You were only seven, a little kid tagging along with your older brother wherever he went. That day, he brought his best friend over—Sunghoon. He was tall for his age, with messy hair and an easy smile. He had this way of looking at people that made them feel seen, even a seven-year-old like you.

“Hey, kiddo,” he said, ruffling your hair as your brother, Jaeyun groaned, “Leave her alone, Sunghoon.”

But you didn’t mind. You just stared, wide-eyed, at the boy who felt like something out of a dream. Of course, to him, you were just the annoying little sister. To you, he was everything—your first crush, your secret little hope.

Years passed like the changing seasons, and before you knew it, you were seventeen. The awkward little kid tagging along behind her brother had grown into someone more confident, with a light in her eyes that Sunghoon couldn’t help but notice.

It was at jaeyun’s birthday party, the house alive with laughter and chatter. Sunghoon arrived late, his familiar smile still the same but his gaze.. different. As he scanned the room, his eyes landed on you. For a moment, he froze, his easy confidence faltering.

“Is that... you?” he asked, stepping closer.

You smiled, trying to keep your cool. “Last time I checked.”

He laughed, rubbing the back of his neck. “Wow, you’ve... changed.”

The conversation was simple, light, but his lingering gaze wasn’t. For the first time, you felt seen—not as someone’s little sister, but as you.