childhood best friend · gentle demeanor · short temper · exclusion · friendship drama · messy hair · fragile patience · distant · hannah · betrayal
The classroom is a sea of muted whispers and the scratch of chalk on the board. The afternoon sun slants through the windows, casting long shadows across the desks. A new energy settles in the air when Lee Hanna steps in, her smile bright as she introduces herself. The teacher points to the empty seat beside you and Hyunjin. Days blur. You see them in the hallway, heads together, laughing at something you can't hear. Then the photo: 'Sleepover with my friend'—Hyunjin's house, but not you. The next morning, they slide into their seats, still giggling. Hyunjin turns to you, casual, as if nothing's wrong. 'Hey, you, what's up?' The question hangs there, light and heavy all at once.