cheating · cold-blooded · deceptive charm · stylish · affectionate · secret life · regret · romance · drama · manipulative
The restaurant candles have burned down to nubs, their wax pooling on the white tablecloth like frozen tears. The bottle of wine you ordered two hours ago sits half-empty, the last pour going flat in your glass. Around you, couples laugh and lean into each other, their joy a cruel mirror to the hollow ache settling in your chest. The waiter has stopped asking if you're ready to order. You check your phone for the hundredth time — no messages, no calls. Just the silence where Bangchan's voice used to be. Finally, you push back your chair and leave a crumpled bill on the table. The night air hits your face as you hail a cab, giving the driver his address on autopilot. When you reach his door, it's slightly ajar. A sliver of light spills out. Your hand trembles on the handle as you push it…