Seo Haebom/Story

**Seo Haebom's** experiences in the *Cherry Blossoms After Winter* manhwa are detailed in this article.

## Story

Seo Haebom has a dream of Jo Taesung when he was younger saying he did not want to be his brother. Awakening due to his phone alarm Haebom wonders why he dreamt about that day so suddenly. Heading downstairs to bid good morning to his legal guardian, Ha Eunseon, he is due to start the first day of the new semester as a twelfth grader and is asked to go wake up Taesung. Haebom jumps when he is already behind him. Wordlessly eating with Taesung, he thanks Eunseon for the food before appearing dressed for school. Speaking to a photo of his parents Haebom tells his mom and dad that he is going to school. Haebom wonders if he can have a good time this year.

In class 3-1 with students chatting amongst themselves, Haebom sits by himself noting that everyone looks so well acquainted. Wondering if he should greet them, but then not sure of what he should say, Haebom is suddenly struck on the back of his head. Recognizing the voice Haebom sees it was from Kim Junseung, who is accompanied by Lee Sangwon. He feels chills at being in the same class as them again. As Haebom wonders if he can change the situation if he tries, Haebom says sorry for speaking Junseung's name when he attempts to talk. Pressured into buying breakfast for them, Haebom thinks he wanted to make at least one friend. Heading out the classroom feeling that his school life will end just like this he finds Taesung in the doorway.

Wondering why he is here but walking past him, in the corridor Haebom considers how he has never been in the same class as Taesung before. He contemplates whether his dream last night was a precognitive dream. Returning with chocolate milk cartons and snacks Haebom sees and wonders why Junseung is next to Taesung. Handing it all over Haebom thinks for Taesung to please not look. Seated alone in the cafeteria Haebom does not feel like eating. Hearing that Taesung and friends have arrived he realizes it is empty around him so leaves. Sat on some steps Haebom thinks at least he can hide in his room when they are home. At his desk he 'lends' 5,000 Won to Junseung when he requests it.

At home falling on his bed Haebom imagines how a day feels like a year. Hearing Taesung's voice as he speaks to Ahjumma about him at school Haebom resolves to hide his situation. Not too keen on how Junseung speaks concerning a girl Haebom is smacked on the head and asked what he is looking at. With it around ten past twelve on the clock, from the tray Haebom wonders if the person joining his table is alone like him then sees it is Taesung. Startled, Haebom cannot believe Taesung is eating with him yet finds it awkward, more so when he finishes eating first. Spoken to, Haebom nods that he is finished and is happy to wait for Taesung. Walking behind then bumping into him when Taesung stops, Haebom is asked about Jungseo and Sangwon. Jolting at the question, Haebom says they are his friends. With Jungseo joining them Haebom is led away and answers he is with Taesung having bumped into him in the hallway.

Seawood soup is served since it is Haebom's nineteenth birthday which he is touched by. Viewing the photo of his parents Haebom misses them more and wonders if they are doing okay. With Ahjumma joining him in his room Haebom is handed an envelope filled with cash. In class he realizes he came here with the money in his bag but assures himself he will be okay. Glancing at his bag is picked up upon by Sangwon where that and the envelope of cash is taken by Junseung. Clenching his fists and begging Junseung to give it back, with him intending to keep it all Haebom shouts for it to be returned. He is struck across the face by Junseung and after a pause Haebom slowly begins to cry before leaving the room.

In the lavatory Haebom sniffles and expresses sorriness to Ahjumma. Returning to his seat Haebom receives a message on his phone that a cake has been bought for him. He thinks how the Taesung family does not like sweet food and how cake only enters the house on his birthday. At home Haebom wonders if he should ask Taesung to eat it with him but thinks to stop before Taesung comes out his room. Inwardly panicking on what he should do, Haebom then presents the cake to Taesung and says he can have it all. Feeling a fool he joins Taesung in eating it together and he is handed his envelope of cash back. Haebom never thought he would see it again and is greatly happy to have it returned. He blushes slightly at being wished happy birthday by Taesung and is pleased. Shocked at Taesung asking why they do that to him, Haebom realizes he must have seen the incident. Contending that they were just joking Haebom registers that even he thinks that attempt at justification is absurd. Thinking that Taesung accepted his answer Haebom is relieved.

Interacting more where jokes between them could be made Haebom saw it as a chance to recover his relationship with Taesung. With Taesung having his social circle they are still strangers at school, aside from now eating alone together to which Haebom asks if this is okay. Told to wait as Taesung orders at the cafeteria, Haebom is handed a carton and some cream bread. As they walk Haebom denies Taesung is going to fast, he has just become used to following behind someone. At Taesung's prompting Haebom slowly takes his place beside him. Regarding the food handed to him Haebom thinks he has to give it back since Taesung did not tell him to eat it. Approaching as Taesung sits with Baek Inje and Jo Yonghee he then has second thoughts and turns away. His arm is taken by Taesung and Haebom hears that the snacks are for him. Shocked and apologetic Haebom takes his set and feels a fool. He sits silently as his cream bread is taken and eaten by Junseung.

