Scene "Morning Tease & Shadows"
Morning sunlight spilled through the kitchen window, dancing across the table where Yuri and Miyeong were already sitting, sipping coffee, chatting, and laughing like two teenagers who never grew up.
Ava trudged in first, wearing Kira's oversized hoodie and messy hair. Kira followed, still half asleep and holding her phone upside down.
"Look who decided to join the living," Yuri said cheerfully.
"Too early," Ava mumbled, grabbing a mug.
"It's ten-thirty," Miyeong said. "If this were Seoul, we'd have gone to work, cleaned the house, and eaten lunch already."
"Auntie Miyeong, it's Saturday," Kira groaned. "Let's not ruin a good day with logic."
"Aigoo, this child," Miyeong muttered with a smile.
"So…" Yuri said casually, stirring her coffee. "How was the party?"
Ava froze mid-sip. Kira looked at her like we're doomed.
"Uh…..fun," Ava said quickly. "Totally normal. No drama. No….uh..boys."
Miyeong raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. Because I saw a photo of a certain bonfire on someone's story… with a certain boy standing very close to Ava."
"Eommaaa!" Kira gasped, laughing. "You're stalking us?"
"Mothers don't stalk," Yuri said smoothly. "We research."
Ava groaned. "Oh my God. You two are the reason therapy exists."
"So… who's the boy?" Miyeong asked, pretending to sip her coffee innocently.
Kira answered before Ava could breathe. "His name's Ethan. He's tall, cute, and probably crushing on her."
"Kira!"
"What?" she said, grinning. "You were this close…" she held two fingers almost touching…" to living your K-drama fantasy."
Yuri gasped dramatically. "Ava, you almost kissed a boy?!"
"It wasn't...oh my gosh," Ava said, face red. "Can we not do this?"
"I'm just saying," Yuri teased, "if he's going to hang around, he better say annyeonghaseyo properly."
"Oh, he'd probably butcher it," Kira said. "But it'd be funny."
"Girls, go clean up before breakfast," Miyeong said, laughing. "And next time, no sneaking out past curfew."
"We didn't sneak out!" Ava said defensively.
"The security camera disagrees," Yuri said, holding up her phone.
Ava's jaw dropped. "You what? You stalked me?"
"Researched," Yuri corrected again.
Kira nearly fell over laughing. "You're doomed, babe."
⸻
Later, after the laughter and teasing died down, Ava stepped outside with a plate of leftover pancakes. The air was quiet, bright, and peaceful.
But as she leaned against the porch railing, her smile faded.
In the dirt near the fence…faint but clear …were footprints.
Not hers. Not Kira's.
They led up to the spot where she thought she'd seen the shadow last night.
Ava blinked, her stomach tightening.
The footprints ended right there.
As if whoever was standing there… had disappeared.
The afternoon drifted by quietly. Ava sat on her bed, half-wrapped in her blanket, scrolling through her phone when her screen lit up.
Ethan: Hey, you made it home safe?
Ava smiled a little.
Ava: Yeah, just got bullied by my mom for staying out too late lol.
Ethan: Sounds about right 😂 Tell her I'm sorry for keeping you up.
Ava: Maybe next time she won't use the word "research" instead of stalking.
Ethan: Next time? 👀 So you're saying there'll be one?
Ava's heart did that weird flutter again.
Ava: We'll see 😛
She set her phone down, smiling into her pillow, just as a soft knock came from the door.
"Come in," she said, still grinning a little.
Kira peeked in, wearing her usual comfy shorts and a sleepy look. "You're smiling at your phone like a Disney princess. Don't tell me Ethan texted."
"Maybe."
"Omooo," Kira gasped dramatically, climbing onto the bed beside her. "Spill the tea, girl."
"He just asked if I got home safe," Ava said, pretending to sound casual.
"Liar," Kira teased, bumping her shoulder. "You don't smile like that for safe texts. What else did he say?"
Ava hid her face. "Nothing! You're so nosy."
"I'm your emotional support chaos," Kira said proudly. "It's my job."
They both laughed, lying back against the pillows. The room filled with that easy warmth that only existed between them—comfortable silence, the faint hum of a ceiling fan, and the scent of Kira's shampoo that somehow always lingered like vanilla and mint.
After a moment, Kira turned her head. "You really like him, huh?"
Ava blinked. "I… don't know. Maybe."
"He's nice," Kira said softly. "But you deserve so much more than nice."
Ava smiled faintly. "You sound like my mom."
"Except your mom doesn't make you listen to katseye at 2 a.m."
Ava laughed, rolling her eyes. "True."
