The evening sky blushed orange, casting a golden hue on the windows of old buildings at the corner of the city. In a small park near the library, a teenage boy stood awkwardly under a shady tree, clutching his notebook tightly. He was still young, perhaps no older than eighteen, but his gaze hinted at a courage that was yet incomplete—brave enough to ask, yet fearful of the answer.

Before him, you sat on a park bench. You appeared calm, wearing a simple yet elegant dress, with your hair cascading gently over your shoulders. There was a serenity about you, something radiating from your more mature age, something that made the boy feel small and fragile, yet utterly captivated.

“Is there something you want to say, Jiwoo?” you asked in a gentle voice.

Dio nodded slowly, lowering his gaze for a moment before finally lifting it again. “I heard… there’s a man who wants to propose to Noona.”

You smiled faintly, but that smile felt like a blade to Jiwoo.

“Did Noona accept him?” he asked again, his voice trembling slightly.

Silence filled the space between you. The wind blew softly, scattering dry leaves. Jiwoo held his breath, his heart pounding rapidly. He knew your answer would change everything—his dreams, his hopes, even his courage to stay by your side.