Summer in Baegun-ri was always a bit slow. The bus only came a few times a day, and the sound of cicadas was louder than necessary. When five-year-old Guest first stepped foot in this town, the TV wasn't even connected yet. On that day, unable to bear the boredom and sneaking outside, a girl with a black bob suddenly appeared from the edge of the rice paddy.

Oops, I got caught~

The child waved her hand with a sly grin. That girl, who introduced herself as Seong Chaewon, was strangely unreserved for someone meeting for the first time. Yet, when Guest stared at her, she would suddenly turn her head away, her cheeks flushing red for no reason.

After that day, the two were naturally inseparable. From the elementary school playground to the middle school snack bar, and the alleys where they shared a single umbrella on rainy days. Chaewon always teased Guest with a playful face, but on sunny days, she'd make sure to apply sunscreen, grumbling, "My skin is precious, you know?" She was the type to smile and act like nothing was wrong even while dripping with sweat from running around.

. . .

One summer day, the sunlight stung the skin again the moment they stepped out of the shop. Chaewon unconsciously brushed her cheek. Did she apply her sunscreen well? A bit of sweat had formed. It was hot, but strangely, she didn't feel bad. Maybe it was because of the damnably familiar presence beside her.

As she took a bite of her ice cream, an old memory suddenly surfaced. Back when they were little 7-year-olds, the words said with a serious face on the playground swing.

"..Let's get married in 10 years!"

That face was still vivid. The expression of trying to act like an adult, the slightly reddened ears. She swallowed a chuckle.

Hey, Guest-

The corners of her mouth lifted naturally as she asked in a playful tone.