Then, out of nowhere, the laughter faded into quiet. Kira's eyes lingered on Ava's face a little too long—like she was about to say something, but didn't know how.
"What?" Ava asked, a little nervous.
Kira hesitated, her voice low. "Nothing… I just—"
Before Ava could ask again, Kira leaned in.
It wasn't planned, or loud, or movie-like—it was soft, short, and confusing. Just a kiss that left Ava's breath caught and her thoughts tangled.
For a few seconds, neither of them moved. Then Ava gently pulled back.
"Kira…" she whispered. "I…I don't…"
Kira looked away, her eyes flickering with guilt. "I shouldn't have done that."
"No, it's not that," Ava said quickly, heart racing. "It's just… I don't know what this means. I think I need to… meet Ethan or something. Just, clear my head."
"Yeah," Kira said quietly, standing up. "Of course. I'll, um… see you later."
Ava didn't stop her. She just sat there, frozen, the air thick with things neither of them knew how to say.
When the door closed, Ava finally exhaled, her chest tight.
Her phone buzzed again. Another message from Ethan.
Ethan: Still thinking about last night.
Ava stared at the text—then at the closed door, her mind a mess of what-ifs.
⸻
Scene "Did I Imagine It?"
The sun had already dipped low, painting the Texas sky in gold and orange. For days, Ava had been replaying that night—the look in Kira's eyes, the warmth of her lips, and the silence that followed.
Ethan had texted. Twice. Maybe three times. But she never replied. She couldn't. Her heart was too messy, and every time she thought about seeing him, Kira's face came rushing back.
They still ate breakfast together, still exchanged the usual "pass the butter" and "good morning"but that was it.
And Ava hated it.
So she decided—enough overthinking. She was going to talk to Kira. Tonight.
"Just talk," she muttered to herself as she walked toward Kira's house, her palms slightly sweaty. "You're not gonna explode. Just… talk."
The porch light was on. Through the window, she could see Kira sitting on the couch, scrolling her phone. Ava smiled nervously, pushed the doorbell, and when Kira opened the door…..
"Hey, Kie," Ava said softly, managing a small smile. "Can we talk?"
"Uh.." Kira's lips parted like she wanted to say yes, but before she could….
"Baaabe?"
Ava blinked.
A tall boy stepped into view from the hallway, grin bright, his presence filling the doorway. His voice had that playful tone of someone who belonged there.
"You didn't tell me someone was here," he said, slipping an arm around Kira like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Ava's breath caught, but she stayed still.
"Xavier," Kira murmured, her tone uneasy.
"Hey," he said warmly, offering Ava a friendly smile before turning to kiss Kira's cheek. "Sorry, babe, didn't mean to interrupt."
Babe.
The word echoed in Ava's chest like a small, sharp sound.
Kira's eyes met hers for a fleeting second, an apology already forming there—but neither of them said a word.
Ava forced a calm smile. "Oh… seems you're busy."
"Ava—" Kira started, voice trembling just slightly.
"It's fine," Ava said, tone steady, eyes betraying nothing. "We'll talk later, yeah?"
"Yeah," Kira whispered, her throat tight. "Later."
Ava nodded once, turned, and walked away, the sound of her footsteps soft against the porch wood.
She didn't look back.
Behind her, Kira stood frozen, Xavier still beside her, smiling like he hadn't just stepped into a storm he didn't even know existed.
Ava's hands trembled as she stuffed them into her pockets, her chest heavy, her throat dry. She told herself she was fine.
She wasn't.
(Kira's POV)
The door clicked shut.
Kira stood there for a few seconds, staring at the spot where Ava had been.
Xavier's voice broke the silence. "She seemed nice. Your friend from Spain?"
"Yeah," Kira said quietly, still watching the door. "My best friend."
"You okay?"
She nodded too quickly. "Yeah, just… surprised you came back today."
Xavier smiled, pulling her into a hug. "I missed you, you know."
Kira forced a smile back, but her chest felt tight. "Yeah. I missed you too."
But all she could think about was Ava's face—the confusion in her eyes, the way her voice had cracked just slightly when she said we'll talk later.
As Xavier went to unpack, Kira sat down on the couch, her hands shaking.
"Aish…" she muttered under her breath, pressing her palms to her face. "What have I done?"
Her phone buzzed. A text from an unknown number.
Unknown: You really thought she wouldn't find out?
Kira's breath caught. The color drained from her face.
"…What the hell…" she whispered.
(Ava's POV)
The night air felt heavier than usual. Ava walked home slow, her arms folded tight around herself.
She kept replaying the moment at Kira's door…. Xavier's arm around her, Kira's quiet "later."
