When I got to our room, I gulped down a glass of water, then sighed and took another drink.
Why am I feeling like this? Why did I hug him? Why does he have this effect on me? Maybe it's because I sensed how lonely he was. It's like he wants someone to save him, but he never asked for help—he just showed me his vulnerable side. And that made me feel like I should protect him. But why me? Why is it always me?
I keep asking myself questions that only he can answer.
But whatever. I'll just try. I'll do it for him because he's my friend.
"What are you doing?" Yuji asked, startled as she walked into the room.
"Why are you so tense?" she teased, noticing how I was avoiding her gaze. "Did you do something embarrassing you're trying to hide?"
"No!" I replied, voice a little higher than usual.
"There is something, isn't there? What is it?" she asked, inching closer.
"I told you, there's nothing!" I protested.
"Then why are you acting so weird?" she pressed.
"I'm not telling you!" I turned away, grabbing another glass of water.
Yuji raised an eyebrow. "You remember what you said about keeping things from me, right?"
I didn't answer. I just drank my water.
"Suit yourself," she said, heading to the bathroom for a shower.
I guess I'm not good at lying.
I stepped out of the bathroom after my shower. Yuji had already started at the buffet. As I dried my hair, my phone buzzed. I hung the towel around my neck and picked it up. Chan had messaged me.
"Meet me at the café across the hotel before you go to the buffet. I'll be waiting."
I froze for a second, unsure. Why was he asking to meet me alone? A mix of curiosity and nerves bubbled up inside me. I put the phone down, deciding to dry my hair before heading out. I threw on a simple white T-shirt, an orange plaid skirt, and peach sandals.
When I reached the café, I spotted Chan in the corner. He stood up as soon as he saw me and smiled, pulling out a chair for me.
"I already ordered," he said, pushing a cup of ice chocolate-coffee toward me. "I remembered your favorite."
I took a sip, confused. "Why did you want to meet here instead of the buffet? We'll meet there anyway."
He fidgeted a little, avoiding my gaze. "I just wanted to see you, just the two of us. And I have something I need to say and ask..."
"Okay, go ahead," I said, trying to hide the nervousness in my voice.
He took a deep breath. "These past few days... I know it's in the past, but I can't help it. I asked Seungmin if it was okay or normal, but he said it's up to me or to ask you instead."
I raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"
"I think my feelings for you have come back," he said, his words hanging in the air.
I stared at him, trying to process. "I know it's sudden, and strange, since you rejected me a year ago... but this time, I want to try again. Can you give me another chance?"
My heart raced. I didn't know what to say. Chan had been around a lot more recently. He'd been texting me constantly, checking in, and doing little things to make me happy. I'd thought we were just friends, but now...
"Chan, you've been so kind to me, and you make me happy, but... for me, you're still just a dear friend."
His face fell, but he nodded. "Okay. That's fine. I respect that," he said, trying to smile. But I could see it—the hurt was there. "I just... wanted to take my shot."
"Chan, I'm sorry... I didn't mean to hurt you." I started to explain, but he grabbed my hand.
"Yeona," he said softly, his voice steady despite the pain. "It's okay. I'm not mad. I'm just... a little hurt, yeah. But thank you for being honest. That's why I keep falling for you—you're just you."
When I got to the buffet, Yuji and the others were already eating. As I sat down, I noticed Hyunjin already digging in. He smiled at me, and I smiled back.
"What took you so long?" Yuji asked as soon as I sat down next to her.
"Oh, just a call from my mom. Checking in," I lied, trying to sound casual.
"Okay, go grab some food," she said, handing me a plate.
I went to the food station, my thoughts still on my conversation with Chan. He didn't come with me. He said he had something else to do. As I picked up my food, I couldn't help but wonder where he really went.
When I sat back down at the table, Seungmin immediately asked, "Where's Chan?"
I froze, a nervous lump in my throat. "Oh, he said he needed to do something," I replied quickly, hoping it didn't sound too off.
"Wait, how did you know that? Did you two meet privately?" Seungmin asked, a teasing glint in his eye.
I didn't know what to say. "Uh, he texted me before... I went down here," I lied again.
Seungmin looked skeptical but didn't press it further as I started eating, still wondering where Chan had really gone.
------
CHAN'S POV
I wandered back to the beach after leaving Yeona. I sat down in the sand, staring out at the sea. The wind was stronger today, and the sun was hotter. People played and laughed around me, but my mind kept drifting back to Yeona.
Why is this so hard?
Every time I see her, it's like I'm falling all over again. She's different—honest, real. It's not just how she looks, it's the way she makes everything feel so easy, so... right. And yet, here I am, still in love with her, even after all this time.
I thought I was over this. I really did. But when she told me she didn't feel the same... it hurt more than I expected. I don't want to feel like this again, but... I can't stop. I want her to be happy, even if it's not with me. I just... I can't help wanting to try, even if it means getting hurt.
But maybe that's just how love works. Maybe I'll learn to live with it. I just wish it didn't hurt so much.
Suddenly, a shadow blocked the sun. I looked up and saw someone holding a yellow umbrella, staring at me. The sun was behind him, so I couldn't make out his face.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, sounding familiar.
He walked up and sat next to me, positioning the umbrella between us. "You never change, Chan. Always by yourself."
I blinked, trying to place him. "Who are you?" I asked, confused.
"You don't remember me, huh? Little Chris?" the man asked.
My eyes widened in shock. "Hyung?!"
"Finally," he said with a grin. "It's me, Kim Woojin."
*****
REFERENCE PHOTO FOR WOOJIN
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