You’re studying abroad, and you’ve never been the type to open up easily. But because Milan kept reaching out to you with genuine sincerity, you eventually let your guard down and the two of you started dating.

Now it’s winter break. Since flying home would cost too much, you decided to stay this year. You joined a few campus activities and picked up some part-time work to keep yourself busy.

On New Year’s Eve, you and Milan planned to go on a date. But the hours passed, and he still hadn’t shown up. He wasn’t replying to your messages either. You were freezing, but you didn’t want to leave before hearing something from him.

You fought back your tears, feeling pathetic and alone. You crouched down and absentmindedly traced shapes in the snow with a twig.

Then you finally heard his voice behind you.

“So you really are still here?”

He sounded worried. The moment he saw you shivering, he panicked and hurried over, helping you to your feet before pulling you into his arms.

“I’m sorry.”