As Suho strolls down the quiet street late at night, heading to the supermarket, the faint glow of streetlights guides his way. Suddenly, as he steps beneath an old, flickering streetlamp, it gives a loud creak. Before Suho can react, the lamp post topples over, and the lamp itself crashes onto the pavement beside him with a loud clang, just grazing his head.

Dazed, Suho watches in amazement as the shattered pieces of the lamp begin to swirl together in a cloud of sparkling, golden dust. The particles twist and turn, forming the outline of a figure. Within seconds, the dust settles, revealing a towering Genie, shimmering with an ethereal blue glow.

The Genie stretches, yawns as if waking from a long slumber, and then looks down at Suho with a wide, mischievous grin. "Finally, free after all these centuries!" the Genie booms, its voice echoing through the empty street. "Thank you, mortal, for releasing me. In return, I shall grant you three wishes! Choose wisely, for the power of the Genie is vast!"

Suho's heart skips a beat, his eyes wide with shock as he stares up at the Genie. His mind races, trying to make sense of what just happened. Did a lamp just fall on his head? Is this some weird dream? The boy takes a step back, his voice trembling as he stammers, "W-what the shit…?"

The Genie's grin widens, clearly amused by Suho's reaction. "Ah, a bit overwhelmed, I see. It’s not every day a magical being appears out of nowhere, is it?" The Genie crosses its arms, floating slightly above the ground as it waits for Suho to gather his thoughts.

Suho shakes his head, still trying to process the situation. "Am I… am I dreaming? Is this real? A Genie? Seriously?"

The Genie chuckles, the sound like distant thunder. "Oh, it’s very real, my friend. And you have three wishes at your disposal. So, what will it be? Riches? Power? Something even more extravagant?"

Suho blinks, the reality of the situation slowly sinking in. Three wishes? He’s never even thought about what he’d wish for if given the chance. "This is insane… but if this is real… I really get three wishes?"

Suho slowly gets up, still rubbing the spot where the lamp grazed his head. He glances at the towering Genie, who’s hovering with that same amused expression. Suho takes a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "Well… it seems believable enough," he mutters, more to himself than to the Genie.

The Genie nods, floating closer. "Indeed it is. So, what will be your first wish? Remember, you have only three, so choose wisely."

Suho straightens up, the initial shock starting to wear off. "Three wishes, huh…" He starts to think, realizing that this could be the opportunity of a lifetime. "I should probably be careful with this. No take-backs, right?"

The Genie smirks. "No take-backs, no do-overs. Once a wish is made, it's final."

The Genie raises an eyebrow, its glowing eyes narrowing playfully. "Gotta say, you look pretty young to be wandering around here all alone at this time of night, Suho."

Suho, still trying to wrap his head around everything, shrugs casually. "Well, I went to the supermarket. Just needed to grab a few things."

The Genie chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound that seems to echo through the empty street. "Ah, the late-night snack run, I see. But now, instead of groceries, you’ve found something far more extraordinary." The Genie’s expression softens slightly as it continues, "But tell me, Suho, what could be so important that you'd be out here at this hour?"

Suho glances around the deserted street, then back at the Genie. "Honestly, I wasn’t expecting anything out of the ordinary. Just a quick trip for some food. But now… well, I guess things just got a lot more interesting."

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Suho lets out a small, self-conscious laugh. "Dumb, right? I was just grabbing apples… A girl I know likes them."

The Genie tilts its head, a knowing smile creeping across its face. "Ah, I see. The things we do for love, or perhaps for a chance at it." The Genie's tone is teasing but not unkind. "So, a girl, huh? Seems like this trip might be more important than you thought."

Suho rubs the back of his neck, feeling a bit embarrassed but also a little amused. "Yeah, I guess so. I didn’t expect to run into a Genie while I was at it, though."

The Genie chuckles warmly, its deep voice carrying a hint of nostalgia. "No need to be embarrassed, kid. I understand young love well, believe me. You like this girl, don't you? It's written all over your face!"

Suho feels his face heat up at the Genie's words but tries to brush it off with a wave of his hand. "Yeah, yeah, I get it. But let’s not dwell on that."

The Genie grins, clearly enjoying Suho's reaction. "Alright, alright. But remember, a wish could help with that, too. Just something to keep in mind."

Suho shakes his head, trying to change the subject. "Let’s get going. Do I need to bring that lamp with me, or…?"

The Genie laughs, a sound like rolling thunder. "No need, Suho. I’m not bound to any lamp anymore. You freed me, so I’m with you now until your wishes are granted." The Genie hovers closer, ready to follow Suho wherever he goes next. "So, shall we continue on to the supermarket? Or do you have something else in mind now that you’ve got a Genie by your side?" The Genie crosses its arms, feigning offense as it raises an eyebrow. "What? But you said you were getting apples for her! Are you really going to hold out on her now that you have a literal wish-granting entity at your disposal?"

Suho stops in his tracks, caught off guard by the Genie's words. "I mean, yeah, I was… but I wasn’t planning on using a wish for that!" He laughs nervously, trying to explain. "I figured I’d just, you know, buy the apples like a normal person."

The Genie huffs, still pretending to be upset. "Tsk, tsk. Such modesty. Here I am, ready to grant you anything your heart desires, and you’re settling for a grocery run! You could wish for the perfect moment with her, the most delicious apples she’s ever tasted, or even something grander! But instead…"

Suho shakes his head, smiling despite himself. "Alright, alright, I get it. But I don’t think I need a wish for that. Sometimes the little things matter more, you know?"

The Genie's expression softens, and it nods approvingly. "Ah, wise beyond your years. I see now why you’re out here late at night, running errands. But still, the offer stands. Just say the word, and I’ll make those apples truly unforgettable."

Suho suddenly pauses, a thought crossing his mind. "Hey, one question—can only I see you?"

The Genie chuckles softly, nodding. "Ah, a good question. Yes, Suho, only you can see and hear me. To everyone else, I’m invisible, just a faint breeze in the night. You won’t have to worry about anyone else noticing a giant, floating Genie following you around."

Suho lets out a sigh of relief. "Good. That would’ve been a bit hard to explain." He glances around, still a bit wary. "I guess that makes things easier, though. No one will think I’m losing it if I’m talking to thin air."

The Genie grins. "Exactly. So, where to next? Still headed for those apples, or have you thought of a wish you’d like to make?"

4o

Tomorrow

The Genie nods understandingly, its ethereal glow dimming slightly as it hovers beside Suho. "Very well. Tomorrow it is. I’ll be here whenever you’re ready to make your wishes. Take your time, Suho. There's no rush."

Suho nods, feeling a strange mix of excitement and anticipation. "Alright. Thanks, Genie. Guess I’ll finish up my grocery run for tonight and think about those wishes later."

The Genie gives a warm smile. "Sounds like a plan. I’ll be around when you need me." With that, the Genie fades into the background, leaving Suho alone with his thoughts as he continues on his way to the supermarket, the night feeling just a little more magical.

4o