Haeun spends some time with Jihoon

She felt a little better the next day, the initial shock giving way to a more numb, resigned sadness. She left her room, finding Jihoon in the kitchen, cooking breakfast.

He turned as she entered, a tentative smile on his face. "Hey. How are you feeling?"

"A little better," she lied, trying to muster a smile in return.

He didn’t press further, simply nodded. "I made some pancakes. Thought you might be hungry."

Haeun sat down at the table as Jihoon placed a plate in front of her, the smell of them surprisingly comforting. "Thank you."

They ate in silence, neither of them quite knowing what to say. The tension was palpable, but not entirely uncomfortable.

After breakfast, Jihoon suggested they watch a movie together, and Haeun agreed, grateful for the distraction.

As they settled in to watch, Haeun’s thoughts kept drifting back to the events of the previous evening. She remembered the hurt she had felt, the anger and confusion that had overwhelmed her, but now, in the light of a new day, she found herself missing him. It was almost as if there was a void within her that only he could fill.

Her eyes flickered towards Jihoon, who was sitting next to her, his attention focused on the screen. She couldn't deny the attraction she had felt towards him, even when she tried to suppress it. A dark, dangerous part of her brain whispered, wondering how good it would be to feel him again, have him fill the void inside her, to take **** on the hurt Minjae had inflicted on her.

No, she scolded herself, that’s not the way to deal with this. But the thought lingered, teasing her with its forbidden allure. She knew it was wrong, but she couldn’t help but consider it, if only for a moment.

As the movie ended, Haeun felt restless and uncertain, her emotions a tangled knot. She looked at Jihoon again, considering the possibility that he might be able to provide some solace, some temporary escape from the pain she was feeling.

"Jihoon?" her voice came out soft but steadier than she'd anticipated. "I... Can I..."

He turned to face her, his eyes searching hers. "Yes? What is it, Haeun?"

She swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest, before making her decision. She leaned in for a kiss, closing her eyes and letting herself fall into it.

She felt his hand on her shoulder, pushing her away. She blinked, surprised by his rejection.

"I can't do this," Jihoon said, his voice low and gravelly. "You're not in the right state of mind, you are just doing this to take **** for something I don't even know about. What the hell, Haeun?"

Her face burned with embarrassment, but she knew he was right. "I'm sorry. You're right, I'm not thinking straight. I don’t know what I’m doing."

Jihoon nodded, his eyes softer now. "Look, Haeun... I know I had been cold to you for a while now, but it's because I started to see you as more than just a casual fling. But that is also exactly why I don’t want to take advantage of you now, not until you are ready for something more. Until then, I'm just here to listen if you need me."

She nodded, feeling a wave of relief wash over her. "Thank you, Jihoon." He really has changed, she thought.

She started to talk, slowly at first as she found her words, then everything started pouring out, the events of yesterday, all her anger, sadness, confusion. Jihoon listened patiently, never interrupting. When she finished, she felt exhausted but somehow lighter, like she’d unburdened herself of a heavy weight.

"I can't speak much of your relationship, since I've never seen anything like it, and I'm probably too biased to give any sound advice," he said finally. "But do you still love him? That's the most important."

Haeun thought for a moment. "Yes, yes I do. I really do."

"Well then, isn't that your answer? You can still try to work things out. He fucked up big time, but I'm sure he still loves you too."

Haeun nodded, feeling more certain now.

"I think... I need to talk to him again."

He nodded. "That sounds like a good place to start. But not right now. Give it a little time, so both of you have space to process everything." He paused, before continuing with a small smile. "Maybe we could use this break to do something, together. Just to take your mind off things."

She returned his smile. "Okay. That sounds nice. I'd like that."

Over the next couple of days, they spent some time exploring the city, visiting museums, cafes, and even taking a walk through the city park, though always in shades and caps to conceal their identity. For Haeun, it was a much-needed distraction from her tumultuous emotions, and Jihoon proved to be surprisingly good company. He was thoughtful and considerate, always making sure she was comfortable and having a good time. She found herself enjoying their time together, feeling more at ease around him than she had expected.

On the last day of the break before they were due to return to their duties, Jihoon brought Haeun to a quaint little cafe, tucked away on a quiet street corner. The scent of fresh coffee and pastries filled the air, mixing with the sounds of soft conversation and gentle jazz music playing in the background. They shared a light lunch together, laughing and chatting as they enjoyed their meals. The mood was easy and relaxed, any problems momentarily forgotten.

As they finished eating, he hesitated, a look of uncertainty passing over his face. Haeun noticed and asked him what was wrong.

"Well," he started, looking a bit nervous, "I wanted to ask you something. But I don't want you to feel pressured to say yes."

Haeun raised an eyebrow, curious now. "What is it?"

He took a deep breath before continuing. "I know what I said about fighting for your relationship. And what I'm about to say is insanely selfish, and you have every right to refuse me."

She leaned backed, her eyes narrowing.

"If, and only if, things don't work out with him, would you consider me?" he blurted out, looking slightly embarrassed, his usual calm composure lost.

Haeun blinked, not quite knowing what to say, though she had half expected the question.

"I know it’s inconsiderate, especially given what happened," Jihoon added hastily. "But I just wanted to put it out there, that you have another option if you need one."

"Jihoon..." Haeun began, unsure of where she was going with this. "I’m not sure what to say. You’ve been so sweet and supportive, and I really enjoyed spending time with you these few days."

"But?" Jihoon prodded, sensing there was more she wanted to say.

Haeun did not reply, her mind racing. She truly did like him, but what they had together felt so different from what she had with Joonie.

Despite what he had done, Joonie was still someone she shared so much history with. He had been the first man she had ever been with, the one who had supported her through her darkest times, and her best friend. The love she felt for him ran deep and true. Even though she was furious with him, and wanted to tear him down at this moment, she knew that their connection wasn't something easily replaced.

However, she couldn't deny the attraction she felt towards Jihoon, even though he was an entirely different person. He was confident, charming, and handsome in a way that made her stomach flip. And they way he had treated her these past few days... Joonie's unhealthy obsession was something she had grown to accept, but Jihoon had given her a taste of how it felt to be in a normal, monogamous relationship, unburdened of conflicting emotions.

"I can't promise what will happen, or if I will be ready for another relationship," she said finally. "But at the very least, I like you, Jihoon."

Jihoon nodded, sagging in his chair slightly. "I understand."

That night, Haeun finally made the call to Minjae.