I Became the Childhood Friend Who Commits Suicide

Chapter 24

“Hana.”

“…”

“It’s already 11 o’clock. Come on, get up!”

Please, just let me stay in bed. But Sophie betrayed my wishes and pulled off the blanket.

“What’s been going on since yesterday? Are you sick?”

“…Sophie, a… a ghost.”

“Oh, you’re talking about that again?”

“I’m serious! I actually saw it!”

Yesterday, we went down to Kim Si woo’s hometown at his suggestion. And there, I saw a ghost.

Ugh, it’s so creepy…!

Fortunately, nothing else happened besides running into that boy. But ever since, I’ve been petrified.

A ghost, of all things. I hate these kinds of things.

Was it really a ghost? Maybe it was just a local kid with the same name? But Kim Si woo kindly informed me that there was only one person with that name, Hansol.

Could it be related to Yoo Hana’s ability?

I’m not sure. I mean, it could make sense if I stretch it, but as far as I remember, there was no mention of her having such an ability in the original story.

Ugh, I don’t know! I just want to bury myself in this blanket and stay here, skipping classes next week and only coming out for the field trip.

Surely, a ghost wouldn’t follow me all the way to the academy… right?

Sophie sighed and muttered, “You really are a scaredy-cat, Hana.”

“…Sorry for being such a coward.”

I mean, I didn’t even want to come to this world. Living as Yoo Hana is unbearable.

Especially when I’m in pain from an attack, the tears just come from the frustration.

And now, ghosts too? My mental state can’t take it anymore.

“Hiding like this won’t help. Why not go out and get some fresh air? Maybe a short walk would do you good.”

“I’d rather… stay holed up at home.”

“But you don’t really have a choice.”

I had a bad feeling. Especially with that bright smile Sophie had.

“…Why?”

“We’re out of milk.”

Oh, no. That’s an emergency!

I looked up at Sophie with pleading eyes.

“You’ll… get it for me, right?”

Sophie flashed a theatrical grin.

“Dig your own well, you thirsty soul! Come on, go and get it!”

“…So mean.”

For the first time, I felt some resentment toward Sophie. Reluctantly, I got up from bed.

Maybe going out will lift my spirits after all.

And more importantly, I can’t give up on milk.

—

Blue skies. Fresh air.

Getting outside really wasn’t so bad. Right, there’s no ghost.

It’s probably better to think that I was just seeing things rather than actually believing in ghosts.

I headed toward the convenience store right in front of the dorm.

“Ah!”

“Kyaa!”

As I rounded a corner, I bumped into someone. The books they were holding scattered across the ground.

I hurriedly bent down to help pick them up.

“Ah, thank you.”

“No problem… Wait.”

A boy with a familiar face.

While I was tilting my head, he recognized me first.

“Hana! Hello!”

“Uh… hi.”

Who was this again?

If I remember a face, it must mean I met him within the past week.

Then I remembered that he’s a classmate who sits quietly in the back. I’d almost forgotten him.

He’s likely a minor character with little importance in the original story.

So, his name should be…

“Juhyun, right?”

“Yeah. Didn’t think you’d remember.”

I mean, isn’t it normal to remember your classmates’ names? Even if it’s early in the term, a week is plenty of time to know everyone.

Of course, he is a bit… unnoticeable.

“Where are you going with all those books?”

It looked like he was trying to build a tower with them. Is he the quiet, studious type?

Juhyun gave an awkward smile and replied.

“Oh, to the cathedral.”

“…The cathedral?”

Not the place I expected. I thought he’d say a library or study room.

“Why the books?”

I glanced at the title of one I’d picked up.

‘The Atonement of Christ and the Eradication of Original Sin’

“…”

What in the world is this?

I can’t understand a single word of it. Is this even Korean, or some kind of code that just looks like it?

As I scowled at the book, Juhyun explained, “I’m carrying them as a favor for the priest.”

“Hmm… Want some help?”

“Huh?”

“They look heavy. I’ll lend you a hand.”

No special reason. If I had to give one, I guess it’s out of curiosity.

When I was young, I went to a church once because they were giving out snacks. My impression was that it was a quiet, boring place.

But what role does religion play in this world plagued by monsters?

And I hate to admit it, but… part of me is still spooked by the ghost.

—

The academy grounds have many facilities, including religious buildings like cathedrals, churches, shrines, temples, and even mosques.

The reason for so many religious sites is simple: surprisingly, many academy students are believers.

In a world where gates open everywhere and monsters threaten humanity, it wouldn’t be strange to reject the existence of a god.

Yet, there are people who believe, including the students who directly fight these monsters.

“Juhyun, do you believe in God?”

“Yeah, I do.”

Even my classmate beside me is a believer.

When I think about it, it’s fascinating.

I know this world isn’t real; it’s a fictional stage set for a story.

The main character is predetermined, and everyone else is mostly extras, mentioned in passing at best.

Could there really be an omnipotent god here? Should the original author be considered the deity?

“This is your first time at a cathedral, isn’t it?”

“Yeah.”

I followed Juhyun into the cathedral, which was smaller than expected. There was no reason to make it large and take up space.

Looking at the cross at the front and the painting of Jesus behind it gave me a strange feeling.

Some people openly criticize and dismiss religion. I’m not that resentful, but I’m a skeptic.

But being here, I can understand why people find comfort in religion, even just a little.

“Place these over here too.”

“Oh, okay.”

I snapped back to reality and started arranging the books.

Originally, I planned to drop the books and leave, but now that I’m here, questions started popping up.

“Juhyun.”

“Yeah?”

“Do you… think ghosts really exist?”

“Hmm… probably?”

So, was that boy I saw really a ghost?

An eerie shiver ran through me.

“I mean, I haven’t seen one myself.”

“…I think I have.”

Juhyun looked a bit surprised and then chuckled.

“Well, why don’t you try praying?”

“Praying…? I’ve never done it.”

“You don’t have to think of it as something formal. Just sincerely ask for help; that’s a prayer, isn’t it?”

Maybe he’s right.

By that definition, I’ve prayed countless times—every time an attack hit, I pleaded desperately.

Of course, there was never any response.

It wasn’t a god who saved me, but rather the strange remedy of strawberries, although it’s left me addicted in a different, torturous way.

Still, since I’m here, maybe I should try once.

I approached the cross, lowered my head, and closed my eyes.

Dear God,

Are you listening?

If you’re real, please, help me.

I’m really struggling.

I don’t know why you brought me to this cursed world, but please, send me back home.

…I’m actually scared of dying.

I don’t want to do it.

But what choice do I have? If I don’t, an even more horrifying future awaits.

Is anyone really listening?

I’m not asking for much, just—

The prayer didn’t go on. I doubled over, clutching my stomach, as another attack started.

“Ah… Aaah…!”

“Hana? Are you okay?”

What is this?

Is this your answer to my prayer?

It’s cruel.

It hurts. It really hurts.

I’m sorry. I won’t complain anymore…

I bit down hard enough to taste blood inside my mouth, just to keep from losing my mind.

Enough with prayers. What I need now isn’t a god; it’s painkillers.

“Who’s there? What’s going on?”

“P-priest! My friend…!”

“Juhyun? And who is this… Please, come out.”

Someone approached me. My vision was blurry, so I couldn’t see clearly.

An elderly man with snow-white hair. He placed his hand on my forehead and began to murmur.

“Pater noster, qui es in caelis…”

Just before I lost consciousness, everything was engulfed in light.