The front gate creaked open.
Anya stepped inside, dropping her bag near the door.
Anya: Mom, I'm back!
Her mother peeked out from the kitchen, wiping her hands on her apron.
Mother: You've been out since noon, Anya. Where were you?
Anya slipped off her shoes.
Anya: Went shopping with my friends. Has brother come home yet?
Her mother glanced at the clock.
Mother: It's already 7 o'clock. He should be here any minute. Go get freshened up.
Just then, the front door opened again—this time, it was Adi.
Anya: Oh, it's brother. Welcome back home!
Adi glanced at Anya, noticing her neatly dressed.
Adi: You're heading out?
Anya: Wrong. I just got back from shopping.
Adi: Oh, shopping—
He paused, placing a hand on his forehead.
Adi's thoughts: Crap... I completely forgot. We planned to go shopping right after office... with Sophia. I told her we'd meet straight at the mall. It's already 7—I'm going to be at least 10–15 minutes late. She must be waiting for me...
Anya: Hey, what's wrong with you suddenly?
Adi: I-I completely forgot...
Mother (from the kitchen): Are you two just going to stand there forever?
Adi: Actually, I need to—
Anya: Where are you going?
Adi quickly put his shoes back on.
Adi: Tell Mom I had to leave urgently, alright?
He gently placed his hand on Anya's head.
Anya: Wait, where? First, tell me where you're going.
Adi: It's urgent. I'll explain when I'm back, okay?
But Anya grabbed his hand.
Anya: Nope. Not letting you go until you tell me!
Adi: Don't be a kid, Anya—
He looked into her eyes, sighed, and gave in.
Adi: Okay fine... I'm going shopping. With Sophia.
Anya's lips curled into a mischievous smile.
Anya: Ohhh, shopping with your future wife, huh?
Adi's thoughts: Exactly why I didn't want to tell her... now what do I do?
Adi: Alright, now let me go—
Anya: is it that urgent, big brother? You didn't go shopping with me, remember? Oh wait— I
just remembered I forgot to buy something. Can I come with you?
Adi's thoughts: She's bluffing. I know she doesn't need anything. She's just doing this on purpose...
Adi: Okay, fine. Just tell Mom we're going, and let's head out.
Anya: Yay! Wait right here—I'll be back.
She rushed to the kitchen.
Adi's thoughts: This is my chance...
He turned and slipped out the door, starting his bike.
Anya heard the engine roar outside.
She dashed out—but Adi was already halfway down the street.
Anya (shouting): You sneaky snake!! I should've known you'd pull something like this! Mean brother!
Outside the mall –
Sophia stood near the bus stop, just beside the mall entrance. An old lady sat quietly on the bench nearby, waiting for a bus. Sophia glanced at her watch.
Sophia's thoughts: 7:15... he's not here yet. He's late. Just like last time... Wait—did he forget? Or... is he ignoring me? Like I don't even matter...?
She shook her head quickly.
Sophia's thoughts: No, no, no—stop. I'm overthinking again. I need to calm down... If I keep this up, he'll think I'm some weirdo.
The old lady looked at her with gentle curiosity.
Old Lady: Hey, girl... what happened? You waiting for the bus too?
Sophia snapped out of her spiral, startled.
Sophia: N-No, I'm just waiting for someone. I'm here for... shopping.
Old Lady (smiling): Ohh, with your lover?
Sophia turned crimson.
Sophia: H-Huh?! N-No! He's my f-fiancé... and it's an arranged marriage.
Old Lady: Hmm... I see. So, how long've you been waiting here for him?
Sophia: About 15–20 minutes. Why?
Old Lady: Oh, nothing. Just reminded me of my younger days... I once waited for my fiancé like this. But he never showed up. Just like you're waiting now.
Just then, the bus pulled up with a soft screech.
Old Lady: Well, my ride's here. Take care, girl. But don't wait too long for someone who might not come.
She boarded the bus. Sophia gave her a small wave as it pulled away, disappearing into traffic.
Sophia's thoughts: It's been 30 minutes now... Did he really forget? Or... is he never coming—just like that old lady said? What should I do? Should I call him...? No... I don't want him to think I'm too impatient or clingy. Argh, what should I do...?
Just then, a hand gently rested on her shoulder.
She turned sharply.
Sophia: Who's—
She saw him.
Sophia: You came... Thank goodness.
Adi: I'm sorry I'm late. There was so much traffic—
He paused, noticing how intently she was staring at him.
Adi: What? Do I have something on my face?
Sophia blinked and snapped out of it.
Sophia: N-No... Nothing.
Adi: Anyway, like I said—I'm really sorry for being late—
Sophia (softly cutting in): It doesn't matter. As long as you came.
Adi's thoughts: Huh? She's not upset? Not even a little mad...? This is... unexpected.
