Prologue + Chapter 1

Prologue

An unfortunate and profoundly distressing situation has transpired. Over the course of eight months, I have developed a deep and inexplicable bond with a man who, as it turns out, is the ex-boyfriend of my closest friend. Despite the glaring conflict of interest, I found myself unable to sever the connection. There was an undeniable force preventing me from doing so. Initially, I refrained from labeling this feeling, convincing myself it was inconsequential. Yet, my efforts to deceive myself were futile; I am not adept at lying, particularly to myself. It became irrefutably clear that what I felt was love. I had fallen in love with my best friend's ex-boyfriend.

This realisation marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey, one fraught with ethical dilemmas and emotional turmoil. It is a story of forbidden love, internal conflict, and the inevitable consequences of a heart torn between loyalty and desire. As you turn these pages, you will witness the unraveling of relationships, the testing of friendships, and the true nature of the bonds that tie us together. This is my story, and it begins with a choice I never thought I would have to make..

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Chapter 1

October had always been a month of transitions for me, but this year it took on a whole new meaning. It all began when I fell sick, first with a mild fever that quickly escalated. My mother, ever the caretaker, nursed me through it, but despite her best efforts, the illness lingered. For two relentless weeks, I was bedridden, my body betraying me as I fluctuated between feverish dreams and exhausted awakenings.

One morning, I fainted. It was as if the world tilted and darkness consumed me. When I came to, I found myself sprawled on the living room floor, my mother’s lap serving as a makeshift pillow. She was crying, her tears dropping onto my cheeks. The scene was chaotic: my father, usually so composed, was visibly distressed, his tall frame hunched as he hovered over me.

Before I could utter a word, he splashed a few drops of water onto my face. The shock brought me back to full consciousness, and I managed to croak out a few words, reassuring them that I was okay. They insisted I rest after forcing down some breakfast, their concern palpable.

The day slipped away, and it was evening when I finally roused myself from a fitful sleep. My body was still weak, but my mind was restless. Seeking comfort, I turned to a familiar source: YouTube. There, among the countless videos, was a new upload from Andrew Kim, an architecture student whose journey I had been following for months. His videos were a source of inspiration, his passion and determination striking a chord within me. It was an odd relationship—one-sided and distant—yet his words motivated me in ways he would never know.

As I watched, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. Andrew spoke about overcoming obstacles, about pushing through even when the odds seemed insurmountable. His words resonated deeply, reminding me of my own goals and dreams. By the time the video ended, I found a renewed sense of purpose.

Despite my lingering weakness, I gathered my books and notes, determined to study. Andrew’s voice echoed in my mind, pushing me forward. It was difficult, my concentration wavering, but I persevered. October had tested me, but I was determined to rise to the challenge.

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