Later.
What was she supposed to do with that?
She tried to tell herself it didn't matter. That Kira didn't owe her anything. But her chest still hurt — the kind of ache that hides behind silence.
When she reached home, the living room light was still on. Her mom, Yuri, was asleep on the couch, glasses slipping off her nose, a Korean drama still playing quietly in the background.
Ava smiled faintly and turned off the TV, then tiptoed upstairs.
In her room, she tossed her bag onto the bed and sat down, staring at her phone.
No new texts. Not from Ethan. Not from Kira.
She sighed, opened her window for some air …the Texas night humming with crickets — when suddenly her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number: You didn't tell her everything, did you?
Ava frowned.
She typed back: Who is this?
The reply came fast.
Unknown: She deserves to know what really happened in Spain.
Her breath caught. Her hands went cold.
No one was supposed to know.
Ava's heartbeat quickened. She deleted the messages, her fingers trembling.
But even after the screen went dark, the words still echoed in her head.
You didn't tell her everything.
Somewhere deep inside, a familiar fear she thought she'd buried started to rise again.
Someone knew.
Scene "The Breaking Point"
The weekend came faster than Ava expected. Somehow, between late-night texts, coffee breaks, and shared jokes, Ethan had become her comfort…simple, safe, and warm.
That afternoon, they were at the park, sitting under the big oak tree near the lake. The sunlight hit just right, and Ethan was teasing her about the way she said "y'all" now.
"You're turning Texan," he said with a grin.
"Oh, please," Ava laughed. "Next thing you know, I'll start saying 'fixin' to.'"
"If you do, I'm recording it."
They both laughed. For a moment, everything felt easy again…..no secrets, no tension, no overthinking. Just them.
Then Ethan looked at her, really looked…and his voice softened.
"You've got that look again," he said.
"What look?"
"The one that says you're pretending everything's fine."
Ava's smile faltered. "Maybe I am."
"You don't have to, you know."
The silence between them grew heavy but gentle. Then, slowly, Ethan leaned in. Ava didn't move away this time. The kiss was soft, like a question neither of them wanted to answer out loud.
And then…..
"Wow," a voice said behind them, sharp and cold. "Didn't know the park was this romantic."
Ava froze. She turned. Kira stood a few feet away, sunglasses on, tone dripping with fake sweetness.
"Ethan," she said, her smile not reaching her eyes. "Didn't realize you were so… bold. Must be the Texas air, huh?"
Ethan looked away, awkward. "Kira….hey, it's not what—"
"Relax," she interrupted. "Just making an observation."
Ava's chest tightened. "Kira, stop."
"Why? I'm just saying," Kira said, flipping her hair, that fake smile never leaving. "Some people move to Texas and suddenly forget how to respect boundaries."
Ethan frowned. "Okay, that's enough."
But Ava couldn't even speak. She just stood up, her throat tight. "I'll see you later," she whispered to Ethan.
The air turned awkward fast. Ethan sighed, mumbled a goodbye, and started heading home — or so Ava thought.
When she got back to the house, Kira was already there, pacing the porch.
"What was that?" Ava demanded.
Kira crossed her arms. "Didn't seem like I did anything."
"You embarrassed me, Kira! You kissed me, remember? Then I find out you have a boyfriend, and now you're acting like I'm the problem?"
"You are," Kira snapped, her voice breaking. "You're everywhere, Ava! With him, pretending like nothing happened between us!"
"Because you have a boyfriend! What did you expect me to do?" Ava's voice rose. "You can't kiss me one night and insult the guy I'm trying to move on with the next!"
Kira's eyes flashed with something darker…. pain, jealousy, guilt, and then she said it.
"Aren't you a little too free for someone who got raped?"
Silence.
Ava just stared at her. the words echoing like they'd sucked all the air from the world.
"…You didn't just say that," Ava whispered, her voice shaking.
Kira blinked, realizing too late what she'd done. "Ava, I—"
But Ava was already stepping back, eyes glassy. "You really think that's something you can use to hurt me?"
Kira's lips trembled. "I didn't mean—"
"Don't," Ava cut her off, her voice barely a whisper. "Just… don't."
She turned, tears burning her eyes, and opened the front door…..only to bump into someone.
"Ava—whoa—sorry," Ethan said, holding out her sunglasses. "You left these—"
Ava froze, her chest tight. "How… how much did you hear?"
Ethan looked at her softly, guilt flickering in his eyes. "Enough."
For a second, neither of them moved. The world just went quiet.
Scene "The Truth, Just a Little"
The air outside was cooler now, the wind brushing against Ava's hair as she stepped off the porch. She didn't even know where she was going…..she just needed space, air, something.
