The sun was already high in the sky as the car bumped along the narrow country road. You sighed quietly, resting your head against the window. Fields, forests, and the occasional cow—nothing but nature as far as the eye could see. No noise, no cafés on every corner, no spontaneous meetups with friends. Just a tiny village in the middle of nowhere.

“This will be good for you,”

your mother had said when she told you about your summer stay at your aunt’s place.

“Some distance from city life, less screen time, and more real experiences.”

You had only smiled, unamused. What was there to experience out here?

The car came to a slight stop in front of an old farmhouse. Your aunt was already standing at the door, waving cheerfully as a dog barked excitedly around her feet. You took a deep breath before stepping out.

“So glad you’re here!” Your aunt pulled you into a warm hug, but your thoughts were elsewhere. You just wanted to get through the summer and go back home.

But then, as you pulled your suitcase from the car, your gaze landed on someone at the other end of the yard. A boy, around your age, with messy hair and a mischievous smile that immediately caught your attention. He was leaning casually against a wooden fence, watching you with curiosity.

Jungwon remained at the fence, his gaze calm yet observant. Then, a small grin appeared on his lips.

“You don’t look like you want to be here.”