Someone Like You

Prologue

Why does it hurt to be in love?

"Hey! Are you listening?" the girl beside me asked. It's hard to believe she's an introvert. "Nayeonie, come on! Me talking this much is rare."

"I know. What were you saying?" I asked. She sighed and looked at me, clearly exasperated.

"You're not really listening," she whined. "My mouth hurts from talking, so I won't repeat it. It was a long paragraph."

I chuckled.

Her name is Mina. She's my best friend. I like her, but I don’t think she feels the same. I’m starting to believe what people say when they watch love stories:

Best friends always lose in love. They won’t choose you, even though you’re right there. Instead, they’ll pick the one who might break them.

If that’s true, I shouldn’t have let myself fall for her. If only it were that easy. You never know when love will hit—you just feel it, even when it’s too complicated.

Love is so mysterious.

You never know who you’ll love for the rest of your life. There's a chance you haven't even met them yet. Let’s just wait and be happy for now. Let's take our time to enjoy life before committing to the person we’ll spend it with.

I looked at the person beside me and saw a pair of worried eyes. "Are you okay, Nayeonie?"

"Of course. Why do you ask, honey?" I replied, noticing the flush on her cheeks.

"You seemed to be spacing out, and I thought something was wrong."

How can you look so innocent, Mina?

"It's still me. I’m just thinking about something," I reassured her, but the worry in her eyes only deepened.

"What are you thinking about?" she asked.

I gave her a sad smile, and I saw her expression fall. Oh no, I ruined the mood, and I’m sorry for that.

"I'm just thinking about nothing," I answered, but she didn’t believe me.

"I understand if you can't tell me right now. Just take your time. I’ll always be here by your side," she said, pulling me into a hug.

It’s been a long time since we’ve hugged like this—sweet, tender, and caring.

Why do you do things that make me fall even more? I'm so foolish for falling for my best friend. I’m sorry, Mina. I’m so sorry.

I looked into her eyes. "I'm so lucky to have you as my best friend."

I wish we could be more than that.

Her smile widened as she gave me a peck on the forehead. She didn’t say anything, just hugged me tighter. She knows I need it.

Your chest is one of my safe places.

The door suddenly opened, revealing our best friend—Mina's boyfriend.

"Jackson!" Mina screamed, running toward him. I smiled at the scene, but it didn’t reach my eyes. I did it to hide the pain I’m feeling.

They broke their hug, and Jackson spread his arms, asking me for a hug. I obliged, gently tapping his back.

"How are you guys?" Jackson asked. "Are you two having fun?"

Mina smiled. "We’re fine and having fun. How about you?" But the next line killed me. "I missed you, love," Mina said cutely.

Jackson chuckled and pinched her cheeks. I smiled weakly. "I missed you too," he replied, kissing Mina's forehead.

I lowered my head and stayed quiet, listening to their conversation. "Nayeon," Jackson called out. I looked at him and forced a smile.

"Why are you so quiet? That’s new," Jackson asked, confused.

"She's been quiet since earlier, love," Mina added, her voice tinged with worry.

I shook my head. "You guys, don’t mind me. I’m fine. Just talk, you must have missed each other, and I’m a bit sleepy too. Goodnight!" Before they could stop me, I quickly stood up and went to my room.

The tears I’d been holding back finally fell. I covered my head with a pillow and cried, burying my face in the sheets. The pillow pressed against my neck, muffling the sound of my sobs.

Hatred, anger, jealousy, and sadness swirled in my heart. My poor heart was beating painfully as I cried. I could barely breathe. My face was wet with tears, but it didn’t matter—I needed to let it out.

"Why do I have to feel this?" I asked, still crying.

The door suddenly opened. "It’s okay, you’ll get through it."

I flinched as Mina spoke. How did she—

"The door wasn’t locked."

I nodded and forced a smile, wiping my tears away. I didn’t want her to see me like this—hurt and broken. I didn’t want them to feel bad for me. Even though it’s hard to give them a genuine smile, I’m trying because I don’t want any negative feelings when I’m with them.

"Nayeonie, I'm your best friend, right?" Mina asked. I nodded in response. "You can share it with me."

As much as I want to, I can’t. I might just end up hurting myself more and accidentally confessing to you. I respect your relationship with Jackson.

"I don’t want to disturb you, Mina. I’m always fine."

The worry in her eyes was clear. I’m sorry for making you worry, my love.

"You're sleepy, right?" I asked.

Please nod. I’m sure she could see the plea in my eyes, so she nodded. I leaned in and kissed her forehead. I smiled as she finally left.

How I wish I could be with you all the time.

Nyn.