trio reunited

chicago | march 2026

Brooke and Jae are my best friends from high school, and after years, we finally got to reunite. How lucky am I to have friends I’ve loved and who’ve loved me since we were 15. Now, Brooke and Jae live in Washington D.C., where Brooke is a Georgetown law student and Jae essentially socializes with the wealthy and well-connected (if you’re reading this, how da Hyel are you employed and in Belize on a random Tuesday).

Architecture tour + gorgeous Brooksie on Michigan + scarf and leather jacket sponsored by Brooke and Jae (clearly still can't dress for Chicago weather hehe)
Boat railing matched my purse, xoxo
A photo Jae would show his kids ("I am too selfish to be a dad" -Jae)

High school was tumultuous. I would never go back. I was adamant on leaving as soon as I could, which I am incredibly grateful I did. I don’t feel a particular fondness for my hometown or when I must reminisce about high school. Sometimes you just know something isn’t right for you and never will be.

Brooke and Jae made that period bearable and even enjoyable. I cherish them a lot and the stupid, hilarious memories we had together. We all had IB Film together with Mr. Dockall, where we made films, ate snacks illegally and I either got too invested in the movie and screamed, or fell asleep, really no in between.

Candid(e)-we must cultivate our garden