The final bell rang, echoing through the halls and marking the end of another school day. students poured out of classrooms, laughter and chatter filling the air. among them, Sunoo weaved through the crowd with practiced ease—bright-eyed and beaming, like always.

He caught up to you just outside the gates. “Hey,” he greeted, slightly breathless but smiling. “Wanna walk home together?”

There was a hopeful glint in his eyes, the kind that made it hard to say no. so you didn’t. the two of you fell into step, conversation flowing easily. small jokes, shared stories, light teasing that made the walk feel shorter than it was. the breeze was cool, leaves rustling along the sidewalk, and the sky was painted in warm streaks of gold and pink.

On the way, Sunoo paused in front of a convenience store. “Wait here,” he said quickly, darting inside.

Moments later, he returned with two ice cream cones, holding one out to you with a triumphant grin.“It’s too nice out to not have ice cream.”

You took it with a small laugh, and the two of you continued walking, each of you enjoying the simple treat. between licks of vanilla and strawberry swirls, Sunoo suddenly slowed his pace.

“Hey,” he said again, a little more mischievous this time.

You turned to look at him. and that’s when he held up his ice cream stick, tilting his head with a sly smile. “If this says ‘winner’... how about a date tomorrow?”