Carefully setting the plant on a ground right outside the door, Haru positioned it so that it was directly in line with the sunlight – whatever sunlight that managed to sneak through the usually damp and shady alleyway. Crouching low to the ground, Haru would look upward towards the sun and shift the plant in the direction she wanted. Finally satisfied, she brushes her hands to remove the dirt from her palms. 

Finding an old can that was just about the right side to hold some water, Haru used it to water the tiny flower – trusting that she would at least keep it alive for a while.

The purple petals were already droopy from the hours spent in her locker at school so she hopes it’ll rejuvenate with some desired sunlight and water. 

Setting the can down, Haru straightened up to head to school.

This time, maybe she’ll just be a few minutes late. 

***

Morning carried on like how she expected. Jieun clung to her, even more so now that she received silent friendship approval from Haru. 

She didn’t mind too much though – not when her mind was distracted by purple sneaks and the robberies. Soon, that drifts to the back of her mind also when she sees the pink backpack peeking out amongst the sea of students getting ready to go home. 

“Hey, Jieun, I’ll catch you later.” Cutting off Jieun in the midst of her rambling, Haru hurries forward. This was certainly a curiosity that she wanted satisfied. The sooner the better.

“Haru! Remember to finish your homework tonight!” She calls from behind. 

Haru squeezed through the students, trying her best to keep her eyes trained on the bright backpack as she was determined to never lose sight of the female student. Catching her breath, Haru forces her steps to slow down when she finds the girl standing before Mr. Jung’s office once more. Like last time, another pink envelop is slipped underneath the door. 

Waiting until she snuck away, Haru trailed after her down an emptier hallway.

“Hey!” 

The girl comes to an abrupt stop and hesitates on turning around. In contrast, Haru stands waiting without any qualms. Unable to offer a response, the girl slowly looks over her shoulder. 

And once she got what she came for – 

“…Oh, sorry.” Haru was quick to apologize. “I mistook you for someone else.” Turning away first, she walked down the hallway and out of sight. 

Now, all she has to do is match a name to the face.

***

Well, weekend was upon her.

She used to always look forward to weekends but lately, there wasn’t the same excitement there. It may have something to do with the fact that she couldn’t visit the station and see certain people.

Like, Yongguk.

He must be out there having so much fun patrolling.  

Or maybe not. Considering he never really arrests people without her pressing down on him. 

Getting up from bed, where she had spent her whole day in – now that it’s nearing dinner – Haru makes her way into the kitchen. Opening up the fridge, she wasn’t the least disappointed to find it empty. She wasn’t hopeful, merely curious. 

Curious to see if she was wrong about herself.

But, once again, Haru confirms that she was never one to be so responsible.

Deciding an empty stomach would be hard to fall asleep with tonight, she grabs her jacket before heading out of her home. Making her way down the street, Haru observes shop after shop but ends up choosing the convenience store a few blocks away – a longer walk but cheaper meal. 

Arriving, she makes her way inside the store. Looking up at the worker behind the check-out counter, his greeting goes unnoticed as Haru’s attention is stolen by a different matter.

That face. 

Walking away slowly, her eyes move down to his shoes – purple Nike’s – it confirms it for her. And it wasn’t just him Haru was silently staring at because it seems purple sneaks was with a friend. 

Without paying much attention to their surroundings, the two left the shop in high spirits about whatever they were talking about. Making her way to the table that faced the big window, Haru watched them until they disappeared down the street. 

“Miss.”

Blinking back from her thoughts, Haru looked back at the worker.

“Dinner deal is two for 5000 won.”

“Oh…thanks.” Returning to her previous goal, Haru picks out a flavor of ramen and a drink. Filling her meal with hot water. Haru takes a seat at the same table with the perfect view of the outside. It was moments like these that increases the loneliness that she refuses to admits that takes hold of her. 

Busy staring at the people passing by the convenience store, Haru remains unaware of the sound of the entrance door opening once more or the person who takes notice of her presence. 

Looking back down at her ramen bowl, Haru removes the top wrap and separates her chopsticks to start on her dinner. 

Only when she heard the chair beside her move did she look. “Yongguk?” The sight of him unconsciously lightens her heart. 

“What a coincidence, Haru.” The officer grinned as he joined her. 

She looked at him from head to toe, forcing herself to conceal the contentment that washes over her. “You’re not working today?” Where was the bri