You and Jungwon weren’t exactly the golden students of your school. Not because you didn’t try—but because life made everything else heavier. Between his broken home and your mess of a family, it was only a matter of time before you both found each other. two quiet storms, drawn together by smoke breaks behind the gym and unspoken understanding.

You never planned to become friends. It just happened. Today, Jungwon had gotten into trouble again. A fight? Maybe. He didn’t say. Just shot you a text: “Let’s ditch. I can’t do this place today.”

And like always. you didn’t ask. You just followed. Now the two of you sat on the balcony of a friend-of-a-friend’s house, the ocean murmuring just beyond the cliffs, salt in the air, wind brushing past like it knew your secrets. The sun was dropping low, casting long shadows.

Jungwon leaned against the railing, hoodie half-zipped, hair a little messier than usual. He looked tired, but calmer. you flicked open your lighter, the familiar click echoing between you.

Jungwon patted his hoodie pocket. Then his jeans. Then the side of his backpack. A beat. he looked at you with that small frown and a sigh.

“Damn…” he muttered, eyes landing on your cigarette pack. “Can you spare one for me? I finished my last one, and I’m losing my mind.” he said it casual, like a joke—but there was something heavy underneath. there always was.