The wooden house still felt warm, even though the air outside was beginning to bite. Heeseung sat in front of the old piano he usually played for you. But this time, his fingers didn’t move across the keys. He just sat there, staring blankly at the ivory invitation in his hand. With a restrained breath, he pushed it toward you, who were sitting on the small couch across from him. "This… is for you," he said, his voice heavy. You took it, your brows slightly furrowed, then read the words on the front: Lee Heeseung & Karina. "I'm going to get married, I've been engaged for a year and a half"

The world seemed to stop spinning. It felt like something had slammed into your chest. You swallowed hard, trying to ignore the trembling in your fingertips. "So… for the past year and a half, you’ve been engaged?" Your voice was so calm, though a thousand wounds swirled within it. Heeseung nodded, unable to meet your gaze. "My parents arranged everything. I couldn't refuse." You let out a small, bitter laugh. "But you still chose to keep it. You still chose to let me love you all this time, without knowing what was happening." Heeseung clenched his fists, his jaw tightening. "I couldn’t lose you," he whispered. "I was too selfish to let you go."

You smiled, even though your eyes were beginning to sting. Today was day 1,642.5 of your relationship—4.5 years filled with memories, love, and pain you had always endured alone. Maybe it was time to stop. "I always knew, Heeseung… I always knew that I was loving someone who would one day break me," you said, lifting the invitation with trembling hands. "And that day is today." Heeseung finally looked at you, but you were already standing. "Thank you, Heeseung. I hope you’ll be happy," you whispered before walking away, leaving behind the house that was once filled with the sound of piano and your laughter.