I Became the Childhood Friend Who Commits Suicide

Chapter 44

“Why are you here?”

“To read a book. It is a library, after all.”

“I see.”

An awkward silence fell between them.

They had shared some experiences together—disciplinary hearings, a trip to the academy’s basement, and even handling that demon disguised as a teacher. But calling them close would still be a stretch.

After a moment, Hana murmured quietly.

“…Thanks for, um, covering for me last time.”

“For what?”

“That incident… when you took the blame for me…”

At the time, she’d lost her temper, acting without thinking. In hindsight, she should’ve been more careful.

Si-hyun just shook her head calmly.

“It was a demon, after all. Even if it had been linked to you, it wouldn’t have changed much.”

“…I guess so.”

her calm attitude made it seem like it really wasn’t a big deal. She could barely recall what had happened that day. Maybe it had shown up in a nightmare… or maybe the pill had made her forget.

“Are you here to pick out a book, too?”

“Oh, yeah… just something simple to read.”

“I see. Well, take care.”

Si-hyun left immediately.

Watching her go, Hana resumed her search for books. She eventually picked out five thin, lightweight books.

How was she supposed to read and review all of these by tomorrow? That seemed impossible.

With the books in hand, she was about to leave when she spotted Si-hyun, seated by the window, completely engrossed in a book.

She hesitated.

There was still time left in the lunch break, so maybe she could start reading now. Going back to class wouldn’t accomplish much, and bumping into Kim Si woo might make things even more awkward.

Decision made, she sat down across from Si-hyun.

She was so focused that she didn’t even notice her presence, her attention entirely absorbed by her book.

Hana opened her book and began to read, her overwhelming feelings of euphoria and happiness slowly quieting down, giving way to a sense of calm.

Sunlight poured through the window, mixing with a gentle white noise that provided a peaceful atmosphere.

Feeling drowsy, she finally closed her book when her focus waned, stretching as she glanced across the table at Si-hyun, who was still absorbed in her reading.

Curious, she asked him, “What are you reading?”

“A study on the meaning and influence of a savior in Abrahamic religions.”

“Uh… what?”

The title was so long she forgot it almost instantly.

“Is it a religious book?”

“Yes.”

“Are you interested in religion?”

“Something like that. I’ve been studying it recently.”

“Really? I wouldn’t have pegged you as religious.”

Did Si-hyun have any interest in religion in the original story? Hana couldn’t remember anything like that.

Without looking up from her book, Si-hyun asked, “Do you know what a ‘Messiah’ is?”

“Um… God? I’m not sure.”

“In Abrahamic religions, the Messiah is a savior sent by God to save the world.”

“…That sounds complicated.”

“Usually, Christians interpret the Messiah as Jesus.”

It suddenly felt like a religious studies class. She didn’t mind religion, but she wasn’t eager to get too involved either.

“Do you know what ‘atonement’ means?”

“Not at all.”

She had a vague sense of what a Messiah was, but atonement? No idea. Although the word felt familiar—wasn’t it the title of a book that Juhyun had borrowed recently?

“It’s when someone takes responsibility for someone else’s sins. Think of it like cosigning someone’s debt.”

“Who would do something like that?”

“Right? It’s quite fascinating, isn’t it?”

“Not really…”

Does religion need to be so complex? If its purpose was to save those who suffer, shouldn’t it be as simple and accessible as possible?

So anyone could understand and believe in it—without complicated concepts like messiahs and atonement.

Si-hyun lifted her eyes from her book and looked at Hana, her gaze briefly dropping to something at her neck.

“I haven’t seen that pendant before.”

“Huh? Oh, this?”

Hana touched the cross pendant around her neck.

…When did I start wearing this?

Her head felt slightly dizzy, as if she were suddenly very tired.

Holding her forehead, she stood up.

“I think I’d better go. I’m suddenly feeling really tired.”

“Alright. Take care.”

With her books in hand, Hana staggered out of the library. Si-hyun watched her retreating figure before murmuring to himself.

“…Messiah. Atonement sacrifice. What does it all mean?”

She turned back to her book, determined to unravel the questions building in her mind.

Minutes passed.

It was almost the end of the lunch break when Si-hyun closed her book and said,

“You look a bit off today. Is something wrong?”

Si woo replied,

“I need a favor.”

—

Being rejected by his childhood friend.

It was much more painful than he’d anticipated.

The way she seemed to prioritize that man over him stoked his jealousy and a sense of defeat.

He felt a mix of anger and sadness, but most of all, he felt ashamed.

His desperate pleas, his pitiful attempts to reach out—all rejected with cold indifference.

