Wonderwall • ℍ𝕒𝕖𝕤𝕠𝕠

𝟛𝟟

The true test of one's character lies in their ability to face life's challenges head-on. How one approaches change greatly influences its outcome. It is during the toughest moments that we often find the greatest opportunities for growth. Perseverance is key; difficult situations ultimately shape individuals into stronger, more resilient beings.

After Jisoo left the office, Haein wasted no time and quickly made his way to his brother's office, just five rooms down the hallway. Gathering his courage, he knocked confidently on the door.

"Come in!" his brother's voice called out from the other side. Without hesitation, Haein turned the doorknob and entered, immediately met with his brother's startled expression.

"Oh, it's you," he muttered with a hint of discomfort. He had just witnessed his brother engaging in an intimate encounter with a woman in the office mere minutes ago. Haein's jaw clenched as he shut the door behind him.

"Seokjoon," Haein began, his expression a mix of shock and dismay. Seokjoon quickly straightened up in his chair, shooting Haein a knowing glance.

"So, this is why you left Shin Hye," Seokjoon muttered, and Haein's eyes narrowed in response.

"Yeah, I know! Our mother just finished speaking to me on the phone about ten minutes ago. Shin Hye called her and revealed that you went to her house last week to end the engagement," Seokjoon said, his gaze steady but filled with disappointment.

"When were you going to tell us? By the end of this week when everyone else finds out before your own family?" Seokjoon's voice rose as he stood up, his frustration evident. Haein's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"Seokjoon! I had every intention of telling you. I've just been swamped, you know that!" Haein retorted, his eyes stern. Seokjoon sighed heavily and began to make his way out from behind his desk.

"Well, I understand that, but...come on, why didn't you say anything? It feels like you were purposely prolonging this. Did you not want to face our mother's reaction?" Seokjoon's voice was firm as he leaned on the desk, his eyes piercing.

"You decided to choose her even after I explicitly told you to make a decision before the engagement ceremony with both families. Why now?" Seokjoon asked, his expression one of confusion. Haein let out a heavy sigh and walked away from Seokjoon, feeling drained and weary.

"That night... I was set on going through with the marriage proposal because I thought being with Jisoo again was impossible! But after the ceremony, I went to her house... I parked my car at the end of the street and just stared out at the view," Haein began, his voice tinged with emotion.

"I was devastated and furious that my life had always been about what others wanted and not about what I wanted for myself. And as I stood there, cursing at the sky, she came to me, Seokjoon! She came to me late at night without me even doing anything!"

"It felt like a sign from the heavens... an opportunity to find clarity for myself, to see what my future could be if I just followed my heart," Haein expressed, his voice filled with realization and hope.

"We kissed! She kissed me back, and in that moment, I understood... I had to follow my heart and pursue this deep, profound love I have for the girl I once saw as my future," Haein confessed, tears welling up in his eyes. Seokjoon felt a pang of sorrow for his brother, knowing all the intricacies of their past together.

"I never apologized for not rejecting Jisoo as my betrothed back then, even though I knew you both had a history together. Please forgive me, brother. It would have been a disaster if I had ended up marrying her in the end," Seokjoon expressed, regret evident in his voice. Haein returned his brother's small smile before finding his way to the couch, a sense of relief washing over him.