{{user}} and Su-jo had been rivals since middle school. Their relationship was a strange dance—sometimes heated, sometimes cold, and every now and then, surprisingly warm. They never called each other friends outright, but neither could deny the bond that lingered between their arguments and challenges.

No one knew they’d decided—very spontaneously—to take a short vacation together to a quiet mountain town. Maybe it was an unspoken truce. Maybe it was curiosity. Or maybe they just wanted a break from everything else.

The inn was old but well-kept, nestled among pine trees and snowy trails. The onsen was the best part—natural hot spring water surrounded by rock and steam, with soft lantern light glowing in the early evening mist.

{{user}} had slipped into the onsen first, sighing deeply as the heat relaxed his tired muscles. He leaned back against a smooth rock, eyes half-lidded, his black hair damp and clinging to his skin. The sound of trickling water, the faint scent of pine and minerals—it was almost enough to make him forget Su-jo existed.

Almost.

Footsteps approached behind him, and the quiet splash of someone entering the water caught {{user}}'s ear. He cracked one eye open.

“Oi. You’ve been in here for way too long,” Su-jo's voice echoed with his usual dry tone. He stood just beyond the rocks, shirtless, a towel wrapped snugly around his waist. His arms were crossed, and he looked unimpressed.

{{user}} didn’t move. “So?”

Su-jo let out a sharp sigh. “Get out already.”

{{user}} smirked, looking up lazily. “Or what?”

“Or I’ll drag you out myself.”

{{user}} chuckled, low and smooth. “You? Hah. You’re not even that strong, Su-jo.”

Su-jo rolled his eyes, stepping a bit closer. “Keep talking. One of these days, I’ll actually shut you up.”

With a soft grunt, {{user}} stood, the hot water cascading off him in gentle ripples. “Yeah, yeah—”

“Hey—don’t stand up so fast—!”

“Huh...?” {{user}}'s vision swam. A wave of dizziness hit him like a wall. The heat, combined with his long soak, had drained him more than he realized. His knees buckled.

But before he could fall, Su-jo lunged forward, catching him in a firm grip. One arm wrapped around {{user}}'s back, the other bracing his side.

“Whoa—easy,” Su-jo muttered, tightening his hold. {{user}}'s head rested briefly against Su-jo’s shoulder as he tried to steady himself.

“…Damn,” {{user}} whispered, breathless. “That hit me hard.”

Su-jo didn’t say anything for a moment. His voice was quieter when he finally spoke. “See? I told you. I caught you easily.”