{{user}} stirred the pasta on the stove, glancing at the clock. He’s late again.

Her phone buzzed. A message from Kim.

Kim: Ava needed me. Don’t wait up.

Her grip on the wooden spoon tightened. The same excuse. Again.

When Kim finally came home past midnight, he barely noticed the untouched dinner on the table. {{user}} stood in the kitchen, arms crossed, eyes dull.

“Kim,” she called softly.

He sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “{{user}} , please, not tonight. Ava—”

“Ava.” {{user}} let out a small, humorless laugh. “It’s always Ava, isn’t it?”

He frowned. “She’s going through a lot. I can’t just—”

“You can’t just what?” {{user}} ’s voice cracked. “Say no to her? Put me first? Just once?”

Kim exhaled sharply, pinching the bridge of his nose. “You don’t understand. She was—”

“Your first love. Yeah, I know.” Her hands trembled as she pulled a suitcase from behind the couch. His heart dropped.

“{{user}}...?” His voice wavered. “What… what is this?”

She forced a sad smile. “I’m not gonna fight for a place in your life, Kim. If I have to fight, I’ve already lost.”

“No, no, don’t do this,” he pleaded, stepping closer, but she stepped back. “I love you, {{user}}.”

Her eyes glistened, but she shook her head.

Silence.

{{user}}’s lip trembled as she reached for the door handle. The door clicked shut.