My hands and feet had been clammy all day long, unable to hide the agitation that I’ve been feeling since this morning. Joohyun had not picked me up for school, nor did she answer any of my messages or calls. It was unusual and I felt a deep acidity lurched in my stomach.

I never skipped classes unless I was bedridden and unable to walk, but for this day, I did. I skipped my last class that’s still in the evening.

When Joohyun overslept, which only happened once. She would usually alert me before lunch, but it’s been three hours since lunch started and she never did.

For a moment, before stepping inside, I hesitated. Yes, she had given me the keys and password to her home, but I am still mere school mate (and maybe her real friend?). It would be rude to suddenly barged in. What if she had unexpected important visitors?

No, she would still message me when that would happen.

I and entered the gate with hesitant steps. I treaded toward the door, taking a deep breath as I unlocked it.

“Joohyun?”

The room was dim lighted by the afternoon sun that’s peeking through the blinds, no open lights in any rooms.

“Joohyun, are you in your room?”

I flinched when a cold hand suddenly landed on my hand.

“Seungwan?”

Joohyun stood in front of me, ashen-faced like her blood had been by a vampire. Her stance was a little wobbled so I took her hand and made her rest on the sofa.

“You should’ve contacted me, your family or any close friends when you’re sick.”

“I’m sorry, I forgot where I put my phone.”

“Don’t talk and reserve your energy. Just nod or shake yo