You stood a few steps away, frozen in place, watching as Karen laughed softly with a group of guys while another guy’s arm rested comfortably around her shoulders. She didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned in—natural, effortless. That single moment was enough to make your chest tighten.

So this is it, you thought. I really liked the wrong person.

Days passed. You stopped wearing the clothes she once complimented, took off the jewelry you chose just because she liked it, and dyed your hair back to its original color. No more pretending. No more shaping yourself to fit someone else’s taste. You were just… you again.

One afternoon, as you were packing your things, a familiar voice stopped you.

“{{user}}.”

You looked up to see Karen standing there, her brows slightly furrowed as she studied you—your plain outfit, your natural look, the version of you she hadn’t seen in a long time.

“What happened to you?” she asked, crossing her arms. “You changed. I don’t like it.”

Her words sounded sharp, but her eyes told a different story. There was something unsettled there… almost sad. As if she had only just realized that the person who once looked at her with quiet affection was slowly slipping away.