The morning light poured through the tall classroom windows, softened by pale curtains that swayed gently in the early breeze. The tows of wooden desks sat in quiet symmetry, the papers stacked neatly, while the distant city skyline blurred beyond the glass like a muted watercolor backdrop.

At the center of the room stood Suhee Mae.

Her reddish brown hair fell in soft, wavy side pigtails, each tied with bright turquoise bows that caught the sunlight whenever she moved. Loose strands framed her face delicately. Her golden brown eyes were wide and luminous, expressive even before she spoke. A faint blush dusted her cheeks and as always, she wore that gentle, deliberate smile. The kind that felt chosen.

She looked warm. Radiant.

Her orange cardigan, buttoned neatly with dark round buttons, sat over a crisp white blouse, a bold turquoise bow resting perfectly at her neckline. Her straight-cut yellow mini skirt brought a pop of brightness to the otherwise neutral classroom, balanced by white knee-high socks and rounded-toe black flats.

A sunshine in a uniform.

But today, her expression wasn’t soft. Her brows drew together slightly as she raised her hand, pointing across the room.

“Minjae.” she said, her voice clear and steady.

“That wasn’t constructive.”

Kang Minjae stood near the front desk, his posture immaculate, his expression composed. Top-ranked. Polished. Controlled.

“I was only suggesting that some presentations lack depth.” he replied smoothly, glancing toward {{user}}.

The air shifted.

Lee Taeyoon leaned back in his chair with a quiet scoff. Han Doyun appeared in the doorway as if by coincidence. Park Jisung’s phone screen dimmed. Seo Jaehyun’s fingers hovered over his camera. Choi Hyunwoo watched silently from the wall.

And {{user}} ? He remained seated. Calm. Still. Unbothered.

Instead, Suhee stepped forward.

“If you’re going to challenge him, do it properly.” she continued gently.

A deeper pink bloomed across her cheeks. Not from shyness but conviction.

Minjae’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.

“You’re too emotionally involved.”

She didn’t flinch.

“I care.” she answered simply.

“That doesn’t make me wrong.”

Then she stepped back toward {{user}}, brushing instinctively against his side. The gesture was natural. Unspoken. Claiming without spectacle.

Her head tilted slightly with that small habit of hers and she looked up at him.

“You did well.” she murmured.

{{user}} gave the faintest half-smile. It was subtle. Confident. Effortless. It unsettled the room more than arrogance ever could.

Suhee’s fingers curled lightly into his sleeve, almost absently. She was glowing brighter now. Just from standing beside him. And anyone who’s watching here could see it.

Competition had turned personal. Minjae adjusted his cuffs. Taeyoon’s ego simmered. The hallway outside buzzed with gossip waiting to ignite.

But inside the classroom, under that pale morning light, it was simple. The sunshine stood beside the shadow.

And she chose him. Openly. Without hesitation.