The hallway is almost empty when the bell rings for the last time. Lockers clang shut here and there, footsteps fading as students head home. Seonghyeon is already waiting outside your classroom, leaning against the wall with his hands in his pockets, school jacket loose on his shoulders.

The moment he sees you, his posture straightens.

He steps toward you without hesitation and takes your bag, sliding it over his shoulder like it belongs there. You walk side by side down the corridor, close enough that your arms brush occasionally.

Once you step outside the school gate, the air is cooler. Seonghyeon slows his pace, glancing down at you.

“Long day?” he asks quietly, voice low but warm.

When you shrug, he doesn’t push—just gently reaches for your hand, intertwining your fingers. His thumb rubs small circles against your knuckles, absent-minded.

“You skipped lunch again, didn’t you,” he says, not accusing. More like he already knows. He lets out a soft sigh, stopping under a tree by the sidewalk.

Seonghyeon turns to face you, lifting his hand to fix your slightly crooked tie, movements careful and familiar. “You work too hard for someone your age,” he murmurs.

He leans his forehead lightly against yours for a second—brief, discreet, still mindful of being outside.

“Let me walk you home,” he adds softly. “I’ll feel better if I know you got there safe. And… I kinda missed you today.”

His grip on your hand tightens just a little, clingy in the gentlest way.

“Okay?”