As your Uber parks in front of your house, you're surprised to see Taemin waiting at your door step.

"Y/n! You're back!" Taemin says as he gives you a big hug.

"I was so excited to hear about your date with Taeyong, that I rushed over here from the library.  So how was it?" He asks.

"It was really nice! Taeyong was very sweet! Oh no! I still owe him snacks! Dang it! "

You open the door for the two of you, and walk towards the kitchen.

"So are you guys official now? Can I start calling Taeyong Mr. Y/n". Taemin teases.

"No. I mean he did confess to me but I couldn't accept....
because ... I like someone else." You try to say nonchalantly.

You look over to see Taemin's gaping face....

"WHHaattt?!"

"Since when Y/n? And why didn't you tell me? So... Who is it?" Taemin eagerly asks!

"Well, he's also a student at our highschool." You say as you start to boil the water for ramen.

"Oh? Do I know him?" Taemin asks, his curiosity peaked.

"Yeah... you actually do."

"Come on  Y/n just spit it out. Who is it?"

"Well.. I'll give you some hints.
He's handsome, popular, super smart and the sassiest person I know."

"Y/n, those aren't really hints. Just tell me who it is?"

"... Lee Taemin" you say as you slowly look up to him.

"Yeah right! No really, who is it?"

"I'm serious.
I have a crush on you...
I Like-like you Taemin."

"Ooh..." is all Taemim says before it gets quiet.

You turn to add the ramen to the now boiling water.

"I don't know what to say Y/n...
I mean, I like you too... but not in that way"

It's gets quiet again.

"So, when did this all start?" Taemin asks you.

While looking to the ground you respond, " About a year ago. When we went to junior prom together."

"At first it was all fun and games, but when we started to slow dance as a joke it felt different. With my hands on your shoulders, I noticed how much taller you've gotten. And when you smiled at me it felt like I was seeing you beaming with joy for the first time. That night I saw you not just as my best friend, but as a man.  I felt so strongly that if I could date anyone I'd want to date you."

"Oh Y/n... Why didn't you just tell me?"

"I don't know! Those new feelings scared me. You were my first real crush  and I was scared that if I said something I'd lose you. I thought it'd be easier to just ignore my feelings to preserve our friendship."

Taemin sighs...

"If you'd told me this at prom I would've asked you out. But now I'm kind of in love with Jisoo. I'm sorry Y/n but I only see you as my dear friend."

"Yeah I know Taemin. And it's ok! Really."

Taemin starts to wipe away your tears before reassuringly hugging you.

"I'm really sorry Y/n. But thank you for telling me!"

"Haha of course!" You say as you wipe away more tears.

"I should probably get going but I'll see you on Monday ok?" Taemin says as he hugs you one more time before leaving.

...

You start to eat your ramen bowl on the couch and notice your tears mixing in with the soup.

It feels as if a huge weight has been lifted off of your shoulders and you hadn't realized how heavy it was to carry around.

But now that the truths come out there is no going back to how things have always been.

....