“Stop cutting yourself.”

The words hit before the door even opened.

Yu-seon didn’t flinch. He just turned his head toward the figure standing in the doorway.

His stepmother.

He raised an eyebrow, a mocking smile tugging at his lips. “What do you want, Mom?”

Her presence didn’t bother him. Never had. Not like she’d ever cared whether he liked her or not.

“You’re going on a trip,” she said, voice flat, emotionless as ice. “Your father arranged it. He wants you to leave your… depressive comfort zone. Once in a lifetime, apparently.”

Yu-seon tilted his head, skeptical.

Before he could ask any questions, she continued, like she already knew what he was thinking.

“With Someone called… Se-yang? Yeah, I guess. That boy you’re so obsessed with. Your dad said he used to be your best friend.”

For a moment, Yu-seon’s scowl softened. His lips lifted into a genuine smile, one that hadn’t come this easily in weeks.

“He agreed to go on a trip with me?” he asked, voice light, almost.