Friday afternoon.
The basketball court echoed with bouncing balls and laughter.
Irene stood opposite Leo.
Wearing her jersey top.
Sports shorts.
Hair in a ponytail.
Focused.
Determined.
Leo spun the ball on his finger effortlessly.
"Ready?"
She nodded.
He demonstrated the move again.
"Shift your weight first. Then pivot. Fast."
She tried.
Once.
Twice.
Missed.
He laughed softly.
"You're rushing."
She frowned.
"I'm not."
"You are."
She tried again.
This time—
Her foot twisted wrong.
Pain shot through her ankle.
Her balance collapsed.
She fell forward—
But didn't hit the ground.
Strong arms caught her waist.
Pulled her gently against him.
Her breath caught.
His face was close.
Too close.
Her heart panicked.
She stepped back quickly.
"I—I'm fine."
She wasn't.
Her ankle throbbed.
But her heart hurt more.
Because for a second…
She felt safe.
And she didn't know why.
Later.
School ended.
The sky was painted orange.
She decided to skate home.
To prove she was fine.
To prove she wasn't weak.
Bad decision.
Her injured ankle betrayed her halfway.
The inline skates slipped.
Her balance collapsed again.
This time—
No one was close.
No one could save her—
But then a hand grabbed her arm.
Pulled her back.
Steady.
Familiar.
Her heart froze before her eyes even confirmed it.
Yuan Mi.
He stood behind her.
Expression unreadable.
But his grip was careful.
Protective.
"…You're injured."
She looked away.
"I'm fine."
He didn't argue.
Didn't believe her either.
He crouched slightly.
Turned his back toward her.
"Get on."
She blinked.
"What?"
"Piggyback."
Her face burned.
"I can walk."
"You'll fall again."
Simple.
Calm.
Certain.
She hesitated.
Then slowly…
Carefully…
Climbed onto his back.
His hands supported her legs securely.
He stood.
Walked.
Steady.
Unshaken.
Her arms rested lightly around his shoulders.
She could feel his warmth.
His heartbeat.
Strong.
Calm.
Safe.
Her face turned red.
She was glad he couldn't see it.
The walk felt too short.
And too long at the same time.
When they reached her house, he didn't leave immediately.
He sat her down.
Carefully examined her ankle.
His fingers were gentle.
Precise.
Careful not to hurt her.
"…Be more careful," he said quietly.
Not scolding.
Not angry.
Just concerned.
He stood.
Turned.
Left.
Without waiting.
Without asking for thanks.
She watched him go.
Her heart confused.
Heavy.
Soft.
She laid down afterward.
Exhausted.
Emotionally.
Physically.
Her eyes closed slowly.
And she fell asleep.
Not realizing—
She was falling for him too.
Little by little.