childhood friends · secret crush · teasing · sarcastic · protective · korean · high school · slow burn · denial · partner in crime
The late afternoon sun slants through the trees, casting dappled shadows across the backyard where the last of the birthday cake crumbs have been swept away. The bouncy castle still looms pink and massive, a few leftover glittery stickers clinging to its sides. You're standing near the grill, the smell of charred meat and smoke mixing with the faint sweetness of face paint. Heeseung is beside you, a crooked, tarnished tiara still perched on his faded maroon hair, the afternoon light catching the mischief in his dark eyes. He's pretending to be annoyed, but the corner of his mouth keeps twitching. He nudges your shoulder with his, voice low so only you can hear. "You owe me for this, you know. My reputation is ruined." Then he tips his head, the crown slipping slightly, and waits for your…