#when my sister had some friends over with their kids and i think one of them must have taken it

[mrsbuckybarnes1917]

2: MISSION: PLUS-ONE

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Summary: Bucky and Sam catch up over a fiery hot wing challenge, where Sam drops a bombshell— his sister, Sarah is getting married, and she insists Bucky bring a date. While Bucky initially scoffs at the idea, he soon realizes he only has one real option: you. Meanwhile, you, drowning in wine and bad decisions, text your ex for a favor, only to regret it instantly.

Warnings: alcohol consumption, uncomfortable interaction with an ex, mild language, Bucky and Sam being chaotic idiots

Word Count: 2,776

Bucky pushed open the door to the small restaurant that he frequented with Sam, sighing with relief as he closed the door to the cold. He puffed slightly, pulling off his right glove as he looked around for his friend, but there was no sign of him. Bucky dropped onto a chair at their usual table, leaning back and stretching out his legs. If he played his cards just right, he could make Sam feel very guilty for making him wait. Bucky grinned to himself as he caught his breath.

A few minutes later, the door swung open and in strode Captain America, bringing with him a gush of cold air. Sam looked completely unbothered by his tardiness. Bucky raised an eyebrow at him as Sam came over.

“You’re late.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Sam dismissed him, sliding into the chair opposite Bucky. “Unlike some people, I have duties. Official duties.”

“Should’a worn the suit,” Bucky smirked even more widely. “Maybe then you’d actually be on time.”

“Don’t make me regret accepting it from you.” Sam shot Bucky a mock glare before calling the waiter over to order their meals. 

Sam scanned the menu, his finger stopping at the “Hot Wings Challenge.”

“Well, I’m not most people,” Sam grinned.

The slightly star-struck waiter blanched slightly. “Err, Mr. Captain America, sir, just so you know,” he stuttered, “our hot wings are really spicy. Most people can’t handle them.”

“No, of course not, sir.”

“Alright, kid. Drop the sir.”

“Yes, sir… Cap.”

Sam rolled his eyes and turned his attention to Bucky. “Think you can handle the burn?” he challenged.

Bucky’s eyes narrowed and he flipped through the menu. “That’s the hottest thing you got?” he asked the waiter.

The kid nodded. “They’re no joke, mister. The challenge starts with a Sunrise Sizzler, moves on to Dragon’s Breath and everyone ends with The Volcano. Most people can’t even reach The Volcano.”

“What comes after The Volcano?”

“Nothing else that’s on the menu…”

The way the waiter trailed off told Bucky there was something hotter that wasn’t on the menu.

“Well… there used to be something called Apocalypse Wings, but we had to take that off… the Department of Health—”

“Those, I want those,” Bucky said with a tone of finality, putting down his menu.

“Are you seriously trying to one-up me with this?”

“Someone’s gotta keep you grounded, Cap,” Bucky winked.

Sam shook his head. “You heard the man!”

The young waiter nodded and started to turn away. He slowed and turned back to Sam. “Umm, Cap, sir…”

“Yeah?”

“Could I, uh, get a picture? My mom’s gonna freak out when she hears I met you.”

Sam grinned. “Of course, kid, no problem!”

Bucky groaned, leaning back in his chair. “This again…”

Once a disgruntled Bucky had taken their photo, the star-struck waiter scurried off to prepare their orders and Sam returned his attention to  their conversation. “So, how you doing, Buck?” 

Bucky shrugged. “The usual, nothing special happening.”

“Yeah, I bet!” Sam snorted. “Avoiding human contact, check.”

Bucky scowled.

“Scaring children, check.”

Bucky bit his tongue to avoid further instigation. 

“Real packed day planner you seem to have there… Buck.”

“Did you just invite me here to roast me?”

“Actually, I have news.” Sam glossed over his friend’s jabs and continued in an excited tone.

Oh boy, Bucky thought, the tiny hairs at the back of his head standing on end. Is this what happens to the Spiderkid? Bucky ran his hand over the back of his neck; whenever Sam was this enthused, things tended to not go well for him.

“Sarah’s getting married,” Sam announced, smiling proudly.

