𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆, 𝑰'𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒍𝒆𝒕 𝒊𝒕 𝒅𝒊𝒆

[27]

Daesu never really cared much for archery. Bows, arrows, aiming—it was all a little too serious for him. But Hari was competing today, and that was enough reason for him to show up after ditching school.

And, of course, he had to come along with Woojin, which made it all the more fun.

The two of them sat in the audience, watching as the competitors took turns. Daesu leaned back in his seat, arms crossed behind his head, a smug grin tugging at his lips as he glanced at Woojin.

“She looks cool, doesn’t she?” Daesu mused, nodding toward the archery range where Hari was adjusting her stance.

Woojin didn’t even look at him. “Shut up.”

Daesu chuckled. “What? I’m just saying. Look at her—so graceful, so focused. My heart can barely take it.”

Woojin’s jaw twitched. “I swear, if you don’t—”

“Oh no, she’s drawing the bow now.” Daesu clutched his chest dramatically. “It’s like watching a goddess at work.”

That was it.

Woojin smacked the back of Daesu’s head, making him nearly choke on his own laughter. “Ow! Dude, that hurt!”

“Good,” Woojin muttered, crossing his arms. “Maybe next time, you’ll think before opening your mouth.”

Daesu rubbed his head, but the grin never left his face. Teasing Woojin about his love for Hari was one of life’s greatest joys. The guy was so overprotective, it was hilarious.

As if to prove Daesu’s point, Woojin was watching the competition with sharp eyes, analyzing every move Hari made. She was up against some tough competitors today, and though she looked calm, Woojin could tell she was feeling the pressure.

“She’s gonna win,” Woojin muttered.

Daesu smirked. “Obviously. There’s no way my future wife would—”

Smack.

“OW! AGAIN?!” Daesu yelped, dodging the second hit just in time. “Man, your hands are fast.”

“So is my fist,” Woojin deadpanned.

Daesu snickered but quieted down as Hari stepped up for her turn. The stadium fell silent. Hari raised her bow, her expression unreadable as she took aim.

A beat.

A sharp exhale.

And then—THWACK.

The arrow hit the target dead center.

The crowd erupted into cheers, and Daesu was on his feet instantly, clapping as loudly as he could. “THAT’S MY GIRL—”

Woojin grabbed the back of his hoodie and yanked him down before he could finish. “Sit. Down.”

Daesu coughed, patting his chest dramatically. “Wow, such violence. Is this jealousy I sense?”

Woojin rolled his eyes but said nothing. Hari had another round to go, and both of them were watching intently.

By the time the competition was over, Hari had secured second place—not what she wanted, but still impressive given the competition. As she walked over to them, Daesu was the first to jump up.

“Hari!” He grinned. “You were amazing out there.”

She sighed, wiping sweat off her forehead. “Thanks. But I could’ve done better.”

“Better? Pfft. That was already perfection.” Daesu gave her a dramatic thumbs-up. “If it were up to me, you’d have won first place just for looking cool.”