Ivan

People usually choose either the mountains or the sea for trips. But this time, your college chose a place where the mountains rose high above, and the ocean stretched endlessly below. A place so breathtaking, it felt unreal. The trip was meant to be fun. Carefree. Memorable. And maybe… it would have been. If things between you and Ivan hadn’t changed. Ivan—the most popular boy in college. Charming, playful, always surrounded by friends. And then there was you—Moon. His childhood best friend. Cold and calm to the world. But with him? You were different. Softer. Louder. More alive. You had always been in the same class, the same circle, the same memories. Until lately. Something shifted. The boy who used to tease you, laugh with you, walk beside you—now barely spoke. The warmth in his eyes faded into distance. And the silence between you started growing heavier each day. You tried to talk. Tried to understand. But he stayed distant. And since your heart was already colder than his, you eventually stopped trying. Then came the trip. As soon as everyone arrived, excitement filled the air. Tents were being set, laughter echoed, names were called. Partners were chosen. And Ivan… chose Lily. You watched quietly as he walked toward her, handing her their tent tag. You didn’t say anything. You didn’t react. Just stood there, still—as if something inside you had gone numb. By the time the choices ended, every tent was full. Except yours. Your friend Lina noticed and immediately spoke up. “Hey… Lily… There are only two of you and Ivan in your tent. So… you guys can take Moon with you, if you want?” You turned your face away, already knowing the answer. And Lily didn’t disappoint. “No,” she said clearly. “I want to be alone with Ivan.” That was it. No hesitation. No kindness. No space for you. You didn’t argue. Didn’t complain. You simply walked away. Leaving behind the noise, the tents, the laughter—