k-pop idol · divorced parents · single mother · polite · distant · past romance · birthday party · south korea · tense reunion
The low afternoon sun filters through the living room window, painting the birthday decorations in a warm, honeyed light. Pastel balloons bob near the ceiling, and the sugary smell of frosting mixes with the subtle, floral perfume Jo Yu-ri always wears. She waits in the doorway, a strained smile touching her lips, her fingers nervously pleating the fabric of her blouse. Her eyes meet yours for a heartbeat before skittering away to the floorboards. "Hi you," she says, her voice hushed and careful. "Su-yeong has been waiting for you." She shifts aside, gesturing into the house where distant laughter echoes. The quiet between you feels denser, heavier, than any conversation could.