“Haru, you have once again given me nothing.” The guidance counselor sighed while leaning back into his chair. “Have you not thought about what to do after graduation?”

She diverts her eyes elsewhere. It’s not that she hasn’t thought about it…it’s more like she doesn’t know what to do so how exactly was she supposed to give him an answer?

“How about University?”

Haru tilted her head slightly, not one thing came to mind. 

“Major?” 

She pressed her lips together. “Hm...”

“Interests?”

“Mr. Jung, I really don’t know.” Haru breathed out. What did he want from her? “But…I’ll think about it.”

“You always say that and we have this same conversation again.” He pointed out. “What do you do in your free time?”

Haru thought about it for a moment. “…Not much.” She would go to her job and go home. “I’ll really think about it, Mr. Jung.” She begins to whine. “Please let me go eat lunch.”

Seeing how this wasn’t getting anywhere, he waved her off. “Fine – “ She jumped up from her seat with a smile and dashed out the room. “Really think about it, Haru!” He yelled after her from his office.

The students were usually happy seeing Mr. Jung – secretly calling him by his first name Daehyun, to feel closer to the handsome guidance counselor – but it was always a headache for Haru. Of course, it was always her fault but no matter how many times he wishes for her to have a plan, Haru was so unsure about the future.

Predictably, once getting to the cafeteria, Haru sat alone. Someone with her sort of temper was better off by herself and the other students thought the same. People feared her – people feared ‘different’ and Haru’s unsociable nature was definitely ‘different’.

And naturally, rumors brewed and not before long, looks of curiosity turned into abhorrence. 

Though if anyone asked Haru, she didn’t care to change her image.

But, it did annoy her beyond belief to catch their judgmental stares.

***

“You’re five minutes late.”

“I don’t drive the bus.” Haru retorts while making her way over to Youngjae – still behind his desk and still looking at the paperwork. Her eyes soon met Yongguk’s; he was sitting and patiently waiting for her.

Sending a bow in his direction, she hoped he knew she was somewhat apologetic. 

“Are you ready?” He questioned and stood to his feet. 

Nodding her head, she just wished she could hurry and get another five hours done today. Slowly but surely, her required hours were shrinking. 

“Today, we’re going to patrol.” Yongguk announces. “It’ll be more exciting than ticket duty.” 

Offering an unsure smile, Haru heavily doubted the officer’s words.

And once the day started – her predictions were proven true. Driving down street after street, they were greeted by silence. Letting out a yawn, Haru stared out the window on her side and whilst wiping away her tears, a playground comes into view. As it was used for, young children were running about, screaming at the top of their lungs in excitement. 

Feeling the car coming to a stop, Haru stared at Yongguk curiously upon hearing him shut off the engine.

“…What are you doing?” She asked.

Sticking his hand into the cup holder, Yongguk grabbed a handful of candy. 

“When I have time, I make a stop.” He answered with a smile. “Come on.” He urged her before opening his own door. 

Watching Yongguk walk around the front of the cop car and towards the playground, Haru forced herself out to meet up beside him. Obviously noticing the person in the bright blue uniform, the children ran forward.

“Officer Bang!”

Their high-pitched voices rang out in recognition. Seeing them sprint forward caused Haru to take a step back in response. The little things surrounded Yongguk’s legs with their hands out already aware of the sweets the officer brought along with him.

“Take these, Haru.” Yongguk grabbed her hand and placed pieces of candies into her palm.

“No, no – “

Before she could finish her opposition, the children looked up at her with widened eyes.

“Sis, can’t we have some?” They cupped their hands.

Hesitantly, Haru placed a single piece of wrapped candy into their hands as one by one they ran off cheerfully. Only when the last child g