The sun rose gently over Seoul, casting a golden glow across the rooftops. It was one of those crisp, lovely mornings—where the sky looked like a soft painting and the breeze whispered promises of a good day.
Inside Sofia's cozy apartment, Linda stretched under her blanket before sitting up. She blinked at the morning light that filtered through the curtains, then slid out of bed. After a quick brush and a warm shower, she slipped into her school uniform. Her skirt swayed as she moved, and the collar of her white shirt sat neatly under her dark blazer.
By the time she stepped outside into the hallway, the smell of breakfast already teased her senses. As she passed the living room, her eyes fell on Baby Jack, sitting on a soft mat with colorful toys scattered around him.
The little boy looked up and squealed with delight, waving his tiny hands as if calling her name.
Linda giggled and walked over, crouching in front of him. "Good morning, little prince," she said playfully.
Baby Jack made a high-pitched sound of joy and raised his arms, his face glowing with expectation. Linda smiled and scooped him up gently, nestling him against her shoulder.
"Let's go see what your mommy is making," she whispered as she carried him into the kitchen.
Sophia stood at the stove, already halfway through preparing breakfast. The scent of grilled meat and spices filled the air. She turned slightly and smiled.
"Morning," she said warmly.
"Morning," Linda replied, rocking Baby Jack gently. "What's for breakfast?"
"Galbi jjim, kimchi pancakes, and a bowl of hot seaweed soup," Sophia said proudly.
Linda's eyes lit up. "Whoa. Royal breakfast today, huh?"
Sophia laughed.
But before another word could be exchanged, Baby Jack began to make that familiar warning noise—the sort of whimper that babies make seconds before erupting into tears.
Linda glanced down. "Ah, I know that face. Somebody's hungry." She lifted him higher and kissed his cheek. "Sofia, take him. Go feed His Majesty before he starts a royal tantrum."
Sophia chuckled and walked over, gently taking Baby Jack from her arms. "Got it. You finish up in here."
"Gladly."
Linda turned back to the stove and grabbed the ladle, humming softly as she stirred the pot. The kitchen, full of warmth and scent, wrapped around her like a hug. The morning outside was bright, the laughter of neighbors drifting in through the window. Everything felt light—like a peaceful pause before the day truly began.
Once breakfast was done and the table cleared, Linda waved goodbye to Sophia who held Baby Jack on her hip, gently patting his back.
"Don't forget Jack's appointment," Linda said, sliding on her backpack.
"I won't," Sophia replied with a nod. "Good luck at school!"
With that, Linda headed down to the garage. Her bike—shiny and finally hers again—was waiting patiently.
She swung a leg over, kicked off the stand, and began pedaling through the quiet neighborhood streets. The cool morning breeze brushed her cheeks, ruffling her hair and carrying the scent of blooming flowers. Her blazer flapped lightly behind her, and for a moment, everything felt right.
She smiled.
It was going to be a good day.
When Linda arrived at school that morning, the courtyard was already lively with students chatting, laughing, and heading to class. Just outside the building, she spotted Sophia and Alex standing by the entrance, clearly waiting for her.
"Hey, guys," she said with a bright smile, rolling her bike beside her.
Sophia waved, but Linda quickly noticed someone was missing.
"Where's Jae Min?" she asked, glancing around.
Sophia shrugged. "I called him this morning. He said he's not coming to school today."
Linda's brow furrowed a little, but she nodded. "Alright…"
The three of them walked through the bustling hallway together and into their classroom. As they barely settled into their seats, the door opened and their head teacher stepped in.
A tall man with a calm but commanding presence, he adjusted his glasses and looked over the class. His name was Mr. Han—strict but fair, and someone the students actually respected.
"Good morning, class," he greeted with a slight smile.
"Good morning, Mr. Han," the students chorused.
Mr. Han held up a sheet of paper in his hand. "I have an announcement. The 12th Grade Final Examination will commence soon. The full timetable has been released and is already posted on the school group chat. Make sure you check it and start preparing. This is your final stretch, and every moment counts."
