Ji-Hoo and Joy sat on the wood bench outside Joy's house, the evening air cool and quiet. The soft glow of the setting sun cast long shadows across the yard.
A small coffee table sat between them, a steaming cup of coffee in front of each. Ji-Hoo leaned back, arms crossed, his brow furrowed in confusion as he tried to piece together everything he'd seen and heard.
Joy was sitting nearby, sipping her coffee slowly, nodding to herself as if contemplating something deeply.
Her expression was calm, almost resigned, but her eyes flickered with a hint of mischief.
Finally, Ji-Hoo broke the silence.
"So, you mean to say you're a human with magical powers," he asked, his tone tinged with disbelief. "Why should I believe you?"
Joy opened her mouth to respond, then hesitated, a flicker of frustration crossing her face. "After all you've seen," she asked softly, "you still don't believe me?"
Ji-Hoo shook his head, a mischievous grin creeping onto his face. "Nope. Not until you show me again," he said, smirking.
A flicker of light shimmered in Joy's palm. To Ji-Hoo's amazement, she didn't conjure fire — instead, she created a small, glowing orb of light in her hand.
Then, with a gentle wave of her hand, she summoned a pair of glasses made entirely of shimmering light, which floated gracefully onto her nose, replacing her own.
Ji-Hoo's eyes widened.
"Wow, that's cool," he said, leaning forward eagerly. "What else can you do?"
Joy chuckled softly and, with a delicate gesture, formed a pair of luminous glasses. She handed them to Ji-Hoo, who hesitated for a moment before slipping them on.
Instantly, the glasses glowed softly, and he looked around, amazed at how they felt like they belonged there.
"Do you believe me now?" Joy asked, her voice low but playful.
Before Ji-Hoo could respond, Joy was about to stand up. But suddenly, her mother appeared at the gate, walking toward them with a warm smile.
"Oh, mom… you're back from work early?" Joy asked nervously, her eyes flicking toward her mother as they both moved closer.
Mrs. Noh pushed a stray strand of short brown hair from her face and smiled warmly. She looked dazzling in her long-sleeved T-shirt and trousers, her presence gentle and comforting.
Her gaze shifted to Ji-Hoo, and she smiled kindly at him.
"And who is this? is he Your boyfriend? wearing..." Mrs. Noh teased, a mischievous sparkle in her eyes.
Joy shook her head nervously, blushing. "No, mom… he's just a friend, and yeah and his wearing glasses" she mumbled and Ji-Hoo quickly removed the glasses shoving it in his pocket.
Mrs. Noh chuckled softly, teasing. "That's not what the movie said, I watched it by the way" she said with a wink.
Joy sighed, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Mom, it's just a movie project, nothing else. Please…"
Her mom nodded, still smiling playfully. "Alright, alright," she said, gently poking Joy in the stomach. "But I wonder… Are you sure about that?"
Joy hurried inside the house, her cheeks flushed, and her mom followed her, still teasing.
Ji-Hoo watched her go, a small smile on his face, then turned to wave goodbye.
" Mrs. Noh I'm leaving," he said softly, giving her a reassuring look.
''Oh, already stay safe son...'' she replied warmly.
Mrs. Noh watched him as he goes and called out to Joy,
"Hey, is he your boyfriend or what, huh?" she teased, winking at Joy.
Joy's face turned even redder. "No, mom… he's just a friend," she insisted, her voice barely a whisper.
Mrs. Noh grinned mischievously. "That's not what the movie said," she teased again, then chuckled as she watched her daughter rush back inside.
---------
Ha-Joon's Room
Ha-Joon sat on his bed, legs pulled up with his knees close to his chest. His head was tilted slightly, eyes fixed on the ceiling as if searching for answers in the silence. His mind was clouded with thoughts—questions he couldn't quite answer.
"Sora… In-Su… are they the same person?" he wondered silently, his brow furrowing deeper.
He ran a hand through his messy hair, sighing softly. "Why is In-Su pushing me to remember this?" he asked himself again, frustration flickering in his eyes.
