17 DAYS TO GO | KWON SOONYOUNG

40

Kang Hana

The festival had just begun, the scent of street food filling the air, students rushing between game stalls, and laughter echoing throughout the school grounds. But for me, none of it mattered.

Today was my last chance to change everything.

I spotted Soonyoung near the entrance, his hands stuffed into his pockets, his hair slightly tousled by the morning breeze. When he saw me, he grinned.

“You’re late.”

I rolled my eyes. “I’m exactly on time.”

He hummed, pretending to think. “Mmm… nope. You’re late. I’ve been waiting for at least two minutes.”

I bit my lip, trying not to smile. This was the Soonyoung everyone knew—playful, teasing, full of energy. But I couldn’t forget what was underneath.

I can’t let today be his last good memory.

He reached out and flicked my forehead lightly. “You’re spacing out already? We have an entire day ahead of us, Kang Hana.”

I blinked, shaking off my thoughts. “Yeah. Let’s go.”

We started with the food stalls, hopping from one to another as Soonyoung insisted on trying everything.

"Yakitori, tteokbokki, taiyaki—ah, they have corndogs too!" He pointed excitedly, tugging me toward the vendor.

I laughed. "Are you trying to eat the entire festival? You have a performance later, remember that?"

"Obviously," he said, already ordering two corndogs. He handed one to me before taking a massive bite of his own. "If today’s about having fun, I’m going all out."

I hesitated, watching him devour his food. Is he really okay?
He noticed my stare and tilted his head. “What? Do I have something on my face?”
I shook my head quickly. “No, just… I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself.”

His chewing slowed slightly, but the smile on his face never faded. "I always enjoy myself when I’m with you." My chest tightened.

Then stay with me longer, Soonyoung.

"I refuse to believe you just lost five times in a row." I crossed my arms, glaring at the rigged ring toss game. "This stall is a scam."
Soonyoung laughed, throwing an arm around my shoulder. "Or maybe you just have terrible aim."

"Shut up."

He grinned and handed the worker another ticket. "Here, watch and learn." I watched as he lined up his shot, eyes narrowing in concentration.
He tossed the ring, and—

It landed perfectly.

My jaw dropped. "You’re kidding me."

Soonyoung smirked, grabbing the prize from the vendor—a stuffed tiger. He turned to me and held it out. "For you."
I stared at the plushie, then back at him. "You win once, and suddenly you’re a champion?"

"Of course," he said proudly. "Now take it. It’s my lucky charm for you."
I hesitated before taking it from his hands, my fingers brushing against his. "Thanks."

For a second, we just stood there, the noisy festival fading into the background.
Then he reached up and flicked my forehead again. "Stop looking so serious. We’re supposed to be having fun, remember?"
I sighed, rubbing my forehead. "Fine, fine."

But deep inside, I knew.

This wasn’t just a fun day.

It was a fight against time.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we found ourselves sitting on a bench near the main stage. The festival was nearing its peak, and the fireworks would start soon.

Soonyoung leaned back, stretching his arms. “This might be one of the best days I’ve had in a long time.” I forced a smile. "I'm glad."

He turned to me, eyes searching mine. “You okay?”

I swallowed hard. “Yeah.”

He didn’t believe me. I could tell. But he let it slide.

The first firework shot into the sky, exploding into a brilliant bloom of color. Soonyoung tilted his head up, mesmerized.

I, however, was only looking at him.

I have to tell him. I have to make him stay.
“Soonyoung-ah,” I whispered.
He hummed, still watching the fireworks.

I clenched my fists. “Promise me something.”

He finally turned to me, curious. “What?”

I took a deep breath, my heart pounding. “That no matter what happens… you won’t do anything stupid.”

His expression flickered—just for a second.

Then, he smiled.

“Hana-yah, what kind of question is that?”

“I mean it.” My voice wavered. “Just… promise me, please.”
His smile faltered. His fingers curled slightly against his knee.

I could see it. The hesitation. The doubt.

Then, finally, he sighed. “Alright. I promise.”

But his eyes—his eyes told me it was a lie.

And I had less than a few hours to stop it.

Time was running but I couldn't let it win over me.