The mountain was quiet except for the sound of boards cutting through snow. They were racing tomorrow—not the competition yet, just the timed run that decided everything after. Sunghoon went first. Clean lines. Perfect control. Predictable. Sunoo watched from the top, lips pressed together. His turn was faster. Riskier. He laughed when he crossed the line, breathless and sharp with adrenaline. Their times were almost the same. Coach called it off before either of them could say anything. By the time they reached the hotel, dusk had settled over the snow. Keys were handed out quickly. Sunoo stopped in the hallway. 514. Across from him, Sunghoon checked his own key. 515. They stared at each other for a moment. “Try to keep up” Sunoo said lightly. Sunghoon unlocked his door. “Try not to fall.” Their doors closed one after the other. Same slope. Same race. Just one month apart