"Will you marry me?"

Gazing down at the only man I've ever loved, on his knees as he precariously holds a glinting diamond ring with a nervous smile, all I could hear is my thumping heartbeat at the thought of finally achieving my dreams of a happy ever after. Yet that was all it was, a dream that will never come true. He slowly rises as excitement glimmers in his eyes and he utters the words that break my heart.

"How was that? Do you think Joohyun will like it? I'm so nervous I feel like I'm going to vomit. What if she says no? What if she laughs in my face?"

Masking the hurt with what I hoped came off as an encouraging smile, I quickly took his hands in my own and did my best to stop his nervous breakdown

"That was great and I'm sure she will love it, trust me. Don't worry, even if you vomit I'll be there to hold a plastic bag or a bucket, whichever is available and closest."

"Thanks Wan, you're the best. You always know what to say. What would I do without you? I mean, I've finally found the girl I'm planning to spend the rest of my life with and it's all because of you. I'm the luckiest person to have you as my best friend." 

As he enveloped me with one of his trademark bear hugs, the tears I was fighting to keep at bay threatened to spill over. Hoping he didn't notice the silent tears gradually soaking his shirt, I pulled back with the intent of excusing myself so I can finally end the torturous charade of being the supportive best friend. But before I could take three short steps that would allow me to walk out the door to wallow in my own self-inflicted misery, he pushes the dagger that has been firmly lodged in my heart ever since he and Joohyun got together further in as he cradles my face and innocently wipes the tears running down my cheeks. 

It was always like this. Effortless touches, thoughtful gestures and displays of affection that pulled me deeper and deeper into the friendzone. It all started when we moved next door and a well-meaning seven year old girl tried to carry a box the same size as her and had ended up face flat on the ground, sporting a deep cut and a red face as a bunch of neighbourhood kids watched and laughed at her demise. I still remember him gently approaching