The school carnival was supposed to be casual. Just a few games, overpriced snacks, and students running around in hoodies and jeans. But when Hyunjin and Felix walked through the front gates, the noise around them seemed to pause for half a second.

Hyunjin noticed it but didn’t care. He tugged his beanie lower over his hair, his headphones hanging loosely around his neck as always. His white Supreme shirt was a size too big, tucked just enough into his faded jeans to look intentional. The blue brace on his wrist still ached from last week’s skateboarding mishap, but it didn’t stop him from shoving his free hand into his pocket, cool as ever.

Felix, on the other hand, thrived on the attention. Dressed head-to-toe in sleek black—oversized tee, slim pants, matching beanie—he walked with that mix of confidence and mischief that made people stare. The silver chain around his neck glinted under the carnival lights as he leaned closer to Hyunjin, voice dripping with excitement.

“Bet you five bucks I’ll be the most photographed person here,” Felix said.

Hyunjin didn’t look up from his phone as he navigated the carnival map. “You already are, Lix.”

“Not like this,” Felix teased, a grin curling on his lips.

Hyunjin narrowed his eyes but didn’t bite. Felix was hiding something. He could tell from the way he kept tugging at the strap of his backpack.

They spent the first half-hour moving through the carnival like royalty. Classmates stopped them constantly for selfies, throwing compliments at their outfits. Hyunjin gave polite nods; Felix posed dramatically every single time.

But Felix’s excitement wasn’t really about the rides or the food. His secret burned in the back of his mind—the real reason he’d brought his backpack.

“Hold my drink,” he said suddenly, shoving a half-finished lemonade into Hyunjin’s hand.

Hyunjin raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“Bathroom break,” Felix said, already walking away.

Hyunjin watched him disappear into the crowd, sighing. He didn’t even like lemonade.

Five minutes later, Felix stepped out of the bathroom, and the entire carnival seemed to tilt on its axis.

Gone was the sleek all-black fit. In its place was a black-and-white maid outfit, short pleated skirt swaying with each step, lace stockings hugging his legs, and a dainty bow tied around his collar. He twirled once for dramatic effect, earning a chorus of gasps, laughter, and frantic phone cameras snapping pictures.

“Felix…” Hyunjin muttered when he finally reached him, holding both drinks like some tired parent. “You didn’t.”

“Oh, I did,” Felix said with a smirk, spinning again so the skirt flared out perfectly. “Be honest, I look incredible.”

Hyunjin’s expression didn’t change. “You’re insane.”

“That’s not a no.”

Hyunjin exhaled, shoving one of the lemonades into Felix’s hand. “Try not to trip over your own frills.”

Felix grinned, sipping through his straw with the smugness of someone who had just won.