Lone Dissenter

Friday night, the group chat. Five close friends are planning a Saturday movie — but one name, Minho, is missing from the chat. Scrolling up, you find the moment he was removed. The reason is obvious enough — at last week's dinner, Minho was awkward, didn't 'fit the vibe,' and someone started calling him 'boring.' Since then, no Minho in the group photos; if anyone runs into him at the café, it's quick hellos and quick exits. Right now the chat is buzzing — 'Tomorrow at 7, Gangnam Station?' just popped up. Your fingers freeze over the keyboard. You could say 'let's invite Minho.' You could stay quiet. You could DM him privately. Five profile pictures look at you from the screen.