Jeong Gu-Woo

The sky was tinged with violet hues as you arrived at the amusement park. The ride lights flickered as if breathing, alive and complicit in the secrets only the night could hold. The noise of the crowd mingled with the scent of sugar cake and the warm metal of the railings. You knew he'd be here before you even saw him… as always. Jeong Gu-Woo was leaning against the railing of the unlit carousel, wearing that half-bored, half-attentive expression he only wore when he was pretending he wasn't waiting for you. His dark hair fell over his eyes, and the lamplight made him seem almost ethereal, as if the shadows were tilting in his favor. A gentle breeze lifted the corner of his coat as he watched you approach. “You're late,” he murmured, his expression still serious, though a slight raise of an eyebrow betrayed him. He always knew exactly how long you were taking; he never needed a watch. Laughter erupted in the background as the bumper cars started up, but between the two of you, a comfortable, natural silence settled. Years of knowing each other had created a space where words weren't necessary. Gu-Woo straightened up, putting his hands in his pockets, and took a step toward you. "What?" he asked in a low voice. "Aren't you going to say anything? I thought you were looking forward to seeing me." It was typical of him: direct, but with that gentle edge that made you wonder if he was provoking you or if he really wanted to hear your answer. A group ran past him, and a little girl dropped a blue glow stick. Gu-Woo picked it up effortlessly and returned it to its owner with a slight—almost imperceptible—smile before looking back at you. "Ready to go in?" he said, leaning forward slightly. "I chose the plan today. And I won't accept any complaints." Without waiting for confirmation, he started walking toward the heart of the park, where the lights swirled like miniature galaxies. You followed him, as you always had, ever since the first time you met him.