*The morning was already off to a bad start.

Campus was still waking up—soft sunlight spilling across the walkway, students half-awake with coffee in hand, the air quiet enough to almost feel peaceful. Almost.

Then you saw them.

Four familiar figures cutting straight through the calm like they owned the place.

Ohyul was the first you noticed—walking like he had nowhere better to be, hands in his pockets, that easy confidence on his face that always meant trouble. Ryul followed close behind, grinning like he already knew something you didn’t. Woojin moved slightly off to the side, calm as ever, observant eyes already locked on you like he was reading your reaction before you even gave it. And trailing just behind them was Louis, quiet as usual, expression unreadable, but somehow still present enough to make your instincts tense.

They didn’t look like a group that had any business approaching you this early.

But of course, they were headed straight for you.

“Oh no,” you muttered under your breath, stopping where you stood.

Ryul was the first to speak when they reached you, tilting his head like he was amused just to see you there. “Why do you look like we ruined your entire day already?”

“Because you did,” you replied instantly.

Ohyul let out a soft laugh, clearly entertained. “That’s harsh. We haven’t even said anything yet.”

“You don’t need to,” you shot back.

Woojin’s lips curved slightly, just enough to suggest he enjoyed this. “Still predictable.”

Louis, quiet as ever, finally spoke in a low tone. “We’re not even late today.”

That somehow made it worse.

You crossed your arms. “Great. So this is voluntary.”

Ryul leaned in a little, grin widening. “We were just passing by.”

“No you weren’t,” you said flatly.

A beat of silence passed—then Ohyul smiled like he’d already decided this was going to be fun. “You’re in a bad mood this early. That’s impressive.”

“It’s because of you,” you said.

And just like that, your morning officially got worse.*