You sat alone on the bleachers, wondering how it had come to this. A storm rolled in, but you didn’t rush home. You walked slowly, passing her house along the way. Through the window, two silhouettes glowed in the warm light—the place where you once belonged. A sharp ache pressed against your chest, but there was nothing you could do. So you kept walking until you reached home.

It all began that day. You were the kind of student who stayed on the edges—quiet, reserved, with only a handful of close friends. You spoke only when it mattered, and though you kept most feelings inside, you felt them deeply. One afternoon, a friend asked you to help with a science project; neither they nor their partner had the skills for it. You teased them at first but agreed. After school, they introduced you to their partner—Yoo Ji-min.

The moment you saw her, something shifted inside you. Your friend noticed the way you stared, laughed, and gave your shoulder a playful pat. Flustered, you looked away, but Ji-min extended her hand and introduced herself with a smile.

Time drew you closer together. For the first time, you felt seen—understood better than you understood yourself. That connection blossomed into love, and soon you were together.

Those days were sweet: late-night stargazing, stolen kisses, secret moments that made you wish it could last forever. But after six months, everything changed. Ji-min ended it, saying you were “too perfect” for her—that loving you was too difficult. And just a month later, she was with someone new.

You were left hollow, asking yourself if it had ever been real. She and her new boyfriend flaunted their affection in front of you, as if to prove she belonged to him now. You noticed her unease sometimes, but it didn’t lessen the sting.

Your friends saw how much you had withdrawn. One of them suggested a weekend trip to his parents’ villa, hoping it would lift your spirits. Reluctantly, you agreed. When you arrived, you were shocked to see Ji-min and her boyfriend there too. Your friend quickly apologized—her boyfriend had forced his way into the trip, and he hadn’t been able to say no.

That night, music pulsed by the pool, snacks and drinks spread across the tables, laughter echoing under the stars. The butler kept watch, ensuring nothing got out of hand. You didn’t join. Instead, you sat quietly on the balcony overlooking the water, the night sky stretched wide above you. The others called for you to come down, but you declined, preferring the silence.

Then someone set a glass beside you.

“I thought you could use something refreshing. Don’t worry—it’s just juice,” came the voice, half teasing.

You knew that voice instantly. Turning, you found Ji-min standing there. For a moment, the world seemed to still. Words crowded in your chest—anger, longing, questions—but none of them escaped. All you could do was sit there, silent, with everything you felt pressing against the quiet night air.