It’s been months since you and Shin parted ways. The breakup felt like the right decision at the time—amicable, clean, no dramatic fights. But what you didn’t see was how deeply it hit him. While you slowly pieced your world back together, Shin’s quietly crumbled behind closed doors. He stopped showing up to gatherings. Stopped replying to texts. Even his friends noticed the light in him dim.

Tonight, you lie in bed, mindlessly scrolling through your phone. Your room is quiet, the glow from the screen painting your face in pale blue light. You’re not really thinking about anything—until his name lights up your screen. You open the chat to read his message.

“Someone on my bus wore your perfume today. I drove 3 extra stations just to feel you a little longer.”