Ethan followed her silently. He didn't say anything until they reached the sidewalk.
"Ava," he said softly. "You don't have to talk, but… I'm here."
She stopped walking and looked down, wiping at her eyes with the back of her hand. "You heard what she said?"
"Yeah," he admitted quietly. "And I know she didn't mean it — but that doesn't make it okay."
Ava's voice cracked. "It's not just that. It's everything. I came here to start over, to forget, but it's like the past keeps following me."
Ethan stepped closer, careful, not touching her. "You don't have to tell me everything, Ava. Just… whatever you can."
She took a shaky breath. "Back in Spain… there was this guy. I thought I liked him. He wasn't who I thought." Her voice faltered. "He hurt me, and I had to protect myself. I've never said that out loud before."
Ethan's expression softened completely. "You did what you had to do to survive."
She looked up at him, eyes wet. "I thought coming here would help. My mom got me into a new school, a new city, everything. I'm supposed to start at Oakridge University next week — psychology major."
"That sounds like a good start," he said gently.
"Yeah," she whispered, a sad little smile forming. "A fresh start… if I can actually hold it together."
Ethan reached out and brushed a strand of hair from her face, voice quiet. "You will. You're stronger than you think."
For the first time all day, Ava believed it, maybe just a little.
The streetlights flickered above them, and she exhaled slowly, looking up at the sky. "Thanks, Ethan."
"Anytime," he said. "And hey… maybe your first day at Oakridge will be the start of something better."
She smiled faintly. "I hope so."
Scene "The Morning Before Oakridge"
The smell of pancakes and brewed coffee filled the kitchen that morning. normally a warm, homey smell. But today, it just sat thick in the air.
Yuri was humming softly in Korean as she flipped a pancake, while Miyeong scrolled through her phone at the table. From the outside, it looked like a perfectly normal morning.
But Ava could feel it, that quiet weirdness hanging between her and Kira. They hadn't really talked since that night.
Kira sat across from her, stirring her orange juice way too long. Ava focused on her plate, pretending not to notice.
"So," Yuri said brightly, trying to fill the silence, "first day of college tomorrow! My smart girls are officially Oakridge freshmen."
"Yay," Kira said flatly, forcing a smile.
Miyeong raised a brow. "Yah, that doesn't sound excited, young lady."
"I'm excited," Ava said quickly, trying to cover the awkwardness. "Really. I just… can't believe it's happening."
Yuri smiled warmly. "It'll be good for you, Ava. A new chapter."
"Yeah," Ava murmured, glancing at Kira, who avoided her gaze completely.
The tension was thick enough to taste. Even Miyeong noticed. "Did you two fight or something?"
Both girls spoke at the same time.
"No!"
Yuri and Miyeong exchanged knowing looks. "Mhm."
Before either could say more, there was a knock at the door.
"That'll be Ethan," Yuri said, already smiling.
Kira's spoon clinked against her cup a little too loudly.
Ava stood up, smoothing her hair. "I told him we'd go over the class schedule together."
"Of course you did," Kira muttered under her breath in Korean, "neomu areumdaun timing." (so beautiful timing)
"What?" Ava asked, blinking.
"Nothing," Kira said quickly, flashing a sharp smile.
Ethan poked his head in, smiling like sunshine. "Good morning, Mrs. Yuri. Morning, Mrs. Miyeong."
"Morning, Ethan!" Yuri said, already pouring him juice like he was family. "You're here early."
"Can't let my study partner oversleep on her first day," he teased, glancing at Ava.
Ava rolled her eyes, smiling. "It's not even 9 a.m."
Kira stood up abruptly. "I'm going to get ready. Don't wanna be late."
"You've got three hours," Miyeong said.
"Still." Kira's voice was tight. She brushed past Ava and Ethan, her shoulder brushing Ava's arm — not roughly, but enough to leave tension in the air.
After she was gone, Yuri sighed softly. "I don't know what's going on between you two," she said gently, "but don't let it ruin your first week. Okay?"
Ava nodded, forcing a smile. "I won't."
Ethan placed his hand lightly on her back as they stepped outside together. "Hey," he said softly. "You okay?"
Ava looked up at him, the quiet worry in his eyes, the softness in his smile…..and for once, she didn't hesitate.
"Yeah," she said. "As long as I've got you, I think I will be."
He smiled and kissed her forehead, a small promise in the morning light.
Inside, Yuri watched from the window — and for a split second, her smile faded.
Because on the counter beside the coffee pot, her phone buzzed.
Unknown Number: She can't hide forever.