Kang Ji-won woke to the warm glow of the morning sun. Seeing it was already past 6:00 AM, he quickly got dressed for school. He grabbed the toast he’d put in the toaster earlier, poured a glass of milk, and finished his breakfast in a rush.

"I'm off to school!" he called out, shutting the door behind him.

Ji-won sped up his pace and reached the bus stop. "Thank goodness," he breathed. "I made it in time."

He took the bus and got off near the school, walking along the pathway with the other students. At the gate, he saw the discipline teacher lining up students who were late. Ji-won bowed respectfully. "Good morning, sir."

The teacher smiled back. "Good morning." He then turned to the late students. "Look at him and learn. Hey, Min Dong-shik! He’s your junior; you should be setting an example, but you're the total opposite," the teacher said, tapping Dong-shik lightly on the head with his stick.

"Tsk," Dong-shik muttered, glaring at Ji-won’s back.

Ji-won walked into the classroom, where his friends were chatting near the window. "Hey, Ji-won! You're late today," one of them said, raising an eyebrow.

Ji-won rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Thanks to some nutcase's nonstop talking," he said, clapping Min-joon on the back.

Min-joon playfully slapped Ji-won's hand away. "Hey, watch it! I'm not that bad."

Ji-eun chuckled. "You were going on and on about your ex yesterday. I'm surprised you didn't talk his ear off."

Min-joon's expression changed, and he grinned mischievously. "Actually, it's not my 'ex' anymore."

Ji-won's eyes narrowed in confusion. "What do you mean?"

Min-joon's smile grew wider. "She called me this morning. She's giving me a second chance."

Ji-won's eyes widened in surprise, and he suddenly tightened his grip around Min-joon's neck in a playful headlock. "Yesterday, you were swearing off love, and now you're back in the game?"

Min-joon tried to wriggle free. "Alright, alright! I won't bluff about love again. Let me go!"

"Ask politely," Ji-won insisted, his grip remaining firm.

Min-joon's eyes sparkled with amusement. "I won't do it again. Please let me go,Ji-won shi !"

Ji-won chuckled and loosened his grip, patting Min-joon on the shoulder. "Good boy."

As he smiled, he caught Noeul’s eye. He was staring at him with a smile of his own. Ji-won raised an eyebrow as if to ask "What?" and smiled back.

The bell rang, and the classroom erupted into a flurry of activity as students took their seats.

"That’s all for today’s lesson. Make sure to prepare for the mock test next week," the teacher said as the bell finished ringing.

"Bow! Class dismissed!" the class president called out. Then, the teacher added, "Class president, please collect all the exercise notebooks and submit them to the staff room."

"Okay, ma'am," said Kang Ji-won.

Ji-won collected the notebooks and headed out. "Want some help?" Noeul asked.

"Ah, sure." He handed some of the notes to Noeul, and they walked toward the teacher’s office together. Once they handed them in, Miss Somi looked up.

"Noeul, are you here to help Ji-won? How kind of you," Miss Somi said, holding out two candies for them. "Ji-won, could you tell Min-hyuk to come and meet me?"

"Sure, ma'am," Ji-won said with a grin.

"If I had known I’d get candy, I would have helped you sooner!" Noeul said with a laugh once they were in the hallway. Ji-won gave him a side-eye. Noeul cleared his throat. "Just kidding."

"Hey, do you know where Min-hyuk is?" Ji-won asked.

"He said this morning that he wouldn't be in class today."

"And where is that bastard now?"

Noeul shrugged. "Probably at the playground."

"Alright!" Ji-won tossed his candy to Noeul. "A treat for helping me out," he said as he walked away. Noeul grinned at him.

Ji-won reached the playground and spotted his target. "Ah, there he is. Hey, Min-hyuk, you crazy idiot!" Ji-won yelled. Min-hyuk turned at the sound of his name. Ji-won waved and gestured for him to come over.

While Ji-won waited, a shout rang out: "Hey, watch out!"

He turned toward the sound, but a football hit him square in the face before he could even realize what was happening. He fell to the ground hard. Min-hyuk ran over, frantic. "Hey, Park Tae-oh! Shouldn't you be more careful?" he barked as he checked on Ji-won.

A handsome, tall figure—drenched in sweat but looking striking nonetheless—ran toward them. "People should be careful around the football field," the boy said as he reached Ji-won.

