When I was a kid reading fairy tales, I always knew the prince and princess would end up happy together. Growing up, I realized you have to actually be a prince or princess first.
If you’re not, happiness is hard to hold onto. And this is real life—not some romance novel.
Yeah, life… Everyone wants a happy ending, but wishing doesn’t make it happen.
I walked alone, wandering street corners with no idea where I was going. The roads had names, but my heart was lost in fog. After a while, I didn’t even know where I’d ended up. There was just a big, clean bus stop. I sat down on the bench and stayed there. Like legs that have walked too long—they get tired, stop, and sit.
Countless couples zipped past on motorbikes, their eyes lingering on me with curiosity and suspicion. I gave a bitter smile, thinking: “Are single people not allowed out on Valentine’s Day?”
It’s not that we’re forbidden—it’s that we shouldn’t. Especially those who haven’t loved in ages, hearts cracked and dry as gravel. The more you see happy couples, the clearer it becomes how utterly alone you are.
It’s a choice I made myself—no one else to blame.
I don’t know how long I sat there, from when the streets were busy to when they emptied out. The air cooled, and somehow that eased my mood a little.
Let what’s over be over. Feel sad today a bit, tomorrow a bit, the day after a bit—it’s fine. I believe sadness eventually runs out.
Just then, a strange hand landed on my thigh. The guy was drunk, clothes still neat, but his eyes barely open. He groped me, and I jumped up, yelling: “What the hell are you doing?”
In a slurred voice: “You’re cute… wanna have some fun?”
I turned to leave, but he grabbed the back of my shirt. He looked wasted, but his grip was strong—stronger than mine. I shouted: “Let go!” and yanked my shirt back.
He pulled hard; my shirt ripped wide open, and the force sent me stumbling toward him. He wrapped his arms around me, the stench of alcohol hitting me so hard I could barely breathe. I screamed with everything I had: “Let go! Help… somebody help…”
I never thought I’d have to scream for help like this—it felt foreign. But no matter how loud I got, the street stayed silent. Not a single soul around.
He buried his nose in my neck, moaning: “Smells so good… so good…” I was terrified, tears spilling out. I tried to run, but his arms locked me in place. Down below, he ground his hard-on against my ass. For the first time, someone rubbed their dick on me and I felt absolutely nothing—no arousal at all.
I dropped from standing to crawling on the ground. My clothes got filthy with street dust, tears streaming like a waterfall. The more I struggled and cried, the more excited he got. He kept pressing his cock against my back, my ass, grinding hard like a predator toying with prey.
Then headlights appeared in the distance. I clung to hope and screamed: “Help me! Please!”
The vehicle pulled over; someone jumped off and landed a brutal punch on the guy’s face. He let go from the pain. The rescuer kept punching and kicking until the drunk rolled into the gutter. Too wasted to get back up, he just lay there.
I’d screamed for help, but after being manhandled like that, I was too humiliated to look up at my savior. Suddenly, he rushed over, crouched down, hands on my shoulders: “Hưng—are you okay? Why are you still out this late? This area’s dangerous!”
God really knows how to mess with people. Why did it have to be Hoàng Tuấn… Why did he have to see me like this…
I couldn’t speak. All the shame poured out as tears. I collapsed, sobbing loudly, forehead nearly touching the ground. I didn’t have the courage to face him right now.
Hoàng Tuấn took off his jacket and draped it over me, covering the torn back of my shirt. In that same gentle voice: “Let me take you home.”
I was too ashamed to say anything, too frozen to move. He simply picked me up, put me on his bike, fastened the helmet strap, told me to hold tight, and drove me home.
Only one thought ran through my head: “If it’s over, fine… but why did it have to end in the worst possible way…”
I don’t know how long I slept or how long it took to calm down. For days I cut off all contact, just eating and lying in bed. I’d rather have been raped at that bus stop than let Hoàng Tuấn see me in that state.
Vũ disappeared too. Of course—how could he stay after everything? I’d always been alone before; I’m alone now. No reason I can’t keep living.
Time passed, and somehow I pulled myself together. Nearly three months later, the past didn’t feel so heavy anymore.
Lucky me—after the storm, my heart finally found some peace.
Early one morning, Duy Long came rushing upstairs, breathless, and handed me something. It looked like a wedding invitation, but it was just for an intimate party.
