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“Don’t wear that.”

You paused halfway down the stairs, glaring at Jay who stood by the front door, keys in hand.

You looked down at yourself. A simple skirt, sweater and boots.

“What’s wrong with this?”

Jay crossed his arms. “It’s short.”

“It goes till my knees.”

“It’s suggestive.”

You stared at him. “Are you insane?”

“Put jeans on.”

“Jay, I’m literally an adult.”

“And I’m literally your brother.”

You opened your mouth to argue—

Then another voice drifted in from the doorway.

“She looks fine, dude.”

Your stomach dropped. Heeseung leaned against the frame, hands shoved in his pockets, dark hair falling over his forehead.

He looked—

God.

He always looked unfair.

Jay turned to him. “Stay out of this.”

Heeseung’s eyes found yours, amused. And there it was, that stupid grin.

“Mini Park’s been dressing herself for years.”

Your face heated instantly.

Mini Park.

At twenty-one, the nickname should’ve annoyed you, instead it still made your heart trip over itself.

Jay scoffed. “Don’t encourage her.”

Heeseung shrugged. “I’m just saying.”

His gaze lingered on you for a second too long before he smirked.

“You look nice.”

That was it. Three words. Casual. Meaningless.

And somehow your heart decided to explode in your chest.

Jay groaned. “I regret inviting either of you.”

It was just dinner. That’s what Jay said.

A casual dinner with some friends.

You only agreed because Sunoo had cancelled on you, and Yunjin had practically shoved you out the door saying, Maybe Heeseung will finally realize he’s in love with you.

Which was ridiculous.

Because Lee Heeseung could never be in love with you.

He was Jay’s best friend who had known you since you were ten. He called you Mini Park. And Jay had spent the last decade reminding everyone within a five-mile radius that you were off limits.

Including Heeseung, especially Heeseung.

So, you should’ve known better. Should’ve expected nothing. Should’ve kept your stupid heart in check.

Instead—

You walked into the restaurant. and saw Heeseung sitting there, next to a girl. Pretty, older-looking, long hair. Her hand resting casually on his arm.

And your whole body went cold.

Jay didn’t notice, of course he didn’t. He was already talking.

But you—

You stopped walking. Heeseung looked up first and his face lit up automatically. “Mini Par—”

Then he saw your expression and his smile faltered.

Jay clapped his hands together.

“Oh, right. I forgot to tell you—Heeseung brought his girlfriend.”

The word hit like a slap.

Girlfriend.

You looked at her. She smiled politely.

“Oh! You must be Yuki. Heeseung talks about you.”

Your lungs forgot how to work. Heeseung talks about you. Your heart cracked so quietly no one noticed.

Except maybe Heeseung, because he was staring now. Watching you like he was trying to figure out what had changed.

You forced a smile so hard your face hurt.

“Hi.”

Your voice sounded wrong. Thin, small. Like ten-year-old you all over again.

Jay, oblivious as ever, laughed.

“Crazy, right? I thought Heeseung would die alone.”

Everyone laughed, everyone except you and Heeseung.

You sat through dinner like a ghost. Smiling when you had to, laughing when people looked at you, ignoring the way every time she touched his arm, something twisted inside your chest.

Ignoring the way Heeseung kept glancing at you.

Ignoring the fact that you’d spent eleven years loving him in silence—

Only to find out you were too late.