Our Star || Seungkwan

Nine

As emotions ran high, Seungkwan found himself unable to contain the overwhelming flood of feelings that had been building up within him. Tears streamed down his cheeks as he struggled to articulate the depth of his emotions.

Eunhee, taken aback by his outburst, attempted to console him, albeit with a touch of playful teasing. "What's the matter? Why are you crying?" she asked, trying to lighten the mood.

Seungkwan, between sobs, attempted to explain, "It's because of your story. It just resonates so deeply with me."

In response to his sincerity, Eunhee couldn't help but let out a laugh, her gentle touch wiping away Seungkwan's tears.

Certainly. As Seungkwan unexpectedly reached out and grasped Sieun's hand, Sieun couldn't help but be caught off guard by the sudden gesture.

"Tell me," Seungkwan urged gently, his voice filled with earnest concern. "No matter how painful it is."

Sieun, still slightly surprised, responded with a cautious note of warning, "You might end up crying again."

Seungkwan, determined to show his support, countered, "No, next time."

Sieun couldn't help but smile, appreciating the effort Seungkwan was making to be there for her. In that tender moment, as Seungkwan enveloped her in a warm embrace, he confessed, "I had no idea your life was like that. I thought you had everything."

Sieun, with a sense of understanding, acknowledged, "Even the richest people have painful stories. It's a part of life, isn't it? It toughens us up."

Seungkwan, still holding her hand, implored her to be strong, "Please be strong, okay, Sieun? Fighting!"

Sieun echoed his sentiment, "That's right, Seungkwan. Fighting!"

In the comfort of each other's company, they found solace and strength, sharing a genuine moment of laughter amidst the poignant revelations of their pasts.

SSeungkwan made his way out and approached Sikyung, bowing respectfully before taking his leave. Sikyung, in turn, made his way to Sieun's room, his face a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Was that Seungkwan, the farmer's son?" he inquired, seeking clarification.

Sieun nodded in confirmation, "Yes, that was him."

Sikyung's expression turned slightly stern as he questioned further, "What exactly was he doing here?"

"He just came to bring me some notes," Sieun explained calmly.

Sikyung seemed displeased, stating, "I'll tell Seungcheol to bring them to you instead of him tomorrow."

Sieun, however, challenged her father's stance, "Why do you have to hate him?"

Sikyung's tone turned defensive, "He has no connections."

Sieun's response was blunt, "At least he isn't a liar like you."

The words hung in the air, shocking Sikyung into a moment of stunned silence. "What did you say?" he asked, his voice barely concealing his surprise.

Sieun didn't hold back, her frustration palpable. "Stop those falsehoods, Dad. I hate hearing your insincere words."

Sikyung attempted to justify himself, "I'm doing it for you."

But Sieun saw through his facade, asserting, "No, it's only for you, so others think you're a good dad, but you're not."

Sikyung, unable to offer a suitable reply, was met with an accusation that cut deep, "You don't have any idea how much pain I've endured because of you."

In the face of his daughter's raw honesty, Sikyung remained silent, his demeanor kneeling in the weight of her words.

After that incident, Sieun was eventually able to return home and resume attending school, buoyed by the support of her friends. When she arrived at her classroom, warm greetings were exchanged as she took her seat and scanned the room, searching for someone in particular.

Noticing her search, Nayeon and Jeongyeon approached her, concern etched on their faces. Nayeon began tentatively, "Seungkwan..."