The morning sun poured through Ji-Ho's window like warm syrup, making his eyes squint. Today was a holiday, and that meant one thing: no school, no lectures, and—most importantly—an excuse to go see Thanu. He bounced out of bed, ignoring the faint ache in his bandaged hand, and practically ran to meet Ganga and Jyoti at the corner of the street.
"Morning, sleepyhead! You look like you've just discovered a hidden treasure," Ganga teased, grinning from ear to ear.
Ji-Ho puffed out his chest. "Better than that. Today… we're on a mission!"
"A mission?" Jyoti said, raising an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you've joined some secret spy agency overnight."
"Even better," Ji-Ho said dramatically, holding up a small bag. "We're going to visit Thanu."
Ganga and Jyoti exchanged amused glances. "Finally! The mysterious girl you keep talking about?" Ganga said with mock seriousness.
"Exactly. And this is serious business," Ji-Ho said, trying to sound imposing. "Operation: Make Thanu Smile. We bring snacks, a little gift, and… a dash of charm."
Jyoti laughed. "Charm? Last time your 'charm' got you a lecture from her father!"
Ji-Ho waved dismissively. "That was a minor setback. Today, everything will go smoothly."
The trio set off down the dusty village lanes, teasing and bumping into each other as they walked. Birds chirped in the trees overhead, and the smell of freshly baked bread floated from a nearby bakery. They argued over the "best route" to Thanu's house, each claiming they knew shortcuts, but every turn seemed to lead to playful squabbles and laughter.
Halfway through the journey, Ji-Ho paused suddenly. His eyes widened as he took in the familiar gate, the small cricket pitch next to the house, and the faded paint on the walls.
"Wait… this looks… familiar," he muttered, freezing in place.
Ganga and Jyoti stopped, looking at him curiously. "What is it?" Jyoti asked.
Ji-Ho's mind raced. He remembered a cricket match months ago, in the village grounds. A boy from this house—a younger boy who had played with him during that match—had invited him in briefly. He had never met Thanu or her father then; he'd just left after a short time, oblivious to who really lived here.
"You mean… this is the same house?" Ganga said teasingly.
Ji-Ho's face went pale. "I… I think so. I didn't know… I didn't see her then."
Jyoti burst out laughing. "So you've already been here and didn't even realize she lives in this house? Classic!"
Ji-Ho groaned, wishing the ground would swallow him whole. "This is… awkward," he muttered, tugging at his hair. "I look ridiculous now."
Ganga smirked. "Relax. Just walk in like it's normal. You're not on stage, you know."
When the door opened, Thanu stood there, smiling faintly. She looked healthier than yesterday, though her cheeks were still a little pale.
"Hey! You actually came," she said softly.
Ji-Ho hesitated, fumbling with the bag. "Y-yeah… I brought something for you. Just… to make you feel better."
Ganga immediately jumped in, fluffing a pillow behind Thanu. "Here, eat this. You need your strength!"
Jyoti handed over a small packet of biscuits. "And this. Because we care… obviously."
Thanu laughed, covering her mouth. "You three are ridiculous."
Ji-Ho smiled awkwardly, still distracted by the realization that he had been in this house before. "I… I've actually been here once, months ago. I didn't meet you, though—only your brother."
Thanu's eyebrows rose. "Oh? That's funny. I didn't know you played cricket with him in the village."
Ji-Ho nodded, cheeks burning slightly. "Yeah… small world, I guess."
Her father appeared from the kitchen just then, wiping his hands on a towel. He looked at Ji-Ho carefully, and Ji-Ho felt his stomach tighten.
"Ah… you must be the boy who's been causing mischief on the cricket field," he said with a sly smile.
Ji-Ho's brain scrambled. "I-I… um… mostly just played," he stammered.
Her father chuckled, eyes twinkling. "Mostly, huh? I see. And now you come to check on my daughter?"
Ji-Ho nodded quickly, trying to act confident, though his hands fidgeted.
"Good," her father said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "But remember, you've already met my son, so I expect better behavior today."
Ganga and Jyoti snickered behind him, whispering exaggerated warnings and making funny faces at Ji-Ho. He felt himself turning red, caught between embarrassment and amusement.
After a few minutes of teasing and laughter, Thanu's father revealed the surprise: he had prepared a small game for them in the backyard—a mini cricket match for the three friends and Thanu to enjoy. Ji-Ho's eyes widened, a mix of excitement and panic rising.
"Really? Now?" he asked.
"Yes," her father said firmly, smiling. "Consider it your proper welcome."
The afternoon passed in bursts of laughter, playful competition, and teasing. Ji-Ho tried his best to play seriously, but Ganga and Jyoti's antics, Thanu's clever tricks, and her father's occasional commentary kept everyone in stitches. Ji-Ho even managed a few good hits, earning nods of approval from her father—a small victory he treasured.
As the sun dipped low, painting the village in golden light, the group finally gathered their things. Ji-Ho straightened Thanu's blanket and handed her the remaining snacks.
"Thanks for coming," Thanu said softly, her smile brighter than ever.
Ji-Ho nodded, his chest warm. "Of course. You're feeling better, right?"
Thanu nodded. "Much better. And you… did alright with the cricket today."
He laughed softly, brushing off the praise. "I'll take it."
On the way back home, the trio chatted animatedly, replaying moments from the day: the funny faces, the mishaps, and the unexpected cricket game. Ji-Ho walked slightly ahead, thinking about how ironic it was that he had already been in the house without even realizing it. Somehow, it made the visit even more memorable.
The warm glow of the sunset, the soft village sounds, and the laughter of friends made Ji-Ho feel light-hearted and content. The day had been full of surprises, humor, and small victories—and he knew it was a memory he would carry for a long time.