Summer Uniforms and a Hesitant Rejection
The lingering afterglow of the upcoming summer school trip hadn't quite faded when, one day in June, a sudden burst of early summer heat swept in over the weekend, transforming the school's landscape overnight.
"Ugh, it's boiling already in the morning. Can't they crank the AC higher?"
"They said we can mix in summer uniforms starting today—why are you still in long sleeves? Didn't you hear?"
The classroom buzzed with energy as kids stuffed their stuffy spring-and-fall uniforms into lockers and switched to the thin, white short-sleeved summer uniforms. "Ooh, summer uniform looks good on you—got some real color now?"
The moment Nam Siu walked in through the back door, Seo Juwon playfully smacked his shoulder. Siu had pulled out his crisp, newly ironed white short-sleeved summer shirt for the first time today. The arms peeking from the thin, short sleeves weren't the scrawny twigs they used to be, the kind that looked like they'd snap with a tap. That was the result of Seo Juwon and Park Geon dragging him to bare-knuckle workouts even on days he didn't want to go.
"Whoa, veins popping on those forearms? Sneaky muscle gains, huh? Escaping the anchovy phase?"
"Ugh, stop poking already. It tickles."
Park Geon prodded Siu's forearms curiously, and Siu waved him off, embarrassed.
"Uwaaah~ How does it get this hot all of a sudden~?"
As the guys chatted, Go Dasom and the other girls filed in, whining. They looked unfamiliar in the fitted summer uniforms after always wearing baggy spring ones, but their killer visuals made it work without awkwardness.
And when Baek Isul walked in last, Siu couldn't help but grin like an idiot. White short-sleeved blouse, neat navy skirt—a pristine summer uniform look on her. She frowned slightly, worn by the heat, but her pale skin and sleek black bob paired perfectly with the light fabric, giving off a cool, refreshing vibe. The stuffy classroom air felt instantly clearer.
As Siu stared dazedly, Isul's gaze—mid-conversation with Ji Yoon—drifted naturally his way.
"...?"
Her eyes skimmed past his glasses-framed face, lingering just a beat on his forearms below the short sleeves.
"...What the."
She muttered and walked right up to him.
"W-Why?"
Siu flailed, trying to hide his arms behind his back at her sudden approach. Isul let out a soft chuckle.
"Thought you were all bones, but you pass for human now."
Her teasing words came with a faint smile tugging at her red lips. That playful praise turned the tips of Siu's ears scorching hot, like midsummer sun.
"Ooh~ Baek Isul gives her seal of approval? Our Nam-chin is on the road to buff now. Gotta train you harder."
Park Geon slung an arm over Siu's shoulder like it was his own victory, and Class 1's room filled with the kids' lively morning clamor.
Ding-dong-dang-dong—
"Ah, bell already. We're out!"
The ruthless start-of-class bell rang, and friends scattered to their rooms, wrapping up the brief morning chaos.
Morning classes flew by unnoticed, and by 7th period, the heavy afternoon drowsiness had set in. Club time— what every student awaited—finally arrived.
"Man, the weather's insane. Soccer in this heat?"
Seo Juwon, who'd slept through 6th period, now fanned himself at the window, clicking his tongue. But despite the griping, he was already grabbing his cleats, heading for the field.
"Yo, Nam-chin! Going ahead! Stay cool in the AC library with your books. *Sniff*..."
Juwon teared up dramatically in his gym clothes as he left; Park Geon smacked his back with a guffaw. The soccer club crew clattered down the stairs, while others crisscrossed the halls for their clubs.
Siu, grabbing his books, spotted the girls heading to the movie club through the hallway window and bolted out.
"Isul!"
The four ahead turned back in sync.
"Oh, Nam-chin! Library?"
"Yeah, time to head over."
"How do you still have books left after reading every day?"
Go Dasom greeted him warmly from the lead, while Chaerin eyed his book and stuck out her tongue.
"Plenty of books out there. Curious? Wanna try one?"
Chaerin gagged and turned away at his offer.
"You read 'em hard~ I cut ties with words ages ago."
Siu laughed and fell in behind them, sidling up to Isul.
