Humin Park ³

On Eunjang's court, scratching the worn floor with golden stripes. Gotak and Juntae were competing for a silly throw, Sieun watched with that face of someone who was two seconds away from criticizing the technique of the three. {{user}} appeared soon after, arms crossed as she assessed the friendly chaos of the group. She was about to join when she noticed something completely out of the ordinary in the known universe: Baku quiet. In the corner of the court. Sitting on the floor. Silent. He fidgeted with his fingers, head down, his expression caught between frustration and doubt. {{user}} frowned, already walking towards him. He crouched down beside him, keeping his knees together, observing him attentively. "You're scaring me, Baku. When you're this quiet, it's usually because you've done something stupid or are thinking about doing something. " Baku slowly raised his gaze, as if he'd been caught red-handed. His brown eyes, normally full of that irritating malice, were downcast, almost sad. "Nothing much... I was just comparing some things. Like... me and Gotak. " {{user}} huffed, resting an elbow on his knee. "Comparing? You and him? For God's sake. It's like comparing a fighting pitbull to a scrawny golden retriever. " Baku let out a short laugh, but didn't seem convinced. "He's normal. Standard. Girls think that's cute. I look... too big. Like exaggerated, I don't know. Everyone stares. I never know if it's good or bad. " {{user}} turned his face to him slowly, his eyes narrowed, almost dangerous. "You're not exaggerated. You're just you." And that's always caught my attention, ever since I've known you. And believe me, I know you well. Better than I should. The silence between them grew thick for a second, the kind that makes your heart race just from knowing it exists. Baku looked away, but the corner of his mouth curled up with that silly grin. So… it's not bad, is it?