Still half-asleep, I asked: “Who’s it from?”
He stammered: “It’s… it’s…”
I didn’t wait—just opened it. Oh… from Hoàng Tuấn.
He was throwing a small gathering to introduce everyone important in his life to someone special.
Casually: “Where and when?”
Duy Long: “Location will be announced a day before. It’s in three days—says so on the card!”
I blurted: “What the fuck? In three days we’ve got that big partner event at the shop. Guess I’m busy—can’t make it!”
We really did have an event that day, but the truth was I just wanted to avoid Hoàng Tuấn’s party. Three months isn’t short, but it wasn’t nearly enough to pretend the past never happened.
Three days flew by. I’d already said no, but I couldn’t stop thinking about it. That afternoon at the shop, I sat lost in thought: “His party’s probably over by now, right? Not that it matters to me…”
The kids called: “Brother Hưng, come help with this! Guests are almost here!”
I checked the time—past 6 p.m. The party we were hosting started at 8, and we still weren’t fully prepped. Apparently the client was a friend of the owner, so everything had to be perfect—no embarrassing him.
At 7:30, we took turns showering and changing in the staff bathroom. We’d been working all day—no way we could serve looking like that. I put on my best outfit again. The shirt that got torn that night was replaced with something similar. I’d returned the floral shoes to Vũ, but I loved the style so much I bought an identical pair myself.
By 7:45, guests started arriving. I stood behind the counter, nodding like a robot. The kids led them upstairs to the rooftop—the owner had just renovated it into a cool, breezy space, perfect for tonight’s event.
One of the girls beside me whispered: “Brother Hưng, doesn’t something feel off?”
Me: “What? We’ve had busy nights before.”
Her: “No—it’s the guests’ outfits! I thought we were hosting a wedding!”
She was right. Everyone was dressed to the nines—suits, dress shirts, elegant gowns. Good thing I’d gone all out; otherwise I’d have looked like the help (which, technically, I was).
Then two familiar faces walked in—familiar to me, new to the shop. Trọng Quân and Nhật Hào spotted me and rushed over: “Wait— Hưng works here?”
Me: “What are you two doing here? Upstairs party?”
Trọng Quân showed me his invitation—identical to the one Duy Long had given me.
I stared, then realized: They were the exact same invite.
I blurted: “What the actual fuck?!”
All that effort to avoid it—and Hoàng Tuấn was holding his party at my workplace! He’s friends with the owner!
My face went blank, but I kept it professional. Soon the whole dorm crew arrived, including Duy Long and Ngọc Lễ. I seated everyone else upstairs, then pulled Duy Long aside: “Why the hell didn’t you tell me it was here? You know I work here!”
He looked sheepish: “I had no idea! I thought Hoàng Tuấn told you!”
I didn’t know what to say. I was about to chew him out when the man of the hour finally appeared.
From the entrance, Hoàng Tuấn walked in hand-in-hand with another guy. He looked stunning—like a fairy-tale prince. Both in tailored suits, perfectly matched. He gazed at Hoàng Tuấn with soft, loving eyes. Hoàng Tuấn was the same as ever—gentle, refined, every gesture making his partner feel cherished and protected. Anyone beside him would feel he was a lifelong rock.
Hoàng Tuấn hadn’t changed—only the person next to him had.
He brought his boyfriend right up to me and smiled: “Hi Hưng, this is Khánh Minh. Thanks for helping set up tonight’s party!”
The best thing, maybe, was that the guy beside Hoàng Tuấn wasn’t Ngọc Duy.
I nodded, delivering the most robotic line possible: “No need to thank me. It’s an honor to serve you at NBR Cafe.”
I kept my eyes on the floor—not out of respect for a customer, but because I couldn’t look at Hoàng Tuấn and his lover.
He’s prettier than me, better suited to Hoàng Tuấn than me. What right do I have to feel upset…
Only after they’d gone upstairs did the kids tug my head up: “They’re all up there now!”
I slipped into the kitchen. It was mostly self-service—we’d already brought everything up, so no need to run back and forth. But the rooftop was just one floor above; every word from the speakers echoed down clearly.
The MC’s voice boomed: “Welcome, everyone, to tonight’s celebration! I’m Quán Lâm, honored to be your host!”
About thirty people, but the applause was thunderous. All my old friends were up there, but they probably understood how I felt and didn’t drag me up.
