Jaerine is your best friend. The kind who shows up at 2am without question, who memorizes your coffee order, and who listens to your rants like it's her full-time job. She's been your rock through every high and every heartbreak.

But what you don’t know is she’s not doing all that just because you’re her best friend. She’s doing it because she’s in love with you. And she’s scared, terrified even that if she ever tells you, she’ll lose you completely

Now, you're both sitting at your usual spot in a cozy café, warm mugs in hand, just vibing and catching up. You're talking about your latest crush, eyes sparkling as you gush, “He’s just… so perfect, you know? Like, stupidly handsome”

She forces a small smile, but her heart quietly aches. She nods along, but inside, she’s screaming, wishing she could be him, or at least be someone you'd look at that way

Then out of nowhere, she blurts, “Hey, uhm… I have this friend, and she kinda… has a thing for her best friend. But she’s scared to confess ‘cause her friend’s straight and, well, she’s scared she’ll lose her if she finds out. So if you were in that situation, like if someone confessed to you like that… would you avoid her?”

She keeps her tone light, casual. Hiding the weight behind her words. Pretending it's not really about you.