Tangled Hearts

Breaking Point!

Heeseung sat unnaturally still outside the boardroom, his fingers clasped so tightly that they began to throb with pain.

Anxiety coursed through him, his heart pounding against his ribs like a frantic drum, breath shallow and uneven despite the stillness surrounding him.

For days, he had buried himself in a cocoon of silence, guilt, and isolation, convinced that pushing Sunoo and the others away was for their own good; that keeping them at arm's length would somehow shield them from the storm brewing within him.

But now, summoned to this pivotal meeting, he felt the weight of it all pressing down — his name, his reputation, his very role as student union president hanging in the balance.

And there they all were.

Jay, Ni-ki, Jungwon, Sunghoon, Jake, even Woyoung, gathered beside Sunoo, who clutched a folder of evidence like it was a lifeline. The sight of them brought a swell of emotion to Heeseung's chest.

He swallowed hard, his gaze darting, just for a fleeting moment, to Sunoo. In that brief encounter, he saw a fierce resolve reflected in his eyes — a promise of loyalty, a silent declaration that he was fighting for Heeseung, even when Heeseung felt unworthy of the battle.

His heart clenched painfully in his chest.

He had never deserved someone as wonderful as Sunoo. But God, how desperately he wanted to.

Inside the Boardroom

The committee of professor, principal and director were present. today, the decision will be taken.

A decision that can either save Heeseung or destroy him completely.

Seojin sat across the table, a picture of composed malice, legs crossed, hands folded in front of him as if he were about to deliver a final verdict.

His smile was tight and laced with a fake charm that barely concealed the simmering disdain behind it.

"Excuse me Professors. but I want to present some important evidence in Union President's favor,"

Sunoo stepped forward, plugging in the USB, and the grainy security footage flickered onto the screen, revealing Seojin sneaking into the union room late at night, his facade began to crack.

Heeseung looked at screen, then at Sunoo. he was in disbelief

The room erupted into whispers, disbelief hanging thick in the air as Seojin's face flushed scarlet.

He stood abruptly, rage lacing his words. "Fine! You want to know why?"

Silence fell like a heavy curtain.

Seojin's heated gaze flickered to Heeseung, who sat frozen in his chair, throat tight with the weight of the moment.

"I was sick of watching you win at everything!" Seojin's voice shook with an odd mix of anger and pain.

"You, the golden boy with all the honors — president, perfect grades, admired by everyone — as if you didn't have to lift a finger! Do you know what it's like to be constantly measured against you? To be told to be more like Heeseung?"

Heeseung felt every word piercing through him like daggers, each syllable a reminder of the burden he had unknowingly placed on those around him.

Seojin laughed, but it was a hollow sound, brittle with bitterness.

"I wanted to see if you'd break. And you know what? You almost did." His glare shifted to Sunoo.

"But I didn't count on your little assistant here holding you up."