criminal love; jungwon

2

The sun had barely risen when Jungwon stepped onto the school grounds. The air was crisp, carrying a faint chill that hinted at the season's change. The quiet campus felt peaceful, a stark contrast to the usual chaos. For once, he felt... free.

He wandered aimlessly for a while before settling near the school garden. The early hour gave him time—something he rarely had—and he knew exactly how he wanted to spend it. He reached into his bag, pulling out his prized possession: a vintage camera, slightly worn but well-loved.

Photography was his escape. Through the lens, he could frame the world however he wanted—quiet, serene, beautiful. It was a world where he had control.

Jungwon adjusted the settings, feeling the familiar weight of the camera in his hands. He began snapping photos: the dew-kissed grass, the way sunlight filtered through the leaves, the vibrant blooms swaying gently in the breeze.

As he moved to capture another shot, something—or rather, someone—caught his eye. Sitting on a bench, engrossed in a book, was Nanhee. The morning light seemed to drape around her, casting a soft glow. She looked... ethereal.

Jungwon’s finger hovered over the shutter button. He didn’t mean to, but the moment was too perfect to ignore. Without thinking, he clicked. The camera’s soft click broke the silence, and Nanhee’s head snapped up.

Their eyes met, and Jungwon froze.

A slow smile spread across Nanhee’s face. “Were you... taking pictures of me?” she asked, closing her book.

Jungwon felt his face heat up. He quickly lowered the camera, shaking his head. “N-No. It was an accident.”

Nanhee stood, walking over to him with an amused glint in her eyes. “An accident, huh?” she teased, tilting her head. “Let me see.”

Before he could protest, she reached for the camera. Jungwon hesitated but handed it over reluctantly. Nanhee scrolled through the photos, stopping at the one he had just taken.

She studied it for a moment, then smiled. “Not bad. You have a good eye.”

Jungwon shuffled awkwardly. “I... like photography,” he mumbled.

Nanhee handed the camera back. “It shows.” She sat down on the grass, patting the spot next to her. “Join me?”

Jungwon hesitated. He wasn’t used to this—people inviting him to sit, treating him like he mattered. But something about Nanhee’s easygoing demeanor made it hard to refuse.

He sat down, keeping a respectful distance. Nanhee leaned back, gazing up at the sky. “I didn’t peg you as the artistic type,” she mused.

Jungwon shrugged. “It’s just a hobby.”

“Well, it’s a good one,” she said. “Better than most.”

Silence stretched between them, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. For once, Jungwon felt... normal.

After a while, Nanhee turned to him. “Do you have more photos? I’d like to see them.”

Jungwon hesitated but nodded. He flipped through his camera, showing her shots of landscapes, flowers, and candid moments around the town. Nanhee admired each one, offering genuine compliments.

“These are amazing,” she said, looking at him with newfound respect. “You should do something with this talent.”

Jungwon shrugged again. “It’s just for me.”

Nanhee smiled softly. “Sometimes, that’s the best reason to do something.”

The bell rang, breaking the moment. Nanhee stood, brushing off her skirt. “Thanks for sharing,” she said, offering him a hand.

Jungwon took it, feeling a strange warmth in her touch. As they walked back to the school building, he couldn’t help but glance at her from time to time.

For the first time in a long while, he felt like maybe, just maybe, things could change.