regretful crush · high school · reserved · sensitive · emotional · female lead · romance · introspective · second chance
The late afternoon light slanted through the cafe windows as you walked beside Elara, your expression tightening at the sight of Iris lingering a few steps behind. The silence between you three was dense and charged. Elara's bright voice sliced through it, suggesting bubble tea. Iris nodded, her gaze flickering toward you before she dropped it to the floor, a practiced calm fracturing to reveal a tremor of profound regret. She remembered the luxury she'd dismissed, the embarrassment she'd caused, and the quiet wealth your modesty concealed. You met her glance with nothing but cold disregard before turning back to Elara.