When Jinu nudged the washroom door open,
his heart shattered.
Jia was sitting on the floor,
trying to gather her soaked sketchbook, her eyes swollen and red from crying.
Without a second thought, Jinu shed his jacket and draped it gently over Jia's trembling shoulders.
He took her hand and helped her up.
"Let's get out of here,"
he said softly,
his voice carrying a tenderness Jia had never heard before.
He led her to the secluded garden behind the school,
a place where no one would disturb them.
Jinu pulled a handkerchief from his bag and began to pat her damp hair dry,
his movements incredibly careful.
"Jinu..." Jia's voice shook.
"Sana said... that you're only staying with me out of pity.
Am I just a burden to you?"
Jinu stopped.
He set the handkerchief aside and cupped Jia's face in both of his hands.
He looked deep into her eyes, forcing her to see the truth.
"Jia, listen to me,"
Jinu said quietly.
"I've spent my whole life not caring about anyone.
People called me the 'Ice Prince' because my heart really was made of ice.
But ever since you entered my life, that ice has started to melt.
This isn't pity,
Jia... it's a feeling I'm still trying to understand myself.
But one thing is for sure—without you, my days feel empty now."
For the first time,
Jia saw a flicker of 'fear' in Jinu's eyes—the fear of losing her.
She slowly rested her head against his shoulder.
"I thought I would be left all alone... but you taught me how to live again."
Jinu pulled her closer, shielding her from the world.
"As long as I am here, you will never be alone again."