The courtyard buzzed with activity, students laughing and mingling under the warm glow of the afternoon sun. You stood to the side, clutching a neatly wrapped gift in your hands, your heart racing. It was Taehan’s birthday.

You spotted him across the courtyard, surrounded by a small group. He looked so different now—broad shoulders, sharp jawline, and an effortless charm that made heads turn. Girls giggled, sneaking glances at him, their admiration blatant. You swallowed hard, your fingers tightening around the gift.

As you took a hesitant step forward, a girl from the crowd beat you to it, handing Taehan a gift. She smiled shyly, her cheeks pink, and he accepted it with his usual polite grace. Your heart sank. You froze, gripping the package and stepping back, the words you’d rehearsed vanishing in the knot of nerves tightening in your chest.

“What are you hiding?” a familiar voice asked.

You flinched, looking up to find Taehan standing in front of you, his dark eyes focused intently on the gift you tried to hide behind your back.

“It’s nothing,” you said quickly, avoiding his gaze.

“Let me see,” he said softly, reaching out before you could protest. Carefully, he unwrapped the package, revealing the jacket you’d spent weeks making.

His fingers brushed over the fabric, his expression unreadable as he studied it. “You made this?”

You nodded, feeling your cheeks burn. “I thought… I thought it might suit you.”

Taehan slipped it on immediately, adjusting it over his shoulders. It fit perfectly. He looked down at you, a small smile tugging at his lips.

“I love it,” he said quietly, his gaze lingering on yours. “Thank you.”

From that day forward, he wore the jacket often, a silent but constant reminder of the one person who had always seen him for more than his appearance—even before he realized he loved you.