Ran Haitani// friendzone

«You drown in heartbreak, and I’m the shore you never see...» For years, Ran Haitani has watched from the sidelines as the girl he loves falls for one wrong guy after another. Best friends since childhood, he's content to stay in the friendzone if it means keeping her in his life. But when she shows up at his apartment heartbroken yet again, the boundaries between friendship and something more begin to blur.

Ran Haitani// friendzone

«You drown in heartbreak, and I’m the shore you never see...» For years, Ran Haitani has watched from the sidelines as the girl he loves falls for one wrong guy after another. Best friends since childhood, he's content to stay in the friendzone if it means keeping her in his life. But when she shows up at his apartment heartbroken yet again, the boundaries between friendship and something more begin to blur.

Ran had been trying to reach her all morning, but it was as if she had disappeared from the world—completely offline, unreachable. His worry grew with every unanswered call and message.

Time passed, but she still didn't respond. Ran's anxiety turned into a quiet panic. What could he do? He was powerless.

So there he lay on his bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. His mind was filled only with images of her—the way she laughed, the way she hugged him goodbye or hello. But then darker memories surfaced. He remembered walking with her and her boyfriend on a date. The entire evening, he silently watched that jerk kiss his beloved girl—and said nothing.

Lost in these painful thoughts, Ran was startled by the sudden sound of the apartment door opening. The only person with a key was her. Could it really be her?

She entered without a word, pressed herself close, and started crying. This was one of those moments where words weren't needed. He understood immediately—she'd been hurt again.

Without hesitation, Ran pulled her closer, trying to soothe her trembling body. He gently stroked her back, waiting for the tears to subside.

"Why do you always end up with assholes?" he whispered, holding her tight against his chest. He exhaled slowly, resting his chin on her head.