Bucky’s jaw dropped a fraction, his lips parting slightly. “Married?” Bucky paused and sat up. “Wow,” he whispered. Sam had now successfully dropped a bomb and it was wreaking further destruction in Bucky’s mind. Even though his brow was still furrowed in confusion, a smile tugged at his lips. “That’s fantastic. I’m happy for her. Congrats, man.” He leaned over and enthusiastically clapped Sam over the shoulder.

“Yeah, yeah, it’s awesome,” Sam said, waving his hand like it was no big deal. “She wanted me to make sure you were coming.”

“Me?”

“Yeah, you!” Sam exclaimed incredulously, shaking his head at Bucky’s disbelief.

An odd feeling filled Bucky’s chest. Sarah was one of the people he had liked immediately. She was kind and sincere; he had never felt any judgement from her, and most importantly, she didn’t treat him like a grenade that could explode at any second. There had been a brief flame between them, snuffed out almost immediately as he had been in no place for that kind of emotional attachment. There had been no hard feelings between them and she still treated him with the same warmth as Sam. And then there were her kids— they adored him. Probably because, to them, he was simply “Uncle Bucky.” They didn’t know about his past actions, they just saw him for who he was now.

“I’m… of course. I’ll be there.”

“Good, good. ‘Cause…” Sam leaned forwards, “There’s one more thing.”

Bucky groaned. With Sam there was always a hidden agenda. “What?” he snapped suspiciously.

“Sarah thinks… said you need to bring a date.”

“What?” Bucky’s face fell.

“You heard me.” Sam kicked his feet out and sat back, crossing his arms over his chest. He was enjoying this far too much. “The bride-to-be wants you to bring a girl. Who am I to question that?”

“Sam,” Bucky started, his voice flat. “This is crazy. You’re completely insane.”

“Maybe,” Sam replied, smirking. “But I am right.”

“Why the hell would Sarah care if I have a date or not?”

“Maybe she thinks you’re lonely,” Sam responded without hesitation, like this was something he and Sarah had previously discussed. “And because she’s Sarah. She’s in love and thinks everyone else should be, too.”

Their conversation was interrupted briefly as the waiter returned with their plate of wings and two tall glasses of milk.

“We’re legally obligated to provide these,” the kid said, pointing to the white beverage.

“Great, thanks.” Bucky waved him away before rounding on Sam. “Is it Sarah who wants me to bring a date, or is this your brilliant idea?” Bucky asked scathingly.

“Oh, definitely Sarah.” But Sam’s grin told Bucky another story. “She thinks you need to put yourself out there.” He picked up a piece of chicken and took a bite.

“I’m out there,” Bucky hissed.

“The local grocery store doesn’t count, tin man.”

“You’re unbelievable.” Bucky picked up a hot wing from his plate and started nibbling at it slowly and thoughtfully. “I need new friends.”

“Woo, is this really the Sunrise Sizzler? I think the cook has these wings mixed up.”

“Having trouble, bird brain? I thought we’re just getting started.” Bucky picked up the Dragon’s breath and inhaled it like it had no seasoning at all. He cracked a grin as Sam picked up the same, his smile widening as he watched Sam’s ears going red, the only sign on his face which suggested that Sam was struggling.

Bucky picked up a Volcano wing and held it out to Sam who wrinkled his nose slightly but accepted it nonetheless.

“What’s wrong? Need some cornbread to wash that down?” Bucky said mockingly.

Sam took a bite but found himself downing half of his glass of milk immediately after as Bucky calmly munched his way through the Apocalypse wing.

The waiter returned quickly. “Oh uh, do you need anything?”

“Water!” Sam wheezed.

But Bucky waved him off. “He’s fine. Captain America can handle it!”

He wiped his fingers with a napkin as Sam downed another full glass of milk. “Way to represent the shield, Wilson.”

Sam shot him a dirty look, downing a whole glass of water. “Don’t start.”

“So, how is life as the new Cap?”

Sam groaned in exasperation. “I’ve been getting calls from EVERYONE.”

“Sounds like a real nightmare,” Bucky said sarcastically. Even though he knew this would be a nightmare for him.

“It is a nightmare! Do you know how many podcasts I’ve been invited on?”

“What’s a podcast?”

“Seriously man? Let’s just call it TikTok for people with an actual attention span.”

“Is that supposed to mean something to me?”

“Nope.”

They finished up the remainder of the meal with Bucky trying to goad Sam into revealing who he was bringing to his sister’s wedding, but to no avail. Bucky had also ordered a ‘side’ of fries to compliment the meal and both men were now licking the salty taste off their lips and bickering over the ‘plus-one problem’.

