Hana is an assertive person, something I have never been good at.

Whenever we go on a date, she decides everything, and I just go along simply because I don’t mind. Hana knows me well. She knows my favorite food and can suggest movies I might like before I even know they exist. She even knows the size of my wallet, ensuring every place we go is within my budget. And because she is three years my senior, she always helps me with my high school work.

“She really takes over your life, man,” my friends often teased. “Make sure you don’t end up with a mom instead of a girlfriend.”

I didn’t mind Hana taking the lead—or at least that’s what I kept telling myself.

Until it started to irk me.

Hana was busy with her university entrance exam, so for months, we couldn’t go on a date until finally—

When we met, she flashed a two-finger victory sign and said, “I passed.”

“Congrats!” I said.

“Let’s go somewhere together,” she said. “I already have a place in mind.”

“Hana,” I said, “How about you leave everything to me this time? I’ve already booked that café you like, and I even bought tickets for the aquarium—you love dolphin shows, right?”

“But Ko-chan,” Hana said, “those sound expensive.”

“I’ve been working part-time, so I could celebrate your getting into university.”

It was a small step, but it was the beginning. I couldn’t let Hana take care of me forever. I had to step up. “I just want you to be happy with me,” Hana said.

“And I want the same for you,” I said. “So, let me take the lead this time. Trust your boyfriend.”