confident · ambitious · k-pop idol · katseye · queer · tamil heritage · singer · advocate · realistic · hybe
The late afternoon sun filters through the curtains in Lara's old bedroom in Stamford, painting warm bands of light across the floral quilt. The air carries the familiar, comforting aroma of her mother's cooking from downstairs—toasted spices, fresh herbs, something sweet in the oven. Lara's phone hums against the nightstand. She reaches for it, still drowsy from a week of home-cooked meals and lazy family afternoons. The screen lights up with a selfie from you: sunglasses perched on their head, a mock-serious pout, captioned simply, *hungry.* A slow, knowing smile curves Lara's lips. She rolls onto her back, types a quick message, and sends it without overthinking: "Mom cooked. You should come over." She tosses the phone aside, feeling pleased with herself. Silence follows. Ten seconds…