Love In The Shadows Of Guilt

Seungmin's POV

I park my car and step out, taking a deep breath as I glance at the imposing building in front of me. Sliding my phone out of my pocket, I dial Eunji.

"I'm here," I say.

"Alright, I'll be down in a minute."

"Better hurry, or I'm leaving," I reply with a grin.

"Ugh, give me five minutes!"

Her annoyed response makes me chuckle as I end the call.

Just then, I spot someone unexpected-a man I haven't seen in years. He stands inside the building, his gaze locking with mine through the glass doors.

Jaehyun.

Our eyes meet, and for a moment, time seems to freeze. My fists clench instinctively. Without hesitation, I stride into the building, stopping just inches from him.

"It's been a while, Seungmin," Jaehyun says casually, his tone laced with familiarity.

"What are you doing here?" I demand, keeping my voice low but firm.

"Is that how you greet a friend after eight years?"

I glare at him, struggling to contain my frustration. The tension between us crackles like electricity.

"Relax," he says, throwing an arm over my shoulder. "Let me buy you a coffee."

Before I can protest, he steers me toward the building's cafeteria.

We sit at a small table, and I glance at my watch, wondering how long I'll have to endure this encounter.

"Busy?" Jaehyun asks, noticing my impatience.

"I-"

My phone buzzes, interrupting me. It's Eunji.

"Yeah?" I answer.

"Seungmin, I'm sorry, but something came up. Minseo called to say she has a replacement class."

"Alright," I say before ending the call and turning back to Jaehyun.

"I'm not busy," I mutter reluctantly.

"Good. Let's order something."

"I'm not thirsty," I reply curtly.

Jaehyun leans back in his chair, studying me with a knowing look. "You're angry at me, aren't you?"

I stare at him, incredulous. How could he not realize the damage he's caused?

"Why didn't you answer my calls?" he asks suddenly.

"What?"

His words jog my memory. A persistent, unfamiliar number had been calling me recently. So, it was him.

"When I returned to Korea, you were the first person I tried to contact," he explains.

"Why are you here now? Do you want to hurt her again?"

"That's not my intention."

"Then why?"

"I work here," he says simply.

"Do you really expect me to believe that? Even if it's true, you must have an ulterior motive."

"You should stay away from Eunji," I say coldly. "After what happened, you owe her that much."

Jaehyun smirks faintly. "You like her, don't you?"

His words catch me off guard, and for a moment, I'm speechless.

"Yes," I say, standing abruptly. "And you have nothing to do with her anymore."

---

Eunji's POV

What should I do? Why did Jaehyun have to show up there, of all places?

I pace back and forth in my room, my mind racing.

Flashback

I head to the lobby, my stomach growling as I think about the food Seungmin promised. But my steps falter when I see him talking to Jaehyun near the entrance.

Why now?

Panicking, I hide behind a nearby wall, peeking out to see them walking toward the cafeteria.

Letting out a shaky breath, I lean against the wall. Now what?

My phone buzzes. It's Minseo.

"Eunji, I have a replacement class, so I can't join you two."

"Huh? I thought you'd gone with him to my office."

"That guy left without me."

"Oh... Actually, I have something to take care of too. I'll call Seungmin later."

"Alright, bye."

I hang up, but unease gnaws at me. What are they talking about? I hope Seungmin isn't angry at me for not telling him earlier.

End Flashback

Later, I return home to find Minseo cooking ramyeon.

"That smells amazing," I say, leaning close to her, silently begging for a bite.

"Back off," she snaps, flicking my forehead.

"Ow!"

"Make your own," she says, moving away.

"I haven't eaten all day... Have mercy!"

"Ramyeon isn't hard to make." She sits down, messaging someone on her phone with a grin.

"Boyfriend?" I tease.

" maybe?" she replies smugly, sipping the broth.

"Come on, tell me!"

"Mind your own business. Go get a boyfriend instead of clinging to one guy."

Her words hit me harder than expected.

"I'm not clinging!"

"He's been gone for almost ten years, Eunji. For all you know, he's forgotten you."

I stay silent, her words sinking in. She's right. When I saw him recently, he treated me like a stranger.

"You should move on, like me," she adds, her nose in the air. "Or try blind dating. I can set you up."

"No, thanks."

"No? Back in school, you couldn't get enough of dating."

"I'm tired," I mutter, grabbing my bag and heading to my room.

"Where are you going? Feeling attacked, huh?" she calls after me.

Closing the door, I sit on my bed.

Is this meeting with Jaehyun is a second chance?

I thought I was over him.
But seeing him again... has left me utterly confused.

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