Dizzy and disoriented, Ji-won couldn't see the boy’s face clearly as he tried to sit up.

"Hey, Ji-won, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm okay..." Ji-won muttered, but blood began to run from his nose, and the world went black as he passed out.

Ji-won fell heavily to the floor. Min-hyuk’s voice cut through the air, sharp with panic. "Hey, Ji-won-ah!"

​Park Tae-oh stared down at Ji-won in disbelief. After a heartbeat of hesitation, he bent down, reached out, and gently lifted the unconscious boy. With a quick movement, Tae-oh swung Ji-won onto his back and rushed toward the infirmary, Min-hyuk trailing anxiously behind.

​Dizzy and disoriented, Ji-won half-opened his eyes. He could sense the rhythmic motion of being carried, but the world was spinning too fast. Overwhelmed, he let his eyelids flutter shut again.

​Tae-oh laid Ji-won carefully onto the infirmary bed just as Min-hyuk burst through the door.

​The doctor performed a quick examination before looking up. "It’s a minor injury. I’ll treat him for the swelling on his cheeks," she announced calmly. She began to tend to his wounds with practiced ease.

​Since Ji-won remained unconscious, Min-hyuk turned to his friend. "Tae-oh, you should go. I’ll take care of him from here."

​Tae-oh, his gaze still lingering on Ji-won, finally looked at Min-hyuk. "Huh? Oh, alright. I’ll head back to practice. Remember, we have an important match next week. See you later."

​With a final glance, Tae-oh left for the field.

​Ji-won woke up shortly after. "Min-hyuk? Didn’t you go to the teacher’s office?" he asked hoarsely. He reached up to touch his head, wincing as he struggled to sit up.

​Min-hyuk’s face was a mask of concern. "Hey, are you alright? How’s your head?"

​"Yes, I’m okay. But... how did I end up here?"

​"You were carried to the infirmary by Park Tae-oh," Min-hyuk replied.

​Ji-won’s eyes narrowed in confusion. "Park Tae-oh?"

​"You know, the star player? The 'hot-headed ace' of our team," Min-hyuk elaborated.

​Ji-won stood up, testing his balance. "Oh, Park Tae-oh. I didn’t get a chance to thank him."

​"Hey, you should rest, man," Min-hyuk advised, reaching out to steady him.

​"I’m fine. Let’s head to class," Ji-won insisted.

​When Min-hyuk and Ji-won arrived at the classroom, Noel met them with a look of pure shock. "Hey, where were you guys? Ji-won, what happened to your face?"

​"I just got hit by a football," Ji-won replied nonchalantly.

​Noel’s worry didn't fade. "Are you really okay?"

​"We'll talk after class," Ji-won said, gesturing toward the door as the teacher entered. "Class is about to start."

​The moment the bell rang, Noel was at Ji-won's desk again. "Are you sure you're okay? Do you want me to take you to the hospital?"

​Ji-won chuckled, trying to lighten the mood. "Hey, it’s just a minor injury. No need to fuss. A man’s got to be strong," he said, giving Noel a playful wink.

​Noel sighed and shrugged. "Okay, let's go then."

​Ji-won held him back. "Wait, I have some plans. You go ahead; I’ll join you later."

​"Huh? Okay, see you at the academy," Noel said, waving goodbye with a puzzled expression.

​Ji-won made his way to the playground, watching the soccer practice with growing interest. Suddenly, a hand tapped his shoulder.

​"Hey, what's up? Enjoying the show?" Min-hyuk asked, grinning.

​"Yeah, just watching."

​"Think you could do better?" Min-hyuk teased.

​Ji-won smirked. "They’re pretty good. You, on the other hand, are terrible."

​Min-hyuk feigned outrage, laughing loudly. "Hey! Do you want to die?"

​Ji-won chuckled, then his expression turned serious. "Actually, I came to meet him. To thank him."

​"Thank who? And why?" Min-hyuk asked, momentarily confused.

​"Park Tae..." Ji-won trailed off, the name slipping his mind.

​"Park Tae-oh?" Min-hyuk finished for him.

​Ji-won nodded. "Yeah, Park Tae-oh. I want to thank him for helping me."

​Min-hyuk’s smile turned a bit awkward. "Oh, you want to thank him? Do you really think that’s necessary?"

​Ji-won frowned. "What do you mean 'necessary'? Isn't it right to thank someone who helped you?"

