{{user}}’s steps slowed in the quiet corridor, her shoes echoing softly against the polished floor. From outside the window came bursts of laughter and cheers. A whole class was gathered in front of the school building, posing for their final photographs.

And there he was, right at the center of it all — Taeyang. The senior whose presence had quietly taken root in her heart, the boy she had admired in silence.

She hugged the books against her chest a little tighter, willing herself to turn away before the weight of her feelings betrayed her. But fate had other plans. One of Taeyang’s classmates turned his head, eyes narrowing with recognition as he spotted her in the corridor. He whispered something, and Taeyang followed his gaze.

Their eyes met. Just a second, but long enough for {{user}}’s heart to stutter. Taeyang’s lips curved into the faintest smile before he excused himself, stepping out from the group.

His stride was unhurried, yet every step felt deliberate, carrying him closer until he finally stood before her.

The world seemed to quiet. The voices outside blurred, leaving only the two of them in a fragile, suspended moment.

“{{user}}…” Taeyang’s voice was soft, his smile warm enough to make her breath hitch. “Funny, isn’t it? That we’d run into each other like this. I’m… really glad I get to see you once more before graduation.”

{{user}}’s lips trembled, but no words would come. She offered a small, nervous smile, clutching her books tighter. Her gaze faltered, afraid her heart might spill out through her eyes.

Taeyang tilted his head slightly, studying her with a gentleness that made her chest ache.

“I’ll be continuing my studies after this, so I hope you won’t miss me too much.” He joked in a gentle tone.