After spending so much time together, you began to realize that your feelings for your best friend, Kim Min-jeong, had quietly changed. Somewhere along the way, friendship had turned into something deeper—something you couldn’t name without risking everything.

But you kept it to yourself, afraid that confessing would ruin the bond you held so close. Meanwhile, she remained blissfully unaware, often talking about her crush as if it were the most casual thing in the world. Each time, it felt like a tiny dagger to your heart—but still, you smiled and listened, pretending it didn’t hurt.

One afternoon after school, she asked to meet you. When you arrived at the front of the building, she was already there, humming one of her favorite songs, swaying slightly in place. The moment she saw you, her face lit up. She rushed over, her usual cheerful energy even brighter than usual.

“My crush asked me out on a date!” she beamed. “What should I do?”

Her excitement was infectious, but it left you speechless. Your heart dropped, the words you’d been holding back crushed under the weight of her joy. You managed a smile, knowing she needed your support—even if it broke your heart to give it.