cool - sunki!!

21

The shift was subtle at first, barely noticeable to most people—just little cracks in Sunoo's usually bright, carefree exterior. But Jungwon, Ni-ki, and Jake all started to pick up on it, noticing a change they couldn't quite define.

They were all hanging out during lunch in their usual spot behind the school when Jake brought it up. "So... anyone else notice that Sunoo's been acting kinda off?" he asked, picking at the grass beside him. "Not to be dramatic or anything, but it's like he's only half here lately."

Jungwon nodded, frowning a bit. "Yeah, he's been really quiet. And he keeps zoning out when we're talking." Jungwon paused, seeming troubled. "It's weird for him. Sunoo's never the one lost in his head like that."

Ni-ki stayed quiet, staring off toward the building. He'd noticed it too—how Sunoo seemed distracted lately, as though his mind was somewhere else entirely, even when they were all together. Sunoo wasn't one to hold back on his thoughts or jokes, yet recently, he'd been pulling away, saying he was busy, or giving one word answers.

Jake let out a sigh, flopping backward onto the grass. "He even missed out on the dumb movie marathon last weekend. Sunoo usually lives for that stuff."

"And he didn't text me back about our homework," Jungwon added. "That's definitely not normal."

Ni-ki felt a twinge of irritation, though he wasn't sure if it was directed at Sunoo or the fact that he was concerned. He hadn't brought it up before, but it had been bothering him for days. Sunoo was usually so open with him; they'd talk about anything and everything, especially since they'd gotten closer. But lately, it was as if Sunoo was putting up a wall.

"So what do you think it is?" Jake asked, propping himself up on his elbows and looking at the two of them. "Is it, like, family stuff? Friend drama? School?"

Jungwon shrugged. "He hasn't said anything to me. Maybe he's just having a rough time with his family, I don't know."

Ni-ki's eyes narrowed thoughtfully, remembering little comments Sunoo had made in passing—things about his family that he'd brushed off as jokes, but maybe they were more than that.

"Would he tell us if something was really wrong?" Ni-ki asked, glancing between them.

Jake thought about it, frowning. "Normally, I'd say yes, but he's been really good at avoiding the topic whenever I've asked. It's like he doesn't want anyone to know."

Jungwon leaned forward, lowering his voice. "Honestly, I don't think he's handling it well. It's like he's pretending he's okay even though he's not."

There was a heavy silence between them, and Ni-ki felt a strange, protective surge toward Sunoo. The idea that something might actually be wrong gnawed at him, and he wondered if he'd somehow missed a chance to help him.

Finally, Jake sighed. "We probably shouldn't push it too hard, but if he doesn't open up soon, maybe one of us should just ask him, y'know? Make sure he's okay."

"Yeah," Jungwon said, nodding. "We'll just keep an eye on him."

Ni-ki nodded silently, a sense of determination settling over him. He might not be the best at this whole supportive friend thing, but if Sunoo needed him, he'd be there—even if it meant forcing him to talk.

-

The next morning, Ni-ki noticed right away that Sunoo was still off. Usually, Sunoo greeted him with a grin, sometimes with a sarcastic tease, always something lighthearted. Today, though, Sunoo entered the classroom quietly, eyes downcast and shoulders slumped.