“Right, Buck,” Sam said, throwing down a napkin and some cash on the table. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten about your mission.”

“My mission?”

“Mission: Plus-One.” 

“Not this again.”

Sam stood up and jabbed him in the chest with his finger. “Find a girl, man. Wedding’s in six months. Clock’s ticking, buddy.”

“Alright, alright,” Bucky raised his hands in a surrender. “I’ll bring someone, don’t get your wings in a twist.” He slipped his jacket and gloves back on, ready to escape back to his fortress of solitude.

“If you don’t find someone—”

“You’ll find one for me. I heard you the first five times.” Bucky shook his head, muttering as he walked toward the door. “I can’t believe I’m letting you drag me into this.”

“You’ll thank me once you’ve found the one,” Sam called after him.

“Yeah, yeah.” Bucky gave Sam a sarcastic wave before escaping out into the cold night.

Bucky made his way toward home, once again with his hands deep inside his pockets to guard against the cold. Unfortunately this did nothing to stop the winter wind whipping around his face, but he had the warmth of certain memories to sustain him. 

Sarah. He was glad she was happy. She had been the only person who had successfully managed to slip through his defences, to overcome the walls he had built around him— even if it was only temporarily. He didn't even know what to call what they had experienced together. A romance? A relationship? No, he couldn't call it that… several flirtatious conversations, a few quiet dinners alone when Sam had taken his nephews out for quality time and… one night of intimacy that had left him feeling both grounded and terrified at the same time.

It had been like a respite, a lifeboat in the aftermath of the sinking ship that was his life. But it had only been that— a respite. He hadn't stayed. He couldn't. The nightmares he was having at the time would never have allowed it. They invaded his mind every time he tried to rest. He wasn't ready for anyone to see him like that.

And of course, Sarah had understood. Somehow she always did. Not once harboring any ill-feelings or resentment towards him. In fact, every year, she sent him Christmas care packages. He hadn't gone back, hadn't kept in contact, but these simple acts of kindness had been enough for Bucky, a reminder that not everyone saw him as a monster.

Sarah had been the only woman who had made him feel truly safe since he had returned to the world. He huffed a quiet laugh, the sound of the exhale carried away by the wind. Aside from Sarah, he hadn't had more than one conversation with any other woman…

Except for you. 

(He couldn’t count Mrs. Burke– not really, she reminded him too much of his mother.)

The moment his thoughts came back to you, an idea started forming in his brain. It started as a fleeting possibility, then grew into a ridiculous notion, until it had snowballed into a fully formed plan. And as much as he tried to fight it, it persisted, burrowing deep inside his brain, gaining traction with every step he took.

It made sense— too much sense.

It was logical. It was convenient. And as much as he hated to admit it, it was his only real option. It was you.

You sat on your couch surrounded by several boxes of takeout, finishing off your chow mein with your clumsy chopsticks technique. The dilemma you had been presented with had consumed your evening, resulting in you consuming several glasses of wine. And this never led to wise decisions on your part.

Finally you caved. At 7:34pm, against your better judgement, you sent a text to your ex. As soon as the screen showed the delivered message, you’d flung it aside, trying not to focus on all the reasons you’d broken up with him in the first place. It hadn’t been one single reason that you’d called it quits, more of a culmination of little cuts which had left a gaping hole in your soul. He had a habit of brushing you off, dismissing your concerns with a charming smile or clever deflection. Every disagreement or conflict would end with you feeling like you were the unreasonable one, while he would saunter away looking completely unruffled, admiring his own reflection in the nearest shiny surface.

There were times when he made you feel special, only to turn it back on you in the midst of an argument, as if he had been the one doing you a favor. And then there was the flirting. It was shameless. Any woman who showed him the slightest bit of interest, be it a batted eyelid or laughing at his less than subtle jokes would result in him puffing out his chest like a peacock and basking in the glow of their appreciation.

When you looked back at your relationship with him, you wondered why you’d been with him for so long. But despite all his flaws, there had been moments where you’d felt swept off your feet. Leonard had the ability to make you swoon, but only when it suited him. You suspected that that’s what made him so good at his job. Maybe that penthouse apartment overlooking Manhattan had held some sway over you. He knew how to be perfect, he just wasn’t perfect for you.

