143 I LOVE YOU

chapter 4

The next morning, Jiwoong and Seobin woke up to the warm sunlight streaming through the curtains. As they enjoyed a lazy breakfast together, Jiwoong couldn't help but think about the revelation from the night before.

"Seobin, no matter what happens, we'll face it together," Jiwoong reassured him, intertwining their fingers. "Let's focus on our happiness and not let external opinions affect us."

Seobin nodded, appreciating Jiwoong's support. They spent the day exploring the town, taking pictures, and creating memories. As the sun began to set, Jiwoong received a message on his phone – their dating news had leaked.

"I guess the cat's out of the bag," Jiwoong sighed, showing Seobin the article on his phone.

The reactions were indeed mixed. Some fans celebrated the news, expressing their support for the couple. Others struggled with the revelation, unsure how to reconcile their idol's public persona with a romantic relationship.

Weeks after the revelation, the reality of their relationship being public started to weigh on Jiwoong and Seobin. Negative comments and judgmental stares became a daily struggle, casting a shadow over their once carefree moments.

Late one evening, Jiwoong found Seobin sitting on the balcony, staring into the distance. The city lights reflected in his eyes, but the usual sparkle was replaced by a glint of sadness.

"Seobin, are you okay?" Jiwoong asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Seobin sighed, his gaze not leaving the cityscape. "I thought we could handle this, but it's harder than I imagined. I never expected it to be so... isolating."

Jiwoong sat down next to him, shoulders slumped. "I know, love. It's tough for both of us. But we can't let them break us."

As days passed, the weight of public scrutiny grew heavier. Fan events that were once filled with cheers were now tainted with whispers and judgmental glances. The constant pressure took its toll on Seobin's bright personality, dimming his usual enthusiasm.

One evening, Jiwoong found Seobin in their shared apartment, sitting in silence. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken emotions. Jiwoong gently placed a hand on Seobin's shoulder.

"Seobin, I can't stand seeing you like this. Maybe we made a mistake," Jiwoong admitted, his voice wavering.

Seobin looked up, eyes filled with a mix of pain and resignation. "Maybe we did. I never thought love could hurt so much."

Tensions reached a breaking point as they faced growing pressure from the industry. Rumors and speculations fueled the fire, leaving Jiwoong and Seobin feeling like prisoners in their own love story.

One night, after a particularly harsh wave of criticism, Seobin couldn't hold back his tears any longer. "I can't do this, Jiwoong. I can't bear the weight of their expectations and judgments."

Jiwoong pulled Seobin into a tight embrace, both of them drowning in the silence that echoed their unspoken fears. As they clung to each other, the realization that their love might not conquer all settled in, and the future seemed uncertain.

In the midst of the storm, Jiwoong whispered, "I'm sorry, Seobin. I never wanted our love to be a source of pain."

As the night unfolded, the echoes of their heartaches mingled with the city's distant sounds, painting a picture of a love struggling to survive in the face of a world that couldn't understand.

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I miss them 😭😭