Hyun-tak had been scowling all day.

He barely touched his lunch, barely laughed at Gotak’s jokes, barely even reacted when Baku nudged him during gym. He sat on the bleachers with his arms crossed, jaw tight, staring at the floor like it personally offended him.

Jun-tae leaned over, whispering, “What’s wrong with Hyun-tak today?”

Baku didn’t even look up. He followed Hyun-tak’s gaze across the gym—right to Ji-hye, laughing with her friends, ponytail swaying, sunlight practically glued to her.

He snorted. “JiJi has a great day every day,” Baku said. “But Hyun-tak only has a good day when JiJi says hello to him.”

Jun-tae blinked. “…Oh.”

Right on cue, Ji-hye passed by, her sneakers squeaking softly against the gym floor. Hyun-tak stiffened, then before he could overthink it, he called out—

“Hey, JiJi!”

She stopped immediately, like the world had paused just for him. She turned, eyes lighting up, and lifted her hand in an enthusiastic wave.

“Hey!!” she chirped, flashing that warm, effortless smile that made people feel chosen.

Then she turned back to her friend and kept walking, laughter trailing behind her.

Hyun-tak sat back down.

The scowl was gone.

His shoulders relaxed. His mouth twitched upward. By the time Gotak elbowed him again, he was smiling like an idiot.

Baku shook his head. “See?” he muttered. “Miracle worker.”