​"I know, I know," Min-hyuk laughed nervously, composing himself. "Alright, I'll tell him to meet you."

​"Thanks. I'll wait over there," Ji-won said, walking toward the benches.

​A sharp whistle blew, signaling the end of practice.

​The coach beamed at the group. "Excellent work today, team! Let’s reconvene here tomorrow, same time."

​"Bye, sir!" the boys chorused.

​Park Tae-oh headed toward the wash basin to clean up, but stopped when Min-hyuk called out to him.

​"Hey, Tae-oh! Ji-won said he wanted to meet you. He’s waiting right over there," Min-hyuk said, pointing to the bench where Ji-won sat. Before Tae-oh could ask a single question, Min-hyuk started backing away. "Bye then, see you tomorrow!"

​Tae-oh shook his head and approached the sink. He splashed water over his head and face, the droplets highlighting his chiseled features.

​Ji-won watched him, mesmerized by the sight, before quickly snapping his head away as Tae-oh noticed him.

​"You're Ji-won, right?" Tae-oh asked, pulling his shirt up to dry his face.

​Ji-won’s eyes widened. "How did you know my name?"

​"Min-hyuk told me you wanted to see me," Tae-oh replied. As he wiped his face, his shirt lifted, revealing his toned abs.

​Ji-won’s gaze drifted for a second, his eyes sparkling with surprise. He quickly composed himself and offered a sweet grin. "I heard you carried me to the infirmary. I just wanted to thank you."

​"Oh, is that why you're here?" Tae-oh said nonchalantly. "It was nothing, really. You just got hit by the ball I kicked. No big deal."

​Ji-won froze. The gratitude drained from his face as the realization hit him.

​"Actually," Tae-oh continued, "it wasn’t even that hard of a hit. I'm surprised you passed out."

​He patted Ji-won’s shoulder patronizingly. "A man should be strong. Bye, then."

​Ji-won’s face darkened. His own words were being thrown back at him, and they tasted bitter. "Hey... so you're the one who hit me with the ball," he growled, his hands clenching into fists.

​Tae-oh feigned innocence. "What? I didn’t 'hit' you. I was playing. It’s your fault for wandering onto the field during a game."

​Ji-won stood there, seething and speechless.

​Tae-oh just brushed past him, muttering, "What a crazy guy."

​Min-hyuk, watching from a distance, winced. "You're gonna be dead meat..."

​Ji-won snatched up his bag, his blood boiling. "What a rude jerk!"

Ji-won stormed off the football field, pointing an accusing finger at his own reflection in a nearby window. "Yo, you idiot! You actually thanked the guy who hit you!" He groaned and slapped his own hand in frustration.

"Ow... that's so incredibly embarrassing!" Ji-won covered his burning face with both palms, wishing the ground would swallow him whole.

From a distance, Park Tae-oh watched the display, clearly amused by Ji-won’s antics. He squinted, a soft chuckle escaping his lips. "What an idiot," he muttered, shaking his head before turning away.

Ji-won’s phone rang just as he reached the academy. "Noeul, I don't think I can make it today. I'm heading home," Ji-won said into the receiver, his voice sounding defeated.

"Alright, take a rest. See you tomorrow at school," Noeul replied supportively.

Ji-won hung up and continued his trek home. Meanwhile, from a window in the building above, Park Tae-oh watched him walk away until he disappeared from sight.

Once home, Ji-won stood before the bathroom mirror, gazing at his reflection. He leaned in to examine the dark bruise blooming on his cheek and scowled.

"What a rude jerk," he muttered, his fingers gently stroking the sore skin.

The next morning, the sun rose, and Ji-won's alarm blared to life. He woke with a violent start, fumbling for his phone to check the time.

"Seven-thirty? No way! I'm doomed!" Ji-won scrambled out of bed and rushed toward the bathroom.

He got ready in a frantic haste, muttering angrily under his breath, "All because of that jerk... I didn't get any sleep because of this pain, and now I'm late."

Ji-won stormed out of the house and sprinted toward the bus stop. To his horror, the bus began to pull away just as he arrived.

"No! Come on!" Ji-won sprinted, waving his arms, but the bus disappeared down the road without him.

He sighed heavily, trudging back to the curb. "Forget it, I'll just take a taxi," he thought, checking his wallet.

