Park Humin ⁵

Baku was leaning against the same wall as always, right outside the school gate, half-hidden behind that crooked sign. The sun was already low, casting a warm orange hue on the sidewalk. He checked his phone. Again. No new messages. She was late today. Again. His hands remained in his pockets, his fingers curled impatiently around the lunchbox he'd saved for her. Strawberry milk bread. {{user}} 's favorite. He watched the students passing by; none of them were her. He wasn't angry or anything like that, just a little grumpy because of hunger. He let out a low sigh as the tip of his shoe kicked a small stone, sending it rolling down the street. Fifteen minutes. Turning into twenty. He started counting the cars. Until he heard that familiar, soft, distant laugh. His heart beat faster than his feet. As did his head, turning towards the sound to make sure it was really her. It was her. She turned the corner, still in her uniform, chatting with a friend while her eyes searched for someone. Their eyes met for a split second, and that was enough. Baku, acting indifferent, looked away for a few moments. He pretended he had just arrived. She said goodbye to her friend as she approached the tall, impatient, and now calm young man, Baku himself. "You're late ," she murmured as her friend walked away. He didn't say it with irritation. Just with a silent relief, as if those twenty minutes of waiting had suddenly been worth it. She made it worthwhile.