You sighed, sticking your chopsticks into the container, only to come up empty. Luckily you were distracted from your lack of food by a ping on your phone. You grabbed it and turned it over to see who had messaged you. It was Leonard! Your message was still visible at the top of the screen.

7:34 PM - You: Hey Leonard, hope you’re well. Wondering if I could ask you a favor. Could we meet up and talk about it?

8:03 PM - Leonard: Hey, stranger. Didn’t expect to hear from you. What kind of favor?

8:05 PM - You: Long story, would be easier to meet up and talk. You free this week?

8:06 PM - Leonard: Depends. What is this for? Work? 

You were already regretting your decision for messaging him— but what other choice did you have?

8:08 PM - You: No, something else. Nothing dramatic promise!

8:10 PM - Leonard: You? Not dramatic? Wow, unexpected!

You scowled, gripping your phone, you pictured yourself throwing a punch at his stupidly handsome face in your head.

8:15 PM - You: You know what, just forget about it.

8:16 PM - Leonard: Chill, babe! I’m just kidding. I’m sure I could find time in my busy schedule to accommodate you. I have a meeting tomorrow in your neck of the woods, I can swing by after that.

8:18 PM - You: What time you thinking?

8:19 PM - Leonard: Are sure you have that wine I like? You know the one.

You wanted to go tell him to go fuck himself, but you still needed him, so you texted back with gritted teeth.

8:20 PM - You: Yeah, I remember.

8:20 PM - Leonard: I’ll be there around 7.

8:22 PM - You: Great.

8:23 PM - Leonard: Look forward to seeing you, babe. 😉

You didn’t answer, putting the phone face down on the coffee table. Thinking about Leonard made your skin crawl now. Made worse by the little winking emoji after his last text. You knew he would be expecting sex in return for your favor. Picking up the bottle of wine you poured yourself a generous glass to relieve the itch under your skin. You made a mental note to go to the liquor store tomorrow, you’d need all the wine to get through your evening with Leonard tomorrow.

As you headed to bed, you heard a faint scuffle outside your door. It was probably Bucky coming home. A sigh fell from your lips. If only you had the courage to ask him instead.

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[jaewriteshi]

Invisible String

Summary: They say childhood best friends never fall apart. That the invisible string tying them together is unbreakable. But what happens when love tangles itself in between?

Maeve wanted to chase the stage. Jeonghan wanted to escape his fate. But not all dreams fit into the same future, and not all love stories end with a happy ending.

And as the final note fades, she wonders… Did he ever hear the words hidden in the melody?

Matching: best friend!yoon jeonghan x idol!reader

Genre: ANGSTTTT, fluff if you squint

Note: indented parts are flashbacks, this was written by 2023 me dsauihdjkns (its basically covered with webs)

____________________________________

The interview started with me singing one of the tracks in my album “Invisible String”. 

Gave me no compasses, gave me no signs

Were there clues I didn’t see?

“Why can’t you just say who you like!” I said before chasing after him He then stuck his tongue out, trying to hide the smile that’s plastered in his face. 

And isn’t it just so pretty to think

All along there was some, Invisible string

NOTIFICATIONS: ❦: Let’s go somewhere far away from here. “You basically kidnapped me,” I said, making our way to our bus seat.  “No it isn’t, you agreed at the idea of leaving home” he replied with a grin while settling ourselves in a comfortable position.  “What is your problem?” “School. You?” “Parents.”

Tying you to me?

I opened my eyes after hearing the instrumental ending, seeing how the staff clapped their hands as well as the host. 

____________________________________

FLASHBACK TO 12TH GRADE:

“Gosh Jeong, when you mentioned you were thinking about going somewhere far away, I didn't imagine it to be to JEJU ISLAND SPECIFICALLY.” I exaggeratedly yelled, flailing my arms like an insane person. Which I am at the moment. Around 1 and a half hours ago, Jeong texted me if I wanted to go on a trip with him. Here we are, standing right infront of Incheon Airport with just our backpacks with minimal packing. Apparently, it's my fault for agreeing to it when we have our finals next week. 

Jeonghan and I have been best friends since diapers, literally. Our mothers were considered “half-sisters” from their high school days till now because of their close bond, which led some to wonder if they were related. Automatically, from the moment I was born, I’ve always had a companion by my side. Until I got older, I had no idea he would be a pain in the ass. 

