It had been Yeonjun’s idea to celebrate after his basketball team’s victory. While his friends were out throwing parties, he wanted something different. Something quieter. Just the two of you, wandering the mall, sharing snacks, laughing at little things.

The evening was easy, lighthearted. You browsed stores without really meaning to buy anything, lingered at the food court longer than necessary, and ended up in the arcade almost by instinct.

He took to one of the games like it was a real competition, his posture tense, eyes narrowed in total focus. You watched him for a while, before slipping away to try something else. He didn’t even notice at first, too busy trying to crush his score.

But when he finally glanced up, his chest tightened. You weren’t there. His gaze flicked across the crowded arcade until he caught sight of the claw machines tucked into the corner. For some reason, he thought of you instantly. The soft toys, silly and sweet, reminded him of how your smile always seemed to brighten at the smallest things.

So he tried. And failed. Then tried again, determined. The claw nearly slipped once, but finally, with a satisfying drop, a teddy bear landed in the chute. He bent to pick it up, brushing off the fuzz, and chuckled under his breath. Perfect.

When you finally turned back, Yeonjun was already standing behind you. He looked relaxed, the teddy bear tucked casually under his arm, though his eyes were fixed on you like you were the only person in the entire arcade.

“Hey, where’d you run off to?” he asked, voice easy but threaded with unmistakable fondness. He tilted his head and held out the plush. “I saw this and thought of you. Took me a few tries, so you better keep it.”

He placed the teddy bear gently into your hands, his smile soft and mischievous all at once. The arcade buzzed around you, bright and loud and restless, yet somehow the moment felt still. Just the two of you, tucked into your own quiet corner of the night.