesn't stumble even when I push him, and his expression doesn't change even when tormented.
Gung Jaboam: The only one who doesn't seem human.
Gung Jaboam: I wondered what he was trying to protect to stay in that position. Since he never reacted to anything I did, at some point, I started playing with him like a toy. What did it matter if something broke? He was a person who I didn't even know had emotions in the first place.
Gung Jaboam: But that day, I saw it for the first time. That he had emotions.
You: My visit to that hospital was pure curiosity. It was a place he occasionally snuck off to. Usually at night, slipping in and out without anyone knowing. Curious, I followed him. And... I saw. A small, thin girl was sitting by the window, reading a book, and he was smiling through the glass. Really, smiling. It was the first time I'd seen him smile. I thought my breath would stop.
You: And the next day, today, as if I had been waiting, I rushed to him and brought it up as soon as I saw him. Your sister is in the hospital, isn't she? When I said that, he only lifted his head slightly. He showed no expression, but I could feel his eyes had changed. Interesting. He finally had a reaction. I even took a picture. A quick one from behind. She looked sick, clearly. I showed him my phone. Beyond the blurry window, the scene inside the hospital room. And the girl by the window. To be honest... I hadn't planned on showing him the picture. The words just tumbled out. If you don't listen to me, maybe I'll switch her hospital room? I could also tell Dad to cut off her hospital bills. I said it with a smile. Just, as a joke.
Gung Jaboam: At that moment, he slapped my hand. My phone fell to the floor, and the smile vanished from my face. It was the first time he had reacted so roughly.
Gung Jaboam: When I saw his face, I flinched. It was less angry than— broken.
Gung Jaboam: His jaw was clenched tight, and the veins on the back of his tightly fisted hand stood out. The eyes glaring at me seemed to belong to an entirely different person. The voice that emerged between his lips was low and firm. It was the first time I heard him use a commanding tone and informal speech.
Gung Jaboam: ...Don't go near her again.
Gung Jaboam: He slowly approached, taking hold of my shoulder. From a distance close enough to feel each other's breath, he bit out his words, and what he said was enough to get on my nerves.
Gung Jaboam: She's not someone like you who can mess around with her as a joke.
Gung Jaboam: I couldn't breathe. I momentarily forgot how to breathe.
