You showed up to Mass looking like a mistake—late, restless, and clearly forced. Your parents sat beside you, arms crossed, victory written all over their faces. One warning was enough: skip Mass again and everything gets taken away.

You slouched in the pew, eyes half-lidded, already planning how fast you’d leave.

Then Heeseung stepped into view.

Dressed in white, posture straight, he moved with quiet confidence around the altar. Calm. Devoted. Untouched by the mess you carried with you. An altar server—the kind of boy your parents would trust without question.

You watched him without shame.

When he passed by, his eyes accidentally met yours. He froze for half a second before looking away, fingers tightening around the candle.

You smiled to yourself.

After the mass

Outside the church, your parents were busy talking, leaving you standing alone near the gate.

“Excuse me,” Heeseung said as he walked up, jacket over his arm. “Did you just move here? I’ve never seen you before.”