Chapter 27 — Winter Breaks, But Not for Everyone
The snow was melting.
Patches of asphalt showed through the ice, dark and wet, like the ground itself was slowly waking up.
For most people, it meant winter was over.
For Ji-Woo, it just meant the cold had moved inside.
---
He sat by the window in the small café Min-Ho liked. The glass fogged every time he exhaled, blurring the view of people walking past in bright coats.
Min-Ho returned from the counter with two steaming mugs.
"You're quieter than usual," Min-Ho said, sliding one toward him.
Ji-Woo wrapped his hands around the cup, letting the heat sink into his fingers.
"I'm just… tired."
"From Soo-Min?"
Ji-Woo hesitated, then nodded. "It's like… part of me wanted him to fight for me back then. And part of me knew he wouldn't."
---
Min-Ho leaned back in his chair, his eyes fixed on Ji-Woo.
"You know… you're allowed to stop waiting for people to become who you wish they were."
The words hit harder than Ji-Woo expected.
He stared into his coffee, watching the swirl of cream break apart, leaving faint traces on the surface.
"I don't know if I'm ready to let go," Ji-Woo admitted.
"Then hold on," Min-Ho said simply. "But don't stop living while you do."
---
A silence settled between them — not heavy, but thoughtful.
Outside, the snow kept melting.
The world was moving toward spring.
Ji-Woo wasn't sure if he was ready.