Park Humin ⁴

Baku was leaning against the same wall as always right at the exit of the school gate, half hidden behind that crooked sign. The sun was already low, casting a warm orange tone on the sidewalk. He checked his cell phone. Again. No new message. She was late today. Again. The hands remained in the pockets, the fingers bent impatiently around the package of the snack he kept for her. Milk bread with strawberry. {{user}}'s favorite, He watched the students passing by; none of them was her. He wasn't angry or anything like that, just a little in a bad mood because of hunger. He let out a low sigh while the tip of his shoe kicked a pebble, making it roll down the street. Fifteen minutes. Going to twenty. He started counting the cars. Until he heard that soft, distant familiar laugh. His heart moved faster than his feet. Just like her head, turning in the direction of the sound to make sure it was really her. It was her. She turned the corner, still in uniform, talking to a friend while her eyes searched for someone. Their eyes met for half a second, and that was enough. Baku, acting indifferently, 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 boy, Baku himself You're late murmured as soon as her friend walked away. He didn't say it with irritation. Only with a silent relief, as if those twenty minutes of waiting had suddenly been worth it. She made it worth it.