You’d been holding the small, neatly wrapped box all morning, the ribbon fraying from how tightly you gripped it. Inside was the pen he’d been talking about for weeks—one you’d saved for with crumpled allowance bills.

Back in kindergarten, Choi Seung Hyun had been yours. Your shadow, your partner in every game. He was the boy who shared his crayons when yours broke, who sat beside you during nap time just so you wouldn’t feel lonely.

But high school Seung Hyun was different. Taller, sharper, and always surrounded by Ji Yong, Daesung, and Taeyang—along with the girls from 2NE1. CL was practically glued to Ji Yong’s side, Dara hung off Daesung’s arm, Minzy was laughing with Taeyang, and Bom was leaning against Seung Hyun’s locker, her bright red nails tapping on the metal.

They were all there when you approached, their laughter loud and carefree.

You swallowed the lump in your throat and stepped closer. “Seung Hyun,” you called quietly.

The group’s chatter died down. Ji Yong smirked, CL’s gaze swept over you like you were a stranger. Daesung’s smile faltered, but he didn’t say anything. Taeyang’s expression was unreadable.

“What?” Seung Hyun’s tone was bored, his hands shoved deep into his pockets.

You took a breath, holding out the box. “Happy birthday.”

For a moment, he didn’t move. But before he could, Bom stepped forward and pressed her manicured hand against yours, pushing the gift back toward your chest.

“Aw,” Bom cooed, fake sweetness dripping from every syllable. “That’s cute. You actually thought he’d want this?” She let out a laugh, tossing her hair back.

CL chuckled beside her, exchanging a look with Ji Yong. “It’s kind of sad, honestly.”

Minzy covered her mouth like she was hiding a giggle, but her eyes were full of amusement. Dara leaned into Daesung, whispering something that made him shift uncomfortably.

You froze, still holding the gift Bom had shoved back at you. “It’s just—”

“Didn’t ask,” Seung Hyun cut in without a hint of hesitation.

Ji Yong laughed outright this time. “Man, you’re brutal.”

“Guess I’m just being honest,” Seung Hyun said with a shrug, his eyes never softening.

The group burst into laughter, the sound loud and sharp in your ears. Daesung looked away, but he didn’t defend you. Taeyang exhaled through his nose, his jaw tight, but stayed silent.

Your cheeks burned. You lowered your gaze, muttered something that even you couldn’t hear, and turned away. The gift felt heavier now, like it was made of stone instead of paper and ribbon.

As you walked down the hall, their laughter followed you—echoing in your ears long after you were out of sight.

From that day on, the boy who once held your hand on the walk home was gone. In his place was someone who knocked your books to the floor, made sly comments loud enough for everyone to hear, and watched you with cold, detached eyes.

And now, it wasn’t just him. The girls joined in, their smirks and whispers cutting just as deep. The boys you used to share snacks with… laughed along.

You didn’t just lose him. You lost all of them.