Hwang Hyunjin || Call My Name (Under Revision)

21. Distance

HYUNJIN'S POV

After dinner with Jeongin, I lay down on my bed and stared at the ceiling. I let out a sigh and covered my eyes with my arm. This whole thing... it's hard. But maybe it's for the best.

I saw Yeona today—for the first time in a week. The moment she walked in, I couldn't look away. I wanted to run up to her, hug her tight, and tell her I'm sorry. I miss her so much.

I kept glancing at her during class, and Jisung noticed. He gave me this weird look, probably thinking I had bad intentions or something. Seriously, what's going on in that guy's head? Yeona looked okay, though. Like nothing was wrong. Maybe she didn't mind that we haven't talked.

At lunch, Yuji sat alone. No Yeona with her. I was curious where she went, so I told Jisung I had a stomach ache and went to look for her. I searched the school and finally found her—at the back. With Chan.

She was leaning on the wall, and Chan was resting his head on her shoulder.

It hurt. I felt sad and jealous. A part of me wanted to step in, say something, do something. But I didn't. I just walked away. I ended up on the rooftop, crying by myself. I still want to be with her, no matter what.

In class, I tried to focus and keep my mind off everything. I left right after, before Yeona could catch up to me. Walking around our neighborhood felt different. So quiet. I used to go home alone all the time, but Yeona changed that. I got used to hearing her laugh, her stories. I missed it more than I thought I would.

Later, I went to the convenience store to grab something for dinner. And there they were—Yeona and Chan, sitting on a bench together. I stood there for a few minutes, just watching them. They looked so comfortable. Yeona looked... happy. Maybe even happier than she was with me.

Maybe Chan was right. Maybe I really should start staying away from her.

*****

One week ago

I was about to start cooking dinner for Jeongin when I got a message. I thought it was from Yeona, but it was actually from Chan. He asked me to meet him at a nearby café. I figured it was about what happened at the airport.

When Chan arrived, he didn't look like the same Chan I spent almost three weeks getting to know. He seemed cold and distant. We sat in silence for a bit before he finally spoke.

"I asked you to meet because I wanted to apologize for what happened at the airport," he said.

"It's okay," I replied, trying to sound casual. "Maybe I was being annoying, and you were just tired or something."

"No, there's a reason," he said. I looked at him, waiting.

"What is it?" I asked.

"I like Yeona."

His words hit me hard. I didn't know what to say. I felt nervous, hurt, and a little angry. I just stared at him.

"That's why I got mad," he continued. "I knew what was going on every time you were with her. At first, I thought she was just being nice, but I didn't expect you two to get so close. I feel betrayed."

He didn't hold back.

"Yeona was doing fine before you came along. We were fine. You're new here, but Yeona and I go way back. I've been trying to bring back what we had, but now it's harder because of you."

His tone got sharper, and I felt my blood boil. But at the same time, it just made me sad.

"So can you back off? Stay away from Yeona?" he asked.

"Is that a question or an order?" I replied, trying to keep my cool.

"Depends on how you take it," he said.

I clenched my fists. "I like Yeona too, Chan. I care about her. I can make her happy."

"Make her happy?" he laughed. "You? You can't even handle your own brother without Yeona or my help."

That hurt more than I expected.

"If you can't take care of your own family, how will you take care of Yeona?" he said.

"We've been doing okay these past few weeks," I replied.

"Sure, for now. But what about next month? Or next year?" he shot back.

He leaned closer. "You've got nothing, Hyunjin. No money, no perfect family, nothing stable. Yeona doesn't belong in that kind of life. If you really love her, you'd want the best for her."

I stared at him, holding back everything I wanted to say.

"I didn't know the guy everyone liked was this heartless," I muttered.

"I'll be anything if it means I get Yeona," he said with no shame.

"If you're mad, punch me," he added, holding out his arms like he wanted me to.

I stood up. I was furious.

"See? You can't even control yourself. That says everything," he said, pushing the final button.

He leaned back. "I guess you know what you should do now."

I didn't answer. I just stared at the cold coffee in front of me.

"I'll take that as a yes. Thanks for understanding. I'll pay for this—after all, that's what you're good at, right? Just taking."

Then he left.

My fists were shaking. I wanted to scream. I wanted to hit something. But I couldn't make the same mistake I made before. My past was still holding me back. I couldn't protect the people I loved. I didn't have anything—not money, not a stable life. Nothing to keep Yeona safe.

I sat there, crying silently into my hands, trying not to make a scene.

"I'm sorry, Yeona," I whispered.
"This is all I am. I'm truly sorry."