Gomi glanced at her watch again. 3:30 p.m. The tiny hand ticked forward, mocking her impatience. She exhaled sharply, swiping her phone open. Sunset: 5:15 p.m. She set the alarm for 5:00 p.m., her thumb hesitating over the screen before locking it. No room for mistakes today.

The rhythmic click of heels echoed against the pavement. Nayoung and Jun emerged from the crowd, turning heads like magnets. Nayoung’s cobalt blue sweater and plaid skirt paired perfectly with the bows in her hair, while Jun’s pink dress, complete with puffy sleeves and knee-high boots, oozed confidence.

“Kept you waiting?” Nayoung asked, her tone light and breezy.

Jun looped her arm through Gomi’s without missing a beat, her flowery perfume overwhelming. “Let’s go. The boys are already inside.”

Gomi blinked, taking a step back. “What boys?”

Nayoung giggled behind her hand, a picture of faux innocence. “Did we forget to mention? It’s a group meeting. Three boys, so we needed an extra girl.”

Gomi’s lips thinned. Great. Just great.

Inside the restaurant, the hum of conversation mingled with clinking plates. Across the room, a boy sandwiched between two others waved them over.

Jun tugged Gomi along like luggage. “Come on!”

They slid into the booth, the girls on one side, the boys on the other. Gomi’s gaze landed on the boy opposite her—short black hair, downturned eyes, and a steady, assessing stare.

“I’m Jaemin,” he said, leaning in just enough to command attention.

Names zipped around the table like a game of catch, none of which stuck. Gomi nodded mechanically, her focus locked on the menu as if it were the most fascinating piece of literature she’d ever encountered.

After ordering the food came out quickly and they began chattering away as they ate. For the most part, Gomi kept quiet, only answering when needed.

“So,” Jun said, clapping her hands with a mischievous grin. “How about a game?”

The curly-haired boy beside Jaemin tilted his head. “What kind?”

Jun tapped her lip theatrically. “Truth or dare. Easy and fun.”

Before Gomi could protest, tiny papers with numbers were distributed. She unfolded hers—3.

“I’ll start,” Nayoung announced. “Number 2, truth or dare?”

Jaemin smirked. “Dare.”

Nayoung’s eyes lit up. “Kiss number 4.”

A collective groan rippled through the table. Jinu, the curly-haired boy, threw his hands up. “No way!”

Grinning, Jaemin grabbed Jinu’s shoulder and planted an exaggerated kiss on his cheek. Jinu buried his face in the table, drawing howls of laughter.

“My turn.” Jaemin’s gaze zeroed in on Gomi. “Number 3, truth or dare?”

The challenge in his eyes was hard to miss. “Truth,” she said, her voice even.

“Are you dating anyone?”

She felt Nayoung’s nudge under the table, the silent encouragement not lost on her. “No.”

Jaemin’s friends elbowed each other with sly grins, while Nayoung shot her a conspiratorial look. Gomi merely sipped her water, pretending not to notice.

The game blurred into idle chatter, the boys ordering soju with the ease of regulars. Gomi’s eyes flicked to the window. The sun dipped lower, the sky a soft gradient of orange and pink. Her watch buzzed faintly—4:55 p.m.

Jaemin’s voice cut through her thoughts. “Need some air?” He was already standing, his hand extended.

“Yeah.” She sighed a breath of relief. Though she didn’t feel comfortable being alone with Jaemin, he was the excuse she needed to escape before sunset.

Outside, the crisp evening air brushed against her cheeks. Gomi inhaled deeply, grateful for the reprieve. “Thanks. It was nice meeting you, but I have to head out.”

She turned, but his hand closed around her wrist, firm but not rough. “Hold on,” he said, his voice dropping an octave. “If you’re thankful, spend a little more time with me.”

Her pulse spiked. “I really have to go.”

His grip tightened slightly, his expression unreadable.

Her watch vibrated against her skin—a subtle warning. Bomi.

Panic clawed at her chest. Over his shoulder, she spotted the group standing to leave the restaurant. They’d run into each other at this rate. And time was slipping away.

“Let go,” she said, her voice low but unwavering.

Jaemin raised an eyebrow with a sleezy smile. “Why don’t you spend some time with your sunbae.”

The sun’s last rays inched below the horizon.