He flagged down an approaching taxi, but as it pulled over, a young lady stepped forward with a hopeful smile.

"May I take this taxi? I have an important interview," she requested politely.

Ji-won, unable to say no to someone in need, smiled back. "Go ahead."

He stepped aside, allowing her to claim the cab. Ji-won stood on the sidewalk, waiting for another light to appear.

A taxi passed him by, occupied. Suddenly, a man on a sports bike—dressed in a black jacket and a dark helmet—honked loudly at him.

Ji-won looked up, assuming he was blocking the way, and stepped back toward the wall.

The man honked again, clearly trying to get his attention. Ji-won pointed a finger at his own chest inquiringly.

The rider nodded.

Curious and slightly defensive, Ji-won walked toward the bike. "Excuse me, why did you call me?" he asked formally, though his expression betrayed his growing annoyance.

The man reached up and pulled off his helmet, revealing a very familiar face.

"Hey, it's you," Ji-won said, his voice dropping an octave in irritation.

"Yeah, that's right, it's me. Hop on," Tae-oh replied, tossing his spare helmet toward Ji-won’s chest.

Ji-won narrowed his eyes, catching the helmet awkwardly. "Huh? Why should I?"

"Haven't you realized you're running late for school?" Tae-oh asked, checking his watch.

"No, I'm fine. I'll take a taxi," Ji-won responded flatly.

Tae-oh scoffed. "A taxi? You think you'll find an empty one during rush hour? We have exactly twenty minutes until the gates close."

"I'll take care of it. Mind your own business," Ji-won snapped.

"Are you sure, Mr. Perfect?" Tae-oh asked, staring Ji-won down. After a moment, he shrugged. "Alright, suit yourself."

Ji-won hesitated, watching Tae-oh prepare to ride off. He thought to himself, Fine, let him make up for what he did to my face.

"Hey! Alright, I'll go," Ji-won said reluctantly.

Tae-oh grinned behind his visor. "Hop on."

Tae-oh started the bike with a sudden, powerful jerk. Instinctively, Ji-won grabbed Tae-oh’s shoulders to keep from falling off.

Tae-oh glanced sideways in the mirror. Sensing the contact, Ji-won quickly withdrew his hands and sat back, creating as much distance as the small seat allowed.

As they waited at a red light, Tae-oh called out over the roar of the engine. "Hey!"

Ji-won leaned forward, confused. "Huh? Did you say something?"

"Remember when you helped that lady earlier?" Tae-oh asked. "Do you think you actually helped her?"

Ji-won’s confusion deepened. "What do you mean?"

"She does that all the time," Tae-oh revealed. "I saw her do the exact same thing to someone else the day before yesterday."

Ji-won’s eyes widened. "How do you know? How can you be so sure?"

"I know she works in a building near my house," Tae-oh replied casually. "It’s a trick."

Ji-won fell silent for a moment, absorbing the fact that he’d been played. "Anyway," he responded flatly, "she asked for help, and I helped. That’s all that matters."

Tae-oh chuckled, shaking his head. "Never mind. Forget I said anything."

He twisted the throttle, and the bike roared forward.

Tae-oh pulled into the school district and parked the bike in a discreet spot, hidden from the main view of the faculty. They both dismounted.

"Don't tell anyone I gave you a ride to school. Keep it a secret," Tae-oh requested, fixing his hair.

Ji-won smirked. "And what if I don't?" He shoved the helmet back at Tae-oh and began walking away.

Tae-oh looked confused for a second before locking the helmet to the bike and catching up to Ji-won. "Hey, don't you think you owe me now?"

Ji-won stopped and turned, staring Tae-oh in the eye. "Don't you think you owe me an apology?"

Tae-oh pointed at himself, feigning total innocence. "Did I do something?"

Ji-won rolled his eyes and continued toward the school gate.

Tae-oh kept pace with him. "Why are you only rude to me? You're all smiles with everyone else."

"Who says I'm like that? I'm always like this," Ji-won replied without looking back.

Tae-oh shrugged. "Bye, then."

He lengthened his stride, walking past Ji-won and through the school gate first.

Ji-won took a few more steps, then stopped. He turned his head slightly. "Hey... thank you."

Tae-oh met Ji-won’s gaze for a brief, silent moment. He didn't say a word, but as he turned to continue walking, a small, knowing smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth.

He strolled casually into the building, exuding his usual air of nonchalance.