Sophia: Shall we go in now?
Adi: Yeah. Let's go.
The two walked into the mall together.
They stepped into one shop after another. Adi stayed quiet the entire time, standing straight near the entrance or scrolling through his phone.
In another dress store, Sophia glanced at him from across the aisle, holding a soft peach-colored outfit.
Sophia (thoughts): He hasn't said a single word since we entered the mall... Is he bored?
She watched him check his phone again.
Sophia (thoughts): Is he checking the time? We've been going shop to shop but I haven't bought anything yet… maybe he's getting late?
A store worker approached her.
Worker: Ma'am, have you decided which one you'd like?
Sophia: One sec.
She waved at Adi, calling him over. He walked up to her.
Adi: What happened? Found something?
Sophia: N-no, I just…
She held the dress up beside her.
Sophia: How's this one?
Adi: Huh? Y-yeah, it's good. But… why are you asking me?
Sophia (thoughts): He really doesn't get it, does he…
Sophia: I mean… would it look good on me? I think it will. What's your opinion?
Adi paused for a second, thinking carefully.
Adi: You're right… but I think that one might suit you even better.
He pointed at a dress hanging nearby.
Sophia followed his finger, then turned back to look at him with curiosity—and a soft smile.
Sophia: Yes… you're right. I was actually thinking the same.
She turned to the worker.
Sophia: Could you please show me that one?
Adi (thoughts): Wait… wasn't she sure about the first one? Did she just test my opinion?
He sighed inwardly. Whatever.
Sophia: What are you standing there for? Let's go. I'm buying this one.
Adi: Yeah, I'm coming.
They both entered the food center and took a seat at a corner table.
Adi: Order whatever you wanna eat.
Sophia checked the menu.
Sophia: Yeah... and you?
Adi: Just order double of whatever you're getting.
Sophia nodded and gave the order to the waiter.
Adi: So... satisfied with your shopping?
Sophia: Y-Yeah, but… you didn't buy anything.
Adi: Yeah, I didn't—
Her phone buzzed.
Sophia: Phone—
Adi: It's okay. Answer it.
She checked the screen and blinked—Rocky.
She thought, Why's he calling now? I told him I was going alone. He insisted on coming with me, but I lied and came with Adi…
She picked it up.
Sophia: H-Hello, Rocky?
Rocky (on call): Where are you, sis?
Sophia: I told you, I went shopping… remember?
Rocky: Yeah, you did. But you said alone, didn't you?
Sophia: Y-Yeah, so?
Rocky: But you're not. Right, sis?
Sophia: H-How…?
She glanced around, eyes scanning the area.
Rocky: Where are you looking, sis? I'm here. At the food center counter.
Her heart skipped. She turned—and there he was. Cap pulled low. Watching.
He walked straight over to their table.
His eyes didn't leave her.
Sophia: R-Rocky?! When did you—
Rocky: Doesn't matter. What matters is… you lied to me.
Adi: What's going on, Sophia?
Rocky: Tell him to shut his filthy mouth.
Sophia: Rocky, I asked him to come with me—
Rocky (shouting): That doesn't matter!
Sophia froze.
Rocky: What matters is… you lied to me. For him. Don't cover it up.
Adi stood up. Sophia immediately turned to him
Sophia: Please, Adi… not like last time.
Adi: I'm not. I'm just standing.
Rocky: Why? You think I wouldn't let you come here, huh? You don't trust me?
Rocky ( thoughts) Just see, Adi. You bastard. I'll flip this whole thing.
Sophia: It's not that... I didn't think that… it's just—
Rocky: Oh, so you do trust me? Then tell me—who's first for you? Me… or him?
Sophia: W-Why… Why are you asking that—
Rocky: No more excuses. Choose. Right now.
Sophia: I… I can't answer that, Rocky… how can I?
Rocky: You can't? On one side, your little brother—who sees you as his world since mom and dad passed. On the other, a guy who's not related to you, doesn't care about you, who insulted your brother… Now choose. I made it simple for you.
Adi looked straight at Rocky.
Adi: It's you. It was always you. It always will be.
Rocky: Shut up!
Adi (to Sophia): Tell me I'm wrong, Sophia.
She looked at Adi… then back at Rocky.
A small, emotional smile curved her lips.
Sophia: He's right. It's always you, Rocky. No one can replace you.
Rocky stood frozen.
Rocky: Y-Yeah… I know. It's me, but…
This bastard… I won. But at the same time… I lost.
Rocky: You're done? Let's go.
Sophia: But we ordered—
Adi: It's okay. I'll get it packed and take it home.
Sophia: Thanks… Adi.
She looked at him again, soft.
Rocky suddenly placed his hand over her eyes.
Rocky: Let's go.
They walked away.
It's not over yet, Adi… I haven't lost completely.