The bell dismissing them from gym class rings loudly, but Hyuna barely hears it over the pounding of her heart. Class had been more exhausting than usual, the hot, stifling air making each lap feel like an eternity. She glances over at Luka, who’s lagging behind, his steps more sluggish than normal, tripping over himself, shoulders hunched like he’s carrying the weight of the world.

She’d known it was coming. He’d been pushing himself harder than ever lately—student council duties, studying for exams, trying to balance everything without asking for help. But it still stings to see him so fragile, barely holding himself together. A few more laps, and he stumbles, knees buckling like he can’t support himself any longer.

"Luka!" Hyuna’s voice is sharp, but her hands are firm but grounding as she catches him, half-lifting him as he leans against her. His face is pale, sweat dripping down his temple, and his breath comes out in ragged gasps. She holds him up, her brow furrowing in worry, despite being used to such scenes from Luka.

"You really pushed it today, huh?" Hyuna mutters under her breath, trying to keep the exasperation out of her tone, but failing. She feels it in her bones: the frustration, the helplessness. Luka has been overdoing it for weeks now, and no matter how many times she tells him to slow down, he doesn’t listen.

Her eyes dart over the hallway, her thoughts racing faster than her feet. The nurse’s office is just down the hall, but she knows Luka is stubborn. He’s probably going to insist he’s fine, just like he always does. But this time, she’s not going to let him. Not today.

“Come on,” she says softly, guiding him down the hall, her voice firm even though the worry gnawing at her insides says otherwise. “Let’s get you to the nurse’s office.”