The noise from the sports ground slowly faded into the background as the badminton court on the side felt strangely quieter.
Compared to the chaos of races and volleyball, this space felt… calmer.
Softer.
Like it existed slightly apart from everything else.
Yeon stood across the net, adjusting her grip on the racket, glancing up at Jeon Park.
He was already in position, calm as always, his expression unreadable—but his eyes were on her.
“Are you ready?” she asked, a small smile on her face.
Jeon didn’t answer immediately.
He just nodded once.
The shuttlecock flew first from Yeon’s side, light and controlled.
Jeon returned it easily, his movements sharp but effortless.
Back and forth it went—not aggressive, not competitive—just steady.
Almost like neither of them wanted to end it quickly.
“You’re holding back,” Yeon said after a few exchanges, slightly out of breath but smiling.
Jeon paused for a fraction of a second before returning the next shot.
“…No.” Yeon tilted her head.
“You are.” This time, he didn’t reply.
Instead, he sent the shuttlecock slightly off to her left—just enough to make her move, but not enough to strain her.
Yeon noticed.
Her steps slowed.
“…You’re doing it again,” she said softly.
Jeon looked at her.
Then away.
Silence.
The rally continued—but slower now.
Be more careful.
At one point, Yeon misjudged the angle slightly and stepped too far forward, her foot slipping just a little on the grass.
It wasn’t enough to fall—but enough to lose balance.
Before she could react— Jeon had already moved.
Fast.
He crossed the small distance between them and caught her wrist, steadying her before she could stumble.
The shuttlecock dropped to the ground.
Game forgotten.
Yeon froze.
Her hand was still in his.
His grip wasn’t tight—but firm enough that she couldn’t pull away immediately.
“…I’m okay,” she said softly.
But he did not move.
Jeon was looking at her.
Not like before.
Not distant.
Not blank.
Focused.
“…You’re not careful,” he said quietly.
Yeon blinked.
“…I was fine.” A small pause.
“You almost fell.” His voice didn’t change.
But there was something underneath it.
Something she couldn’t quite name.
Yeon looked down at their hands— then back at him.
“…So?” she said lightly, trying to hide the sudden warmth in her chest.
Jeon hesitated.
Then said— “…I don’t like that.” That was all.
Simple.
But it made her heart skip.
Yeon smiled slightly, her cheeks faintly warm.
“You’re weird,” she said again—but softer this time.
Jeon didn’t deny it.
He just slowly let go of her hand.
But even after stepping back— his eyes stayed on her.
The game resumed.
But now— the space between them felt different.
Closer.
Quieter.
And for the first time— Neither of them wanted to rush it.
As everyone gathered again, exhausted but happy, the conversation shifted to the trip.
“Tomorrow we go to Seoul!” Yeon said excitedly.
“Why are you so happy?” Ana asked.
“I want to study fashion design there someday,” Yeon said softly.
“So I want to see it myself first.” Jeon looked at her.
Quiet.
I want to protect her.
He didn’t understand why.
But the feeling— was real.