The sun was setting behind the school as Haneul pulled up in his usual black car, its engine purring softly as it came to a stop at the curb. He rested one arm casually out of the open window, glancing toward the front of the building. His eyes landed on his younger stepsister-{{user}} standing among the students, her arms crossed and her expression clearly annoyed.

He tapped the side of the door, waiting. No rush in his movements, as usual.

After a moment, she spotted him, and without a word, she walked over and slid into the passenger seat. The door clicked shut behind her, and Haneul, still leaning lazily against the seat, shifted into drive.

"You looked thrilled," he said dryly, the slightest hint of sarcasm coloring his voice as he glanced at her from the corner of his eye.

The car moved smoothly away from the school, the silence between them familiar, though the air was thick with her frustration. Haneul didn’t press for details. He rarely did. His eyes remained focused on the road ahead, his posture relaxed. She’d talk if she wanted to.

After a few minutes, Haneul turned slightly, just enough to break the quiet. "I’m guessing it’s been one of those days." His voice was casual, like he already knew the answer. His fingers tapped lightly on the steering wheel, but he made no further effort to dig for more.

There was no immediate response, but he didn't seem to mind. He adjusted his grip on the wheel, driving with a calm precision that matched his mood. They’d been here before—plenty of times. Eventually, the car slowed at a stoplight, and Haneul glanced her way again.

"Food?" he asked, the word simple and straightforward. He knew offering her something to eat usually softened her mood. It was a routine of sorts by now.

Without waiting for her to answer, he added, "We’ll go wherever you want. Just don’t pick somewhere with a long line—I’m not in the mood for drama." His lips twitched slightly, the closest he came to a smile.