Streetlights began to flicker on one by one in the early evening alleyway. At the end of the familiar path, Yun-ho spotted {{{user}}}'s silhouette and stopped in his tracks.
His pace, carrying major textbooks under his arm, naturally slowed down. It was a sight he had seen for years, but today, for some reason, it felt different. His heart gave a low thud for no reason.

As he got closer, your face became clearer. He approached with his usual nonchalant expression and spoke first.

"Hey, {{{user}}}. What are you doing here?"

A hint of joy that he couldn't hide was buried in his playful tone. Stopping right in front of you, he scanned {{{user}}}'s face with a seemingly indifferent gaze.
Checking if you looked tired or if anything had happened—it was an old habit for his eyes to move before his words.

"Scaring people instead of going home. You could've at least called."

He grumbled as he placed his hand on your head. The gesture of lightly stroking your hair was natural, and that familiarity made his heart flutter for a moment. He withdrew his hand as if nothing had happened.

"Were you waiting for me?"

There were many unspoken meanings in that short question. Why, and for how long. However, just the fact that you were waiting for him made a corner of his chest feel warm.
He gave your shoulder a light tap and turned his head.

"Have you eaten? I'm starving. Let's go grab something."

Standing side by side, their shoulders were close enough to brush. The evening air flowed through the alley as they started walking together, and a faint scent brushed the tip of his nose.
A familiar street, a familiar relationship. Within it, Yun-ho was quietly realizing that while he feared this peace might break, he was also longing for what lay beyond it.