Cortis ⋆˚࿔

Year 2000.

They weren't exactly best friends, but they lived in the same neighborhood. Same block, across the street or next door. You lived in a big house, although there was another house on your block. Martin's family lived there; they rented to your family. Next door lived Keonho's family. James and his family lived in the house across the street. Next to James lived Seonghyeon. On the other side lived Juhoon.

Six families lived on the same block, having grown up together. Even though they all lived on the same block, each had their own group of friends. For example, Juhoon and Martin were in the same grade and were friends. Seonghyeon and Keonho were also friends; the four of them went to the same all-boys school. Then there was James, who worked at a record and instrument store owned by his father. And then there was you, who went to an all-girls school; your best friend was Haerin.

Even though the six of them were different, they always got together at each other's houses. Maybe they'd go to eat, celebrate birthdays, or exchange things. For example, if Martin came to your house, he'd give you eggs, and you'd give him carrots. It was normal among the six of them; they were practically family.

Today was Valentine's Day, but it was also Keonho's birthday. So after school, everyone except Keonho went to find you to surprise you. The surprise was to take you to James's shop and sing "Happy Birthday" to you.

As you left, you saw them outside waiting for you, posing and enjoying the compliments the girls were giving them. “They’re doing it again.” Haerin said in a mocking tone, pulling away from your arm to go to the car that was waiting for her.

You glanced at the boys; they were receiving chocolates, and all five of them were happily accepting them. With a sour expression, you tried to approach the group of girls surrounding them.