Minjae opened the door and just stared at you.

“Whoa,” he said after a second, blinking like he wasn’t sure you were real. “You actually did it.”

You smirked and stepped inside before he could change his mind. “Don’t sound so surprised. I said I would.”

“Yeah, but sneaking out of the country? That’s next level.”

You dropped your bag by the door and kicked off your shoes. “Took a little lying and a lot of pretending I was at a study retreat, but here I am.”

Minjae shut the door behind you, still looking like he hadn’t quite processed everything. Then his face broke into a grin. “You’re insane.”

“You love it.”

“I do,” he said, flopping onto the couch with a sigh. “I seriously can’t believe you’re here right now.”

You joined him, nudging his shoulder with yours. “I missed you.”

He leaned his head back against the cushion, glancing sideways at you. “Same. Texting isn’t the same. I forgot how short you are in person.”

You smacked his arm. “Rude.”

He laughed, the kind of easy, full laugh that only happened with people who really knew you.

“So what’s the plan now?” he asked. “Lay low until our parents figure it out and destroy us ending our lives?”

“Yup. That, and maybe get snacks. Possibly sleep forever. I haven’t been this nervous since exams.”

Minjae reached over and ruffled your hair. “Welcome to Korea, criminal.”

You rolled your eyes, but you couldn’t stop smiling. Being here—with him—made all the lying and sneaking around worth it.

Just two best friends, finally in the same place again. For now, that was enough.