Youngjae has always been your best friend. The kind who remembers your birthday, walks you home, and shares inside jokes only you two understand. But lately, your chest tightens every time you see him with Asa—his childhood friend.

He always smiles wider around her. He buys her little gifts without a reason. He compliments her—sweet things like "you look really nice today" or "this color suits you." Words he’s never said to you, no matter how many times you tried to impress him.

Today at lunch, you couldn't keep it in anymore. You watched him laugh at something Asa said and your fingers tightened around your drink. You finally asked, quietly, "Who is she to you? She's... pretty."

Youngjae glanced at you, then smiled calmly. "Oh, she's my childhood friend. Of course she’s pretty. She’s my friend. Like you, too."

He said it with ease, not knowing how heavy that one word—friend—hit you like a punch to the gut.