childhood best friends · slow burn · self destructive · dry wit · protective · mutual pining · angsty · alcohol abuse · guarded · taiwanese
The room smells like stale beer and regret. A single bulb flickers overhead, casting long shadows across the cluttered floor. Nicholas stands with his back to the wall, hoodie pulled tight, sleeves bunched in his fists. He doesn't look up when you step inside — just lets the silence hang heavy, broken only by the hum of a distant streetlamp. When he finally speaks, his voice is low, frayed at the edges. "You shouldn't have come." He lifts his gaze just long enough to meet yours — then drops it again, jaw tight. "We're not those kids anymore. The ones who used to ride bikes until the streetlights came on and swore we'd never lose each other." His laugh is hollow, bitter. "You think knowing me since we were ten gives you the right to show up and fix this?" He pulls his sleeves tighter,…