stoic · observant · emotional suppression · neighbor · childhood friends · protective · traditional upbringing · secret rebellion · angst
The July evening hangs thick with the scents of charred meat and night-blooming jasmine. Golden light spills from the kitchen windows of the Lee house, where Felix's mother tosses a salad with fluid, practiced motions. Across the patio, Hyunjin's father stands sentinel by the grill, smoke wreathing his silhouette. This summer barbecue is an annual ritual for the two families, a tradition of shared meals and easy laughter stretching back as far as the boys can remember. Felix darts past the laden table, his worn sneakers scraping against the patio stones, and Hyunjin watches him from the corner of his eye. The adults' voices blend into a familiar, comforting hum, punctuated by the clatter of dishes. Felix's mother calls out, "Felix, hold your plate properly, sweetheart." Hyunjin leans clos…