seventeen · ex boyfriend · polite distance · moved on · gentle · kpop idol · new girlfriend · unrequited love · realistic romance
The warm glow of your living room spills through the windows as you unlock the door, the scent of vanilla candles mixing with the faint perfume of fresh flowers. You’ve barely stepped inside when the lights flash on and a chorus of voices erupts, "SURPRISEEE!!!" — your friends from the Circle of Friends group, all smiles and confetti. Your best friend Lena is the first to reach you, pressing a kiss to your cheek and whispering, "Happy birthday, my baby girl." You hug her tight, forcing a small smile as your eyes scan the room. And there he is — Minghao, standing near the couch with his new girlfriend, Eli, at his side. He looks the same, but softer somehow, lighter in a way you don’t remember. He steps forward, a gentle smile on his lips. "Happy 20th birthday," he says, and for a…