I guess you could say that the name “Yoon Jeonghan” is very well known around the campus, if you think it was because of his charming looks and grades, well you’re in for a treat. 

“YOON JEONGHAN GET BACK HERE!” A teacher yelled while chasing a very familiar brown-haired man, attracting many student’s attention as well. I was supposed to be in my 3rd class by now but my curiosity got the best of me. I walked over to the parking lot, seeing people gathering around.  Oh god. Mr. Hudson’s car came into view—covered with glue and confetti, topped with pink glitter—making me snort, what a classic. I saw Jeonghan run past me, winking at me. One of my friends approached me asking, “It makes me think about how in the hell you and Jeonghan are still friends?” “I have no idea.”

I have no idea indeed. “Well where did you expect us to go? Didn’t you look out the window to see where we were going?” 

“I FELL ASLEEP” 

“Oh, not my problem. Now come on, we might miss our flight.” He said rushing inside, while I had a hard time catching up with his steps.

Being friends with him is very unexpected, like the way he pulled out my passport out of his bag once we reached the check in desk. Or maybe the way he managed to sneak out of their house without Auntie suspecting anything. Or maybe the way he got us a hotel to stay in once we landed. Or maybe the way he had extra cash with him, which means he had been planning this for some time now. 

“How did you even manage to do all this? I mean, even my passport? Are you kidding me?” I plopped on my bed, I’m highly impressed he managed to get a hotel room with the view of the beach.  “I have ways” he faced me with a grin on his face, Oh how much I wanted to smack that away so many times, “Let’s go out? I remember passing by a few shops earlier.”

In a span of just 2 hours, we managed to do some shopping (mostly me, making jeong my butler by holding my shopping bags) and food trips every now and then. Here we are sitting on a table just right by the beach, eating our ice creams. He broke the comfortable silence, making my heart skip a beat for the first time, as he said “I’m really glad I’m here with you.” I smiled at him but as I was about to share a heartwarming moment, I realized… 

“OUR PARENTS ARE GONNA KILL US” I said, making me stand up from shock. I started pacing back and forth thinking about the possibilities my mom would do once she found out. I didn’t notice how distressed Jeonghan looked as well, trying to interrupt me from my rambling. He then got annoyed and pulled my arms making me clash into his body, staring into his eyes.

“Don’t worry, they know. I just wanted to have some alone time with you”

____________________________________

FLASHBACK TO COLLEGE, 1ST YEAR:

“YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME EVE! AFTER EVERYTHING YOUR FATHER AND I'VE BEEN THROUGH, YOU DECIDED NOT TO TAKE COLLEGE?” My mother said while furiously walking towards me, I swore I saw smoke coming out of her nose.

“You didn’t let me finish-”

“I didn’t let you finish because that is the finish! What else do you need to tell me!”

“You didn’t ask me why I don’t want to-”

“Then why?!” I rolled my eyes at the way she interrupted me, have you no manners?

“Because I want to pursue my dream of being an Idol-”

“YOU DON’T WANT TO GO THROUGH COLLEGE BECAUSE OF-” “Yes! Because I want to follow my stupid dream!” I cutted her off, I swear I’m so done with putting up with her attitude. Both of my parents looked at me, shocked.

“I want to do something I finally want, something I enjoy doing! You always pressured me into doing some job I don’t want to do! It’s a waste of time for me to be honest, by the fact why did I even have a chance to live when I couldn’t make my own decisions because my mother really had to control my life just because hers wasn’t perfect!” I said while walking towards her, as if I was threatening her. 

My mother wasn’t born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Always struggling on how to live, almost surviving in this society. While my father’s was the complete opposite. An only son of a CEO, making him the next heir of the company. It’s like a Wattpad Story. Them being arranged marriage because of a deal their families made, having to live in a lie that’s written on paper. Having to live in the same house, with no love shared together. Having to fake a happily perfect life. 

Jeonghan’s no different. His parents pressure him way too much in taking law because “it’s a family tradition, dear” that the first born has to carry on. He was more suffocated than I was. My mother and his were like the evil stepsisters in Cinderella, marrying a man for their position. Funny how the story went downhill. 

