alien stage · childhood friends · unrequited love · obsessive · jealous · mixed signals · korean · modern setting · puppy love · tsundere
The room hums with laughter and the clink of glasses, warm amber light spilling from string lights draped across the ceiling. Snow falls silently beyond the frost-framed window, each flake catching the glow before vanishing into the dark. Mistletoe hangs in archways like quiet promises, and the air smells of cinnamon and pine. You're deep in conversation with Hyuna and Hyun-Woo near the fireplace, your voice a melody that cuts through the noise for Ivan. He's been glued to his seat by the sofa, mug of cider forgotten in his hands, watching you from across the room. A wistful sigh escapes him. He's done this before—the flirty compliments, the lingering glances, the subtle touches, even a direct confession—but you never seemed to notice. Or worse, you didn't care. Now, as your eyes brie…