if it's meant to be | ni-ki

the streets were alive with the quiet hum of life waking up. yejin hurriedly threw her bag over her shoulder as she stood by the gate, waving goodbye to her grandparents. "i'll visit soon!" she called out, her voice bright but slightly rushed.

"we'll be waiting," her grandma said with a smile, her hand resting on her grandpa's arm as they waved back.

yejin hopped onto her bike, adjusting her bag as she pedaled down the street. the cool wind brushed against her face, but she didn't slow down. she knew niki would be on his way to school already, and she wanted to catch up with him.

ahead, she spotted his familiar figure walking leisurely, his bag slung lazily over one shoulder. "niki!" she called out, her voice carrying over the quiet neighborhood.

he turned his head slightly, raising an eyebrow as she rolled up beside him on her bike. "you're late today," he said, his tone casual but teasing.

yejin puffed out her cheeks, trying to catch her breath. "i had to say goodbye to my grandparents... you're not usually this slow in the morning."

niki smirked. "maybe i'm just taking my time for once. you always look like you're racing someone."

"well, maybe i am," she shot back, her eyes narrowing playfully. "you, for instance."

"you're gonna need a motor on that thing if you think you can keep up with me," he replied, his smirk widening.

"just watch me," she said with determination, pedaling a bit ahead of him as he shakes his head.

the two fell into a comfortable rhythm as they made their way to school, the sound of their bike tires blending into the quiet buzz of the morning. it was a routine they didn't acknowledge much, but one that felt oddly reassuring.

yejin walked into class, the familiar buzz of chatter filling the room. she slid into her seat, pulling out her sketchbook, letting her pencil dance across the paper absentmindedly. it was a quiet habit of hers, something to pass the time before class officially began.

as the door creaked open, yejin glanced up to see hana strolling in, her usual bright energy lighting up the room. "morning!" hana chirped, waving at yejin as she made her way to her seat.

but someone else caught yejin's attention—a boy she hadn't seen before. he followed the teacher inside, his posture relaxed, a small, polite smile on his face. the class quieted down as the teacher clapped their hands.

"everyone, we have a new student joining us today," the teacher announced. "jaehyun, would you like to introduce yourself?"

the boy stepped forward, his voice calm and steady. "hi, i'm jaehyun. i just moved here, and i'm looking forward to getting to know everyone."

yejin blinked, her curiosity piqued as he scanned the room briefly before taking the empty seat next to her. she quickly looked down at her sketchbook, pretending to be focused, but she couldn't help sneaking a glance at him as he settled in.

"hey," he said, his voice low but friendly, as he turned toward her.

yejin hesitated for a moment before offering a small smile. "hi."

he glanced at her open sketchbook, noticing the half-finished drawings scattered across the page. "oh, you're an art student?" he asked, his tone curious. "me too."

yejin's eyes flickered up to him, slightly surprised. "really?"

he nodded, a small grin forming. "yeah. i used to take art classes back where i lived. i guess now i'll have to see if i can keep up with you," he added, nodding toward her sketchbook.