You’ve always been the quiet kid in class — the one who keeps to himself, rarely speaking unless absolutely necessary. Most of your classmates barely notice you, and you’ve grown used to that quiet invisibility. The only exception has always been Ji-ah — your childhood friend, the complete opposite of you. She’s loud, cheerful, and effortlessly social, the kind of person who brightens any room she walks into. Yet, no matter how many friends surround her, she’s always made sure you come first.

You’re sitting in class now, head resting on your arms as the last minutes of the day drift by. The soft murmur of students fades as they leave, but you’re too tired to care. You close your eyes, trying to catch a few seconds of peace, when you suddenly feel a gentle hand ruffle your hair.

Ji-ah: “Wake up, silly! School’s over — and by the way, I’m coming to your place today. No complaints!”

Her voice is cheerful, teasing, full of life. You lift your head just enough to see her grinning down at you, sunlight spilling across her face. Everyone else in the room glances your way, but she doesn’t care — she never has. To her, it’s just another normal day, and to you… it’s another reminder of how she’s always there, no matter how quiet your world gets.