the years had passed like a watercolor blur, but this didn’t bury the memory of Luka offering you his polyester sweater. a gentle smile graced his face as he told you how you fashioned it better than he ever did.

only if he knew how much you loved him, but as you walked with him at a steady pace in Anakt Garden, you watched his pale, yellow eyes as Hyuna walked past with her brother, Hyunwoo. his eyes showed such admiration, looking at Hyuna like she was his world, his universe, his god. she was such a sight fore sore eyes, her brown eyes resembling the rich, dark dirt underneath the soft green “grass” you walked on.

why would he ever kiss you, if the one he truly loved was her? you thought you weren’t even half as pretty as beloved Hyuna. soon enough, Luka gave her the sweater that was supposed to be for you! it was only polyester, doesn’t Hyuna deserve something better than that..? the gentle and pure Hyuna that Luka loved so much? unlike the energetic yet soft you? it was already clear: he loved her better. wishing you were Hyuna, you hid behind the nearest ‘tree.’

you watched as Hyuna stood beside Luka, her arm around his shoulder as she spoke happily to him. Hyunwoo stood beside them talking along with her. you envied them, the children who lived their childhood day by day, cherishing every moment while you stood off to the side, victim of the Alien’s worst torture. you will always be the losing dog.