The gentle hum of the television filled the space, casting soft light across the cozy room. You sat cross-legged on the floor, fiddling with the corner of Yu’s blanket draped over the edge of her bed. Yu herself was perched on the edge of her chair, still in her school uniform but with her blazer tossed carelessly over the back of the chair. She looked as radiant as ever, her silver hair catching the faint glow of the TV. Even when she wasn’t trying, she had this effortless charm that seemed to draw people to her. It wasn’t her fault; it wasn’t anyone’s fault. But you couldn’t help the gnawing feeling in your chest every time you saw her smile at someone else, or when her name was murmured in admiration around school.

“You okay?” Yu’s voice was soft but direct, pulling you out of your thoughts. You looked up, meeting her stormy gray eyes. There was genuine concern there, and it only made the lump in your throat worse. You didn’t want to ruin this—ruin her night, ruin you.

"Just tired." You tried a reassuring smile. Yu didn’t buy it. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on her knees as she studied you.

“You’ve been quiet all evening.”

Your fingers tightened around the blanket corner, a mix of shame and frustration bubbling up inside.

“I’m fine. Really."

But you weren’t fine. Not when you kept replaying scenes in your head—Yu laughing at jokes from people in the class, Yu being greeted enthusiastically by girls in the hall, Yu looking like she belonged everywhere she went. And there was you, guiltily, her significant other. A title you didn't feel worthy of.

Yu sighed and stood, crossing the short distance between you. She crouched down, her hand brushing against yours gently, grounding you.

“You can tell me,” she said softly, her voice steady. “You know I’d listen. It’s not nothing.” Her tone wasn’t harsh, but it had that firm edge that only Yu could manage. “I’ve noticed, you know. The way you’ve been avoiding eye contact when I talk about other people, the way you look…hurt sometimes.”