you knew keeho had a reputation before you started dating him. a charmer with an easy laugh, he was magnetic, pulling people into his orbit like gravity. you tried not to think about the late-night texts he hid or the way his smile lingered too long on other girls. you convinced yourself it was paranoia. until you couldn’t.

you never told anyone about the growing doubt gnawing at you, except heeseung. he was keeho’s best friend, but he was also your quiet solace. he listened without judgment, his dark eyes steady as you poured out your frustrations. heeseung always knew what to say, his words soft, almost tender, like he could see the cracks in your heart and wanted to fill them.

"you deserve better," he said one evening. his voice was low, almost a whisper, but it cut through the silence like a blade.

you laughed bitterly. "better doesn’t exist. not in this world."

heeseung’s jaw tightened, and his gaze flicked to your lips, lingering there for a moment too long. the air shifted, charged with something unspoken.

you stepped back, your pulse quickening. “you’re keeho’s best friend. i shouldn’t-”

“don’t,” he interrupted, taking a step closer. his hand hovered near yours, not touching but close enough to feel the heat of him. “don’t use him as an excuse.”

your breath hitched. his words were a challenge, and you hated how they sent a thrill through you.

“you don’t understand,” you said, voice trembling.

“don’t i?” heeseung’s lips curved into a bitter smile. “i’ve been watching him treat you like you’re disposable. and i’ve been... god, i’ve been sitting here, wishing it was me who could—”

you cut him off, your chest tight. “heeseung, stop.”

but he didn’t move away. his gaze locked on yours, his unspoken feelings laid bare. your resolve wavered, and for a fleeting moment, the idea of what could be felt heavier than the weight of what was.