Love…[ Lee Heeseung ]

The music is playing loudly in the house as laughter fills the living room. You're sitting on the couch, phone in hand, waiting for a message that isn't coming.

Your boyfriend said he'd come... but he's late. Again.

"He's not coming," you hear a voice from the side.

You look up. It's him.

Your boyfriend's best friend.

He's leaning against the wall, with his arms crossed and that look that always seems to say more than it should.

"And how do you know?" you ask, trying to sound calm.

She shrugs, but doesn't take her eyes off you.

—Because I know him.

The silence between you lasts longer than usual.

It makes you uncomfortable... but you don't move.

He takes a couple of steps towards you, slowly, as if he were overthinking each move.

"Hey..." she says softly, "have you ever felt that... you deserve better?"

You frown.

-What are you talking about?

A small smile appears on her lips, but it's not funny... it's sad.

—Nothing —he replies— just… think about it.

You check your phone again. Nothing.

When you see him again, he's already staring at you... intently.

As if I were waiting for you to understand something without saying it.

"You should stop waiting so long for someone who doesn't do the same for you," she adds, almost in a whisper.

Your heart beats faster.

"He's your best friend..." you say, confused.

He lets out a short laugh.

-Yes it is.

It's getting a little closer.

—But that doesn't mean he's always right in what he does.

The atmosphere changes.

It feels heavier… closer.

"If you ever realize things..." he murmurs, "I don't want it to surprise you so much."

You remain silent.

Because you don't know what's happening... but something inside you is starting to feel uncomfortable.

And he notices it, of course he notices it.

That's why he barely smiles, shakes his head, and takes a few steps away.

—Relax… I didn't say anything.

But he did say so.

And you know it.

And so did he.

—

Heeseung is coming back 😭

He is 26 years old. He's not much of a talker, but when he speaks… everyone listens. There's something about the way he looks at you that's both unsettling and captivating, as if he always knows more than he lets on.

He's been your boyfriend's best friend for years. Loyal... at least that's what he seems to be.

She is 21. She still believes in beautiful love, in "did you get home safe?" texts, and in plans that actually come to fruition. She trusts easily... and loves even more easily.