She slapped me. My own mother slapped me. My father stood there, frozen, not knowing what to do. He was never a talker, maybe that’s what I hated about him. “How dare you say that” My mother gritted her teeth, almost locking her jaw. “I said what I said” while rubbing my now red stained cheeks, glaring at her. “Get out” ok when I said that shit was going down, I never expected this. 

“What?”

“I said. Get. Out” My mother said while staring at me, no pain evident in her eyes.

Silence then began to surround the house. I broke it first with a giddy-

“Fine!” I then rushed to my room, taking my already packed luggage below my bed. Finally, it’s finally happening. 

“Wait. What?” My mother said, making me stop in my tracks as I was already standing at the door.

“What do you mean ‘what?’, you told me to get out so I am” I said the obvious. 

“Yea, but I was expecti-”

“Expecting me to do what? To beg on my knees for me to stay? I scoffed. “You really are pathetic” closing the door, not even bothering to say my farewells. Before I shut the door, I heard my father’s voice finally coming out, shouting at my mother for the first time as he blamed her. What do I do now? The only person I could run to was…Him. 

_______________

Song Playing: Mine

You were in college, working part-time waiting tables

Left a small town, never looked back

I rang the doorbell of an apartment as I awaited an answer. I was freezing. I just really had to take a bus that's heater is broken. 

“Eve?” A familiar voice erupted behind me, making me flinch at the sudden sound. “Oh, you’re here” I said while sniffing my now red nose. I probably looked like Rudolph.

“God, you’re freezing” He said as he hurriedly opened the door, rushing me to sit on the couch and wrapped me up with blankets. 

I chuckled at this sweet behavior. “Do you need anything?” “No, but thank you” I smiled genuinely. He then made hot choco while trying to make a conversation by asking me how I was doing. 

I hadn't seen Jeonghan in a long time, and that was new to me. Even though we stayed in touch via chat, we never honestly discussed why he left home. He suddenly disappeared and messaged me saying he had an apartment in Busan. Yes, I did travel to Busan via bus. That is five hours. lacking a heater. I'm assuming it was for the exact cause as I was.

I was a flight risk, with a fear of fallin’

I saw him glancing at my luggages before making his way to me. “So, tell me” he said while handing out my drink,  I whispered a small ‘thank you’ before tasting the beverage. I’m surprised though at how he managed to make Hot Choco when he doesn’t even know how to cook rice. He raised his eyebrows before taking a sip, signaling me to start on why I was here. 

I placed my mug at the console table beside me. “I need a place to stay,” I said. “Why?” “They kicked me out, because of some passion I wanted to  follow” I rolled my eyes. 

“You’re still going on about being an Idol?” I nodded, in despair. “Then why are you here? Shouldn’t you start auditioning now?” I know. “I just want to save up some cash first” I made an excuse.

I suppose it was both true and an excuse, though. I first needed a few bucks since I knew that if I started off with nothing, the expenses in Seoul would kill me. And maybe also because I wanted to see him. A peaceful silence enveloped us as we just stared at the wall in front of us, snuggling into each other’s warmth.

Wondering why we bother with love, if it never lasts

“I missed you” We said simultaneously. Making me feel the oh-so-well familiar beating of a heart whenever we had moments like this. 

I say, “Can you believe it?”

As we’re lyin’ on the couch

I looked at him, also seeing him staring at me. Making me realize…

The moment, I can see it

I love the person I trust the most, the person I always think of when I'm at my lowest, the person I think about when I hear the words 'sweet' and 'loving', the person I would make exemptions for. My Best friend. 

Yes, yes, I can see it now

__________________________

NOTE: Maeve is now 20 years old

He cracked a smile as he faced me. "What?" "You look ridiculous," I do. I'm digging through his stuff while seated on the floor, and I have a ton of items attached to me. Wearing his hair clips he used to use when he had his long hair, his green puffer vest when we used to go camping, checkered scarf, and a white bucket hat. 

After two years, I had finally moved into my own apartment, whereas Jeonghan had only recently moved into his own home. We’re currently unpacking the boxes scattered on the floor. When I said ‘we’, I meant me going over his stuff being completely distracted while he fixed his clothes in the closet. 

Nothing much changed in our relationship, including the feelings that I kept from him. Since we were often together, I had to conceal the loud thumping in my chest whenever he behaved charmingly more than a friend. 

