pulling on cosmic strings ꩜ pi hanwool, study group

2. another chance

That was the last thing Minju remembered before opening her eyes to the mid-day sun, standing on the rooftop of the very high school she attended 10 years ago.

Upon recalling the memory, her hands instantly shot up to her abdomen and chest, checking for damages. Her breathing went from peaceful to heavy, hyperventilating as she hunched over, clutching her body as if something was wrong.

But nothing was. Her body was pristine, clean of blood, no fresh wounds.

Hanwool appeared in front of her, grabbing the top of her arms to bring her attention to him. He scanned her top to bottom, then he did it once more just to make sure. Visibly concerned, he asked, "What's wrong?"

Minju's breath caught in her throat. Panic rose inside her, unsure of what was going on.

She released herself from Hanwool's grip and ran off. Through the rooftop door, down the stairs, and out the school gates.

She didn't even know why she was running. But she didn't stop. Her feet felt as if they were stepping on needles, she kept running.

Fatigue had finally started settling in, and the moment it felt physically impossible to keep going, she stopped in an alley. Minju leaned against the wall and slid down, knees to her chest as she tried to catch her breath.

Finally, she directed her attention to the nearby billboards, with one advertising canned soda. The current sale was written in big bold letters.

'Buy 2 Get 1 Free!'

The sign displayed a variety of flavors, each making Minju's mouth run dry, hoping she could get a sip to ease her thirst. Her eyes then settled on the writing in smaller font at the bottom edge.

'Offer expires this month, 30th April 2015!'

Brows furrowed in confusion, Minju's hand reached in her right pocket, where she usually kept her phone. Her hand unfurled to reveal a bulky cellphone, with white and sliver edges bordering the screen, a round button centered below.

It was a way older version of the phone she actually had. Putting that thought aside, she hurriedly clicked the button to turn the phone on. The screen lit up, and the words written on them were unmistakeable.

'Friday, 3 April 2015'

Minju's mind was in a spiral. Was this a dream?

Or...

Did she actually go back in time?

While the pieces started to come together in her mind, the phone buzzed and rang in her hand, playing a ballad she used to adore as a teenager.

Hanwool was calling. In fact, her inbox was filled with missed calls from him ever since she ran off. She must've not noticed them while she took off running.

Minju heard hurried, heavy steps nearing her, coming to a stop as she turned to see who it was. She was abruptly pulled up and shoved into their chest, arms surrounding her shoulders, a hand running through her hair frantically, as if they were trying to convince themselves that she was alright.

Hanwool pulled away, scanning her face, "Why didn't you pick up? I've been calling you."

Minju took in his disheveled state, "Huh?" She looked back at the phone in her hands. "Oh. Sorry, I got caught up."