At around half past three, Haebom is asked by Taesung for them to walk home together. Feeling doomed at Jungseung speaking to Taesung on how Haebom is a rich and obedient lackey he is handed Taesung's bag to carry. With that taken back Haebom follows Taesung out the room. Feeling it is all over Haebom assumes Taesung is angry and says sorry for lying to him since he said Junseung was a friend. Asking him to keep it a secret from Ahjumma, Haebom is notified that he did nothing wrong. At night Haebom lies on his bed and reflects on how all this time he thought Taesung hated him. In class he is asked by Junseung what his relationship with Taesung is. Thinking that he is a friend Heabom decides to refuse to answer. Seeing that Taesung has gone to meet Junseung behind the gym he cannot believe it. Walking home Haebom is concerned that Taesung got into a fight.

Confirming that he is free now Haebom joins Taesung who wanted to buy a workbook. Within the building Haebom marvels at the view below from outside the window before noting how close Taesung is to him. The elevator reads 5 and Haebom agrees to sit in an area and wait for Taesung. With two children running past and discussing marriage Haebom recalls a similar conversation with Taesung and had totally forgot about it. With Taesung noticing his face is red Haebom gives the excuse that it is hot here. Heading to a cafeteria area Haebom sees a menu of coffees and does not know what is what. Happy to get a seat when asked Haebom is treated to cake and juice by Taesung. Haebom had only ever imagined eating with a friend, going home together and hanging out then smiles since he likes it so much. Registering how he acted Haebom changes the subject and asks why Taesung does not go to cram school or get private lessons. Realizing he has eaten all the cake Haebom learns that it was Taesung who bought him his birthday cake. Remembering how Taesung said that he did not want Haebom to be his brother Haebom clarifies whether he hated him. Haebom hears this was never the case.

At home Haebom evaluates whether Taesung just really did not want to be his brother. Thinking back to the childhood incident it was the first time he saw Taesung shout. Knocking on his door Haebom shares that he never hated him and how could he. While they can speak at home, at school Haebom sees Taesung with Inje and Nia. Contacting him via phone messages Haebom decides that is the best way to ask Taesung to come to the snack bar. Asking if there is anything he wants to eat Haebom is pleased to get Taesung the drink he wants. Haebom gets nothing for himself since those jerks will take it away if he buys anything. He is firmly against the idea of Taesung asking Ahjumma to increase his allowance.

Considering what the next class is Haebom has his English textbook taken as well as his pencil case by Jungseung. Unable to write in class Haebom looks around and thinks how he has never had a proper conversation with his classmates so he cannot even ask them to lend him a pen. On the way to eat Haebom asks Taesung to borrow his English book and a pen, too. As he hurries to copy Taesung's notes the textbook has chocolate milk poured over it by Junseung and shocked, Haebom wonders what should he do. In his room Haebom thinks why it had to be Taesung's book. Nervous, Haebom informs Taesung he is here to return his book, but it is a different one. With this pointed out, Haebom tries to explain that Taesung's book got wet so he tried to rewrite the notes similar to what he had. Flatly told to return Taesung's book Haebom says he is really sorry as it is handed over. Nodding when Taesung guesses that Junseung did this, Haebom's face is taken in his hands and he is told to stop frowning.

When Taesung seeks out Junseung and the latter casts a glance to Haebom he thinks he is so dead. It is just as he thought when Haebom is instructed by Junseung to come see him after school today. There Haebom is asked how he managed to sweet-talk Taesung and answers they are just friends. From their conversation Junseung and Sangwon arrive at the point where they question whether Haebom sucked Taesung's thing. Unsure of what they are talking about, asked directly Haebom is deeply aggrieved. Thinking why he has to listen to such slander, Haebom also blames himself since because of him they involve Taesung. Telling Junseung not to speak ill of Taesung and calling him the crazy one, Haebom braces himself for an assault before finding Taesung has intervened. With Taesung dealing with Junseung they leave together.

Thanking Taesung for helping him Haebom falls to his knees at being thanked in turn for telling them not to speak ill of him. Resting for a while on a park bench Haebom waits until Taesung returns with cream bread. Offering some to Taesung, when he bites into it the cream is squeezed out so Haebom eats from the other end. Asked why he did not tell Taesung about his problems Haebom replies he tried to solve it alone but adds as expected he couldn't. Not sure about how he will survive tomorrow, when Taesung mentions they should go to school together Haebom responds what should they do if their classmates know that they live together. As they proceed to go to school Haebom smiles at Ahjumma who is telling them to be careful. Outside the classroom Haebom speaks of how nervous he is to Taesung. Aware that students are watching them Haebom wonders if it is weird that he came with Taesung. Finding 'Jo Taesung x Seo Haebom filthy homo bastards' written on the board Haebom processes the scene. Thinking to erase it, but told not to by Taesung, he takes a seat next to him behind Junseung.

## References

1. ↑ Chapter 1
2. ↑ Chapter 2
3. ↑ Chapter 3
4. ↑ Chapter 4
5. ↑ Chapter 5
6. ↑ Chapter 6
7. ↑ Chapter 7
8. ↑ Chapter 8
9. ↑ Chapter 9
10. ↑ Chapter 10
11. ↑ Chapter 11
12. ↑ Chapter 12
13. ↑ Chapter 13
14. ↑ Chapter 14
15. ↑ Chapter 15