The night was cool and restless. Seoul glittered outside my window like a city full of secrets. I didn't know why, but something in my chest felt uneasy almost like the calm before a storm.
I glanced at the dress hanging near my closet. It was the one my mother had given me, soft silk with a delicate shimmer. Maybe… maybe I'd wear it tonight. After all, Mia Aiden's ex was back in town. And she'd be at that party.
I curled my hair lightly, put on the dress, and looked in the mirror. You've got this, Elara, I told myself.
When I arrived, music filled the air laughter, lights, and the faint scent of champagne and roses. People were playing games, dancing, and cheering. The whole place felt alive.
Then I saw her.
"Mia," I called out, forcing a smile.
She turned, her lips curving into a smirk. "Elara? Oh, wow. It's been a long time."
"Yeah," I said, trying to sound casual. "You look… great."
"Thank you," she replied smoothly, sipping her drink. "You too. So, you're still close with Aiden?"
I froze. "Yeah, we're… around each other."
She laughed softly, tilting her head. "You know, Aiden used to be so sweet. He'd bring me flowers, write little notes he wasn't like other boys. We met at a party just like this one. It was magical."
My throat tightened. "Really?"
"Oh, absolutely," Mia continued, her tone dreamy. "We started dating right after that. I thought he was the one."
I tried to smile, but my heart was sinking. I could almost see it Aiden smiling at her, holding her hand, whispering things he never told me.
Then her voice dropped. "You know, people think we broke up because of my brother, but… that's not true."
I looked at her, confused. "Then why did you?"
Mia leaned closer. "Because Aiden fell for someone else."
The words hit me like a knife. Someone else?
"W-who?" I asked, my voice trembling.
She smiled faintly. "I guess that's for him to tell you."
I didn't even realize I'd left the party until the cold night air hit my skin. My heart was racing, my mind spinning.
When I reached home, I saw Aiden sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone.
"Aiden," I said quietly, walking toward him. "I wanted to ask you something."
He didn't even look up. "I don't want to answer."
I clenched my fists. "Did you really fall in love with Mia?"
That made him look up. Slowly, he stood and stepped closer, his eyes cold. Then he tilted my chin upward, his hand firm on my jaw.
"Don't interfere in my business," he said flatly.
He turned to leave, but I grabbed his hand. "Just admit it you don't have any love left for me, do you?"
He said nothing. Just silence. And that silence hurt more than any word could.
As he walked away, I shouted, voice shaking, "We've been best friends since childhood, Aiden! And now you're treating me like a stranger! But remember this — karma always comes back. For years I sent you letters, hoping you'd reply, but you never even opened one! You don't deserve love!"
My voice broke. Tears blurred my eyes as I brushed past him, my shoulder hitting his as I stormed into my room.
I cried for hours. Maybe all night.
When morning came, I barely recognized myself in the mirror. My eyes were red, my voice hoarse. Then suddenly a knock.
"Elara!" a familiar voice called.
I rushed out and saw my aunt and uncle standing in the living room. "Auntie! Uncle!" I ran to them and hugged them tight. "I missed you so, so much."
"We missed you too, sweetheart," my aunt said gently. "Are you okay? You look tired."
"I'm fine," I lied, forcing a smile.
Later that day, my phone rang. It was Maren.
"Hey! You haven't been coming to school lately," she said.
"I'm sick," I said bluntly. "Leave me alone." I hung up.
Then I went to shower. The water hit my face, warm and heavy, washing away tears I didn't even realize were still falling. When I got out, wrapping a towel around myself, I froze.
Aiden was standing by the door, smiling. "Good morning."
I ignored him and walked downstairs. He followed.
"What do you want? Pancakes, muffins, coffee, or hot tea?" he asked with a teasing grin.
"I prefer dying," I muttered coldly.
He didn't say anything. Just sighed.
Later, I put on my tracksuit, grabbed my water bottle and headphones, and went jogging. The park was full of laughter, friends chatting, couples smiling. I felt… left out. Empty.
So I turned around to go home.
"Elara!"
I turned. It was Ethan.
"Hey," I said, forcing a small smile.
"Hey. Come on, I'll drive you home," he said kindly.
I nodded and got into his car. He started the engine and played a loud rock song.
"Can you please change that?" I asked.
"Just get used to it," he said casually.
"No, seriously, pause it. You're acting weird," I said, frowning.
Ethan blinked, then smiled sheepishly. "Sorry." He turned it off.
When we reached my house, I got out. "Thanks, Ethan."
"Anytime," he said.
I waved and went inside. I changed into my pajamas and collapsed into bed.
Sleep came quickly, but it didn't last long. My phone rang again.
"Hello?" I mumbled.
"Hello," said a familiar voice.
My heart skipped. "Who is this?"
"Don't you recognize your cousin?"
My eyes widened. "Aiden?! How did you get my number?"
He chuckled softly. "You really think I'd lose it?"
I hung up immediately. Then I blocked his number.
And for some reason, that's when the tears started again.
A few minutes later, my phone buzzed again this time, my mother.
"Sweetheart! When are you coming home? We miss you," she said warmly.
"I'll be there in two days," I said quietly. "I miss you too, Mom. Bye."
When I hung up, I sat on my bed, staring into the dark. For the first time in a long time, I felt completely alone surrounded by people, yet lost in my own storm of feelings I didn't understand.