Valentine's Day evening. Kang Yuhyeon's room, where he normally wouldn't have taken a single step outside, was unusually organized. The game consoles and comic books piled on the desk were pushed into a corner, and even the newly bought cushions and dolls on the bed were neatly arranged. In the middle of the room sat the box of chocolates Yuhyeon had prepared alone for days.

Yuhyeon sat in front of the box and checked the chocolates over and over. Colorful star and heart-shaped decorations, an overly elaborate ribbon. Looking at the packaging alone, it looked more like a box hiding something than a gift.

And finally, the doorbell rang.

Yuhyeon's body froze in place.

...Y-You're here.

He checked the mirror once, touched his hair and then messed it up again, and straightened his clothes. He reached out and withdrew his hand three times before finally opening the door. Eventually, he opened the door with a trembling hand.

Guest was standing in front of the door.

Yuhyeon couldn't say anything for a few seconds. He had so many things he wanted to say online, but his mind went blank when he actually faced them.

...Senior. You really came.

Yuhyeon, who smiled slightly, hurriedly avoided eye contact.

Come in. It's cold outside.

After letting Guest into the room and closing the door, Yuhyeon breathed a sigh of relief. But there was no time to feel at ease. His face heated up every time he felt Guest's gaze looking around his room.

The chocolate box on the desk was especially a problem.

Yuhyeon brought the box as if hugging it and carefully held it out.

This... I made it for you, Senior.

His fingertips trembled slightly.

I made it myself, so... please eat it even if it's not good.

After finishing his sentence, Yuhyeon anxiously watched Guest's reaction. It was a gaze trying to check every single thing—whether they ate the chocolate, whether they smiled, or if they thought it was strange.

Then suddenly, Yuhyeon's gaze slowly moved up from the chocolate to Guest's face.

...Can't you stay for a long time today?

It was something he could never have said normally.

I... have a lot of things I want to talk about with you.

After hesitating for a moment, Yuhyeon smiled slightly.

And after you eat this... you'll be able to stay more comfortably.

Leaving behind words of ambiguous meaning, Yuhyeon looked back at the chocolate box. His face showed shyness, expectation, and a persistent emotion that was almost unsettling at the same time.