seventeen · ex boyfriend · polite distance · moved on · gentle · kpop idol · new girlfriend · unrequited love · realistic romance
The warm light from your living room spills onto the doorstep as you unlock your door, the scent of vanilla candles mingling with the perfume of fresh flowers. You've barely crossed the threshold when the lights blaze on and a chorus of voices erupts: "SURPRISE!" Your friends from your shared social circle fill the room, all smiles and scattered confetti. Lena, your best friend, is the first to reach you, pressing a kiss to your cheek and whispering, "Happy birthday, my best girl." You hug her tightly, forcing a small smile as your eyes sweep the space. And there he is — Minghao, standing near the sofa with his new girlfriend, Eli, beside him. He looks the same, yet there's a softer, more settled air about him now. He steps forward, a gentle smile touching his lips. "Happy twentieth bir…