"Whatcha watching today?"
"Dunno? Planning to crash in the cool classroom."
"Sleeping with blasting AC is the best. Don't catch a cold."
Siu chuckled along. Back then, he'd have sweated bullets just keeping the convo going, but now he could chat with her casually—a sign of growth.
Before long, amid the lively banter, they reached the movie club's room.
"Whew, straight to nap mode. See ya, Nam-chin!"
"Don't read till your eyes fall out. Moderation~"
Dasom and Chaerin pushed into the AV room first; Ji Yoon waved and followed. Siu waved back lightly.
Isul, last in line and holding the door, paused and glanced back.
"You too."
"...?"
"Don't just read—nap a bit. Dark circles under your eyes."
She tossed that out and slipped inside before he could reply. Siu stared blankly at the closed door, barely suppressing a smile as he turned away.
'Dark circles that bad...?'
He rubbed under his eyes absentmindedly, his steps to the library at the end of the old building's fourth floor feeling feather-light despite the sweltering heat.
Creak—
Cool AC air hit him like a welcome hug the moment he opened the door, erasing the hallway's sticky warmth. The familiar scent of aged paper hung calmly. Even rowdy kids rarely invaded this quietest, most peaceful spot in school.
Siu wove past a few heat-exhausted kids slumped asleep at desks, heading to his usual window corner seat. But as he neared, someone was already there, face-down like it was reserved—light brown wavy hair brushing her shoulders. Min Arin, his only friend in the reading club.
"Mm... Siu?"
She lifted her head sleepily at his footsteps, smiling through round glasses with drowsy eyes.
"Yeah. You're early."
"Duh! Been waiting forever for 7th."
As Siu sat beside her and set out his books, Arin openly eyed his forearms under the summer shirt.
"Whoa. First time I saw you, thought a breeze would carry you off... totally different person now?"
Siu coughed awkwardly at her filterless honesty.
"Ahem... Just friends forcing workouts on me."
"For 'forced,' that's some change. Oh yeah, saw you sans glasses on the school trip—back to them?"
Arin propped her chin on both hands, staring openly. Her warm, ticklish gaze disarmed him. Siu fiddled with his books, dropping his eyes.
"Lenses daily's a hassle. Glasses are comfier still."
"Aw... Waste. No-glasses you was total heartthrob. But this suits you too."
As Siu smiled awkwardly and tried changing the subject with his books out—
Thud.
Arin slid something cold-beaded his way: sweet canned coffee.
"What's this?"
"Found it! Kidding—hot day, right? Cool off while reading."
She winked playfully, leaning in close, voice dropping. A faint soap scent wafted over.
"Hey, Siu. Weekend plans? Busy?"
"Weekend? Nah, no real plans..."
"For real?! Awesome! There's this movie I really wanna see, but other friends hate the genre. Kinda lame solo..."
Her big eyes sparkled expectantly at him.
"If you're free, wanna go with me?"
Even oblivious Siu caught this wasn't just club buddy stuff. He'd never been near a theater alone with a girl in his life.
His mind flashed to Isul's face for a split second. His eyes darted wildly.
"Uh... that is..."
He toyed with the cold can, swallowing dryly. Arin's earnest gaze felt heavy, guilty—but he decided.
Even if it was just friendly movie-buddy hunting, going solo on a weekend with his heart full of someone else felt disrespectful. And whenever he did sit beside someone for a movie, he wanted it to be Isul—no question.
Her expectant eyes weighed on him, but instinct screamed not to leave wiggle room.
"Arin, really sorry. This weekend Juwon and Geon are dragging me to workouts all day... no time at all."
Not a lie—he was literally hauled to the gym weekends.
Siu softened his rejection with max regret.
"Aw, seriously?"
A flicker of undisguised disappointment crossed her eyes, but she nodded coolly, back to her cheery self.
"Bummer. Workouts, huh—can't fight that! Got it. Movie next time then! No backing out?"
Her smooth retreat with a sly next-time hook had Siu scratching his neck sheepishly.
'...Overreacting?'
He felt a bit silly, all tensed up from the firm no.