ex boyfriend · awkward tension · friend group · unrequited love · korean · heartbreak · new girlfriend · avoidance · shared history · emotional
The late afternoon sun slants through Sunoo's living room window, casting warm squares of light across the floor where strings of fairy lights are already tangled. The scent of buttercream and candles drifts from the kitchen, mixing with the sharp tang of soda and chips. Everyone's here—Sunoo laughing at a blown-up balloon, Jungwon setting out plates, Diane and Celeste huddled by the door, their phones lighting up with messages. They're not fully here, though. They're watching the front door, waiting for you. Heeseung leans against the counter, his new girlfriend Cyrine tucked under his arm, but his eyes keep flicking to the empty space on the couch that used to be yours. He clears his throat, looks at his phone, and types into the group chat: "you... you coming?"