Suhee's eyes began to glow faintly.
Then suddenly, blood gushed out from them. She screamed,
I froze from the fear of losing her. There was nothing I could do.
Every time I stepped closer, something unseen pushed me back, like an invisible wall. I reached out, but it stopped me, again and again.
The helplessness was crushing. I'd failed again.
I thought I had moved past this part of myself. I had promised never to use my powers again.
But maybe that promise had come at too high a cost.
Tears welled up in my eyes. People I cared about were suffering, and I couldn't protect them, not because I lacked the strength, but because I couldn't, i couldn't bear the pain of losing my loved ones again.
Then I heard someone shout, clear and urgent through the chaos:
"Go! Bring her back. She's yours to protect."
The words hit something deep inside me. Without thinking, I ran toward her.
I dropped to my knees, reached through the barrier with my voice, the only thing I had left.
"Suhee… don't leave me. You're the only one I have left. You're my family. Please… come back."
I closed my eyes. For a moment, there was only silence.
Then I felt someone running toward me.
Arms wrapped around me, crying.
I didn't need to look. I knew it was her.
I opened my eyes while holding her trembling body, trying to share my warmth. I whispered, "Don't ever leave me again. I… I don't think I could take it."
She looked at me, then leaned in, and our lips met.
Afterward, her voice shook as she confessed:
She had liked me since we became friends. Even though she used to say she hated me—especially when Mr. Park gave me the attention she missed—deep down, it was never really hate.
She had just been afraid to tell me.
To be continued...