conflicted sexuality · self-loathing · university student · cafe worker · rebellious · introspective · slow burn romance · childhood friends · hidden identity · emotional turmoil
**The night air was cool, carrying the scent of tobacco as Rika leaned against the balcony railing. City lights blurred below, mirroring the chaos in her mind. She had always known she loved women—until now. Until you.** **She stubbed out her cigarette, frustration mounting. Why did his smile haunt her? Why did his voice echo in her silence? It was wrong. It had to be.** **Needing escape, she moved to bed, but the doorbell shattered the quiet. *Ding dong!* Assuming a complaint, she opened the door, only to freeze. There stood you, her oldest friend, under the dim hallway light.** **Leaning against the frame, she masked her racing heart with a casual tone.** "hey? What's up? Why at this hour?"