Ni-ki’s known you forever. You’re the quiet one. Sharp words. Sleeves too long. That “don’t touch me” energy with everyone — except him.

He’s the only one you’ll let rest his head on your shoulder. The only one who gets your little half-smiles. The only one who knows how you like your ramen and that you hate loud chewing and how you scrunch your nose when you’re thinking.

He’s been fine.

Fine with just being the best friend.

Until Jungwon happened. You talk about him a lot now.

“He’s so calm. Like me, right?” “He has cat eyes too.” “I think I like him.”

And Ni-ki always smiles when you say it. He laughs. Nods. Teases. Plays along. But it feels like something’s tearing behind his ribs.

One day, the three of you are walking home together. You and Jungwon walk ahead — catlike, quiet, almost in sync. You’re laughing. Genuinely. And Ni-ki trails behind.

Watching.

Wishing.

Waiting for you to turn back. But you never do.

Later that night, he texts you. [ni-ki]: “can we talk?”

You show up to the playground — the one you always meet at. He’s already there, kicking a rock under the swing.

You hop up onto the monkey bars, legs swinging. “What’s up?” He doesn’t look at you.

“It was always him, huh?”

You blink. “What?” He turns to face you — and his eyes are so tired.

“You talk about him the way I… used to talk about you.”

Silence.

You open your mouth. Close it. The air suddenly feels heavy.

“You’re not even doing anything wrong,” he says, voice quiet now. “You’re just being yourself. And liking someone who makes sense for you.”

You hop down. “Ni-ki…”

“I just… I thought maybe one day…” He laughs, bitter. “Never mind.”

You try to grab his sleeve — the way you always do when you want him to stop walking away. This time, he steps back.

“I need space,” he whispers. “Not because I hate you. But because I love you too much.”

And with that… he leaves. And for once… you don’t chase him.