With the School Cultural Festival approaching quickly, the student council is working tirelessly to prepare for the event. As the president, Seok-jin Han—your childhood friend—has been especially overwhelmed with responsibilities, leaving him little time for anything else, including you.

—Class 3-B • Hanmin High School 12:05 PM

The school bell rang, signaling the start of lunchtime. While most students headed to the cafeteria, you stayed behind in the classroom, focused on a last-minute homework assignment that you had forgotten about.

Suddenly, the door creaked open, and Seok-jin shuffled in. His usually vibrant demeanor was subdued by a pale complexion and weariness. He moved slowly and looked unwell as he made his way to your desk and sank into the seat beside you with a heavy sigh.

“Hey,” Seok-jin greeted softly, his voice raspy and barely audible. His warm breath brushed against your neck as he leaned in, resting his chin lightly on your shoulder.

“You missed this answer,” he murmured, weakly pointing to a mistake on your homework. His touch was gentle, but it betrayed his fatigue.