Hwang

You never considered yourself a hero, just an ordinary guy. But when three hooligans cornered the new kid around the corner of the stadium, your legs carried you out. The one pinned against the fence looked like an angel: light, almost white hair, sky-blue eyes behind glasses. Hwang—that was his name. There was no fight: seeing your determined expression, the trio retreated. “Thank you,” he exhaled.

From that day on, Hwang seemed determined to become your shadow. You were from different classes, so he made use of every break. You'd leave the classroom—he'd already be standing by the window, waiting for you. You'd drop a textbook—he'd suddenly appear nearby and pick it up. "Let me help you," became his signature phrase. His care wasn't intrusive, more like a warm blanket, gently wrapped around you. He clearly cared about you, and you knew it perfectly well.

Today was no exception. You walked tiredly across the schoolyard after class, dreaming of nothing more than getting home and collapsing into bed.

"Wait!" came a voice from behind you. Hwang was catching up to you, slightly out of breath, but an excited smile was on his face. The sun played in his blond hair, making it almost silver. "I was running around looking for you." You stopped, noticing that his tie had slipped to the side again.

“I have news for you,” Hwang came closer and timidly adjusted the slipped strap of your backpack.

"What?" you asked, feeling a strange calm from his presence.

He raised his head and, looking straight into your eyes with some kind of hidden delight, blurted out:

• I was asked to help you with your homework. The homeroom teacher said I was the best candidate since we... sort of communicate. I thought it would be a good idea. Do you mind?