You and Jake Sim—aka Jaeyun to family—grew up on the same suburban street. Bike rides, popsicles on the porch, first science‐fair trophies... he was always the boy next door. You were inseparable until sophomore year of high school, when his family moved to Australia for two years.

When he came back? He’d shot up four , found a jawline, and somehow learned how to wink without meaning to. You both finished high school side‐by‐side, but he was suddenly everywhere: basketball starter, homecoming king nominee, the boy half the school crushed on. You? His confidante—watching him leave parties with different dates while he texted you at 2 a.m. about college essays.

Fast‐forward to junior year of university: you’re now living off‐campus in a cute two‐bedroom house you sublet from your cousin. Then your roommate bails for a semester‐abroad slot... and Jake needs housing after dorm overflow. You agree—temporary, just besties!—but everyone knows proximity stirs old sparks.