Chapter 29 — The Choice That Hurts Either Way
Ji-Woo couldn't sleep.
After Soo-Min left, his room felt smaller, his chest heavier.
The words wouldn't stop echoing: "I might've lost you for good."
He lay awake, staring at the ceiling, caught between two winters.
The one he had already survived.
And the one threatening to return.
---
At school the next day, Min-Ho found him by the lockers.
"You didn't answer my texts," Min-Ho said quietly.
Ji-Woo looked down at his shoes. "Sorry. I… didn't know what to say."
"Did something happen?"
Ji-Woo hesitated. The truth burned in his throat.
Last night's knock. Soo-Min's trembling voice.
But the words wouldn't come.
Instead, he forced a smile that didn't reach his eyes. "No. Just tired."
Min-Ho studied him. For a moment, Ji-Woo thought he might see through the cracks.
But Min-Ho only nodded. "Okay. Then I'll wait until you're ready."
The gentleness hurt more than anger would have.
---
Later, Ji-Woo found himself standing outside the library — the place where everything had begun to change.
Soo-Min was there, waiting.
"Thanks for coming," Soo-Min said, like it was obvious Ji-Woo would.
"I didn't say I was staying," Ji-Woo replied.
Soo-Min's smile faltered. He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I just need you to know… I still—"
"Don't." Ji-Woo's voice broke. His hands shook, but he didn't step back.
"Don't say it. Not when you left me when it mattered most."
The silence that followed was heavier than shouting.
---
As Ji-Woo walked away, his heart felt split down the middle.
No matter which path he chose, someone would be left bleeding.
And maybe… that someone would be him.