He paused, scanning the room with thoughtful eyes.
"Do your best. Focus. These exams will be the gateway to your next chapter."
With that, he nodded once, turned, and exited the room.
As soon as the door shut behind him, the class broke into a familiar wave of chatter. Books shuffled, chairs creaked, and voices rose in excitement, panic, or apathy.
Linda turned toward Sophia and sighed dramatically. "I guess it's official—our sleepless nights begin now."
Sophia smirked. "Your sleepless nights, you serious nerd."
Linda giggled, nudging her shoulder. "Come on, we've got to pass with style."
"Style? I plan to survive by luck."
They both laughed, easing into a conversation about subjects they feared the most, teachers they hoped would go easy, and the snacks they'd need for their late-night study sessions.
In the middle of their discussion, Linda noticed Alex sitting nearby, silent and still. He wasn't laughing or reacting—just staring at nothing in particular.
She tapped Sophia subtly and gestured toward him. "Sophie…"
Sophia followed her gaze, and her eyes narrowed in concern. "Alex?"
No response.
She called his name again, this time a bit louder. Still nothing.
So she yelled, "ALEX!"
The whole class turned for a moment as Alex snapped out of his trance like someone shaken awake.
He blinked. "Huh? What?"
"What the hell were you thinking about?" Linda asked, leaning closer.
"Nothing." He answered too quickly.
"Are you sure?" Sophia pressed.
There was a brief pause before he muttered, "Well… actually… I have a question."
Linda raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
Alex leaned in, lowered his voice, and scooted his chair closer.
"So… I have this neighbor."
Sophia blinked. "A neighbor?"
"Yeah, yeah. His name is... uh.... Sung Hoon."
He cleared his throat. "So this neighbor of mine—Min Joon—is having a bit of a problem. There's this really good-looking guy who became friends with him recently. My neighbor says he started feeling… you know… safe around this guy. Like, really comfortable. But then one day, for no reason, he started feeling weird."
Linda narrowed her eyes suspiciously.
Alex continued. "It's not like he planned it or anything. It just… happened. He said it felt like a—uh—boy-to-girl 'bombayah' feeling. I don't even know what that means. But he wanted advice from my friends."
As Alex spoke, Linda and Sophia slowly turned to glance at each other.
Linda gave Sophia a raised-brow "Are you thinking what I'm thinking?" look.
Sophia's subtle smirk answered "Of course I am."
Linda turned back to Alex and cleared her throat. "Are you sure this is about your neighbor?"
"Of course," Alex said with exaggerated confidence. "Why would I lie?"
"Alright then…" Linda shrugged. "Well, in my opinion, this 'neighbor' of yours might be gay."
Alex's eyes widened, and his heart seemed to skip a beat. "That's not true!" he snapped, louder than necessary.
Sophia blinked. "Wait, didn't you just say it was your neighbor? Why are you getting so defensive?"
Alex blinked fast. "Because I know Sung Hoon. He likes girls a lot. You guys don't know him like I do. Anyway, it's fine. I'll handle it myself."
He stood up abruptly and walked back to his seat.
Linda and Sophia stared after him, exchanging another look.
Sophia whispered, "You don't think…"
"Something's off with him and Jae Min," Linda murmured. "Ever since that awkward thing at your house."
Sophia nodded. "Right? That eye contact was too intense."
Linda tried not to laugh but failed. "Maybe the bombayah feeling got passed around like a flu."
They giggled under their breath, careful not to draw attention again.
A few minutes later, the classroom door opened, and another teacher walked in carrying a textbook.
"Settle down, class. Time to open your books to page 147."
The room quieted again as notebooks opened and students prepared to take notes.
Linda stole one last glance toward Alex. He was staring blankly at his book now, but his mind was clearly somewhere else.
And Jae Min, wherever he was, hadn't called. Not even a text.
Linda couldn't shake the feeling that something strange was unfolding—around her.