Suddenly, the door swung open abruptly, causing Ha-Joon to startle.
His eyes widened as his brother Min-Ju strode in confidently as if he owned the place, casually holding a soda.
Min-Ju was shirtless, his black hair tousled as if he'd just come in from outside. He looked relaxed—completely at ease.
Ha-Joon glanced at him, sighing quietly.
''What is this now? he asked under his breath, voice low with a mixture of confusion and annoyance.
Min-Ju grinned mischievously. "What? I was feeling hot," he said with a shrug, taking a long sip from his soda.
He plopped onto Ha-Joon's bed, leaning back comfortably.
His lean, muscular physique was on full display—six-pack abs rippling with each breath, chest broad and sculpted, hips narrow. It was clear he was in prime shape—athletic and confident.
Ha-Joon looked away, crossing his arms. "No, really… what's going on?" he asked softly, trying to hide his unease, and irritation.
Min-Ju's eyes twinkled with mischief as he watched his brother. "You're hiding something," he thought, then spoke aloud.
''The Ha-Joon I used to know was always hyper, joking around being mischievous'' Min-Ju said casually, a nostalgic smile creeping onto his face.
''But this Ha-Joon is soft, quiet and sometimes withdrawn'' he added eyes sparkling with mischief.
Ha-Joon blinked, confused. "What do you mean?"
Min-Ju leaned in slightly, voice softer but playful. ''I miss that old Ha-Joon the one that is hyper, loud, and full of life''.
Ha-Joon hesitated, running a hand through his hair again. "But I honestly don't remember being like that, at all." he admitted quietly.
Min-Ju nudged him gently on the shoulder. "Don't worry. You'll remember. It's just a matter of time."
He got up smoothly, heading toward the door. ''And don't bother stressing yourself you just came back sissy'' he said teasingly, glancing back over his shoulder.
Ha-Joon sat quietly, confusion swirling around him. Watching his brother leave, he whispered to himself, "Old Ha-Joon… which one is he talking about?"
------------
Ha-Joon hurried down the school hallways, clutching his, books, and papers tightly in his hands.
His grey hair shimmered under the fluorescent lights, bouncing with every quick step he took.
His uniform—the crisp white shirt tucked neatly into dark trousers—fit him perfectly, but right now, all he could think about was making it to class on time.
"I'm late for class, I'm late for class…" he kept repeating under his breath, his voice a soft chant as he weaved through the bustling corridor.
His heart pounded as he dodged students and hurried past lockers and doors.
Suddenly, lost in his racing thoughts, he didn't notice the girl standing just ahead. With a loud crash, he bumped into her.
Papers and books flew into the air, scattering everywhere around them.
"Oh no—!" Ha-Joon exclaimed, reaching out instinctively to help. But in his rush, he slipped on a stray sheet of paper, and before he knew it, he was falling—right onto the girl.
"Oh my god—are you okay?" Ha-Joon gasped, his voice hurried and full of concern.
His face flushed red as he quickly tried to steady himself.
The girl looked up at him, her eyes gentle and kind.
Her hair was styled in a cute, playful way—think of a soft, layered bob with a slight wave, adorned with a small, a black hairpin on one side, giving her an anime-like charm.
Her eyes were a deep shade of brown, warm and inviting, with a slight widen of her mouth in surprise.
"I'm fine," she replied softly, her voice like a gentle melody. She smiled shyly, waving her hand to reassure him.
Ha-Joon immediately sat up, hurriedly helping her to her feet. He bowed slightly, cheeks still flushed. "I'm so sorry—I didn't see you there," he said sincerely.
The girl smiled softly, her expression calming. "It's okay… really," she said with a gentle nod.
He hurried to gather his scattered papers and books, stacking everything carefully. Once everything was in order, he looked up at her, offering a small, apologetic smile.
"I'd love to chat, but I'm late for class," he said quickly, glancing at his watch.
Without waiting for a reply, he turned on his heel and hurried off down the hall, leaving her behind.
As he disappeared around the corner, he couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed but grateful—glad he'd stopped to help, even if it meant risking being late.