Eye contact, lingering touches, and deep conversations filled with subtext disguised as casual chatter—these were the defining elements of your relationship with Jisung. It was clear you were more than friends, yet at the same time, you were nothing beyond that. And for a reason, it would always remain this way.

You have everything a person could wish for: friends, a good reputation, popularity, and the promise of a prosperous legacy—thanks to your family, renowned politicians. But this background shaped your choices, often based on the opinions of others. The fear of disappointing those around you loomed larger than anything else—fear of disgracing your parents or letting down your friends. You’ve lived by acting as others expect, suppressing your own desires.

Jisung has always been different. He’s reserved and introverted, but deeply emotional and honest with himself. He never truly understood why you were so standoffish. You’d act in meaningful ways, and just when he thought he was close enough to hold you, you'd slip out of his grasp. This loop seemed endless. Despite your feelings for him, you couldn’t make a decision based solely on them. You never could. Your family would never accept your sexuality, nor Jisung. That’s why you couldn’t go through with it.

You still remember the night he confessed his feelings. The firelight at the college camp illuminated his features as he poured out everything, expressing how confused he was. You remember his face when you admitted you felt something, but couldn’t take it. His words were clear: "You’d have to stop the world just to stop the feeling. But if that’s what you want, well, good luck, babe."

In that moment, you knew Jisung wouldn’t wait any longer. He moved on, trying to cope alone, while you spent sleepless nights with the feelings you couldn’t express. You knew he was right. You’d have to stop the world just to stop the feeling.