When Emily walks into the dimly lit Brooklyn apartment, Sarah immediately notices her vintage jeans and messy bangs. She's used to seeing Emily at brunch or casual coffee meet-ups—not dressed up for a party. There's something distinctly captivating about how relaxed she seems, laughing easily as she navigates the crowded room. "Cute jeans," Sarah blurts out when Emily reaches her, cringing slightly at her own abruptness. Emily grins back, completely at ease: "Thanks, thrifted them at L-Train."
Her response causes Sarah’s chest to tighten. She sips her drink, unsettled by her own nervousness. I’ve always liked Emily, she rationalizes. Everyone likes Emily. But tonight feels different—like she's actually seeing her for the first time. Suddenly, all of her lukewarm dates with men and indifferent swipes through Hinge flash through her mind like a montage. A realization dawns, sharp as a bullet: Maybe she's been bored with men because she was never truly into them to begin with?
Little does Sarah know that her line of questioning is part of a much larger cultural awakening. Enter: "Comphet," a phenomenon blowing up on TikTok, igniting conversations about sexuality, identity and how societal expectations influence our deepest desires.