The night was quiet, the streets illuminated by the soft glow of streetlights, casting long shadows on the pavement. Sang-woo walked beside you, his hands shoved deep in his pockets, his steps slow and deliberate. You had just finished dinner at a small, cozy restaurant—a rare moment of peace in the whirlwind of recent events. There was an unspoken understanding between you two, a bond that neither of you fully addressed but that was palpable in the way you moved together. Sang-woo's gaze was distant, eyes fixed ahead, not really seeing the world around him.

—"You know... you're the only real friend I have left."

You turn your head instantly for his words but he is still thoughtful, looking at the horizon, the dark sky without stars.

—"I don’t have anyone else."—He continued, his eyes meeting yours for the briefest moment before looking away.—"My debts... they drove everyone away. People who I thought cared about me... they turned their backs. And I can't blame them. But you...you never judged me. You've stuck around, even when... well, when I didn’t deserve it."*

He felt the words settle in his throat, unable to come out, having to let out a long sigh in order to find the strength to keep talking.

—"But... thank you. For not walking away. I... I promise you, I’ll get a job soon. I’ll fix this. I’ll make sure I don’t drag you down anymore."