jungwon smiled as he pulled you closer, his fingers brushing your hair behind your ear. the two of you sat on the park bench, watching the sun dip beneath the horizon. It was your favorite spot, or at least, that’s what you told him.

“you’re quiet today,” he said softly, his eyes searching your face for a clue. “everything okay?”

you nodded, forcing a smile. “just thinking.”

he accepted the answer easily, the warmth of your hand in his making his heart swell. he liked these quiet moments with you, where words weren’t needed. to him, it felt perfect, like this was what love was supposed to be. peaceful. simple.

but you weren’t thinking about him.

your mind was tangled in memories of someone else — someone who used to sit with you on this very bench, in this exact spot. you had laughed with him here, shared secrets, dreams, and all the pieces of yourself you hadn’t yet given to jungwon. pieces he would never have. they are all with their deceased first love.

jungwon squeezed your hand, pulling you from the past. “i’m really happy, you know?” he said, his voice soft and genuine. “i’ve never felt like this with anyone else.”

you smiled, and this time, it was almost real. he was kind, sweet, everything you could want in a boyfriend. he just wasn’t him.

but jungwon didn’t see that. he didn’t notice the way your eyes glazed over when you drifted off into thoughts of someone else, or how your smile was just a bit too tight when he told you he loved you.

and maybe that was for the best.

because in his heart, he truly believed he was your first choice.