The impulse to give up on everything surged within him.

But as time passed, those emotions began to settle.

And he was left with only one feeling he hadn’t acknowledged before.

Nostalgia for the happiness they’d once shared.

The more he reminisced, the more the thought of giving up faded.

Instead, a sense of calm resolve took its place.

Right. I’ve come this far; I can’t give up now.

If I’m already this broken, I might as well see it through to the end.

If she’s truly happy, I can accept that, no matter how painful.

But if she’s not? If she’s unhappy?

Then at least I have to find out.

Is that man really someone who brings her happiness?

Or is he a source of harm?

“You suspect someone might be a demon?”

If that man was a demon, he couldn’t possibly have Hana’s best interests at heart.

Of course, Sophie had only hinted about the counseling teacher, not the science teacher.

But if there was one demon infiltrating the academy, there could easily be more.

Even if it wasn’t him, anyone could be a demon.

“Yes, I’m not sure yet. I don’t have solid proof. But…”

The question was how to confirm if he was a demon.

There was only one sure way: to see the color of his blood.

“How do you plan to do that? Wave a knife around like last time?”

“…I know I shouldn’t do that.”

Last time, he’d acted on information Sophie provided, although even then, it hadn’t been certain. It had been a reckless move, one he wouldn’t have made if Hana hadn’t been alone with a potential demon in a fragile state.

This time, it wasn’t a certainty, just suspicion.

A move like that now would only backfire.

“There’s no need to injure him. I just need a blood sample!”

With a sigh, student council president Sehee shook her head.

“That’s easier said than done. What reason would you have? There’s no justification to suddenly draw blood. Are you going to say you suspect he’s a demon?”

“Well…”

He’d tried to enlist the president’s help, but she was reluctant to go along with his plan, expressing skepticism instead.

“To be frank, the board wasn’t happy about your behavior last time.”

“…Our behavior?”

“What if someone else had come across that scene before I did? What if it had gotten out? We wouldn’t have been able to cover it up so quietly. It would have caused a huge scandal.”

“…”

He couldn’t deny it.

Though the demon had died due to Hana’s outburst, Si-hyun’s attack had played a significant role.

“Ultimately, I can’t do anything without the board’s approval. Unless you have a compelling idea that would convince those old men, I’d suggest staying put until you have solid evidence.”

Today, her tone was sharper than usual. Sehee spoke with one hand on her side, her expression furrowed.

Si-hyun, who had been quietly listening, finally spoke.

“Don’t hide it; make it public.”

“…What?”

“Rather than targeting one suspect, conduct a blood test for the entire academy.”

Si-hyun explained calmly.

“We already know a demon infiltrated the academy. There could be more. Call it a health check and test everyone—faculty included.”

“…”

Sehee fell silent, deep in thought.

“The board would probably welcome it enthusiastically. It’s a chance to root out potential threats.”

“…Alright. I’ll propose it. But it will take time since it involves everyone.”

“It needs to be done as soon as possible!”

“There’s no helping it. We’re talking about rearranging the academy’s entire schedule. Even at the earliest, it will be a week from now.”

A week? He wasn’t thrilled with the delay, but this was the best he could hope for.

Forcing himself to stay calm, Si woo steadied his thoughts.

Fine. In a week, he would finally know.

And he’d decide what to do from there.

—

“I finished it.”

She handed over five pages of book reports.

She’d spent the entire time in her dorm with her nose buried in those books.

Not that she’d minded—she’d found himself surprisingly absorbed in them.

The man scanned the reports briefly and said,

“Well done.”

“…”

It was an odd feeling.

She hadn’t written them for praise.

“Now, give me the pill.”

“Of course, here you are. And now for your next

task.”

“…Are you planning to do this every day?”

“Is there a problem?”

“Ugh, just tell me what it is!”

The man smirked slightly.

“It’s simple. Take notes on the day’s lessons. I’ll check your work tomorrow.”

She had no idea what this was supposed to mean.

She shot the man with a look of irritation, but his response was completely unbothered.

“Remember, the choice is yours.”

“Fine! I’ll do it!”

She snatched the pill from his hand and swallowed it.

Sure, She felt better.

But somehow, it didn’t feel quite enough.

“…Huh?”

“Yes? Is there an issue?”

“…No. It’s nothing.”

Must be my imagination.

All the irritation gone, anyway.

Yeah. I’m fine.

She turned and walked out of the lab without a backward glance.

“Take care.”

“…Hmph.”

She still couldn’t understand this man’s motives.

Not even a guess.

Then again, did she even have a motive?

Suppressing the unease bubbling up inside, she continued with his daily life.

And so, a week went by.

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