The MC continued: “Before we begin, let’s have Hoàng Tuấn come forward and explain the reason for tonight’s gathering!”
Then a warm, familiar voice: “Hello everyone. First, thank you all for coming. I’ve wanted to host this party for a long time, but for various reasons it’s only happening now.”
A pause—maybe he was doing something—then he went on: “I’m sorry, baby, for taking so long to introduce you to all my friends. Tonight, I want everyone here to know you’re the most important, most precious thing I’ve ever had. Thank you for coming into my life, for giving me strength through the hardest times—times when I thought I’d given up everything. I promise to spend the rest of my life treating you well, never hurting you, never lying to you, even over the smallest things. No one could ever replace you in my heart. I hope you’ll let me walk the rest of the journey with you. Thank you—for everything.”
Thunderous applause again, the rooftop erupting. Dozens of voices chanted: “Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”
They probably kissed; everyone cheered and congratulated. The MC: “Now, let’s have the couple exchange rings!”
A long silence made it hard to breathe down here. My heart felt like someone was crushing it.
Actually… today is my birthday.
Hoàng Tuấn must have forgotten—that’s why he chose this date.
I wonder if he remembers my birthday years ago, when he slipped a promise ring on my finger and made all those vows…
This year, on my birthday, he exchanged rings and vows again—but with someone else.
What karma did I create to deserve this? I don’t understand… no matter how I think about it.
Upstairs, music blared and the party kicked into full swing. Down here, my ears rang from the noise, my eyes blurred with tears.
This sucks.
I need to get out of here—I can’t hold it together anymore.
But right then the owner came down looking for me: “Stay after the party—we need to talk.”
I nodded, voice hoarse from crying.
He noticed: “You okay? Feeling sick?”
I shook my head, cleared my throat: “I’m fine.”
He hurried off, adding: “Alright, just wait for me after, okay?”
So I couldn’t leave even if I wanted to. Responsibility is responsibility.
Tonight I served without really serving—body and mind exhausted, heart heaviest of all.
Later, the music quieted. The MC again: “Okay, I’ve got two boards ready! Come sit back-to-back up here! Everyone, let’s ask the couple some questions—anything goes—to see how well they know each other! I’m passing out paper—write your questions, I’ll handle the rest!”
A pause, then the first question: “How long is hubby’s dick in cm? Damn, who asked that savage one? Perfect—I’ve been dying to know!”
Countdown: “3… 2… 1… Show your boards! 18cm! Perfect match! Nice equipment, hubby!”
More questions:
“Khánh Minh’s hip measurement?”
“97! Match!
Who apologizes first after a fight?”
“Hubby!” Match!
First kiss location?”
“In a bar.” Perfect!
How long was your first time?”
“1 hour and 3 minutes!” “1 hour and 5 minutes.” “Damn, that long? Why the 2-minute difference? Oh—hubby finished first, baby two minutes later! Still counts as a match!”
Favorite position?”
“Doggy!” “Spooning?” “Oops, no match! Hubby, work on that kneeling—baby loves doggy!”
Favorite thing about each other?”
“Everything!” “All of it!” “Different words, same answer—perfect!”
I couldn’t listen anymore. I put in earphones and blasted music to drown everything out. It was the best I could do for myself right now.
By the time my tears ran dry, the party upstairs was ending. Guests started coming down. Once everyone was gone, the owner called me out front. I said: “Let me clean the big trash upstairs first. We’ll talk after the last guests leave.”
He nodded: “Yeah, that’s what I was going to ask.”
I grabbed a roll of trash bags, slipped them into my apron pocket, and trudged upstairs. The rooftop was empty—cups and plates scattered everywhere.
I tore off a bag, put on gloves, bent down, and started picking up the big pieces. Earlier, they’d all been here, drowning in happiness. Now I was here alone, surrounded by the mess they left behind.
I picked up one piece of trash, then another, moving mechanically across the floor, head down. Tears I thought were gone welled up again…
Then a pair of leather shoes appeared on the floor. Probably a guest who came back for something they forgot.
I looked up: “Looking for something you left behind, sir?”
It was Hoàng Tuấn. He answered: “Yeah, I came back to find something.”
I couldn’t meet his eyes—just turned away. Doing my job: “What are you looking for? I’ll help.”
