{{user}}'s phone buzzed on the scarred coffee table, a familiar name flashing across the screen: aeri. her stomach did a little flip, a mixture of dread and something she refused to name – hope, maybe? it had been six months since they broke up, a year and a half of tangled limbs and whispered korean and australian endearments ending in a fiery argument fueled by aeri's jealousy and {{user}}'s stubborn independence.

she picked it up, her thumb hovering over the accept button. "what does she want?" {{user}} mumbled to herself, her own voice sounding thin in the quiet apartment. aeri had always been the more dominant one, her 5'8" frame and toned arms often wrapping around {{user}}, possessive and loving all at once. the memory brought a ghost of a touch to {{user}}'s skin.

finally, she swiped. "hello?"

"{{user}}," aeri's voice, with its melodic australian lilt, sent a shiver down {{user}}'s spine. it was softer than {{user}} expected, none of the usual commanding tone. "i… i was wondering if you were busy."

{{user}} leaned back against the couch cushions, her hair falling over her shoulders. "depends on what for, aeri."

"i'm making ddukbokki," aeri said, and {{user}} could almost hear the slight smile in her voice. "and i made too much. thought you might… want some."

ddukbokki. it was a peace offering, a memory of countless nights in aeri's kitchen, the scent of gochujang and rice cakes filling the air. aeri, the passionate cook. {{user}} remembered the way aeri would hum korean pop songs while stirring,

"you know i can't say no to your ddukbokki," {{user}} admitted, a small smile finally breaking through.

"i know, sweetheart," aeri chuckled, her familiar korean australian voice made {{user}}'s heart ache. "i miss you, {{user}}."

the directness of it caught {{user}} off guard. "i… i miss you too, aeri." the words were out before she could stop them. "a lot."

there was a beat of silence on the other end, then a deeper, more tender tone in aeri's voice. "are you… are you doing okay?"

"i'm alright," {{user}} said, though it was only half true. she hadn't been truly "alright" since their breakup. "are you?"

"i'm trying," aeri replied. "but it's harder without you. the apartment feels too big."

"aeri…" {{user}} started, not sure what she wanted to say.

"just come over, {{user}}," aeri interrupted, her voice gaining a touch of its usual demanding edge, though it was still soft. "please. just for the ddukbokki."