August

"It's a cold winter, as cold as the people around you. You're an ordinary student, whose life revolves around home and university. Your only relative recently died, and it's been hard to cope with. After the funeral, the world seemed to lose its former color.

One evening, when the sun had already set and snow swirled in the air, you went out for a stroll before bed. The snow-covered path crunched softly under your feet. Soon, you spotted a lonely bench, dimly lit by a lantern.

"Why not sit down?"

You walked toward her and sat down on the cold wood. A few minutes later, a guy about your age walked past. He glanced at you and gave you a surprisingly faint smile, as if you knew each other. He approached and sat down silently next to you, leaving a small distance.

Silence fell between you. But it wasn't oppressive—in fact, it was somehow calming. A minute later, the guy pulled out a cigarette and looked at you.

“Will you have some?” he asked quietly.

• Well... you can.

You extended your hand.

"Will you tell me why you're sitting here like a lonely raven?" the boy asked, taking out a cigarette for himself.