He said simply: “You.”
I froze, wondering if I’d heard wrong. “Stop joking. What is it? I’ll help you find it quick—Khánh Minh’s waiting downstairs.”
“Hưng,” he said, “I came back up here for you. Why do you keep avoiding me?”
I gave a faint smile: “Some relationships can’t continue, but you’re not brave enough to forget—so avoiding is the best option.”
He pressed: “You still love me, don’t you?”
I took a deep breath and looked up: “No, I forgot you long ago. Right after we broke up, I got a new boyfriend. How could I still be hung up on you? Go back down—Khánh Minh’s waiting.”
His voice hardened: “How long are you going to lie to me? You’ve been single since we split. Explain that.”
Coolly: “Do I need a boyfriend to be okay? How I live isn’t something I owe you an explanation for.”
He stepped closer, turned me to face him: “Stop lying to yourself, kid. You can’t get over me, can you?”
His expression was pure provocation. If he weren’t bigger, I’d have punched him. When I stayed silent, he kept going: “What, hit the nail on the head? Look at you— that apron really suits you! So much time has passed and you’re still stuck on the old me, huh? You think about me day and night, don’t you?”
I never imagined Hoàng Tuấn could say such vile things. So he’s only kind to his current boyfriend—not his ex.
I yelled in his face: “Yeah, so what? So what if I haven’t forgotten the past—if I can’t forget you? So what if I turned down all the good, sincere guys who liked me because of you? So what if I spent every day hoping you’d come back? You think I’m pathetic, right? You think I’m an idiot? You’re enjoying this, aren’t you? You want to hear it? Fine—I’ll say it…
For almost three years, I haven’t stopped thinking about you for a single moment…
I’m exhausted from the memories you left…
Isn’t that enough for you?
How much more do you want to torment me…
Please… please just let me go.
I just want to live as myself again—the me from before you came…
Maybe I managed it for a second.
Then you showed up again… and everything I thought was over came rushing back…
You’re cruel…
You knew today’s my birthday! Why choose this day to get engaged to your new boyfriend?
You knew I was trying to avoid it, yet you held it at my workplace so I’d have to see and hear everything…
How much more do you want to hurt me…
Or do you want me gone from your life forever before you’re satisfied?
You wanted to hear it—I’ve said it all! Stay away from me! Let me have peace! Please…”
My voice went from shouting to choking sobs. Being bullied by the person you love feels awful. I broke down crying, loud and ugly. The man I loved—how did he turn into someone so vicious?
Pity for him, pity for me, pity for the love that was briefly sweet and then lost…
Suddenly, Hoàng Tuấn pulled me into his arms. I collapsed against him. I couldn’t speak, couldn’t think—everything inside was chaos. Tears poured out, soaking his expensive suit. The person holding me was the one I loved, the one I could never let go no matter how hard I tried. But… he loves someone else now.
He held me a long time; his heartbeat raced like the day we first met. Gently, he whispered in my ear: “Hưng… come back to me?”
Was I dreaming? Or imagining things? Just moments ago he’d made eternal vows to Khánh Minh—how could he say this to me now?
Right then, Khánh Minh appeared at the stairs, seeing everything. I panicked—I was about to become the homewrecker. “No—Khánh Minh, it’s not what it looks like…”
Khánh Minh shouted: “No need to explain! Everyone—come up quick and see this!”
The guests downstairs hadn’t actually left. Footsteps thundered; dozens of people rushed upstairs.
I tried to pull away and run, but Hoàng Tuấn held me tight—no escape.
They all arrived and saw…
But in their hands—flowers, balloons, a birthday cake… They didn’t look like people leaving a party. They looked like people ready to celebrate someone’s special day.
And every face broke into huge smiles when they saw Hoàng Tuấn holding me. Like they’d been waiting forever and couldn’t hide their joy.
I stood in the middle of the crowd, stunned. The owner took the mic, turned the upstairs speakers down low so only the rooftop could hear. “Hưng, sorry—we kept everything secret from you. But tonight’s party… you’re the guest of honor.”
I asked: “Then who was the couple earlier? The kiss, the rings—what was all that?”
From the other side, Khánh Minh stepped forward—with someone else. A guy in a suit, refined in every movement. Standing next to Khánh Minh, they looked like a perfect match made in heaven.
It was Vũ!