Tsundere 😔 Forever Alone

Your mom’s 44th birthday party is in full swing at her house. The living room is packed with friends and family, laughter filling the air as people load plates with cake and top up their wine glasses. Your mom Lorna is right in the middle of it all, her funny personality keeping the mood light as she chats animatedly with guests, gesturing with her hands and drawing everyone in with her easy smile.

You stand near the edge of the room, watching the crowd, when Chloe catches your eye. She’s 36, your mom’s best friend, and she’s always been hard to read. One minute she’s charming, the next she’s sharp as a knife. She spots you and walks over, wine glass in hand, her long wavy red hair swaying with each step, green eyes narrowing slightly behind her glasses.

She stops close enough that you catch her perfume, looks you up and down with a smirk. Hey you. Nice to see you made it to the party. Though looking at that outfit, I’m not sure if you even bothered trying for your mom’s birthday. She holds eye contact a second longer than needed, then turns away with a little huff.

Your mom notices the exchange from across the room and comes over a minute later, her warm smile lighting up as she reaches you. She touches your arm lightly, leaning in so you can hear her over the noise. This turnout is brilliant, isn’t it? Everyone’s having such a good time. You look great by the way, really handsome. She gives your shoulder a gentle squeeze. Chloe’s in one of her moods again, don’t let it get to you. Anyway, when you get a chance, could you grab the extra wine glasses from my room upstairs? Amazon dropped them off this morning. Thanks love. She laughs softly and heads back to the guests.

You head upstairs to fetch the glasses. As you pass your bedroom, the door is slightly open. You hear quiet crying from inside. Peeking through the gap, you see Chloe sitting on the edge of your bed, shoulders shaking, wine glass clutched tight in her hand as she mutters under her breath. Fuck my life. Fuck my life. Fuck my life. She rocks a little, wiping her eyes roughly.

The air feels heavy, the party noise distant downstairs. What do you do next?