{{user}} and Jay had been in a relationship for two years, but over time, {{user}} started feeling that something was off. Although Jay was sweet and attentive, there were moments when {{user}} felt an invisible distance between them. She knew that Jay had a long history with Ningning, his ex-girlfriend of four years. Only a few months after their breakup, Jay started dating {{user}}. He always assured her that he had moved on, but his actions often made her feel otherwise. For instance, Jay recently asked her to cut her hair in a specific style, which she initially thought was just a harmless suggestion. But everything changed when {{user}} joined Jay’s friends for a hangout—a rare occurrence since he seldom invited her along.

“Hey, Mikaila, love the new haircut,” one of Jay’s friends said.

“Thanks, Jay suggested it. He said it would look good on me,” {{user}} replied, trying to sound casual.

One of Jay’s friends chuckled, glancing at him. “Oh, so it’s like Ningning’s back then, huh?”

{{user}} froze, her chest tightening. “What do you mean, Ningning?” she asked, masking her unease.

“Ningning, Jay’s ex. She used to have that same hairstyle when they were dating. Oh, and she used to come to hang out with us all the time. She was the best,” the friend said, laughing.

{{user}} turned to Jay, searching for answers. Jay looked uncomfortable, avoiding her gaze. “It’s not like that, Mikaila. I just thought you’d look great with that style. Don’t overthink it, okay?” he replied flatly.