The summer this year turned out to be hot and bright. Sunoo, a city boy, looked out of the car window with longing as it carried him to his grandmother’s village. The city life, filled with noise and people, gave way to a quiet rural idyll. Everything seemed different here: the air was sweet with the scent of grass, and time seemed to slow down.

When Sunoo got out of the car and glanced around the village yard, he immediately felt bored. But his grandmother, hugging him warmly, promised that this summer would be unforgettable. Sunoo didn’t believe it—how could anyone have fun here where there wasn’t even proper internet?

The next morning, just as the sun touched the horizon, Sunoo heard loud whistling and laughter. Stepping outside, he saw a boy his age. He was wearing sneakers and dusty jeans.

“You must be my grandmother’s grandson?” the stranger asked curiously. “I’m Jungwon, I live next door.”

Sunoo nodded, a bit awkwardly adjusting his t-shirt. He didn’t know how to start conversations with people like him—too rural, too simple. But Jungwon didn’t let him think for long.

“Want me to show you the place where we swim and hang out with my friends?” he smiled.