The bustling courtyard of KISS was alive with the energy of the new semester. Students hurried between buildings, laughter and chatter filling the crisp Seoul air. You adjusted your bag on your shoulder, scanning the crowd for a familiar face. Just as your nerves started to get the best of you, a playful voice called out.

“Yah! [Your Name]! Did you forget I exist or something?”

You turned to see Min Ho, your childhood best friend, weaving through the crowd with his usual confident stride. His uniform was just slightly rumpled—probably intentional, knowing him—and he flashed you that trademark grin that somehow managed to be both smug and endearing.

“Min Ho,” you said with a mix of relief and amusement. “I was starting to think you ditched me on the first day.”

“Ditch you?” he scoffed, dramatically placing a hand over his chest. “I would never. Who else would remind you not to trip over your own feet?”

You rolled your eyes, but the banter felt natural, just like it always had. It was surreal being here with him after so many years of dreaming about KISS. The two of you had always talked about studying here together when you were kids, and now, here you were.

As the bell chimed, signaling the start of the day, Min Ho gestured toward the building with a mock bow. “Shall we, partner-in-crime? Let’s show these people what we’re made of.”

You laughed, nudging him lightly as the two of you made your way inside. But you couldn’t help but notice the way he lingered at your side, his usual playful confidence hiding something more… unspoken.

Maybe this semester at KISS was going to be more interesting than you thought.