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"I guess, when you fall in love with someone who belongs to someone else, acknowledging the truth is painful; the more you know that they love each other, the more painful it gets. And it would be more painful if you choose to interfere."

"You have to keep the feelings inside. Waiting for that person you love to notice that you're right there."

"Maybe it's just the wrong timing."

Hyejin's words kept replaying on my mind for the nth time. I can feel tears flowing from my eyes. Her words stung deep. I know it's true. Truth can be cruelly painful sometimes.

"My first real kiss with my first real love? Never."

I was her first love, maybe there's a chance that she'll love me that way again, right? I mean, people say, first love is always special. I know that because Moonbyul is special to me. I don't want to get my hopes up but a girl can dream, right?

"Yong!" I heard someone call out that snapped me out of my trance. When I looked up I saw Seulgi running towards me.

"Seulgi. You're early." I commented.

"Well, I believe in the saying that the early bird catches the worm." That hit home. I know she didn't address that remark to me but it stung. I wondered if I confessed my feelings earlier things wouldn't be this complicated. Seulgi might've noticed my expression. "You're early too. Care to share?"

"I couldn't sleep so I decided to come early..." Moonbyul and Seulgi are kind of a transitive property when it comes to things like this, meaning whatever Byul knows, Seulgi probably knows too, and vice versa. "So I guess, you know about the situation."

She nodded. "Just so you know, I'm rooting for you." She smiled at me. And I couldn't help but smile. It's good to know that I can talk to someone who completely knows the situation I'm in, plus, she's on my side. Although, I don't think taking sides is going to be good for our friendship.

I smiled at her. "Really?" I asked sounding hopeful.

"Yeah, until Wheein comes in terms with her feelings." And here I was thinking that she's serious. I slapped her arms. "Ouch! I was just trying to cheer you up."

"Well, you're not helping." I said as I try a pout.

She just laughed at me. "But seriously, I like you for Byul. She still loves you in that way, I can feel it. Just wait for her, she'll come around."

"I hope so." I smiled at her genuinely. "Just so you know," I say as I looked at hr intently, "you don't have to tell me, I will wait for her." Of course, I will.

It was her turn to smile. "Good. I didn't have to use force then." She said jokingly which caused me to chuckle.

"Do you know that I was her first love?" I blurted out.

"Hmmm. Well, she did tell me she loved you first. I didn't know when exactly but I think it was since high school." I didn't know if I should be glad to hear that or hate myself because I didn't know how many times I blew my chance of being happy with Byul.

"Do you think first love never dies?" Moonbyul asked me in a too serious tone. I was taken aback because for one; she doesn't usually take me seriously, two; it's about love, a topic that she doesn't talk about willingly, in my opinion.

For a moment all I did was look at her. I decided to answer really briefly to lessen the tendency to spill my feelings. "No. I don't think so." I lied. I actually believe that first love will always be special, just like how special Byulyi is to me.

"That's it? You just don't think so?" she said in a somehow disappointed tone. She wasn't satisfied with my answer obviously.

"Yeah. Why?" I tried to sound indifferent as possible. I wonder why she's asking these things now. Did she finally fall in love? I didn't bother asking even though I am curious. I know she wouldn't answer me anyway.

"Nothing." she said briefly. I was hoping she would spill whatever it is that's bothering her, but as expected she just shrugged. Her next question however..."Have you ever been in love?"

That almost made me jump out of my seat. Where does she get these kinds of questions? I almost told her that I've always been in love with her, but I managed to suppress my feelings. Instead, I breathed deeply and just smiled before I could think of a better response. "Yeah, with a girl actually." I notice her tense up. At that moment I didn't know what to think; I was scared that she would look at me in disgust.

She wasn't saying anything, it's like she just froze. I decided to break the silence. "You think I'm serious?" I noticed that she responded fast.

"Are you joking?" she asked in an unreadable expression. I wanted to take back what I just revealed, but I didn't want to lie to her about that biggest detail.

"No." I answered in full confidence; well I tried to sound really confident.

"Is she someone I know?" she pried. I wanted to answer, 'Of course you know her, Byul-ah. Unless you haven't met yourself yet.'

But I'm not ready for rejection, especially from her. Importantly, I'm not ready to lose her as a friend. So instead I just said, "Yeah. Sure." She was quiet again. I was waiting for her to speak. I hope she would catch on. Or even just joke about it, like 'Don't tell me, it's me. I know you can't help it, a lot of people can't but...' and then I'd tell her, right there and then. But she didn't.

She was just there, lost in her own thoughts. I couldn't stand being with her right now. I know if this conversation continue, I'd tell her how I feel, so I spoke before she did. "It's getting late."

"And there I was, so scared that she would reject me." I said, regret was evident in my tone.

Seulgi must be staring at me because she noticed that I was having an internal dilemma. "You were both scared I guess." she comments.

"We're a bunch of scared teenagers." I agreed.

"Hmmm...You were scared of rejection; Byul was scared to take any risk; while Wheein is scared to make the wrong decision..."

"Well, that's stupid. For me, Byul will always be the right choice." I said nonchalantly. Not Wheein, but the fact that someone is hesitant of taking a risk with Byul; someone I once was.

"That's because you're sure that you're in love with Byul. Wheein on the other hand, is confused." Seulgi defended.

"Hmm...I thought you're rooting for me. You seem to be taking her side." I feigned hurt.

A small laugh escaped Seulgi's lips. 

Three familiar figures, approaching us, caught my attention; cutting my conversation with Seulgi short.

"Yongsun-ssi!" Sowon greeted from a not-so-far distance before they manage to reach us.

I wasn't able to answer her because I was distracted by Byul's presence. I wasn't sure if I should greet her or wait for her to greet me. I tried to make eye contact but she was obviously intentionally avoiding my gaze.

Well