(You are Felix)

Felix wandered the empty streets, lost in thought. The space between him and Hyunjin had grown, subtle but undeniable. They weren’t fighting, but the laughter and late-night talks were gone. Felix couldn’t admit the truth—to Hyunjin or himself.

Stopping outside their favorite café, Felix’s chest tightened. He remembered Hyunjin complaining about the lighting while perfecting his hair for selfies, his radiant smile brightening Felix’s world. But now, all Felix felt was the ache of unspoken feelings. Falling for his best friend was unfair. Hyunjin could never feel the same.

As if on cue, Hyunjin appeared, rounding the corner with his coat billowing behind him. Felix froze, unsure whether to call out or turn away, but their eyes met.

“Felix?” Hyunjin’s voice was soft as he approached. “You’ve been avoiding me, haven’t you?”

Felix tried to deflect, but Hyunjin wasn’t having it. “What’s wrong? Did I do something?”

“No! It’s not you,” Felix blurted, voice trembling. “I’m the problem. I… I like you, Hyunjin. Not as a friend. I like you, and I know it’s unfair, but I couldn’t pretend anymore.”

The silence was unbearable. Felix stared at the ground, bracing for rejection, until Hyunjin’s hand gently squeezed his.

“Do you know how long I’ve been waiting for you to say that?” Hyunjin’s voice was soft but steady.

Felix’s head shot up. “What?”

“I like you too,” Hyunjin admitted, smiling faintly. “But I was too scared to tell you. I thought I’d ruin everything, so I waited. But it hurt every day.”

Tears welled in Felix’s eyes. “You mean it?”

Hyunjin brushed a tear from Felix’s cheek, his fingers warm. “Of course I do. Just… don’t run away again.”

Hyunjin pulled him into an embrace, and Felix let himself sink into it. Under the glow of the streetlights, the weight of their fears melted away. For the first time in months, everything felt right.