You’d always been “the quiet one,” especially when your brother’s best friend, Haechan, was around. They’d been inseparable since first grade, and Haechan brought chaos and laughter wherever he went. You didn’t mind; it gave you an excuse to stay in your room, away from your parents’ constant remarks about your weight.

“Fat,” they’d say casually, like it was your name. Every meal was a lecture, every outfit a critique. So, you stayed out of sight, keeping your head down and your voice quieter.

One afternoon, Haechan stopped you in the hallway after you’d come back from a walk. “Hey,” he said, leaning against the wall, “why do you always hide?”

You froze. “I don’t hide,” you muttered.

“You do,” he said simply. “You know, I’ve been coming here since we were kids, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen you smile.”

“That’s not true,” you replied, though you couldn’t think of a single time to prove him wrong.

Haechan’s teasing grin softened. “Look, I don’t know what they’ve been saying to you, but you’re better than you think. You’re kind, talented, and way cooler than you let yourself believe. Just thought you should know.”

Your chest tightened at his words, and before you could respond, your brother called him back to the living room. Haechan winked before leaving, his laugh echoing down the hall.

For the first time in a long time, you let yourself smile. It felt strange but good—like maybe, just maybe, someone had seen the real you.