The gates of Jungwon High creaked open under a canopy of lanterns and banners. It was the day of the annual Spring Festival—a riot of color, laughter, and the promise of temporary escape. For Ji-hoon and Hae-won, it was both a relief and a test: a few hours away from their fortress-like apartment, they would have to face the crowds, the cameras, and each other too.
10:00 AM – Opening Parade
They arrived hand in hand, Ji-hoon in a casual polo and jeans, Hae-won in a simple summer dress that fluttered in the breeze. He stopped at the edge of the field, eyes alight.
"Ready for the show?" he asked, grinning.
She nodded, heart fluttering like a captive bird. The marching band thundered past, students in vibrant uniforms waving flags. She let herself wave back, almost pretending to be just another face in the crowd—for a moment, the rumors felt distant.
But then—
A shrill whistle blew, and the student council president appeared on the dais.
"Welcome to the Spring Festival 2025!" she announced. "Enjoy the games, the food, and remember—our social media feed is live all day. Show us your best moments with #JHSpringFest!"
Ji-hoon squeezed Hae-won's hand. "Great."
She laughed nervously. "I was hoping for no phones."
11:00 AM – Food Stall Fiasco
They drifted toward the food courts: tteokbokki steaming in its red pepper sauce, fish-shaped waffles, cotton candy clouds floating on sticks. Ji-hoon plucked two waffle-fish and offered her one.
Before she could take a bite, a tray of tteokbokki tipslopped over—right into her lap.
"Oops!" chirped a girl in a pink apron—Park Da-bin, back for more. The crowd tittered. Hae-won's cheeks burned as sticky sauce dripped onto her dress.
Ji-hoon was instantly at her side, producing a handful of napkins. "Here."
She dabbed at the stain, refusing to look up at Da-bin, who snapped a photo and sauntered off with a mocking curtsey.
"Don't let her ruin today," Ji-hoon murmured, brushing sauce from Hae-won's hairline.
She swallowed a laugh, tossing him a messy fish-waffle bite. "Best. Rescue. Ever."
12:30 PM – Haunted House Mayhem
Next on their agenda: the student council's haunted house. It promised "heart-stopping frights" and a half-hour wait. Ji-hoon held Hae-won's hand tightly as they shuffled through squeaky floorboards and artificial cobwebs.
Behind a corner, someone in a ghastly mask lunged at Hae-won. She screamed—loud enough to startle everyone. Ji-hoon jumped in front of her, and the mask slipped, revealing… Seo Min‑ji.
Her silver hair glinted under the strobe lights. She sneered. "Boo."
Before Hae-won could react, Ji-hoon pulled her back. "This isn't a game to me."
Min‑ji laughed. "Everything's a game when you're in control." She pointed at Hae-won. "Especially her."
A PA system crackled to life: "Please exit the haunted house immediately!" Security staff herded them out, and Min‑ji vanished into the crowd.
Hae-won's breath came in short gasps. "Why won't she stop?"
Ji-hoon wrapped her in his arms. "Because we scare her more than any costume could."
2:00 PM – Water Balloon Warfare
On the field outside, the Student Council's "Battle Zone" awaited: a water‑balloon fight with two teams. Without warning, Ji-hoon nabbed a balloon from a vendor and tossed it at Hae-won.
"Ambush!" he shouted, and soon they were ducking paintball‑popping balloons and slipping on soaked turf. Laughter erupted around them as they chased each other, soaked but exhilarated. Even Yun‑seok joined in from the sidelines, hurling balloons with the precision of a sharpshooter.
At one point, Hae-won slipped, falling into a muddy puddle. Ji-hoon scooped her up, mud and all, and carried her off the field. She laughed so hard she cried.
"See?" Ji-hoon said, brushing mud from her cheek. "Chaos can be fun."
4:00 PM – Photo Frenzy
Drenched in sweat and mud-spattered, they paused at the "Photo Booth" tent. A line had already formed, and budding photographers jostled for their attention. Ji-hoon spun Hae-won into view of the camera, planted a kiss on her temple, and struck a dramatic pose.
"Save this moment," he whispered. "Promise me you'll laugh when you see it."
She nodded, breathless. Behind them, the flash popped—another viral image in the making. Comments would flood in within minutes: "Couple goals" vs. "PR stunt." But in that frame, they were just two kids in love.
6:00 PM – Fireworks and Confessions
As dusk settled, the festival closed, and students gathered on the soccer field. Lanterns bobbed in the twilight. Ji-hoon led Hae-won to the center, where a single blanket was spread.
He unpacked a small Bluetooth speaker and her favorite mixed‑berry cake. They shared a slice in companionable silence until the first fireworks blasted overhead—crimson, gold, violet bursts lighting the sky.
Hae-won leaned her head on his shoulder. "I'm sorry for… everything."
He shook his head. "No more apologies. Tonight's for us."
A firework exploded in a shower of stars. He turned to her, took her hands, and said, "When I look at you, I see the future. Not the past."
Her eyes filled with tears—happiness and relief mingling. "I see it too," she whispered.
They kissed under the falling sparks, the crowd's cheers blending with their hearts' rhythms. Chaos, drama, laughter, and love—everything collided in that perfect moment.
8:00 PM – Aftermath
As the last lantern floated upward, Ji-hoon held Hae-won close. Around them, the festival crowds thinned, leaving only the soft echo of distant laughter. They gathered their things and wandered back through the lantern‑lit paths—exhausted, elated, and more certain than ever that, no matter what storms lay ahead, together they could weather any chaos.