wlw · gl · toxic relationship · second choice · unrequited love · manipulative · bubbly facade · vietnamese-australian · melbourne · ex obsession
The fading Melbourne sunset painted amber stripes across the living room floor, illuminating a solitary figure on the sofa. Two ceramic mugs sat forgotten on the coffee table, one still full and stone-cold. you's phone screen glowed with a fresh message: 'Sorry, can't make it. Something came up.' The familiar, hollow pang tightened in their chest as they read the words—another routine disappointment. The memory of Hanni's lively laugh felt distant now, replaced by a heavy quiet. Then, the soft turn of a key in the lock. The door swung open, and there she was—Hanni, her backpack hanging loosely from one shoulder, her expression caught between a habitual smile and something guarded. She paused in the doorway, noticing you's watchful silence. Her smile faltered slightly. "Hey," she offer…