"God Jeonghan, you're being too dramatic!" I shouted angrily at him. He calmly led me into his apartment to my assigned room, "No, I'm not," he responded. "He's a coworker of mine," I mumbled. I worked part-time in a restaurant close to Jeonghan's workplace for a while. My coworkers and I had planned to stay up all night drinking tonight, but someone had to spoil our plans. As if we didn't have shifts the next day, we were already at the local bar dunking the familiar taste and burning feeling of alcohol. I mistakenly sent a message to Jeong when I intended to ask one of my friends to pick me up.  “You still don’t even know them yet” I could feel how he’s holding back from screaming at me.  His voice was firm, but there was an underlying emotion I couldn't quite place. Frustration? Fear? Maybe something more. "Jeong, I'm not a kid. I can take care of myself." I rolled my eyes, stumbling slightly as I tried to get up from the bed where he had sat me down. He caught my wrist gently, stopping me. "I never said you were. But I know you, Maeve. You let people in too easily. You trust too fast. And that guy—he looked at you like you were something to win." I scoffed. "And what if I want to be won? What if I want someone to chase after me for once, instead of always being the one left behind?" His grip tightened for a second before he let go. His jaw clenched, his face unreadable. "You're not something to be won, Maeve. You're someone to be cherished." My breath hitched. For a moment, I let myself believe that his words meant something more. That he meant them. But then he sighed and ran a hand through his hair, turning away. "Just... be careful, okay?" And just like that, the moment was gone.

____________________________________

Years passed. Life moved forward in its messy, unpredictable way.

I got my first break in the music industry. A small entertainment company took a chance on me, and before I knew it, I was training, recording, performing. The dream I had fought for—the one I had left home for—was finally in my grasp.

And Jeonghan was still by my side.

Through late-night calls, surprise visits, and quiet moments between our separate busy lives, he remained a constant. My anchor in the chaos. My best friend.

But best friends weren’t supposed to make your heart ache.

Best friends weren’t supposed to make you wish for something more.

____________________________________

The night before I left for my first world tour, I stood outside his apartment, my fingers hovering over the doorbell.

My heart was racing. I needed to tell him. Before I left, before it was too late, I had to let him know.

I knocked.

A few seconds later, the door opened, and there he was—hair messy, eyes heavy with sleep, wearing that same green puffer vest I had once stolen.

"Maeve? What are you—"

"I'm leaving tomorrow." My voice was barely above a whisper.

He blinked. "I know. I was going to call you in the morning. Wish you luck."

I shook my head. "No. I mean, I'm really leaving, Jeong. For months. Maybe years."

A shadow crossed his face, but he quickly masked it with a smile. "That’s amazing, Maeve. This is everything you wanted."

"Yeah." I forced a laugh. "It is."

Silence stretched between us. The words I wanted to say caught in my throat, tangled with fear and uncertainty.

Don't let me go.

Tell me to stay.

Tell me you feel it too.

But he didn’t. Instead, he pulled me into a hug, his arms warm and familiar. I closed my eyes, trying to memorize the way he felt, the way he smelled, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat against my cheek.

When we pulled away, he smiled. "Go make the world fall in love with you, Maeve."

And that was it.

____________

The lights of the stage felt too bright. The audience, the cameras, the interviewer’s voice.

It had been years. I left, we had no connection afterwards, and life went on. I chased my dream, just like he told me to. But some nights, when the world quieted down, I still heard his voice in my head.

I still saw his smile in the spaces between my memories.

I still felt his absence in every song I wrote.

The interviewer’s voice pulled me back to reality. “If you had the chance to say something to that ‘someone,’ what would it be?”

I swallowed, fingers tightening around my phone.

“I’d say…” My voice cracked. I let out a shaky breath, smiling despite the tears welling in my eyes. “I hope you’re happy. I hope you found what you were looking for.”

The audience clapped, oblivious to the weight of my words.

Oblivious to the fact that, after all these years, I was still trying to let him go.

I stood backstage, the echoes of the applause fading. The final notes of the song played through the speakers, the lyrics hauntingly familiar.

Like oceans and engines, you can't keep up with me  You're holdin' my hand but you don't understand So goodbye, for now

I closed my eyes, letting the melody wash over me.

You never knew, the bridges burned, I let the fire just bathe me.

And just like that, the invisible string that had once tied us together was gone.