The campus festival painted the night in colors. Strings of lanterns glowed above crowded paths, booths spilled laughter into the air, and the scent of roasted snacks mingled with the sweetness of candied fruit.
Kaya trailed behind Ji-eun and Min-jae, their hands intertwined, their energy too bright for her shadowed mood. She had agreed to come—half out of guilt, half out of hope that maybe, just maybe, the ache in her chest would dull if she surrounded herself with noise.
It didn't.
Everywhere she looked, Ji-eun and Min-jae fit so easily into each other's worlds. Matching steps, shared glances, quiet laughter only they understood. Kaya's lips curved faintly whenever Ji-eun looked her way, but the smile never reached her eyes.
"Let's try the shooting game!" Ji-eun tugged Min-jae toward a booth. "Kaya, come on!"
Kaya hesitated, scanning the crowd for an escape. And that was when she saw him.
Moon Seo-jun stood near the lantern stalls, a paper cup of tea in one hand, his other tucked into his pocket. He wasn't doing anything remarkable—just watching the lanterns sway in the breeze—but his calm presence cut through the chaos like an anchor.
Their eyes met.
For a second, the festival noise faded, and it was only the quiet curve of his gaze steadying her heart.
Ji-eun called her name again, breaking the moment. Kaya turned, forcing herself to join the game. She held the toy rifle awkwardly, missing every shot. Min-jae laughed good-naturedly, stepping in to show her how to hold it. His arm brushed against hers, too familiar, too casual—like they had no history between them.
Her chest tightened.
Before the guilt could settle, a soft voice came from behind.
"You're holding it wrong."
Kaya turned. Moon was there, standing just close enough for her to hear, his expression calm as ever. He adjusted the toy in her hands with a steady touch, his fingers grazing hers briefly.
"Try now," he murmured.
She fired. This time, the target fell.
Ji-eun clapped. Min-jae grinned. But Kaya's focus stayed on the boy beside her, the one who didn't cheer or boast, only gave a small nod as though he knew she could do it all along.
Later, when lanterns were released into the night sky, Kaya stood a little apart from Ji-eun and Min-jae. Her lantern drifted upward, carrying a wish she didn't dare speak aloud.
From the corner of her eye, she saw Moon's lantern rise too. Their gazes met once more beneath the glowing sky.
And though no words passed between them, Kaya felt it—like two notes of music slowly finding harmony.
To be continued....