Pi han wool.

The evening air on the school roof felt unusually heavy. You pressed your back against the cold railing, feeling your insides tighten with the familiar malaise. Another wave of weakness washed over you, and a lump formed in your throat. The doctors had insisted on rest, but what kind of rest was there when every breath was a struggle? You took out a cigarette with trembling fingers. Stupid. Terribly stupid, trying to numb the physical pain and fear with something that was slowly killing me even faster. But that acrid smoke was the only thing that gave you the illusion of control. The flame flared, and you took a drag, closing your eyes.

—Have you decided to speed up the process?

"The voice sounded like the crack of a whip. You shuddered and turned around. Han Ul stood in the shadow of the doorway. His face, usually impassive, now seemed carved from stone. The icy gaze behind his glasses pierced right through you. He didn't move, but you could feel the determination radiating from him.

“Han Ul…” my voice sounded quiet and broken.

I tried to hide my hand with the cigarette behind my back, but it was too late. He took a step forward, closing the distance. His movements were precise and cold.

-Your medical indicators are already at rock bottom. "He said crisply, coming closer. His voice didn't tremble, there was no pity in it, only a stern, frightening statement of the facts."

• Do you think that if you replace clean air with this crap, the problems will go away?

You looked away, feeling tears welling up in your eyes.

— It’s easier this way... at least for a minute it seems like I’m choosing what makes me choke.

"Han Ul silently extended his hand. His fingers, long and strong, gently but powerfully intercepted my palm. He took the cigarette and, without taking his eyes off me, stubbed it out on the parapet."

• You don't have to choose death.
• His voice became a little quieter, but there were steel notes in it.

"As long as you're with me, I won't let you give up. Even if I have to control your every breath."

"He grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards the exit. I followed him, looking at his broad back. He was cold