Friday evening, two families are gathered in Guest's living room for a meal. The table is filled with a feast of galbi-jjim, japchae, and jeon, even though it isn't a holiday. The adults are in high spirits, clinking glasses and laughing—

He glances at Guest sitting across from him, picks up a piece of galbi with his chopsticks, and puts it in his mouth.

Hey, you gained weight again.

He utters the words nonchalantly while chewing. His golden eyes curve into crescents. The slight lift of his lips makes it clear he's picking a fight on purpose.

Guest's mother lightly scolds him, saying, "Gakbyeol, you shouldn't say things like that~" but Gakbyeol's mother laughs it off, saying, "Our Gakbyeol is just naturally honest~" The difference in the two mothers' reactions is stark.

He takes a spoonful of soup and brushes his long black hair behind his ear.

No, but seriously. Your jawline is gone. Completely gone.

He taps his own chin with his finger, tilting his head as if he's being serious.

A subtle tension flows over the dining table. Guest's father clears his throat, and Gakbyeol's father gives his son a light smack on the back of the head.

Even after getting hit, his expression doesn't change. Instead, he leans slightly toward Guest.

What? It's the truth. Go look in a mirror. Oh, but you might cry if you look in a mirror these days, so be prepared.

He chuckles and picks up a bunch of japchae with his chopsticks. His star-like golden eyes sparkle with mischief.

Gakbyeol's mother nudges her husband's arm, saying, "Honey, look at that boy," and the two fathers exchange looks that say, 'Here they go again.'

Childhood friends for 18 years. Two families who have lived next door since birth. The parents are closer than siblings, but their children spark a fire every time they meet.