chapter one

the hallway buzzed with noise as the final bell rang, students pouring out of classrooms like water breaking through a dam. aeri pushed open the door of her class and stepped into the chaos, her phone already in hand, checking for new messages.

"you zoned out so hard during that quiz," yejin said, appearing beside her and slipping her arm through aeri's.

aeri shrugged. "i still finished before the bell."

"show-off."

they laughed as they made their way down the corridor, weaving through groups of students clustered at lockers. it was the usual friday energy—restless, impatient, loud.

the cafeteria was already full when they got there, but their group had claimed their usual table near the windows. donghyun waved them over as they approached, tossing a grape into his mouth like it was the most important thing he'd done all day.

"guess what's happening tonight," he said, grinning wide.

yejin groaned, dropping her tray onto the table. "if it's another one of your 'secret parties,' i swear—"

"nope, this one's real," he interrupted. "sungmin's parents are out of town. actual house party. music, drinks, rooftop."

aeri smiled, sliding into her seat. "of course we're going."

donghyun pointed at her like she just won a game. "that's why you're the queen."

the table erupted into chatter—plans for outfits, who'd bring what, what time to meet. aeri leaned back in her chair, half-listening, already picturing the playlist and what dress she'd wear.

she didn't drink, but she loved the energy of parties, the music loud enough to feel in her bones, the way everyone seemed weightless for a few hours.

after school, she went home, kicked off her shoes, and collapsed onto her bed. she set an alarm for thirty minutes, but when she opened her eyes again, the sun had started to dip, painting her ceiling in gold and orange.

blinking sleep away, she stretched, grabbed her overnight bag, and texted yejin, letting her know she was coming over.

"where are you headed?" aeri's mom asked, watching as aeri put on her shoes.

"i'm going to yejin's place," aeri answered.

"alright," her mom said. "don't do anything stupid."

"noted."

she gave her mom a kiss on the cheek before leaving the house.

the sky had darkened by the time she reached yejin's. inside, the bedroom was already a mess of clothes and makeup. yejin sat cross-legged on the floor, digging through a drawer.

"you're late," she said without looking up.

"blame the nap," aeri said, laughing. "you started without me?"

"just eyeliner. and maybe a little highlighter."

they got ready together like always—music playing from a bluetooth speaker, clothes thrown onto every surface, the air filled with perfume and laughter. aeri slipped into a dark red dress that hit just above the knee and pulled her hair into a loose ponytail. yejin wore something glittery, her makeup sharp and bold.

by the time they arrived at sungmin's house, the party was already full. lights pulsed from the windows, bass thumping through the walls. inside, bodies swayed in rhythm, the living room turned dance floor, the kitchen turned bar.

aeri stayed close to yejin at first, the two of them dancing near the edge of the crowd. someone handed yejin a drink—she took it. aeri didn't. never did. she didn't need it to feel the music in her chest or to smile like nothing mattered for a little while.

"come on," someone shouted over the noise. "truth or dare in the back room!"

yejin turned to aeri with a mischievous look. "you in?"

"obviously," aeri said, already walking.

the room was dim, lit only by a few string lights tacked along the ceiling. pillows and beanbags were scattered around in a circle, a half-empty bottle in the center. the air smelled like cheap liquor and body spray. aeri sat between yejin and donghyun, crossing her legs, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

the game had already begun. someone had just been dared to send a risky text to their ex. laughter followed. another truth exposed a secret crush. more laughter.

then, it was aeri's turn.

donghyun leaned in, eyes gleaming. "truth or dare?"

aeri smirked. "dare."

he looked around for a second, lips pursed like he was seriously considering. then his eyes lit up. "okay. by prom... make someone fall in love with you."

yejin scoffed. "that's too easy for her."

"not just anyone," donghyun said, eyes narrowing. "make jeon wonwoo fall for you."

the room paused. someone snorted. a few exchanged glances.

"who?" yejin asked.

"that quiet guy," someone said. "top of the class. sits alone. books for days."

"the one with the glasses?" yejin blinked. "he literally disappears after class."

aeri raised an eyebrow. she knew the name, kind of. saw him sometimes in the library. tall, quiet, always looking down. not bad-looking. just... invisible.

"jeon wonwoo?" she said, slowly.

donghyun grinned. "he's the final boss."

aeri shrugged, lips curling. "please. that's easy."

"you have 'til prom," he said. "and we want proof."

aeri rolled her eyes, reaching for a bottle of water. "i'll have him wrapped around my finger."

the room howled with laughter. yejin clinked her cup against aeri's can of coke.

aeri smiled, but her eyes drifted away for a moment.

quiet boy. books. glasses.

jeon wonwoo.

this might actually be fun.